Another Way to Buy Patterns

I've been using patterns from the Big Four (Vogue, Simplicity, McCalls, and Butterick) my entire life.  Occasionally I would buy an "indie" pattern -- an unusual jacket, for example, at a quilt show or sew expo.  

But this is my first venture into an entirely different system, the magazine method.  Basically, the idea is this:  an entire collection, usually released for a new season, is sold as a catalog with individual patterns on a sheet to be traced off.

I had a hard time picturing how this works, but recently I was tempted by Marfy's special offer, made on the occasion of their 50th anniversary.  They have published a 250 page catalog, which they say contains 380 designs.  Also included are ten flat patterns to be traced.  The special price is just 20 euro for the catalog.  I paid another $20 or so for the shipping.  I ordered directly from their web-site:  http://www.marfy.it/marfy-evergreen-catalog.html, and it arrived in 4-5 days, directly from their headquarters in Ferrara, Italy!

I

I have gone through the entire collection, and marked with stickies those patterns that are included.  Here is the fashion illustration of what appears to me to be a boot-leg pant.  Oddly, there is no mention of the pant on p. 70.  But the paper pattern definitely references that page:

The line drawing clearly shows a slim leg pant, which is exactly what is printed on the paper pattern.   Guess I will have to go through the catalog again to see if there is another fashion illustration featuring a slim leg pant. 

Next, I am showing you what the paper pattern looks like:

The paper measures 34" x 50" and is printed on both sides, and furthermore, has multiple sizing, 42 to 54 (Italian sizing).  That's a lot of lines!!

Needless to say, Marfy patterns aren't for people new to sewing; there are no directions, and no seam allowances.  But the designs--classic, timeless, figure-flattering!  

How I Shop for Patterns #3

My latest order from Club BMV has just arrived!  I always look at the pattern web-sites when the new releases are first announced, so that when Club BMV announces a sale, I am ready.  Now, I would have passed on the above because you can't really see the design.  This is because they chose to photograph the designer's original, which was made up in black.  That's why you have to look at the line drawing:

I've always liked Anne Klein designs, but a few years ago the company went "down-market," and now the clothes that are available in retail are classic designs, but made up in inferior fabrics.  Have a look over at Nordstrom.com to see what I mean. 

Look at how many opportunities there are to fit this jacket!  I have a RTW jacket with these lines and it fits me well.  The princess line on the jacket front will allow me to make a deeper curve for my "C" bust (easy FBA--full bust adjustment), and the waist seam along the back will let me adjust for my sway-back.   There's even a center back seam.  I'll definitely need to make a muslin, but at least the lines already exist.