I love Burda! The directions stink, so if you are new to sewing you'll need a guide to help you, but if you are experienced and can just throw out the directions or modify/ adjust where needed... They have a great fit (I mostly sew childrens stuff) and they have the best designs. LOVE their stuff. I even subscribe to the Burda world of fashion mag, it's the higlight of my month when that shows up in my mailbox.

Tanya

I'm new to sewing and haven't made anything to wear yet. But after I finish all my Roman shades, throw pillows and other home dec projects, I'll branch out to clothing. I'm just dying to try the Wild Ginger PatternMaster. This is a computer program that allows you to be your own clothes designer. You specify the style, your body measurements, and the amount of ease you want. The program comes up with the pattern which you can print on your printer ( you assemble the pages and tape them together). There's a program for regular womens clothes, but I'm more interested in the one called Curves for activewear and other stretchy fabrics. I'm very particular, and it's nearly impossible to find things I like that fit my petite figure. It would be wonderful if I could make the perfect yoga pants and warm up jackets for myself. I can't wait to try them.

What kind of "difficulty"?

And no need to be shy about griping by company name.

I like Burda. They seem to fit better then the others although the directions aren't too great.
Colleen

My favorite brand of patterns is Vogue. I almost exclusively use it. I find the fit is usually quite good and directions are easy to follow.
I have subscribed to Vogue pattern magazine for many years and always eagerly await its arrival. It features their latest patterns and has informative sewing articles.

Vogue's Today's Fit by Sandra Betzina are my favorite because they have good directions and the European cut crotch like Burda and Neue Mode. I like the fit of Neue Mode, but the directions are skimpy.

I use all big 4, Neu Mode, and New Look (favorite blouse pattern) without a problem. I used one Burda without knowing the seam allowances were not included, I now know.

I would like to know what difficulties you are having including pattern brand and number. Construction methods haven't changed that much...do the method you feel most comfortable using/taught before your sewing "vacation". Technology has changed some things so you may want to loan a book from the library and start reading to refresh your memory. Most of all, take your time, relax and enjoy sewing.

Some shortcuts in today's pattern directions aren't shortcuts in the long run because they take longer to do and machine stitching everything sometimes does not look the best. Example: I do my zippers according to package directions and the way I was originally taught to do them without a problem...I have a problem if I don't machine baste the seam first and press, press, press before, during and after. I still hand sew the last stage of waistbands because it isn't as stiff as sewing in the ditch is with a bit more elasticity when you need it.

If you've got the time and the patience, get the basic pattern each brand puts out. Make a muslin of each one AS IS and see how they fit you. You can take a group of ladies with the same measurments but different body shapes. All may need to make some changes.

I like to make my muslin with 1/4" gingham and extra fabric in the seam allowance. I can make adjustments and easily see what changes I need to make to the pattern.

I haven't had any problems with the New Look patterns, very easy and the price is unbeatable! I have a lot of their patterns, and they are very cheap, great for beginners.

Best fitting patterns - Neue Mode, Burda, Vogue
Most stylish patterns - Neue Mode, Vogue
Best directions - Kwik Sew
Cheapest - New Look

If you have a JoAnn's, look for their pattern sales...sometimes 99 cents each (rarely do Vogue go on sale, tho, and never that cheap).

I make muslins from old sheets. I find it drapes better.

Mary

Absolutely, positively VOGUE..I have just spent the better part of this evening trying to search out a vontage vogue pattern for a childrens coat to no luck on the internet.
Vogue patterns are not for the fast and easy quick sewer but eveything i have ever made from them is worth the while. Besides, I really do beleive they teach you to sew well. Tear it out enuf times and re-read the directions over and over and you'll get it.

I too have recently just retuned to garment sewing-i have three little grandaughters who i am makeing lined spring wool coats for. I am a quilter, but i have to brush back up on my tailoring skilss.

ruth

I remember Betsy McCall paper dolls. Little girls today don't know what they are missing.

If you are into vintage patterns, you can try "Great Fit" patterns for larger women. They are hard to find, however. Also, the vintage Stretch and Sew patterns from the 80s are great also. Look to Etsy and Ebay for vintage patterns. These are all I buy anymore as the new styles are dreadful!

McCalls used to have a bad rep for not being true to size. I have not bought McCalls for years, so don't know if that is still true.