Replies

1. 
   meg | Jul 22, 2008 01:23pm | #1

   I haven't actually looked through the pattern books in quite a while (with all the quilting I've been doing), but I am especially fond of Sandra Betzina's Vogue patterns. There aren't many complete wardrobe patterns, but right now on the website the patterns are listed at $6.99 each. I've made many of Ms. Betzina's patterns and like the fit.

   http://www.voguepatterns.com/list/todays_fit_by_sandra_betzina/page-1.htm

   Thank you for being a substitute teacher! I am a school administrative assistant and former substitute myself. Have a good school year!

2. 
   MarieCurie | Jul 22, 2008 02:24pm | #2

   My favorite is Vogue 8137, five easy pieces.  Very simple, clean lines, inlcudes skirt, jacket, shell, pants, dress.  The choice of fabrics is endless and the styling timeless.  And if there's a Joann's nearby, I think they have Vogue patterns on sale 7-9 Aug for $3.99. 

   
   

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   Edited 7/22/2008 7:54 am ET by MarieCurie

3. 
   ghis | Jul 22, 2008 02:31pm | #3

   You should go on the (The McCall Pattern .com) site and once you are there you will be able to visit VOGUE,BUTTERICK and McCALL.You can see all there commercial catalog,hope this can help.

4. 
   damascusannie | Jul 22, 2008 11:18pm | #4

   What ages will you be teaching? It makes a difference. In my area (rural Wisconsin) the elementary teachers wear more casual clothes than the high school teachers. They usually wear some sort of comfortable slacks and loose tops, blouses, and sweaters that are easy to move around in, but allow them to bend over or crouch down when working with younger students. Longer length skirts and jumpers are also popular.

   In the upper grades, the look is a bit more professional, but still comfortable--dress slacks and nice blouse, shirt dresses, skirt and blouse. Blazers are optional and sweaters are worn during the colder months.

   You don't mention where you live. If it's in one of the colder sections of the country be aware that schools are kept quite chilly to save heating costs, so you will want to be sure that your wardrobe can be adapted for winter wear.

1. 
   mendingmom | Jul 22, 2008 11:39pm | #5

   I'll be teaching K-5th, here in GA. I usually wear slacks and a nice top with K-3rd and skirt and a blouse for 4th and 5th grade. It doesn't get to cold down here in the winter time. I moved here a year ago from NY, so I know how cold it gets. Thanks for the info.

1. 
   Teaf5 | Jul 25, 2008 11:25pm | #6

   I'm a mature teacher, too, and I like Simplicity 3566 for the jacket, skirt and slacks, adding in-seam pockets to the skirt and slacks.  The lines are modern but not fussy, and the classic shapes would work well in a number of fabrics. 

   The neckline on the blouse and dress are also nice, but I would need sleeves, as I always take off my jacket once I start moving around the classroom.  A very practical addition to this pattern would be a long-sleeved, fitted shirt and a fitted vest with pockets.

   One wardrobing technique is to start with a beautiful print for the first blouse and skirt, then make the coordinating pieces from the different accent colors in the first print.  Once you have the original print, you need only a swatch of that to make sure all subsequent pieces will work together, even if you're not wearing the print with them.  You could also use the print swatch to choose some RTW polo shirts, khakis, or other pieces that will blend well with what you make.

   Medium shades are best for classrooms; black picks up way too much chalk dust and lint, and white picks up everything else, even if protected somewhat by a vest.  My current favorites are dusky blues and textured warm browns and medium greens.

1. 
   mendingmom | Jul 27, 2008 11:29pm | #7

   Thanks a million-will check it out. Have a good school year.

   Kathy