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hotpatterns.com update

Author: lulubelle
Date: 11-26-05 10:20

If you have been wondering about the fit, construction, etc. of hotpatterns, there are now several reviews up at http://www.patternreview.com Minimal construction techniques/instruction it sounds like, which I expected. They are gorgeous patterns though.

They stopped taking new orders a few weeks ago because they were so overrun with orders! That's a catch-22 for a new company, and I feel bad for them. There were all kind of shipping delays, mainly because they ran out of print on they're patterns several times (thousands and thousands were ordred, and they only planned for hundreds it sounds like!) Now they've bought their own printing equipment, so they'll be printing on their own, shipping from in-house, etc. That's good news!! They plan to start taking orders again Dec. 1, so if you've been waiting (Like me!) then make sure you sign up for the newsletter, and check the website. http://www.hotpatterns.com

Angie :)

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Re: hotpatterns.com update

Author: Chris Lyon
Date: 11-26-05 11:57

They have some really cute styles. Unfortunately, their sizing won't work for me, but maybe I can reproduce some of them with Patternmaster. Is that legal?

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Re: hotpatterns.com update

Author: jem
Date: 11-26-05 23:12

I think you can pretty well do anything with a pattern for your own use. The problem would be if you were selling their patterns with your changes.

In life and death we belong to God. Through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Sprit, we trust in the one triune God, the Holy One of Israel, whom alone we worship and serve....

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Re: hotpatterns.com update

Author: lulubelle
Date: 11-27-05 13:35

How do you like Patternmaster? I've thought about purchasing it too. I've got Dress shop version 4.? But it's almost obsolete now, and it's so expensive to upgrade. Not terribly user friendly either, LOL

Angie :)

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Re: hotpatterns.com update

Author: MariaP
Date: 12-09-05 16:16

Wow! Where have I been? These patterns are gorgeous and right up my alley. Now, if Antonio Banderas would just ask me out for the evening...........Oops , married! LOL! So am I. Seriously, these are beautiful patterns. I'm impressed.

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Re: hotpatterns.com update

Author: Fairy Godmother
Date: 12-09-05 18:03

I agree on the styles. I do like them, too.

However, I was very put off to find that there are no illustrations in their pattern instructions. As accomplished a sewer as I am, I find that, if they are not going to include illustrations, their written instructions are quite poor for the price that they expect us to pay (which is as much as illustrated patterns).

I never realized that I rely on the illustrations as much as I do. Ever since I was a kid, I would read thru the instructions, and then set them aside and make the garment, referring occasionally to the instructions (or maybe it was the illustrations?) when I got stuck.

Has anyone else ever seen other garment patterns w/o illustrations?

When I saw this, I wondered if it is yet another example of talented folks who have gone into business and used hi-tech resources to produce a poor-quality product themselves.

Okay, I'm off my soapbox now.

Regards,
The Fairy Godmother

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Re: hotpatterns.com update

Author: lulubelle
Date: 01-28-06 11:24

Well, I still haven't ordered any...mainly because most of the reviews seem to have fitting issues, and design flaws.

I think you're right Fairy G-mother, talented "vision" but maybe lacking the skills (or funds to pay someone with those sklils) to produce a quality pattern. Some of the common complaints are:
- Armholes too tight/arms too tight
- length of bodice/sleeve/entire garment not as indicated by design drawing (and with no illustrations inside the pattern...what else are you supposed to go by?
- regular full bust adjustments (and the majority of other regular fitting adjustments) required for fit (which kind of negates having the specialized sizing they offer!!)

All in all, I think the designs are great. The drawings on the patterns, that is. Good eye, good ideas. Lots of "snap". BUT I can apply design elements to my regular ol' Big 4 patterns which are much cheaper and apparently no tougher to fit :D

Too bad, huh?

Angie :)

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Re: hotpatterns.com update

Author: Fairy Godmother
Date: 01-28-06 15:58

It's really beginning to sound more and more like some talented folks who have jumped into this w/o the follow-thru necessary to do it right or well, I'm afraid.

That talent in the design dept. doesn't mean much if it is not translated into good patterns with things like consistent drafting & sizing and clear instructions.

Regards,
The Fairy Godmother

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Re: hotpatterns.com update

Author: lulubelle
Date: 01-29-06 17:38

Bless their hearts too, they seem to be super nice folks. From "across the pond" as my British ex used to say, LOL. They were really unprepared for the huge flux of orders they received when they originally opened for business and, I believe, have STILL not ever caught up all the original orders placed before Oct. 1!!!

Another thing that gave me pause was that they have already discontinued several styles from their original line of patterns and added new ones! This company is less than 6 mos. old! I mean, possibly those styles were not selling as "hotly" as some others...but they really haven't given them a chance either! 2 of the patterns were ones I was interested in but wanted to wait until the hype died down, and I had a better guage of what type of company they were before I ordered. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has waited to this point to order for the same or similar reasons. But sheesh, now I'll never be able to order those 2 patterns because they're already "passe" apparently!
Poor business management skills & lack of experience in this arena I'm sure, but what a shame at the same time! Live and learn I guess, and of course it's much easier for me to "see" flaws from the outside.

Ok, now I'm off MY soapbox, haha :D

Angie :)

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Re: hotpatterns.com update

Author: Fairy Godmother
Date: 01-30-06 17:05

The ODD thing is that if you REALLY read the reviews at www.patternreview.com, the reviewers will mention notches missing on pattern pieces, lining pieces the wrong size, instructions missing for several steps, sleeves too skinny, a detail on the illustration that is not in the finished garment (but then say that it matches the picture!), etc., etc., etc., and THEN recommend the pattern.

I guess they are so dazzled by the style that they don't care about the shoddy product. I am an advanced sewer, but would be absolutely livid! I would feel as if my money had been stolen.

Regards,
The Fairy Godmother

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Re: hotpatterns.com update

Author: Fairy Godmother
Date: 01-31-06 12:18

Well, I've just been re-reading this dialogue and my posts, and gosh, I sound negative! So sorry, y'all. I guess I really get on my soapbox about shoddy quality. Forgive me?

I REALLY wish I could get with the hotpatterns gals and help them get this all straightened out, b/c I think they really have talent. I sure would hate to see this line go by the wayside due to their not following thru on things like these quality issues and business items like production and keeping patterns in their line long enough... We'll just have to wait and see!

Regards,
The Fairy Godmother

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Re: hotpatterns.com update

Author: lulubelle
Date: 02-14-06 18:00

Oh don't worry about it! I was being negative too, LOL. I love some of the styles too...but you're exactly right (and so am I, haha) to be cautious. We're seeing very real issues with this new company. all new companies have growing pains and hopefully they'll get it straightened out. I just think they bit off a tad more than they can chew! They started out with too much...maybe 6 or 8 patterns total for their first year (or even half-year) would have been more managable and also easier to handle on the design side. They would be able to catch mistakes WAY before the patterns were shipped to thousands of customers.

The PR girls are a lovely bunch, I adore them! All 50,000 of them, haha (just kiddin) They do love the styles and Trudy (HP designer) and Jeremy her husband are very helpful and active on the boards. Trudy is just a doll and gives the best fashion advice! It's obvious she has muchas talent! I think they'll get it all worked out. But I'm still not ordering for a while, LOL. I'm holding out for consistent manufacturing/printing/shipping/AND good reviews!

Angie :)

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Re: hotpatterns.com update

Author: Donna Ruggiero
Date: 03-27-06 14:09

Just joined this message board and saw the postings for hot patterns. I ordered the Miss moneypenny pattern and made it. Never saw the review of the pattern, just noticed the company write up in threads magazine. The instructions were minimal, you really have to know what you are doing. The sleeves and armholes were tight, thought it was only me! Loved the styles. I adjusted the sleeves and tried to adjust the armhole, the hem of the blouse and the hem of the sleeves I made maderia applique. The pattern also is supposed to be adjusted for cup size, but my goodness, I could swim in the size cup I should be able to fit into (this also needed adjustments) The neckline had minimal instructions, difficult to comprehend. All in all, the styles are great, instructions minimal, fitting problems!

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