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Disconnect between Patterns and RTW Styles What Pattern Company offers RTW Styles?
Sewing Addict   Intermediate AB CANADA Member since 2/28/05 Posts: 3	Login to reply to this post 2 members like this. Date: 11/20/12 9:06 AM Please let me know if I am off-base in thinking there is a real disconnect between what many pattern companies offer in styles and the RTW found in stores/boutiques. I say this because I have done quite a bit of RTW snoop-shopping lately. When I search for a similar pattern to "copy" the style, I am challenged to find a pattern style similar to what I see in the stores/boutiques. In all fairness, StyleArc and others are very stylish and they do offer some beautiful designs that are very RTW. However, if someone can provide some advice as to how I can make some garments that reflect the styles, please, let me know. Thank-you all.
squirrellypoo Advanced UNITED KINGDOM Member since 3/27/05 Posts: 1524	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 11/20/12 9:09 AM IMHO, Burda and Manequim magazines offer the most up-to-the-minute fashions. There are very frequently patterns that knockoff designer styles, though they usually aren't labelled as such (presumably for legal reasons). Patrones magazine also offers designer patterns (though they have only been able to label Spanish designers for the past few years), but these are usually past seasons. -- Edited on 11/20/12 9:10 AM -- ------ www.fehrtrade.com
westmoon   Advanced Beginner UNITED KINGDOM Member since 9/7/11 Posts: 266	Login to reply to this post In reply to Sewing Addict << 5 members like this. Date: 11/20/12 9:59 AM I second Burda magazine, though I've had the discussion with friends that maybe it's a little closer to European high street fashion than North American. I agree that Style Arc is probably the most up-to-date envelope rather than magazine type. I find Butterick, McCall and Kwik Sew to be the most out of step with what I see in the RTW shops I go to. That said, I tend to find what sets really on-trend clothes apart tends to be a combination of fabric, colour choice and then the addition of relatively minor decorative embellishments. I tend to try to pick apart the RTW garments I like to try to separate out whatever unique details caught my eye from what is very often a fairly basic underlying garment. There are only so many ways to make a dress/skirt/pair of trousers/whatever, after all. ------ http://sewingnovice.blogspot.co.uk/ One woman. One sewing machine. One giant stack of fabric. What could possibly go wrong?
Sibilance7   Intermediate IL Member since 8/10/11 Posts: 533	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 11/20/12 12:13 PM I agree with westmoon that fabric goes a long way in making your garments look like RTW. Whenever I'm browsing reviews and see garments that make me think RTW, it's usually a gorgeous fabric from somewhere like Emma One Sock that catches my eye and makes me think something doesn't look "homemade." Also, what about Colette patterns? I'm plus sized, so it's hard for me to be on trend with my RTW purchases because so much of what's really in style never makes it to my size, so I'm not sure what you're looking at for comparison and if Colette patterns would fit the bill, but I think their styles are unique and worth looking at. ------ Olivia, my Pfurple Pfaff Creative Performance Bernina Aurora 430 BabyLock Enlighten
michellep74   Intermediate CA USA Member since 7/19/07 Posts: 2301	Login to reply to this post 2 members like this. Date: 11/20/12 1:00 PM I agree that StyleArc patterns are probably the most spot-on at reflecting current RTW trends. HotPatterns are quite current/fashion-forward, as well. Trudy will often come out with a pattern where I'm not sure that I like it or not initially, and then in a few months, I'll be seeing it everywhere. (I remember she came out with a "boyfriend jean" about a year or so ago...and at the time, I thought it was "too 80's-inspired" for someone my age, but when I came back from maternity leave, that same cut was the one that all of the women in my office were wearing.) ------ --Michelle *** Blog: http://happilycaffeinated.blogspot.com/
LynnRowe   Advanced BC CANADA Member since 3/9/09 Posts: 6765	Login to reply to this post In reply to Sewing Addict << 1 member likes this. Date: 11/20/12 6:39 PM Quote: Sewing Addict Please let me know if I am off-base in thinking there is a real disconnect between what many pattern companies offer in styles and the RTW found in stores/boutiques. I say this because I have done quite a bit of RTW snoop-shopping lately. When I search for a similar pattern to "copy" the style, I am challenged to find a pattern style similar to what I see in the stores/boutiques. In all fairness, StyleArc and others are very stylish and they do offer some beautiful designs that are very RTW. However, if someone can provide some advice as to how I can make some garments that reflect the styles, please, let me know. Thank-you all. Style Arc, Jalie (when they do release new stuff), and La Mia Boutique magazine are my pics for RTW patterns. ------ I heart Panzy, Pfaff Creative Performance, the sewing machine love of my life! And Rupert (Pfaff 2023), Baby (BL Enlighten), Victor (BLCS), Ash (Bernina 350SE), Pal (Bernina 530), Kee (Bernina 750) and the Featherteen Flock! Most of all, I heart Woo (HimmyCat). Until we meet again, my beautiful little boy. I love you.
Sabina Intermediate CO USA Member since 2/17/05 Posts: 70	Login to reply to this post 10 members like this. Date: 11/20/12 8:00 PM I think the early HotPatterns were incredibly stylish and fashion-forward. It was so exciting to see them arrive on the scene. Unfortunately in the past couple of years they've gone to easy knit tops and dresses -- I assume that's what people want to sew, but it's sad for those of us who want sewing challenges and real fashion. And I'm not young, just for the record - I'm 55, and I love fashionable, sophisticated, urban clothes.
dresscode   Advanced FL USA Member since 7/28/04 Posts: 2464	Login to reply to this post 2 members like this. Date: 11/20/12 8:11 PM Style Arc hands down. I think fabric is key, too. And no excess ease which is more of a fitting problem (alterations should be embraced) than a pattern problem.
ChristinePDX Advanced Beginner OR USA Member since 10/4/08 Posts: 511	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 11/20/12 8:50 PM Sewing Addict, you are not off the mark, at all. This has always been one of my big frustrations with sewing, is lack of patterns that really are at the level of current RTW in terms of style, details and fit. Patrones is my top pick, I went a little nuts every time the magazine came, the patterns were that amazing. You do need to wade through the language barrier, which can be daunting, and they have a very specific aesthetic.
rivergum   Advanced AUSTRALIA Member since 12/17/06 Posts: 1289	Login to reply to this post In reply to Sewing Addict << 2 members like this. Date: 11/21/12 5:07 AM I have changed my approach to collecting pictures of fashion I like on pinterest, then adapting patterns to copy these garments. Having a picture to study really helps with pinning down proportions etc. I think it has made a big difference to my wardrobe and I have had a lot of compliments from complete strangers. -- Edited on 11/21/12 5:11 AM -- ------ Taking in is happier than letting out. Sydney, Australia

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