Replies

1. 
   berniejh | Feb 27, 2006 10:53am | #1

   Hi there, do a search on Lutterloh, there's heaps there. I'm considering it too, but not so sure.

   Bernie

1. 
   mem | Mar 01, 2006 03:53am | #4

   The thing about it is that it is based on only 2 measurements and I wonder how that would work with a body which doesnt follow vweage proportions? I am sure that you would end up with a pattern but would you then have to alter that pattern alot and if so are you really better off witha commercial pattern and altering that one ????

2. 
   smr | Feb 27, 2006 06:03pm | #2

   I bought this system about 10 years ago at a seminar.  It was just ok.  Actually, I recently ran across some of the information when cleaning out some old patterns.  I'm delighted that you have brought the topic up because I would love to know what others think about it.  Maybe it was just me, but I wouldn't spend the money on it again.

   Suzanne

3. 
   jacquieF | Feb 27, 2006 08:50pm | #3

   I bought the system at the CSNF in Toronto last Fall and have made about 6 or 7 tops with it - haven't tried pants yet. It does work fit-wise! But I am only an intermediate level sewer and there are no instructions for any special techniques that appear in the diagrams. No seam allowances either. I do enjoy it though, makes me feel like I'm really drafting something on my own. I will definitely continue to use it. It cost me about $150. and if you consider that covers about 200 patterns it's reasonable.
   What I do is draft the patten with the Lutterloh system, then refer to my back issues of Threads for technique instructions as I sew!

   I can't seem to find any good websites despite searching on the web -if anyone knows of any specific site please post!
   Jacquie in Toronto

1. 
   mem | Mar 01, 2006 04:02am | #5

   Is your body an in proportion one where the two measurements would relate to each other???

1. 
   jacquieF | Mar 01, 2006 05:03pm | #6

   I don't think so!
   I'm a bit of an apple shape...:-)

1. 
   sewlittlex | Mar 03, 2006 01:42am | #7

   I bought the system years ago and never tried it.  I keep wanting to try it, but none of the patterns are my style.  I received so many with the system, but not one I would actually wear.  I went on-line and tried to find out where I could get more patterns, but never did.  I love the concept and the seminar I attended was great.  I'm one size above my waist and another below.  I would have to do the system 'twice' and piece it together to make it 'blend'.  I just want a basic skirt pattern, but it didn't have the basics.  You do need to know the basic sewing principles in order to make it work.

1. 
   Thea_Midnight | Mar 03, 2006 08:56am | #8

   I have used this system in the past and found that it works!  It is a good system to learn pattern drafting.  Although there is scepticism about using only 2 measurements, the system does teach you how to use them.  My body shape has definately changed between the years of 25 to now at 43! and this system changes with you.  Your measurements don't lie! 

   You will need to know things like order of construction, adding markings to patterns, seam allowances preferences and any other fashion trends you want to add.  There are current updates you can buy as styles do change...but with THREADS and your imagination, you can do this yourself.

4. 
   mainestitcher | Mar 03, 2006 05:29pm | #9

   Lutterloh is not pattern drafting, in any way. It is a new way to puchase patterns. In essence, you enlarge a thumbnail sketches to full size pattern pieces.

   The demo I saw, a vest pattern, still had to be shortened between the bust and waist.

   If the Lutterloh system was so great, they wouldn't have to mislead people by advertising the sales pitch as a free "fitting seminar."

   The updates, at that time, 1983 or so, amounted to $60 a season. That was a lot more than I paid for patterns in any year.

   I have one from the seventies or so, I'm currently holding on to for reference in case a costuming need arises. You can pick the system up on Ebay or tag or yard sales for a fraction of the full price.

1. 
   Desiderata | Mar 06, 2006 10:48am | #10

   I completely agree with mainstitcher. Your money is put to better use if you sign up for a community college course or private lessons. Or if this is not convenient, purchase some well written patternmaking books like Winifred Aldrich's. They are very easy to follow and the results are excellent. You can find Aldrich's books on Ebay.uk very often and at good prices.Their business practices are questionable.
   They are selling this system in third world countries and it is a big rip-off. Even cases where they take money from poor struggling women and never delivering the packet. Every couple of years they will converge on a country, set themselves up in a fabric or sewing machine store and attract the women with supposedly free introductory lessons then the rest is history. I have seen this first hand.