Replies

1. 
   scrubble4 | Mar 20, 2008 05:59pm | #1

   Tailormaid:  "I have a lot of fitting issues, particularly bust placement (low and wide bust span), square shoulders, crotch length, and crotch extension for a full thigh."

   Tailormaid you sound like me.  Yikes you poor thing.  I have Cochenille and I like it.  One of the things about a pattern software is with accurate, detailed measurements a lot of your pattern adjustments are done for you.  I still alter the sleeve as I like a more European cut on my sleeve. 

   With GD from Cochenille you can design away to your hearts content which is the big reason I got it.  Others will comment on the other program.  My take of it when I was looking at them all before I purchased was GD allowed designing options. The others seemed more a cut and paste of pattern designs already in the program.  It sounds like that may be all you want. 

   It takes a little bit to get your head around not needing to do the adjustments because the software program does them for you.  GD states quite openly that they do not think their pants are their strong point.  I however with similar body requirements that you have described found the pants great. 

   See what others say.  I am pretty sure Cochenille will refund if you are not happy, but check that with them.  They are also very good about answering a ton of questions prior to purchasing.  I think I drove them quite mad with my questions but they always responded quickly and never in a short or disrespectful way.

   Good luck as it is a whole new sewing experience.  The other thing I strongly recommend is a dress form that is exactly you.  I went with making a My Twin but there have been many discussions here on Gatherings about dress forms which you can read.  If you decide to make one you will have lots of information to think about.

   Come to think about it, I think in the fall ('07) there was quite a discussion here about pattern software programs.  Do an advanced search (found at the top of the columns on the left hand side of your screen) for pattern software.  You can piggyback on these discussions along with whatever new info is provided to you now.

   Good luck  Scrubble4

1. 
   tailormaid | Mar 21, 2008 06:23am | #2

   Scrubble4, Thanks so much for your detailed post. I will do an advanced search for other posts, as you suggest. I was not aware that they feel pants are not a strong point. Do you know why? I am very long in the crotch length (short-waisted for bodice purposes); full outer thigh; sway back; 5'7". I do major surgery on a Size 16 Big 4 pattern. I wear a Size 14 Big 4 pattern. Usually a 10-12 in RTW. Does that still sound like you? Also, what do you do with the software pattern to get a more European armhole/sleeve? I am slightly rounded in the shoulder, and with Vogue patterns need to do a forward shoulder as well. Thanks, I really appreciate your input and insights. Tailormaid

1. 
   scrubble4 | Mar 23, 2008 06:04am | #3

   tailormaid:  "Does that still sound like you?"

   Below the waist I think we are sisters.  Above the waist we are different.  I am long waisted, with very erect posture.  But below the waist, sway backed, large outer thighs, long in the crotch, yup that's me.  I like the way the GD pants fit so I think the measurements they ask for must work very well with their software.  Ask them about the way the armhole fits when you are round shouldered.  Say you have heard the armhole fits big from other users.  That is the only thing I still alter and only the circumference.  I just take a tuck from the center of the sleeve at the top of the sleeve cap and run it down to the sleeve hem and then I extend the bodice side seam upwards.  That is because I like a higher, closer fitting sleeve.  I don't like bagginess in the armhole area.  I have also gone in and tweaked my mesurements to make them work with the software so I get the pattern that I want from the measurements they have.  They suggest that in their manual. 

   I think there is currently a thread on Wild Ginger as well.  I think an advanced search will provide you with insights from other threads that will give you questions to ask the companies. 

   I understand your need to check these pattern softwares before purchasing.  Be sure to ask each company about a money back guarantee if the patterns do not work for you.  Good luck.  Let me know which one you go with and then how it works out. 

   Scrubble4

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   tailormaid | Mar 23, 2008 05:41pm | #4

   Thanks for your detailed reply scrubble4! I am leaning towards gettubg Wild Ginger, as there are more tailored options such as two-piece sleeves, princess seams, and raglan sleeve options, which I like to use frequently. I appreciate your letting me know about the armholes. I suspect that with either program you have to get to know its "quirks". The Wild Ginger does have a 90 day return policy, which is good. Thanks again. Tailormaid