knitstitcher
 Intermediate Member since 8/17/10 Posts: 301 |
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 1 member likes this. Date: 5/22/12 9:23 PM I've been wanting to make a sloper for myself but don't really know how to go about it. I also want to be able to use it as a base to hep fit commercial patterns. Again, I have no idea how to do this. I came across several software programs and kits that help make slopers and was wondering if anyone has used or tried these.
Pattern Maker
Sure-Fit Designs
Your Personal Fit
I'm interested in getting a good fit with my patterns and would like to be able to modify patterns as well. I had the My Label software but didn't like it and I never really got a good fit with my patterns. I just wanted to pull my hair out every time I used it 
If anybody has used any of these I would love to hear the good, bad, and ugly of it. ------ Lorri
Bernina Artista 730, Babylock Evolution, Sailrite LSZ-1, Singer 201-2, |
Welmoed Sisson
Advanced MD USA Member since 4/26/03 Posts: 272 |
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Date: 5/22/12 9:28 PM Don't forget about PatternMaster Boutique. It's what I use and I absolutely love it. It has such flexibility in design!! I've been able to create just about anything, from bathing suits to ballgowns.
NAYY; just a happy user.
--Welmoed ------ View my sewing projects: http://thereshesews.blogspot.com |
MarthaA24
 Advanced CA USA Member since 4/4/08 Posts: 682 |
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In reply to knitstitcher <<
Date: 5/23/12 3:14 AM I don't know if you are only looking for computer programs. I haven't tried any of them.
Years ago I had a class where I drafted a sloper & I'm sure there are books on how to do it. But what I decided to use for my DD is McCall's 2718 pattern by Palmer/Pletsch that can be used to create a sloper. One of my purposes is just as you stated using it as a base to help fit commercial patterns.
Anyway just an idea. ------ Martha |
bluefly
 Advanced Beginner GA USA Member since 8/19/06 Posts: 486 |
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 1 member likes this. Date: 5/23/12 7:36 AM Unless you really want to use software, you can sew a basic dress pattern such as McCalls 2718, Vogue 1004 or Butterick 5627. Cut out a muslin tracing seam lines, darts and such. Make the seam allowance at least an inch and baste. Try on each section and make any changes by adding fabric or tucking it. baste dress together to make final check. Mark any needed changes on your muslin. Take out basting. The reworked pattern pieces become your new pattern. The muslin lasts longer than paper. If you like you can make you a paper or even cardboard pattern if you are more used to that. Compare these basic pattern pieces to each new pattern and make the same changes. For more info, you can go to craftsycom and sign up for the couture dress class. It uses this same process. Do a search here for couture dress under Bridal message board to get half off coupon. Another source of info is to watch Peggy Sagers free webcasts on the Silhoutte Patterns website. -- Edited on 5/23/12 7:44 AM -- ------ "Let's make the most of this day"
bluefly |
Deb Fox
Intermediate FL USA Member since 8/26/05 Posts: 1175 |
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Date: 5/23/12 9:52 AM Try PatternMaker. I got a great fitting sloper almost right off the printed page. I had to make two little tweaks. I went on to buy the modules that you can download and will actually be doing some sewing this weekend! (PS..I am very hard to fit...tiny shoulders, narrow back, swayback, full DD bust and full hips...and I'm only 5 feet tall! ------ Deb: www.thinkingcouture.blogspot.com |
bbj91942
 Intermediate CA USA Member since 6/2/10 Posts: 13 |
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Date: 5/23/12 10:37 AM I have had the same frustrations that I thought would be solved by a "sloper." But, Palmer/Pletsch "Fit for Real People" really helped me understand commerical patterns and how to make them work for you. BY developing a It was pretty mysterious to me but this book explained it all by developing a perfectly fitted |
bbj91942
 Intermediate CA USA Member since 6/2/10 Posts: 13 |
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 1 member likes this. Date: 5/23/12 10:43 AM I never understood the value of the commerical "fitting shells" until I read Palmer/Pletsch's "Fit for Real People." It explained the differences among the companies (not much) and how to use the your customizations of that shell to alter any commerical pattern. More than a few light bulbs went off as I read it. |
homewerk
 Advanced Beginner MD USA Member since 10/2/07 Posts: 90 |
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 2 members like this. Date: 5/23/12 11:19 AM I purchased the Sure Fit system (dress, shirt, and pants kits) about 3 months ago and am more than pleased with the results I’ve gotten with the dress kit which creates a bodice sloper with bust and waist darts and a skirt sloper with front and back waist darts. (I’m a very slow sewer so haven’t gotten around to working with the other kits.) I’ve made a sloper with one of the Big 4 patterns and much, much prefer Sure Fit.
Glenda will communicate with you to fine tune your fit via email or Skype if you want. She’s terrific. Her instructional videos are free to view at her website http://sfdlearningcenter.com/ Working through the Sure Fit templates taught me much more about fit than working with the commercial pattern sloper or just reading the books. (FFRP is an indispensable reference.)
At this point, I’m using my slopers to alter commercial patterns, not design my own. But her instructions on how to design from the sloper have deepened my understanding of pattern design and garment construction.
I’m not familiar with the other systems you’re considering. I like that Sure Fit is hands-on with personal support from Glenda and her detailed, substantive videos. It takes time. You have to watch the videos and follow her instructions for measuring. I wasn’t careful on my first effort and had to start over. Having a fitting partner to help with the measurements is a plus.
While I was working on my slopers, I also watched some of Peggy Sagers’ videos at http://www.silhouettepatterns.com/html/media/livestreamchannel/index_replays.htm I recommend the one about using a French curve. Combined with the Sure Fit instruction, I had a real breakthrough in reading, altering, and replicating patterns. Armscyes and sleeves are a real challenge for me but now I am more confident in figuring out how to alter.
------ Becky (I'm homewerk on Pinterest too!)
Babylock Elizabeth, Pfaff 2030, Brother 1034D Serger, Babylock Coverstitch, Grandmother's 1931 Singer 15-91, 1956 Singer Slant-O-Matic 401A, 1954 Elna Supermatic
I love my toys! |
strongnow
 Advanced Beginner ON CANADA Member since 2/1/08 Posts: 39 |
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 1 member likes this. Date: 5/23/12 2:21 PM I have Sure Fit Designs and have found them excellent. They got me back to using commercial patterns successfully. |
Lizz
 Advanced TN USA Member since 10/10/03 Posts: 254 |
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Date: 5/23/12 8:31 PM I also am having wonderful luck with Sure Fit Designs. My pants sloper is almost perfect with Glenda's help. Presently I am working on the dress kit and am expecting to be able to use that sloper to easily fit commercial patterns. Give them a try! |