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From: Sparky
Date: 08-22-2006, 11:05 AM (1 of 9)
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I've been looking at the Lutterloh system online and I've been reading comments in old posts here and elsewhere. I don't sew enough to justify spending that kind of money, but still.... I'm intrigued. I love the idea of having patterns that would FIT. I've been looking on ebay; maybe I can find an old one to play with without spending too much. Some questions I haven't found answers to though: How does the waist usually fit? I tend to have problems with the waist in ready to wear and in regular patterns because I'm thickwaisted. Would Lutterloh patterns have to be adjusted? Is this easy or hard to do? I saw a video online that explained the system and showed how to adjust the pattern to make it longer or shorter, but it didn't address waist measurement. How do you know how much fabric to buy? Is it difficult to add the seam allowance? Couldn't you just add a centimeter or so when you're drawing the pattern? How do you know where to place pockets and buttonholes? I understand that there are no sewing instructions, but I feel that if I stick to simple things I've made before, I should be fine. Are there any pitfalls I'm overlooking? Sparky
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User: Sparky
Member since: 03-13-2005 Total posts: 94 |
From: keljo60
Date: 08-22-2006, 06:23 PM (2 of 9)
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Sparky, I have also been trying to get one on ebay, but they were almost as much with shipping as buying it new! I finally broke down and got the XL & XXL one online from SewingPatterns.com, it was cheaper than buying the main system ($59.00 vs $119.00) and it comes with 97 patterns, the instructions, a cardboard tailors curve, and a longer tape. I haven't received it yet so I can't tell you conclusively how well it works. I also have a thick mid-section and am wondering about altering. I was reading somewhere that waist alterations still have to be done, so I hope that there will be instructions in the package. I'll have to let you know when I try it out.
Kelly
Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and good with ketchup! |
User: keljo60
Member since: 07-30-2006 Total posts: 154 
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From: kmccrea
Date: 08-25-2006, 02:03 PM (3 of 9)
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I swear by Lutterloh and love the fit. I have never had to make a bust or waist adjustment on the patterns I have drafted. Just make sure you use your upper body measurement for all points at the waist and above. The lower body measurement is used for everything that falls below the waist. As far as the cost of the system goes, commercial patterns are anywhere between US $9 and $12 and I've seen them as high as $15! So, for the price of 10 commercial patterns you've got the whole system which includes well over 100 patterns (I think I had 180 to start). And, if you gain or lose weight you don't have to run out and buy another pattern, just redraft the ones you already have! This is great if you have favorite styles or garments. You can also choose to buy supplements (regardless of which kit you buy). Do keep in mind that when you take your measurements that you are wearing the underthings you planning to wear with the garment. It DOES make a difference. I have two sets of measurements, one for casual wear (regular undergarments) and for more fitted, fancier clothing (push ups and shapewear). It does take practice and if you already know the basics of garment construction, you'll master the technique in no time and love your new wardrobe that fits! Katherine McCrea
Designer At Large |
User: kmccrea
Member since: 05-07-2006 Total posts: 173 
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From: kmccrea
Date: 08-25-2006, 02:19 PM (4 of 9)
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I have a rotary cutter with an attachable cutting guide, that's the easiest way to do it. I just follow along the pattern with the cutting guide and the blade is 1/2 inch from that. If you like, you can mark your sewing lines on your patterns and then cut with an extra cm or whatever seam allowance you're comfortable with. Just make sure you're accurate! The kit does come with instructions for general garment construction (what gets sewn to what and in what order), but there's not guide sheet for every pattern. Do start with what you know and as you gain more experience, you'll want to try the more complex things. As far as pockets and buttons go, I place them on the garment so they look pleasing and are easily functional. I made a pair of jeans with traditional front pockets and patch back pockets and those things actually curved around my body (I am not a stick woman) in a most pleasing way. And no big huge wrinkle of fabric at back just above my rear! That's what really sold me on Lutterloh forever...beautifully fitting pants without have to make any adjustments! If you do buy the kit or just want more information, send me a pm and I'll answer as soon as I notice I have a message! Kate Katherine McCrea
Designer At Large |
User: kmccrea
Member since: 05-07-2006 Total posts: 173
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From: keljo60
Date: 08-25-2006, 09:31 PM (5 of 9)
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It's so nice to finally find someone who is really familiar with this system and uses it. I have been looking the boards for someone I can communicate with who can answer my questions! I have been sewing for quite a number of years but I've not tried anything like this before and I want to make sure I didn't waste my money!
Kelly
Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and good with ketchup! |
User: keljo60
Member since: 07-30-2006 Total posts: 154
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From: Bekka
Date: 08-25-2006, 10:43 PM (6 of 9)
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I hope you love it as much as I love mine! I've been using it since 1999 for the whole family. We run the gambit of TALL and stickly to short and FULL figured. Best investment I ever made. I have the advanced guide and it does give more information, combining different patterns to creat originals, making any of the "non waist seam" patterns into maternaty, and how much to take off of your measurements for whatever degree of stretch fabric. I'm sure they have added to it. I keep hearing about an e-book and would love to get more information on what it is and where to get one. Bekka Bekka
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User: Bekka
Member since: 07-28-2006 Total posts: 79 |
From: keljo60
Date: 08-25-2006, 11:20 PM (7 of 9)
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Where did you get the advanced guide? I could really use that. I have been a Big 4 pattern sewer all my life, mixed and matched pattern pieces, but I never could make my own patterns. I've been trying to find extra info, but I've had no luck. Help?!?
Kelly
Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and good with ketchup! |
User: keljo60
Member since: 07-30-2006 Total posts: 154
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From: Bekka
Date: 08-30-2006, 01:16 PM (8 of 9)
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Ok, I found the info. Advanced Guide To The Lutterloh Pattern System the address on the back is Design To Fit P.O. Box 768 Estero, FL 33928 Phone:941-992-8222 Now this was bought back in 1999 so I hope that they are still there. Bekka Bekka
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User: Bekka
Member since: 07-28-2006 Total posts: 79 |
From: keljo60
Date: 08-30-2006, 01:35 PM (9 of 9)
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Thanks for the info. I went to the website at www.designtofit.com and they have the guide along with a bunch of other stuff. They offer classes, but they don't have any going right now. I'll keep checking, maybe they will have some closer to me in the future.
Kelly
Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and good with ketchup! |
User: keljo60
Member since: 07-30-2006 Total posts: 154
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