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I need a bit of a vocabulary lesson
Rebeccca Member since 1/2/09 Posts: 10	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 3/11/13 12:04 PM Hello, All! I would like to sew a summer wardrobe for my 13 y/o daughter. I would like the pattern to include a couple of tops (or a single top with variations), a pant that could go long or short, and a skirt that could go long or short. Accessories (scarves, et c) would be nice. When I search for patterns, I don't really know what search term to use. "Wardrobe" give me mostly contests and "Coordinates" seems to be less than I want. Is there a search term to use OR is there no such thing as a pattern that has all that? I'm rather new to sewing so need it a bit simple but have someone who can help with the technical aspects - so, simple but not too simple.
Mufffet   Intermediate VT USA Member since 8/14/05 Posts: 9013	Login to reply to this post In reply to Rebeccca << Like this post Date: 3/11/13 12:11 PM Vogue calls them "Wardrobe" patterns and the rest seem to cal them coordinates. The best way to look is to go to the actual Pattern company websites and look at the patterns there. Some Simplicity and Butterick seem to have more things in one pattern. I love patterns that have a wardrobe-coordinates and they are getting less and less common - good luck! Also "Sportswear" has some of these - I haven't found one with a scarf, but you could easily do that yourself. Why "sportswear?!" I have no idea. Simplicity Sportswear ------ "Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." --Dalai Lama I have sewing machines
Nancy K Advanced NY USA Member since 12/28/04 Posts: 7634	Login to reply to this post In reply to Rebeccca << Like this post Date: 3/11/13 2:11 PM Get on the pattern companies mailing lists for sales and you can pay very little for the patterns, so that a couple that meet your needs will be as cheap as one that doesn't. I think that you will have an easier time searching, and you should be searching on the pattern websites since a web search would be too broad. if look under co ordinates. The wardrobe patterns at Vogue are pretty much too old for a 13 year old. They are mostly geared to a work wardrobe. Look at McCalls and Simplicity for younger styling. ------ www.nancyksews.blogspot.com
DonnaH Intermediate TX Member since 10/1/03 Posts: 502	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 3/11/13 2:37 PM Try looking at the Lisette (Simplicity) patterns. They are sized for adults (well, there are some kids patterns, too), but have a much younger feel than many patterns. The usually (not always) have multiple pieces -usually including a bag. I also agree that most of the wardrobe patterns are not really what a 13 y/o would wear. Look for patterns that can be modified (pants that can be long, cropped, or shorts; tops w/ neckline and sleeve variations), and watch for pattern sales (Big 4 patterns are Also, check out the racks of patterns at Walmart - usually under $4 each (some under $2) and many are geared for beginners.
marymary86 Intermediate GA USA Member since 7/20/08 Posts: 2259	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 3/11/13 2:41 PM I surf on my laptop and I have a really hard time shopping patterns on line. In my perfect internet world, I'd click on the "Shop Patterns & More" tab above. After I clicked on a pattern company, I could click on Womens, Men, Teens, whatever and then perhaps be able to choose what type of garments I'd like to see (dresses, pants, formal, etc.) Then the patterns would come up as a slide show and I could just arrow through them. I'd love to see just one pattern at a time on my screen with line drawings. When I see someone post a pattern and link to a review, I often add it to my wish list. You know why? Cause I could finally see it!!! You have have more success taking a good hour at the fabric store to just sit and go through the pattern catalog. What size does your daughter wear? What is her build like? Has she gone through puberty? Answering those questions may get you to just the right catalog. If I was sewing for a rail thin teen, I'd look at Jalie. If she was curvier and in a misses size, I'd look at Burda. Since you're new to sewing, I'd start with just one pattern and see how it goes first. You may decide you want to try a different pattern company (espeically if you use a big 4). Also be sure to read the pattern's reviews here before you buy it. That could save you a lot of grief. ------ Mary http://checkmatesystem.com
tlmck3 Advanced Beginner IL USA Member since 7/11/05 Posts: 3648	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 3/11/13 5:53 PM New Look patterns are also generally more youthful and they used to have several that included tops and bottoms in one envelope. ------ I am going for a level of perfection that is only mine... Most of the pleasure is in getting that last little piece perfect...Inspiration is for amateurs. The rest of us just keep showing up and doing the work. Chuck Close, painter, printmaker, photographer Hope has two lovely daughters: Anger and Courage St. Augustine
EleanorSews   Advanced MI USA Member since 7/26/07 Posts: 3782 Board Moderator	Login to reply to this post In reply to tlmck3 << Like this post Date: 3/11/13 7:09 PM And I second tlmck3's suggestion to check out New Look. Patterns cost $3.99 in the US and don't go on sale. But, often you can find the pieces you need in one pattern and if you wanted a second pattern, it won't break the bank. Also, if you look at Simplicity, the Lisette line has more youthful styles which should work for your daughter. Good,luck and have fun! ------ "We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are." Anais Nin "Attitude is the difference between an adventure and an ordeal." unknown
Rebeccca Member since 1/2/09 Posts: 10	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 3/13/13 11:56 AM Wow, thanks, you guys! I agree, New Look and Lisette are more along my daughter's line that a lot of the others. Thanks for that. I appreciate the help!
MrsCharisma   Advanced Beginner MN USA Member since 2/1/13 Posts: 355	Login to reply to this post In reply to Rebeccca << Like this post Date: 3/13/13 12:22 PM I think the hard part is "seeing through" the pattern envelope. Sometimes the color/fabric choices are horrible...sometimes the pose is too odd to be able to assess the true styling. My daughter is 14. Most of the patterns that she's asked me to make for her are Simplicity and New Look patterns. McCall's - perhaps. Butterick - NO! LOL! I only have a couple of Vogue patterns. A few that she explicitly asked me to make: Simplicity 2192, 2255 and 2061 McCalls 5391 My daughter wouldn't be caught dead in a skirt or dress or frilly things but other extremely cute patterns I've tried to talk her into: Simplicity 3750, 4127 NewLook 6026, 6055, 6189 (oop but currently $2.99 on the site or available via Ebay or Etsy) Allow her to look through the pattern catalog with you. Not sure if you're near a Hancock Fabrics, but they have Simplicity and McCall's on sale for $.99 this weekend. ------ Nakisha - A new sewist with a passion! :) www.sewcraftychemist.blogspot.com Singer Talent 3321 | Brother 1034D
BeckyNoSleep Intermediate USA Member since 4/19/10 Posts: 131	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 3/13/13 12:37 PM You probably won't find a single pattern that has all of those pieces in them. Another possibility is to look at Ottobre Kids magazine, they usually go up to tween sizes (you'll have to convert her measurements to their sizing in cm). Their fabrics are usually a bit more current, and they usually show variations for the same garment. Check out the 3/2011 issue, that's one of my favorites for summer clothes.

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