Clovers and Pattern Options

These are my Clovers, by Collette Patterns. And I've gotta tell you, I do love these pants. Even better than the other Anne Klein Vogue pattern that I've made. These are made from cotton twill. No lycra. I like a little lycra, but it's really hard to find a nice pants weight with lycra in my neck of the woods. Therefore, if you do use a non-streatch,  you  have to give yourself a little more wearing ease

I made them according to my measurements, which meant I cut a 12, through the waist and tapered to a 10 through the hips and legs...that's right, my middle aged thicker waist and narrow hips.

That was the only modification I made.  I had an accidental modification when I put the slot pockets in the back, instead of the front. But that's okay. They are kinda cute that way!

I think with a few more fit tweaks ( or, more like fabric tweaks) these will be a great basic pant that can be the basis for many styles.

Wearing a Simplicity jacket I made, and a thrifted top.

So, now that these are checked off my list,

I’m ready for another sewing surge.

On my new list of things to do?

1.       The black eyelet dress (using the Lisette Traveler pattern)

2.       Renfrew tops…probably in multiples

3.       A couple of Weekender Sunshine Tops for layering

4.       Another pair of Clovers, made from some cute, cute, cute stretch orange gingham that
            I found for about $3 a yard

5.       A popover shirt ( I love that name…I saw several on the J Crew site. So cute) , using
            Hot Patterns Plain and Simple Superfantastic Shirt pattern.

6.       A chambray top like the one I saw on Cabi.

Wow, now that I look at it, that’s a lot of independent pattern companies!  I love having the option of the Big Four AND independent companies. It’s great to have  budget friendly patterns always available, especially when you can stock up when Joann’s has those ridiculous .99, 1.99 and 3.99 prices. But I do love the independents, too. My first awareness of them ( other than Amy Butler) was when I started listening to Lori’s podcasts after I returned to sewing and started to take my garment sewing very seriously. I tried Hot Patterns and was a huge fan. And I’ve sewn Serendipity patterns last summer with good success. Most recently, I jumped on the Collette bandwagon, and I have to say again, I love these Clovers. I also have the Jasmine top in my collection, along with the book. Oh, yes…the 

Collette Sewing Handbook... oh, yes, The  Book.

The newest pattern I’ve acquired is the Renfrew top from Sewaholic. And I have to say, I’m pretty excited to work on this one. Who couldn’t use a good, basic tee shirt top? And, no doubt, you’ve been seeing all the test pattern buzz around her newest Cambie dress pattern. SO cute!

How do you get chosen to test sew patterns? I would LOVE to be able to do that!

I have pre-ordered my Gertie book, which I’m super excited about. And I’ve been taking a look at Victory patterns, too.

I guess the thing that’s super cool about all of this is that we have options. And there are a slew of very talented people out there to give us those options.

While I’ve never been afraid to alter a pattern or re-make something, I am ever amazed at these right brain designers who can draft patterns, which is so  technical and left brain.

What are your thoughts on sewing patterns? Are you loyal to any particular type? Does pricing impact how you choose a pattern? What are your favorite independent pattern designers?