Replies

1. 
   barbchr | Aug 06, 2005 10:09pm | #1

   I've got Wildginger's Pattern Master Boutique 3 and Taylor Made.  All I've actually made from them are sport shirts for my husband (lots of them) in TM and camp shirts and pull-on pants for myself  in PMB.  I'm a plus size and I liked the way the pants fit.  The waist was in the right place, the crotch was comfortable and the pants were the right length.  The camp shirts looked very nice but, but when I do them again, I'll need to add more ease in the underarm. I've been putting off making more items for myself because I'm trying to loose a significant amount of weight.  You need to take a lot of measurements before you even begin.  If your weight fluctuates or you are loosing a lot of weight, you will probably have to take measurements (and you'll need some help to do it) several times until your body shape stays put.

   As far as I can tell, the only way you would be able to create asymetrical jackets would be in the Pattern Editor of this software.  You would need to select the features and details for your "basic" jacket.  There are options for necklines, sleeves, colars, darts, ease, etc.  There are options for pockets too.  But pocket placement is left up to your own best judgement.

   Then you would need to save your pattern and open it in Pattern Editor.  There, you can cut, angle, curve, lengthen, shorten, pivot, etc.  and otherwise modify the design.  Pattern Editor is a very powerful feature and I have a lot of fun with it.  (I also made a lounger pattern from the basic tent shape and then created a yoke, front pleat and front yoke closure in the Pattern Editor.) If you like to play on the computer, Pattern Editor is a lot of fun.

2. 
   SkiNsew | Aug 08, 2005 02:55pm | #2

   I am a PatternMaster user and have been happy with it.  If you would like to see some of the modifications that can be made using the CAD section of the program (called pattern editor) go to the Wild Ginger web site and click on WG users under the support drop down.  They have many tutorials and project explanations of how some of their regular patterns can be changed into something much more custom.  Also if you look in their article about their Anniversery you will see that they now have a forum that both users and the public can see.  Just click on the word forum, log in and take a look around.

   HTH,  Mary

1. 
   solly | Aug 09, 2005 07:37am | #3

   Thanks so much for your helpful reply (and to Barb, too). I didn't realize that I could get into the support section for WG users with some of the projects. This is what I was looking for. I can see that the program has a lot of potential. I have to rethink my learning curve, though and retrain my brain to look for components (like in quilting) to put together what I want. It looks challenging and that's okay - what a payoff if things really fit! I can see why a lot of you like it. Now I'm off to check out the forum again. Thanks again.

1. 
   barbchr | Aug 09, 2005 07:19pm | #4

   Just wanted to put in a good word for Wild Ginger's tech support. I just ordered the upgrade for Tailor Made 3. I had problems getting it to install. I immediately emailed WG technical support. It was 7 p.m. their time. In less than 10 minutes from the time I sent my first email, I had received two email responses and was up and running. I don't think it gets any better than that!

1. 
   HeartFire | Aug 10, 2005 06:26am | #5

   I'd like to put in another plug for the Wild Ginger software, I have had pattern master botique for quite a while, and I just got "Celebrations" which is their wedding and special occasion package, it is wonderful, many new style lines have been added and I am quite pleased.
   Judy

1. 
   barbchr | Aug 10, 2005 07:54pm | #6

   I've been thinking about getting Celebrations but I only sew for my husband (with Tailor Made) and myself. I might just get it anyway. It sounds like fun to work with.

2. 
   bevaau | Aug 16, 2005 01:43am | #7

   I would value your opinions. I purchased WG Click&Sew as a trial before committing myself to the full PMB3. However, I found it 'not easy' to understand some of the terms they used and could not really work out what was meant. I emailed WG with a couple of specific questions and received a quick reply with a 'document' containing  the information I needed. But, why was that information not incuded in the original package? And is this 'extra' information in PMB3? (It was to do with collar widths and pocket shapes and locations but there may be other areas where the terms I know are not the terms they use.) Will I be forever online asking questions or is there more detailed information than in C&S? Thank you for any inormation/opinions!  Bevaau

3. 
   barbchr | Aug 16, 2005 04:11am | #8

   Iit depends on what terms you might not understand.  There are terms in PMB3 I don't understand, but that's probably just me.  There are a lot of pattern-making terms I don't understand.  I haven't had any problems with collar or pocket terms.  Pocket placement has been something of a problem though.

4. 
   solly | Aug 16, 2005 06:58am | #9

   Hi. Can you tell me the difference between Boutique and Celebrations? Wouldn't they have the same styles basically - just with more detailed techniques and fabrics? It all sounds intriguing.
   I did take the plunge this weekend and ordered Boutique. Son called and is engaged. We'll be traveling to a wedding (we're thrilled!) in the spring in a much warmer climate so I have some sewing to do. I figured I'd better start practicing now (along with the diet I had already started thank goodness). I can't wait for it to arrive. I found the forums very active and helpful. That and some of the examples of current, flattering fashions being made persuaded me not to wait. I was worried they would all look "homemade" rather than "handmade." Sorry, but it's my own lack of imagination. I'm very visual even though I like to noodle through the challenges. The thing I would love to see improved on their site is drawings of the styles available in each package. I feel I am somewhat ordering "blind" and other companies share that information.
   Thanks for your encouragement to us newbies and oldsters getting back into sewing garments.

5. 
   HeartFire | Aug 16, 2005 08:38am | #10

   Solly,
   You can download a demo version of Celebrations to see the different styles, and there are very significant differences. Celebrations has many different sleeve styles, different bodices, waistlines, for the skirt, there is a cut on train or a seperate train
   Now, I do have to say, I have Botique version 2, I dont' know if version 3 had any significant changes in style, but I opted to keep version 2 and get Celebrations.Hope this helps
   Judy

   Edited 8/16/2005 1:39 am ET by HeartFire