| Reader Comments |
| Deepika | 6/28/02 | Another wonderfully written review by you Mini. This answers all my questions. I used XXS for my basic dress and I think I will need to use the same size for this one also but I will measure the pattern just to be sure. Amanda made this in burn out velvet and it looked really good! In face that's how I got interested in this pattern. It was nice of her to send one to me as a gift :-) I think I will need to shorten the jacket cause I dont like longer jackets either. Would love to see a photo of yours.  |
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| Mini | 6/28/02 | Thanks, Deepika. There is a photo that you can see if you go to my Loes Hinse Sweater Set review. I can't get it to transfer here for some (duh) reason. I will take a new picture later. |
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| Deepika | 6/28/02 | Mini, I can't see your photo even from there. It gives me an access denied. Maybe you should think about using ofoto.com |
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| Deepika | 6/28/02 | Found it! and I linked it to your review also. What a fine garment! I love it! what fabric did you use? Is that wool? |
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| Christianne | 6/28/02 | Mini: I have the venetian vest pattern, and just looked at the site, the vest looks like the kimono without sleeves! What a great idea!
Perhaps some of you noticed that Loes will have a swing skirt, or a wrap skirt, the pattern is $16, yet the same one is in Burda, whom fits well, for way less $ and perhaps a few other options to change it. I am trying to be careful and not buy every pattern I see anymore. I really like Loes' New York dress for instance, it looks slighty more "attractive" than other tee shirt dresses that are available. I am on the fence...
Mini, I think your reviews are just like the ones in Threads. In fact, better, as they often just skate over the sewing part, and just say the pattern is available. I like the way you mention different body types, etc., and I seriously take into consideration your comments, they are greatl appreciated.
You could compile a porfolio, and sell it to somebody. Too bad the Creative Machine newsletter isn't around anymore, your reviews are like theirs. |
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| Mini | 6/28/02 | Christianne, you are right that Burda patterns give more for the money. I like some of the Loes Hinse patterns enough to spend extra money, but I don't think that they are always worth it. There are other good kimono type patterns out there, so I wouldn't want anyone to think that they have to spend $16. Personally, I always look at Burda and Kwik Sew first, because they cost less and usually fit me better. |
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| Mini | 6/28/02 | Deepika, that jacket was a very lightweight wool crepe. I found it in the menswear woolens section of Vogue Fabrics in Chicago. |
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| Lori | 6/29/02 | Mini, what a wonderful jacket. Thanks for the informative review, it is full of valuable information. |
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| Pam | 6/29/02 | Mini, I find your reviews better than those in Threads too! You provide the type of information that is helpful when deciding to sew a garment. Plus you have great ideas on modifying garments for fit and style. You write extremely professionally. Thanks for posting your reviews! |
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| Loranel | 7/3/02 | Mini, I think you look very good in the Kimono jacket. I'm so glad you mentioned about the body types in your review. I've been hesitating about ordering a Loes Hinse (price), but think I will try one. I think the body type might work for me, so I appreciate your including this info. |
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| Sandi | 7/9/02 | I sure wish I had read all of this before I made this up. I wouldn't have tried to make it for use as a robe..I made it out of a striped seersucker and it went together so easily, but the fit and fabric were wrong..what can I say, it was worth a try. |
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| Joyce | 8/18/02 | I made this jacket in a peacock crinkly rayon. It looks great. I am 5'4" and I made it in a large because I wanted a little ease in the upper back. It fits well overall, and I will definitely make it again, but next time I will have to fine tune it - shorten it in length, also shorten the shoulder and sleeve. I did have have to make an increase in the upper arm. |
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| CatherineN | 6/26/03 | Your reviews of LH confirm my decision to not buy these patterns. Your pics can no longer be seen here. |
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| Mini | 6/26/03 | I think I fixed the picture. Catherine, I'm glad my reviews have been helpful. The Loes Hinse patterns are nice but they are not for everyone. Similar designs are available from other companies that may work as well or better depending on your figure and fit preference. Every pattern company designs for a specific body type, whether they say so or not, and I try to point this out when I review a pattern. I try to be honest in my reviews, otherwise they are no help to anyone. |
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| Julia Graham | 12/26/03 | Mini, this is an extraordinarily helpful review! I just received this pattern for Christmas yesterday, and already yesterday afternoon had read your review of it -- and today here's the updated review! Your clarity and insights about the things that do and don't work, and the anti-reality sometimes fed to us on pattern envelopes, are so helpful. Question: do you think this jacket would work in slinky? |
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| Mini | 12/26/03 | Julia, to be honest I just don't know enough about sewing with slinky to answer your question. I *think* it could work, but you might need to use a smaller size. That is only a guess though. You might try asking Loes herself. You can contact her via e-mail at her website. The other suggestion is to let ready-to-wear be your guide. If you have seen similar styles in the stores that used slinky, that is a good sign. If not, there is probably a reason! This is one of the ways to think about fabric choices for a particular garment. Maybe someone who reads this will have a more informed answer. |
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| Mini | 12/26/03 | P.S. If you do use slinky, you will want to stabilize the shoulder seams. This jacket has a rather extended shoulder that could really pull out of shape due to the weight and stretch of the slinky fabric. |
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| jlg | 12/27/03 | Mini, a fantastic, helpful and readable review. Thanks. |
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| penelope | 12/28/03 | Mini, there's a word for your reviews: THOROUGH. There's another word: LUCID. There's a lot of other words, too. I love reading your reviews. |
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| Elisabetha | 8/18/04 | Of all the reviews of this pattern this one is by far the most useful to me. It's a real lesson; thank you Mini. |
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| Zelda | 5/1/06 | Thanks for the excellent and helpful review. |
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| j222b | 8/16/06 | Good review, I wish you did more reviews..... |
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