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!

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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 Buy Patterns #2

Previously, I wrote about how I buy patterns (3/7/16).  Today, I thought I would show you in a little more detail how I order from ClubBMV.  

First of all, I review the patterns each season when they first come  out.  I've signed up to receive notices directly from ClubBMV when a new group of patterns is introduced.  Also Shams over at Communing with Fabric often reviews a new collection, musing about what she might buy.

I do the same, and add the pattern numbers to my cart.  Then I wait (this is the hard part):  usually within the month a huge sale is announced.  A one-year subscription to ClubBMV costs $9.99, and you get 20% off right away.  But, if you wait, even the $19.95 Vogue designer patterns are on sale for a limited period of time for $4.79!

V9204 (see above) looks perfect for the silk blouse I'll be making next winter to go with the LFJ which is nearly finished.  Fortunately I had ordered 2 1/2 yards of this 54" wide silk from emmaonesock.com (#47222), so even though I have used some for the lining I think there's enough for a blouse.  I like that there are no buttonholes, and some choices for hemline and sleeve length.

Another benefit of these on-line retailers is that both emmaonesock and ClubBMV keep your orders on file, and you can look at them anytime.  I love this feature--hopefully it will save me from buying duplicates!