PatternReview.com online sewing community
Join our community of 579,261 sewists!
SIGNUP Membership is free and includes 1 free lesson
Login |
Join our community of 579,261 sewists!
Signup | Login
To participate in the PatternReview.com forums please Login or Join PatternReview
Member since 8/8/11
Posts: 107
Body Type:
Send Message
2 Replies
Posted on: 9/23/12 11:04 PM ET
I'm so intrigued by the Marfy Pattern line by McCalls but it says they are for the advanced sewer and they don't come with instructions. If being able to sew without instructions makes you an advanced sewer than I guess I'm out...but I'm curious if anyone has sewn with them and just how difficult are they. They are a bit on the pricey side so, I want to make sure what I'm getting myself into if I should purchase one.
  
Board Moderator
Member since 7/26/07
Posts: 15334
Body Type:
Send Message
Posted on: 9/23/12 11:12 PM ET
In reply to Heavenly Design
I do know that the pattern pieces are just plain without any info except letters that you match up with other pieces. You probably need to be very good at putting puzzles together and being able to read the illustration of te garment to interpret how it goes together. Though my skills are rusty due to some lack of use, I have done tailoring and all sorts of sewing but somehow can't rationalize spending the $ unless I am very certain I could figure out what to do.
------
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." Dalai Lama

"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

“Be curious, not judgmental.” Ted Lasso
  
Member since 7/25/06
Posts: 1029
Body Type:
Send Message
Posted on: 9/24/12 1:27 AM ET
In reply to Heavenly Design
A couple of years ago, I made a dress and a light weight jacket from Marfy patterns. At the time, I would say that I was an intermediate to advanced sewer. I had never before (nor since) made a pattern without directions. It was definitely a challenge, especially with the jacket which had some unusually shaped pieces. It was actually fun to try to figure everything out. If you do it, just make sure you make a muslin first!!! They also only come in one size per pattern, so if you have to change sizes, go by your upper bust/ shoulder measurement and alter from there. I bought the catalog and that came with several "free" patterns in it. I used those, but even when you buy the pattern, they do not come with even a cover illustration, so make sure you print the picture from the catalog - it will be your only guide. What few instructions are on the pattern pieces are in Italian, so that doesn't help much either!
------
blog: encue.blogspot.com

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. (Phil 4:13)
  
Member since 7/25/06
Posts: 1029
Body Type:
Send Message
Posted on: 9/24/12 1:29 AM ET
Oh, I forgot to say that the styles are so intriguing, but the best part is that the fit is excellent. The patterns are very well drafted and go together so nicely.
------
blog: encue.blogspot.com

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. (Phil 4:13)
  
* Advertising and soliciting is strictly prohibited on PatternReview.com. If you find a post which is not in agreement with our Terms and Conditions, please click on the Report Post button to report it.
Selected Reviews, Classes & Patterns
Discovery Fabrics
High Performance Fabrics
Specials!
Fancy Frocks Fabrics
Fine Designer Fabrics
Elliott Berman Textiles
High-end Fashion Fabrics
Specials!