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Which pattern companies are best for you? Some seem to work better for the um, less endowed
librarylady Intermediate VA USA Member since 10/4/03 Posts: 196	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 3/14/06 7:04 PM I find I tend to use Loes Hinse and Burda WOF more and more not only because they fit but the styles are good on me. Some of the PR favorites like KS and the Sandra Betzina's are just too large. Sandra Betzina for instance has proportions for larger women, not just measurements, but pocket, collar and other details. So, what are your favorites? Connie
AnneM Intermediate MA USA Member since 7/30/02 Posts: 6556	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 3/14/06 7:36 PM I haven't figured them out yet; still working on it. I haven't tried any of the Loes Hinse or the WOF. So far, my best results have been Simplicity, but that might be more related to the styles than the line. How do you think WOF compares to the envelope Burda patterns, for fit? ------ With a great wardrobe that's still in the flat-fabric stage.
ryan's mom PA USA Member since 11/30/04 Posts: 4393	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 3/15/06 7:10 AM I like most Big 4 patterns I buy because I know how to alter them because of the consistent sizing. I love Textile Studio patterns--their size S is perfect for my neck, shoulders, and front upper chest with minimal alterations. I do need about a 1" FBA and a little letting out ont the seams, but find their patterns very well drafted for my figure type. Ditto with Pamela's Patterns. I just made her Perfect T, and it is perfect for me with my own body alterations of course. The only caveat is that when Pamela says to do a "snug" high bust measurement, she means it. This meant dropping from a S to an XS in her sizing block. This is the only pattern which didn't need an FBA for me either--a perfectly-sized dart which was rotated to the waist because those look better on me (in a t-shirt) than a bust dart. ------ Big 4 Pattern size 12, RTW bottom: 6, RTW jacket 8, RTW top (no size fits me well!) Measurements: 34 HB/36 FB (34C bra)/27.5/36 (and working hard to keep it that way.) Machines: Sewing (Janome Memory Craft 3000 and Kenmore 158 Series machine), Serger (Babylock Imagine), Embroidery (Janome 300E) If you think your sewing is better than everyone else's around here, get out of my way b****. I hate sewing snobs. My blog: www.phatchickdesigns.blogspot.com
Seamingly Simple Advanced AB CANADA Member since 12/23/03 Posts: 143	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 3/15/06 11:29 AM I am 5'2'' and find that the bodice length of Kwik Sew patterns requires no shortening. I shorten the arms 1.25'' and pivot the hip out to be one size larger than at the shoulder (I start with a S and pivot to make it M at the hip). In the Big Four patterns I sew a 14 but I have to shorten EVERYTHING, which is time-consuming. I have a harder time getting a decent fit at the shoulders with the Big Four. If I had the energy for even more alterations I suppose I could start with a 12, add to the bust and to the hip and then shorten everywhere. This is a lot of work and the pattern would have to be real special to jusify it. Burda WOF just started its petite collection, but I am at their maximum petite size (size 20). They should add a couple more sizes to allow more people to enjoy them. I haven't tried the Burda petite patterns from the sewing store yet, but they look promising. ------ "All things are difficult before they are easy." --Thomas Fuller
librarylady Intermediate VA USA Member since 10/4/03 Posts: 196	Login to reply to this post In reply to AnneM Like this post Date: 3/15/06 6:16 PM I think that Burda patterns and Burda WOF use the same sizing. The neat thing about Burda WOF is that there aren't the seam allowances added, so it's much easier to measure and see what the actual numbers will be and adjust accordingly. It took me a while to appreciate this, but now I really like it. Also they offer alot of different styles per issue so I get to ponder or experiment. I'm particularly happy with the assorted blouse patterns with either princess seams or those large darts. Tinkering of course has to be done, but then it always does!
Debbie Lancaster   Intermediate CA USA Member since 9/18/02 Posts: 1688	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 3/15/06 9:02 PM I'm 5'2" and about 112 lbs, and I like the fit of Textile Studio, Loes Hinse, and KwikSew. All fit my upper body without any adjustments except for dropping the bust point on KwikSews. Even the sleeves are the right length, and with KwikSew sleeves that have an elbow dart, even the dart is in the right place! I wear an XS at the shoulders, tapered to a S below the bust. ------ Debbie
candyo Intermediate FL USA Member since 3/6/03 Posts: 1638	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 3/15/06 11:24 PM I used to be an A and never found one company to be better than any other. They're all drafted for a B cup. ------ Nikki Medved My blog: http://subversivesewer.wordpress.com Visit my pro-sewing store! http://www.cafeshops.com/sewingdiva
AnneM Intermediate MA USA Member since 7/30/02 Posts: 6556	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 3/16/06 8:02 AM So far that's what I'm bumping into also, Nikki. Although I have heard, and it seems to be echoed by Connie and Debbie, that Loes Hinse's patterns might be for a slightly smaller cup. I'm working at a New Look top right now, and plan to reduce the bust dart by a 1/2". If that works, it should be a pretty simple SBA. Of course, I have to combine this with my version of an FBA - full butt adjustment. I guess I'll call that a FRA (full rear adjustment) so folks won't get confused. ------ With a great wardrobe that's still in the flat-fabric stage.
librarylady Intermediate VA USA Member since 10/4/03 Posts: 196	Login to reply to this post In reply to AnneM Like this post Date: 3/16/06 6:11 PM Love it! And then there's the FTA or Full Tum Adjustment!
Jennifer shaw   Intermediate CA USA Member since 8/24/02 Posts: 2251	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 3/18/06 6:59 PM I am 5'2" and am an hourglass/pear. I really love Simplicity, Kwik Sew and Burda right now. When I wore a smaller size, I used mostly Vogue and Butterick. Now that I am two cup sizes bigger, I can use a small in the Kwik sew and go by my high bust in everything else.

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