click & Sew patterns

I would agree with this. The programs won't help you understand pattern-making as such. But if you're comfortable with altering patterns, and have perhaps drafted some, they cut down your work enormously.

Getting good measurements to start with is crucial, and remember the programs can only do so much (they assume, for instance, that your bust and hips are bigger than your waist, and draft accordingly), but I've found the best fit I've ever had from using them - necklines in the right place, the shoulders bang on, the waist actually over my waistline, and the darts giving an exact fit.

If you have pronounced body assymetries, I understand Dress Shop is the best of the more expensive programs.

:) Trish

Click and Sew patterns are "slices" out of the full Patternmaster Boutique software. Because I have a heavy bust, I have spent my life wrestling with commercial patterns, trying to get them to fit. I bought a couple of C & S, made up one muslin, and was so pleased with it that I promptly ordered the complete package. There is a lot to learn in PMB, and I have not yet had a chance to explore it completely, but I look forward to using it for everything I make in the future. I would much rather do that than continue with trying to "slash and spread" flimsy pattern tissues.

If you have not already done so, I suggest you go to the company website

Olwyn Mary in New Orleans.

With your many years of sewing experience I think you will enjoy using C & S and PMB. If you go to the Wild Ginger web page you can download Wild Things free and have some usable patterns that will give you a bit of insight as to how they put the package together. The demo's are good but I liked the Wild Things because I could print out patterns. They are not for clothing but they are fun. Jj

I looked at them last night and you're right. The Wild Things are interesting. I think I'll go ahead and order a couple of the cds and see how they work out. Thanks for the input. TIZME