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Patterns for Silver-haired foxes

Sew Lady | Posted in Patterns on

Is anyone else having problems finding patterns that are flattering to the 50+ lady? I rely on Vogue Woman often, but would like to have some more alternatives. Any suggestions?

Replies

  1. victoria0001 | | #1

    Remember the good old days when patterns fitted properly??!  I think we just need to spend more time fitting now.  I spend most of my time with fitting rather than sewing now!  My personal style is simple clean lines but it has become a challenge because I don't have a body with simple clean lines anymore.  Vogue is still my favourite.  When I get the perfect fit I draft that pattern onto pellon and keep it until I need to adjust some more at a later date.  These patterns can be adapted as styles change.  Have a look at 'The Sewing Workshop Collection'.  Those patterns are stylish and cover a multitude of problem areas. 

     

    1. SewSadie | | #22

      Another good resource is Loes Hinse. Her website is  http://www.loeshinsedesign.com. I made her long Venetian vest in panne velvet and it's a winnder. The jackets fit well also and not as "big" as Sewing workshop styles.

      1. victoria0001 | | #23

        Thanks for the wonderful link - I really like those patterns.  They're much more simplified but very flattering.  My kind of style - didn't know the Loes Hines name.  I hope they ship to Canada.  Thanks Again!!

         

  2. victoria0001 | | #2

    Here is a link to The Sewing Workshop patterns.

    http://www.sewingworkshop.com/index.php/action/category/id/1

    1. user-217847 | | #3

      Hi there victoria0001,

      very greatful to you for the link, as an added bonus I can purchase most of these patterns here in Australia.

      kindest regards

      wombat

      1. Cherrypops | | #5

        Wombat,

        Where can you get the patterns from? Is it Brighton Victoria? Great to find them here!

        I know I have seen them, but I cannot recall. It may have been on a display at Stitches and Craft Show last year.

        cherrypops

        1. user-217847 | | #7

          Cherrypops,

          you were right, you did see them at the Stitches and Craft Fair.

          http://www.perpetualpatterns.com.au  Camberwell Victoria.

          cheers

          wombat

          1. User avater
            susannah_sews | | #10

            Hi to a fellow Aussie!

            I have bought patterns from Perpetual Patterns - quick turn around, and a wide selection of independent pattern suppliers.  Buying direct from the US works well too, but as the savings ususally come from buying three or more patterns, unless you want a few from one supplier, Perpetual Patterns is the go.  A slight increase in price is more than compensated for if you only want one pattern.   (I sometimes convince myself that I need quite a few patterns at a time, and that it is saving money in the long run.  I do the same with fabric.  As a consequence, my fabric and pattern stash is taking over my house, and I think I need to move out into the kids' abandoned tree house!)

            regards

            Susannah (the fabric and pattern-a-holic)

          2. user-217847 | | #12

            Hello there Susannah,

            the first time I saw these patterns was in a Stitches Mag. They were made up, looked fabulous so like you purchased more than one, cost a small fortune. now I wait for the two Stitches and Craft Shows in Sydney check out the patterns made up then GO SHOPPING.(yes I'm yelling for joy) Have you checked out Christine Jonsons Patterns, I've managed to purchase one or four one of which is the boyfriend jacket I may be thick around the middle but I do pocess a great pair of legs I think I can pull it off. Have not yet acquired fabric for all patterns, have to make that a priority. I do wish I had a tree house, for you see I have 4 helpers in the shape of Alaskan Malamutes, they love the machines, there is not enough room for 5 in my sewing room and I know they can't climb trees.

            So where in Aus. are you and what is your favourites?

            Lovely to chat,

            Lee 

          3. Cherrypops | | #15

            Hi Susannah,

            Great to hear you have purchased from 'perpetual patterns' and are happy with the service. Is there a particular pattern designer you are more likely to choose from? I am going to purchase soon.

             

            CherryPops

          4. User avater
            susannah_sews | | #16

            This is a very embarrassing question - yes, I have purchased, and the patterns duly logged in with the rest of my pattern stash (which is nearly as formidable as my fabric stash). 

            regrettfully, I have to admit that at this stage I am actually yet to put pattern and fabric together in any meaningful way.  Once I have, I'm sure I will shout it from the rooftops, and you will be able to hear me without the benefit of electronic communication!

            regards

            Susannah (not sewing nearly as often as she should be)

          5. Cherrypops | | #18

            I know how you feel, my pattern stash is growing and the sewing doesn't seem to catch up.

            eagerly await your 'shout'!

            CherryPops

          6. User avater
            susannah_sews | | #17

            (by the way, I think this is a lovely title for this discussion thread!)

          7. User avater
            Becky-book | | #19

            I must confess to being too literal some times; I thought this thread was about embroidery patterns for silver foxes (the animal)! Finally decided to take a look at it, wow was I wrong!! LOL  Maybe it is because at 52 I still have very few silver hairs myself! But I can really relate to the 'fluffy Grandma' look!

            B

          8. Cherrypops | | #11

            Thank you that's the one! It is great to get them here. CherryPops.

          9. user-217847 | | #13

            Cherryp,

            It was great to be of assistance for once.

            with love,

            wombat

          10. victoria0001 | | #14

            I think all three web sites are excellent resources for patterns.  Thanks for the Christine Johnston Patterns suggestion.  Some of hers would do for me as well.  Makes me feel so much better!!!!

  3. sewingkmulkey | | #4

    Yes, fitting our over 50 bodies is a challenge.  Personally I look for patterns that are classic with a fun twist like uneven hemlines on jackets.  Since I've lost my slim midriff I have to create the illusion.  Rather than choosing a loose style I find a semi-fitted style the best for my figure.   This style fits in a bit right under my ample bust giving a somewhat slimming appearance.  I'm not looking for miracles just trying to look the most stylish for my age.  I also find that wearing bright clear colors compliments my complexion best so I'd advise the over 50 ladies to find and wear their most flattering colors.  As seamstresses we can pick the best colors and fabrics and not resign ourselves to the black and beige of rtw.  Aren't we lucky?

    Karen

     

  4. mimi | | #6

    Sew Lady:  have you looked at the Petite Plus patterns?  They address the less than ideal waist and other fitting problems that middle age brings on.  There are great tutorials included for custom fitting.

    mimi

  5. Teaf5 | | #8

    When I was young and skinny, I loved Butterick and Vogue, but now I find much more practical patterns in Simplicity and McCalls, including the Threads styles.  One key is to re-draw the style onto a mature croquis (as suggested in a sewing magazine a few years ago) before deciding whether it will look good on a mature figure. 

    I'm just finishing a jacket from S 4032, and it is the first with a great princess line for a full-, low-busted mature figure.  (Unfortunately, I chose the version with a flounce that is very pronounced in the center back, which no one besides a super model ought to wear; fortunately, I had enough fabric to replace it with a flat peplum instead!)  I needed to make a narrow shoulder adjustment and a slight fba, but it's flattering and age-appropriate.

    I have made Simp.8468 and 9210 blouses so many times that the patterns are tattered, and I often get compliments when I wear them.  Rather than looking for the intricate lines I could wear as a youngster, I look for fabrics with exquisite colors, patterns, and drape to make into these simple, classic blouses.  Hope that helps get you started!

    1. marymary | | #9

      Teaf5, I looked at the patterns you mentioned.  I love the blouse 8568.  I will have to get that pattern.  The second one is no longer available, apparently.  

      I am 66 and on the fluffy side.  I have been struggling the past few years with what to wear.  I no longer have a job that determines my wardrobe.  The shrunken/pirate/baby doll style is just not for me.  I am not sure I would like it if I were 26.  These styles look uncomfortable to me.  I have been wearing basics, but would like to dress up more.  Every time I find a pattern or fabric that I think will make a great outfit, I ask myself, "Where are you going to wear that?"  I usually end up not making it, or it ends up in the back of my closet.

      This is a great thread and I would love to hear more.

      1. Teaf5 | | #20

        Here are some more favorites:  Threads' Simp. 4586 blouse (great for spring, summer prints)  Simp. 7524 (top, skorts, and skirt fit well) and Simp. 5253 (a long-line fleece jacket that is very flattering). 

        Until I listed them here, I didn't realize that my faves are Simplicity for fit (not affiliated) now that I'm living in a mature body! I always have to do a full bust adjustment and narrow the shoulders by almost an inch on either side, but end up loving the finished garments and wearing them a lot.  I stick with those few patterns and vary the fabrics and details each year, incorporating colors and details that seem popular in the new season.

        1. marymary | | #21

          Thanks Teaf5 for the information about the patterns you use.  I could not see all of them on the Simplicity site, but those I could are, "Out of Print".

          I have to make the same adjustments you do - narrow shoulders and FBA.  I also have to increase the hip.  I am a pear or as the new definition seems to be, a triangle.  I am this shape no matter what my weight.

          I did recently make a couple knit tops with a Vogue pattern that is no longer showing on the site.  It has princess seams and I thought that would be great.  It would give a little styling to a plain top.  The first one I used a tie-dyed knit that I bought just to use as for muslin.  Loved the neckline, so I made another in a solid.  Boy, was that a bad decision.  The seams accentuate my shape, and not in a good way.  When I went back and looked at the tie-dyed one, I realized the seams got lost in the coloration of the fabric.  Learned something here.

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