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Member since 6/27/06
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Posted on: 2/7/10 8:35 PM ET
Have you noticed that most of the patterns in the Big Four catalogs have simple round necklines or v-necks, and that they are getting lower and more bare all the time? And that it is getting really hard to find a dress pattern that has sleeves?

Perhaps the pattern companies think most sewists are in their 20's and feel comfortable showing lots of skin. But I'm 67 and, believe me, YOU don't want to see all my skin! Surely there must be some lovely designs that could put interest into the neck and shoulder area of a garment, plus a sleeve. And would it hurt to have them offer a second tracing line for mature women who tend to have thicker upper arms?
  
Member since 12/7/05
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Posted on: 2/7/10 9:03 PM ET
In reply to Longarm
well, those are some very good ideas! I imagine they see the growth of the industry in the younger ages, but I am willing to bet that we are their core customers!
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Member since 7/16/07
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Posted on: 2/7/10 10:43 PM ET
In reply to Longarm
Quote:
And would it hurt to have them offer a second tracing line for mature women who tend to have thicker upper arms?

I figured out recently (after finding out the hard way) that my upper arms are two sizes larger than most of the rest of me. So... this sort of thing could be easily adjusted on a multi-sized pattern. Regarding dresses with sleeves -- Burda seems to have a fair number of them, which is nice.

I totally agree about adding interest at the neck and shoulder!

I guess there aren't that many types of patterns I have trouble finding, although it would be wonderful if pattern companies gave more than one version of a bodice -- an optional version with lower darts, for women who are no longer perky/young/high-busted.

-- Edited on 2/7/10 10:44 PM --
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my shield and my very great reward ~ Gen. 15:1

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If you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid. ~ Albert Einstein

People have a way of becoming what you encourage them to be, not what you nag them to be. ~ Scudder N. Parker
  
Member since 6/27/06
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Posted on: 2/7/10 11:27 PM ET
There is a business opportunity in there somehow! Great idea about making optional bust height too. I wonder if marketing folks have ever lurked on the Pattern Review site? I love dresses but hate to show much leg, so that limits me too. I just spent some time going through Vogue's selection online, and to be fair they had more choices than I'd imagined. I usually shop McCall's and Simplicity most often; time to branch out a bit...
It has taken me a long time to learn how to adjust my patterns to fit properly. Thick arms, lower bust, short waist, etc. All that trial and error would make someone less keen on sewing just give up. But I'm still having fun.

  
Member since 11/21/09
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Posted on: 2/7/10 11:36 PM ET
I think all patterns should have multiple cup sizes. No more FBA's.
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Ada
  
Member since 10/10/02
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Posted on: 2/8/10 0:18 AM ET
I'm guessing that its not "cool" to be older. Ever watch Project Runway and notice how a lot of the contestants are either disgusted or condescending about working with "real" or "older" bodies? I wonder if that's a common attitude with fashion designers?

Of the big four I like Vogue the best, and of those I like Sandra Betzina patterns best. I don't have to do as many alterations on her patterns. I also like Loes Hines patterns for the same reason.

Anyone else have any suggestions on patterns they do like?

Rosie
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Member since 8/31/05
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Posted on: 2/8/10 1:00 AM ET
In reply to Rosie who use to be Rose
Quote: Rosie who use to be Rose
I'm guessing that its not "cool" to be older. Ever watch Project Runway and notice how a lot of the contestants are either disgusted or condescending about working with "real" or "older" bodies? I wonder if that's a common attitude with fashion designers? [...]

You know, that is a very interesting point, especially when you consider that most of the people who buy couture are in the older set because they typically have more money. However, I suspect that most people would rather see younger women on the runway.
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Betwixt mine eye and heart a league is took…. (Shakespeare)
  
Member since 6/27/06
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Posted on: 2/8/10 9:00 AM ET
Perhaps we should write letters of request to our favorite pattern companies to ask for the features we have mentioned. Do you think we would get replies to our letters? Anyone know where to address such a letter?
  
Member since 10/10/02
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Posted on: 2/8/10 12:14 PM ET
I don't know who you could send it to, but if we could find the correct person they might listen. Years ago a group of people I was teaching with asked that an our of print book be republished. Eventually enough of us asked so that it actually was republished, so I know companies will listen if they think it will be profitable to them.
Rosie
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Member since 7/2/07
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Posted on: 2/8/10 1:29 PM ET
"I think all patterns should have multiple cup sizes. No more FBA's."

Amen to that suggestion!

I wonder if any of the patern copmpanies would listen if we wrote them? I, for one, do not want to look like I'm trying to look like my 19yo DD, but it is hard to wear age appropriate, fashionable clothing since I really feel nothing is available on the racks for me.
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50 Yard Dash - Yardage sewn = 15.0
  
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