I’m thinking of buying pattern software and would like to know which brands anyone prefers. I’m an advanced computer user so I’m planning on diving in with an advanced version of whatever I get. After re-reading the article from a few months ago on this subject and looking at websites, I am inclined towards either PatternMaster (wildginger.com) or Garment Designer (cochenille.com) or Dress Shop Sampler (?) (livingsoft.com). If anyone has found any of these to be a major disaster or the best thing since sliced bread, I would especially like to know.
Thank you.
Replies
After thoroughly digesting the Threads article and downloading everyone's free trial versions, I concluded that the Cochenille product was the best choice for two reasons:
1) I'm a knitter and a sewer -- and often combine both skills in the same garment and
2) I like the fact that Cochenille behaves sort of like Adobe Illustrator.
Cochenille's Garment Designer upgrade has just been released and now includes princess seam options. I just got mine and haven't had time to explore it, so I'm relying on Threads' research regarding ease of use, fit, etc.
-Stephanie Corina Goddard- Author/Designer
I purchased the Livingsoft product several years ago, and was not terribly satisfied with it. I have a very large chest and thin sholders and the accomidations the pattern were not pleasing[?]. I did better with comertial patters I modified. I am sure that they have modified the software since I purchased mine, but I wanted to put in my two cents worth.
I recently purchased PMB-3 Pattern Master Boutique Version 3 (new and not reviewed in Threads). So far I am having good experiences with it. Supposedly it has many more features than the version reviewed in Threads and addressed some of the criticisms in the article.
The most important thing is to get correct measurements and this may take several times. With this version of software you are asked to make a sloper to test your measurements. I belong to a local support group and we are finding that it may take several to fine tune your sloper.
Once you have perfected your sloper, you are then able to "see" it overlayed on your pattern design...... which I think is a great idea. So far the support from Wild Ginger has been good and friendly. I have learned a lot about my measurements and unique shape (giggle !). There is a PMB "chat group" which you can log on through the Wild Ginger site. I have had several good answers for my questions from this group.
Wild Ginger posted a preview of the new Version 3 on their website last Fall. It included all the new features.... but, naturally, you could not print out your designs. I haven't checked lately to see if it is still online.
After all this rambling you might think I am affiliated with Wild Ginger, BUT, I am not in any way. Prior to my purchasing of this software, I tried a custom pattern making service which scanned my body. This was an expensive mistake/disaster and that is why I turned to a pattern maker software program. My sewing instructor is learning the same program so this adds to my learning experiences.
Again, I am not affiliated.....just relieved that there is a solution out there for my unique figure challenges.
I have used Wild Ginger Pattern master for 4 years now. I"m really happy with it. I bought the men's version, too. I am fat with low, big boobs and small shoulders. So any bought pattern required too many changes and I got too lost. The hardest thing is to get accurate measurements. They have lots of tutorials. Their staff is wonderful and never makes you feel like you're asking a stupid question. And the list serve is so good. They're so funny and warm.
Tessa
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