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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
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From: MaryW
Date: 08-21-2006, 11:23 AM (1 of 10)
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If anyone is looking for a good deal on boucle, Timmel Fabrics has one on sale for $7.00 yd. It's pretty too. http://www.timmelfabrics.com/halfpricesale.htm Also, here is an awesome site. Sit and wait for the homepage to change. You can see what is on each floor too by clicking on the numbers at the top. http://britexfabrics.com MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: plrlegal
Date: 08-22-2006, 01:09 PM (2 of 10)
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Mary does Timmel ship to the US? Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: MaryW
Date: 08-22-2006, 05:45 PM (3 of 10)
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Yes, of course.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: Patty22
Date: 08-22-2006, 08:32 PM (4 of 10)
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I was curious about the Timmel website and started going through the patterns that they offer. Has anyone ever used the Silhouette patterns? I saw a pattern for a top that fascinated me. The patterns are based on a garment's finished size and allows for altering to a D cup.
Patty
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User: Patty22
Member since: 03-29-2006 Total posts: 1194 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 08-22-2006, 09:51 PM (5 of 10)
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I think I used Silhouette patterns many years ago. Have they been around a long time? If so I used them and they were really nice as I remember. But it was a long time ago. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Timmel Fabrics
Date: 08-23-2006, 12:50 PM (6 of 10)
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Silhouette Patterns have been around for less than 10 years. The designer is Peggy Sagers who worked in the clothing manufacturing for many years and has lots of experience there. She is also well known for having designed the basic skating pants for Elvis Stojko. As you can imagine, those pants have to fit like a second skin. Her patterns give measurements for the finished garment. Therefore you have to know how much ease you like to have at the bust, waist and hips before choosing a size. Peggy advises measuring something that you feel comfortable in, e.g. a blouse you like, lay it flat, measure across the bust when the garment is flat and double that measurement. What you come up with is the size you choose for a blouse. Now I have noticed that the measurements change from pattern to pattern, so you can't always cut the same size. Don't ask me why, I have no idea. Also you need to know if you are a regular size or a W size. W sizing is for fuller women who have put on weight and have deep bodies. I read somewhere that if your upper arm measures more than 15", put yourself into the W sizing. So you have to disregard all the other rules you read about choosing what size to cut. I have had good success with the two patterns that I tried, the No Gap Wrap and the Classic Blouse. Both fit me well right out of the envelope with no alterations whatsoever. I chose the bust size that would give me 3-4" ease at the bust area. Pants weren't so successful, but I persevered and got a pair to fit. However, I have to make them again to really understand what size I needed since I started with one and then took them in. So I don't know what size I ended up with. That was where I had begun with W sizing and realised that they were too large for me. I should have chosen a different size to begin with. Yes, the patterns have bodices for B, C and D cup sizing. So you choose your size, then you also have to choose your bust cup size. The difference is done with the darts which add depth to the pattern, rather than circumference. Peggy is very adamant about this, that you need darts to add shape and dimension to a flat pattern and very few of her patterns don't have darts or princess seams for fitting. I think they are a worthwhile line of patterns to try. The designs are current, as Peggy duplicates what she sees in ready to wear. She is also available by email and will answer your questions. I find she is very prompt and thorough with her answers. Julie Julie, Timmel Fabrics
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User: Timmel Fabrics
Member since: 06-09-2000 Total posts: 38 |
From: Patty22
Date: 08-23-2006, 03:03 PM (7 of 10)
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Julie, thanks so much for all the information about Silhouette Patterns. I am fine with alterating patterns, but I was just fascinated by her approach of picking the size according to the ease. However, when really thinking about this last night, it is exactly what one does when they go and buy RTW. Buy according to the fit of the garment rather than the sizing. Very interesting about you pointing out about the girth of the upper arms. Over the years, I have noticed that this is where clothing is getting tight on me. Mine measures 12 1/2, but I am finding with regular patterns I am very careful about checking to make sure there is some ease. Forget about the extra girth in the tummy area  I took some textiles and clothing classes in college in the 70's and there was a blouse in the Silhouette Patterns resembling one that I had made for a class. My instructor was not impressed with my use of a different color buttons that picked up the color of the slubs in the fabric I used. I will definitely have to try a pattern! Patty
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User: Patty22
Member since: 03-29-2006 Total posts: 1194 |
From: MaryW
Date: 08-24-2006, 07:04 AM (8 of 10)
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Thanks Julie, it sounds like a fair assessment of the patterns. I have never tried them as of yet.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: Patty22
Date: 09-03-2006, 07:27 PM (9 of 10)
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I treated myself this weekend and purchased some Silhouette patterns. I can't wait to try them and let everyone know how it goes.
Patty
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User: Patty22
Member since: 03-29-2006 Total posts: 1194 |
From: Patty22
Date: 09-09-2006, 02:52 PM (10 of 10)
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I got my patterns in the mail today. I can't wait to try them! The instructions are well written and in the same format as what home sewers are use to from the other major pattern companies. However, seams are only 3/8" to eliminate trimming and interfacing is not necessary. The pattern comes with the adjustments for B, C or D cup size already incorporated in the design. The only adjustment I will have to make is adding 1 1/2" in length (long waisted). Can't wait to cut out and make a blouse tomorrow. Patty
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User: Patty22
Member since: 03-29-2006 Total posts: 1194 |
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