Has anyone used Amy Butler patterns for clothes?

[vorpalblade]

... not the bags and quilts etc. I was wondering whether they are any good?

I'm struggling to buy my v. tall daughter nice age appropriate clothes so thought I might make some - looking at the sizing, she will fit into a Amy Butler extra small size, and she likes the designs and fabrics. I haven't sewn clothes for ages (apart from fancy dress!) - are they tricky or will I get on OK with them? I used to be v. competent - could do bias skirts, waistbands, pleats, tops with linings etc.

Keen to know before I splash out on ££££!

i have never used them before (being a burda girls myself) but if you think they might work i would splash out on one pattern.

cut it out and size it up over an article of clothng that fits your DD fell or closer than other items. If it looks ok go ahead and make it up.

the art of using patterns is to know the maker well and know just when and were to adjust them for yourself/family. thats why i have stuck with Burda for so long - they seem to be more my body shape than other patterns.

go on just get one and have a go, you know you want to.

I have heard that her patterns are easy to follow so you should be fine.

If you're using expensive fabric, it might be worth your wile doing as trial run with really cheap old fabric to gwet some practice in. Then you'll know what the tricky bits are too and if the sizing needs adjusting.

Oh, thanks moocowme, that's a good tip about putting the pattern over an item that fits - will try that. I can see the sense in a trial run too - but I just don't think I have the time. I'm only going to use some cheap-ish cotton print in any case, so not a terribly expensive mistake if it doesn't work out.

I have bought the 'Liverpool dress' pattern - in a fit of total nostalgia for a shirt dress my Grandma made for me when I was 10 years old! Will let you know how it goes ...

I've been thinking about making DD some summer dresses. She's not a particularly difficult size but it's not all that easy to get simple summer dresses without frills and/or in pink. I particularly like patterns from Modkids, I'm not very confident about the actual sewing part though so perhaps I'll do it next year when I'll be living closer to my Mum.

Oh they're cute! But (sadly) too tiny for my giant 10 yr old ...

Oh yes, sorry. I see now they only go up to age 7.

Have you had a look at Jako-o for simple clothes? If you're buying in Sterling it's not particularly cheap at the moment but I think they go very tall.

love the fabrics used on that site, Bran! Have fun sewing with your Mum... will you be leaving the Island?

Yes and no re leaving the island. We're moving to Dublin but DH will still need to come back a fair bit for work so we're keeping our flat for at least 6 months to see how much we need it.