Replies

1. 
   Monkey1961 | Sep 06, 2006 12:39am | #1

   I have used the system for mens wear, and found a few problems - basic measure of waist and chest (bust) created a pattern that would fit in those areas, but for a man with a tummy, the ease was not enough.  I am glad I tried it on paper, then learned in my case to take a measure of the Stomach and actual waist measure, add the two numbers together, and split the difference, and use this number for the below the waist measure.

   Since the pattern is very basic, more like a sloper, you need to know your sewing skills, and the basic order to put things together, as no sewing instructions are given.  But to be honest, I rarely use the instructions with most commercial patterns, I work for a company that manufactures clothing, and would use the techniques used in the Sample rooms rather then the factory. 

   Also look at the sample books for the system - you may find some of the designs are a bit dated, and may be a good basic with modifications - Yet for the cost, you might want to look into some of the computer generated patternmakers, as I found printing, pasting, and cutting a bit quicker, and since it stored my measurements, and the ease I desired, it was a quicker option for me.

    

    

1. 
   CaramelPie | Sep 06, 2006 03:06am | #2

   Thanks so much for replying. Your experience will certainly help me to decide.

   CaramelPie

2. 
   onequarter | Sep 10, 2006 10:08pm | #3

   Hi CaramelPie,
   I have one of the Lutterloh Pattern collections. It's sort of an insurance policy for me. Yes, they are all dated, but all the basics are there. I have an understanding of pattern drafting and I am willing to experiment.
   Just having so many schematics ready to the eye helps to figure out how patterns are developed.

   Frankly, I use it to draw out the basic shapes and then I make my own design changes. I have found the fit to be at least as good as Burda. I think they musst use the European scheme for crotch shape and sleeve, i.e. wider and higher. I tend to want my armscye to be high because I am short and it gives me a longer look, also there is the comfort factor of not having a lot of loose fabric flapping. The wider cut of the armscye gives me as much room as a deeper one. Those pioneer women had high wide armscyes and they did a lot more physical work.

   All the princess lines, sleeve styles, collars, faced-waist, waistband, cuffed or not, all the cuts are there. It's nice to have it all at hand in one little book. The instructions I get from other books. If I have the parts, I can make the whole.

   I also use Burda magazine lately. The principle is similar. I think it takes about the same amount of time to trace off a Burda pattern as it does to "pantograph" a Lutterloh. Burda, however, is much more up-to-date.
   Burda has the instructions too, it comes once a month.. One year gives about 700 patterns. Even if you don't use but a fraction, I think it's good value.

1. 
   CaramelPie | Sep 10, 2006 11:33pm | #4

   Thanks for the info. The Burda magazine sounds very interesting. I'm glad I posted this question.

   CaramelPie