Sew What’s Up Presents
The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
“Sew What’s Up,”
which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: suemarie
Date: 07-09-2007, 04:50 PM (1 of 9)
|
I haven't made anything for myself in years and would like to start. I am just looking for any advice I can get on patterns and measurements. Any patterns more accurate than others, and how are patterns running nowadays, on the small or large size? Any help will be much appreciated. Thanks Suemarie suemarie
|
User: suemarie
Member since: 08-25-2006 Total posts: 14 |
From: temom
Date: 07-09-2007, 05:15 PM (2 of 9)
|
After multiple "learning experiences" with McCalls, Butterick, and Simplicity, I am leaning towards Kwik Sew. I haven't had any suprises except when I used the tooooostretchy material, and so far the instructions are complete (a refreshing change, I might say) and easy to follow.
Theresa
|
User: temom
Member since: 01-19-2007 Total posts: 410 
|
From: Corinna29
Date: 07-09-2007, 06:30 PM (3 of 9)
| For myself I'd say that McCall's seems to fit me best, tho they run maybe a little large. I'm making a skirt now with Simplicity - same measurements/size as McCall's & it doesn't fit. It's a costume, so it doesn't have to be perfect, but there will be some adjusting done this week. |
User: Corinna29
Member since: 07-30-2006 Total posts: 44 
|
From: paroper
Date: 07-09-2007, 08:51 PM (4 of 9)
|
It really depends on your size. I find that if you are a slender woman with a youthful figure, the Butterick/Vogue patterns fit better. If you are fuller more mature figure, McCalls. Simplicity usually runs all over, it is a little harder to guess with them. All the patterns change a bit and the clue is in the pattern descriptiono on the back of the envelope. There is a code in the back of the pattern book to explain how much ease is meant by each description. Also, many patterns have the finished measurments printed on the envelope. If there are any measurments that are not as they are posted, it will be Simplicity. I've run into poorly measured and posted amounts with them more than once.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: Mom of Six
Date: 07-09-2007, 09:15 PM (5 of 9)
|
I just put this book on hold at the library. I saw her on America sews one night last week & she explained about body types & what styles you should buy in a pattern. It was very helpful but also late at night so I didn't retain a lot. I hope the book helps. If it does I might have to buy it for reference. http://www.amazon.com/Sewing-Plus-Sizes-Creating-Clothes/dp/1561585513 A lot of her ideas would work even if you are not plus size. Barb
Happiness is having time to sew!! |
User: Mom of Six
Member since: 11-03-2001 Total posts: 1115 
|
From: paroper
Date: 07-09-2007, 09:28 PM (6 of 9)
|
It's a pretty good reference book.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 07-10-2007, 07:02 AM (7 of 9)
|
I've used that book for years. There is a lot of information in it. But some of the clothes in it are so ugly it makes me leery of using it sometimes. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: MartySews2
Date: 07-12-2007, 11:17 PM (8 of 9)
|
One of the best sewing books that is on the market is Nancy Zieman's "Essential Guide to Sewing". It can be found at most Hancock Fabric stores and thru Nancy Zieman's website www.nancysnotions.com. The book has a lot of photographs plus a great glossary in the back of the book that gives info on fabrics, needle sizes, interfacing, etc. A good book fitting is "Fit for Real People" and it can be found on www.palmer-pletsch.com or on www.amazon.com. Hope these resources will help you jump start back to sewing for yourself. Happy Stitching! Marty 
|
User: MartySews2
Member since: 05-03-2007 Total posts: 293 
|
From: suemarie
Date: 07-13-2007, 04:22 AM (9 of 9)
I just want to thank everyone for your helpful replies. I will check out the books that were mentioned and see what help I can get. Interesting that the pattern companies can be so different from each other. I will definately try the McCalls and Kwik Sew. Thanks again. Suemarie
suemarie
|
User: suemarie
Member since: 08-25-2006 Total posts: 14 |
Visit Sew What’s Up for the latest sewing and quilting tips and discussions.
This page was originally located on Sew What’s New (www.sew-whats-new.com) at http://www.sew-whats-new.com/vb/archive/index.php/t-22830.html
Sew What’s Up is hosted by ZenSoft