Author Topic: Sure Fit Designs? (Read 68117 times)

melissamade · « **on:** March 12, 2011, 07:20:48 PM »

Has anyone any experience with using Sure Fit Designs? Im tempted to get their pants kit. I need pants help ASAP. there are NO garment classes here.
http://www.surefitdesigns.com/Pants-Kit.html

thanks..

makeupmaven · « **Reply #1 on:** March 13, 2011, 10:54:17 AM »

Never heard of this line or Glenda. The name was interesting so I went to the website to peruse. Interesting concept. IMHO, a lot of money to fork out blind. I see Glenda did a presentation for Medford, OR ASG in January. I would email the Medford presdient and ask your questions: medford@asg.org.

Gail
president, Cincinnati ASG

sammie_s · « **Reply #2 on:** March 13, 2011, 10:59:44 AM »

Suggestion: watch Peggy Sagers on line web cast videos on fitting pants before you spend lots of $$. She has lots of great information. www.silhouettepatterns.com I think the videos are referenced on the opening page. Jut my 2 cents.

Claudia · « **Reply #3 on:** March 13, 2011, 11:25:14 AM »

15 years or so ago Glenda Sparling came to our ASG chapter and gave her program. As usual, in the excitement of a new concept I spent way too much, took it home and ended up not using. We have sales at our chapter meetings of donated fabric and notions - this program keeps showing up so I guess it hasn't really caught on.

Claudia

Gigi Louis · « **Reply #4 on:** March 13, 2011, 01:29:28 PM »

Just like Claudia, I got caught up in the excitement and purchased the entire program quite a few years ago. It was too much work for me so I sold it on Ebay for pennies on the dollar.

Patti B · « **Reply #5 on:** March 13, 2011, 02:03:24 PM »

I took a pants fitting class with Glenda last year and did wind up with a very nice fitting pair of pants. She is very helpful both in person and via email -- she really wants you to develop a well-fitting pattern. If you fit pants patterns without much fuss or muss, it might be too much work but if you are stymied by fitting pants, it is very useful. Truthfully, it wasn't that much work but accurate measurements are a must and the patience to transfer them to paper. From there, you make a muslin and see how it fits. Hope this helps!

Carolyn · « **Reply #6 on:** March 22, 2011, 09:37:00 AM »

Glenda is the guest on Pattern Review tomorrow night. Looks interesting. Thanks for the input. Has anyone had a positive experience with it?

annlittle1 · « **Reply #7 on:** March 28, 2011, 06:09:39 PM »

My friend and I found Sure-Fit Designs in February. Since then I've made a pair of pants and a shirt. I'm working on a pair of jeans now. all have fit very well. I had to slim the pants down just a little bit. The blouse fit beautifully. I enjoy drawing off the patterns, but then I enjoy the process of fitting, altering, and sewing.

My friend, Joy, has made at least two blouses from SFD, a pair of pants and is now also working on a pair of jeans. We've spent a lot of time working on fitting patterns the last two years. We are comfortable changing patterns and doing the fitting, SFD was a very comfortable next step.

I thought the price was very good, but I was at the point of seriously considering Bernina's "My Label" as my next step. SFD was much less than BML. You don't have to buy the whole thing at one time. If you aren't sure you want to invest in the whole set, just get the pants or the shirt kit and try it out. Glenda, the owner, has been wonderful. She answers questions promptly and is always very helpful.

I'm not related in any way to Glenda or SFD, just a happy customer. I've been lurking here for several months and have really learned a lot. I just couldn't stay lurking when one of my favorite sewing subjects came up.

fzxdoc · « **Reply #8 on:** March 28, 2011, 07:14:43 PM »

Thanks for coming out of lurkdom, annlittle1, with such a helpful review. I'm going to give this program a closer look.

Kathryn

sdBev · « **Reply #9 on:** March 28, 2011, 08:48:19 PM »

Carolyn · « **Reply #10 on:** March 29, 2011, 07:29:18 AM »

Thanks Ann for the information. I plan to purchase the whole set for my Birthday next month. I used a computer program several years ago, but I'm so comfortable with tracing off and making my own alterations, I thought this would fit my thought process and comfort zone better. Besides, I hate printing off and taping pieces of paper together. All the comments on Pattern Review have been very positive. I sent an e-mail to Glenda about the system and got a very prompt reply. Also, she has been using Skype to look at problems anyone is having with fitting. I thought that was a great idea.

I have never taken the time to get a really good sloper. I thought this would be an excellent opportunity to accomplish that and use it to not only design but use with existing patterns. There is also another new review on Pattern Review today for the Skirt kit.

Ann, did you have any problems with the measuring? That seems to be where most people have had some problems.

Martha Domke · « **Reply #11 on:** March 29, 2011, 10:14:07 PM »

Does anyone know if this is a new name for a company called American Fashion Institute? I bought a pattern-making set of "stuff" many years ago, and the only time I used it was for a friend who was making a dress for a very large lady singer. I told friend what and where for the measurements, did the marking and tracing for her. The dress turned out to be a perfect fit for the lady.

Lisanne · « **Reply #12 on:** March 30, 2011, 04:42:19 AM »

Just a small comment for those of you who are 'upper torso problem fits' like me. I have an old Sure-Fit set. The bodice in the dress kit covers bust, cup size, bust point position, waist, back waist length, high hip and hips, shoulder and arm length. if like me you have a lot of problems with shoulders, forward neck, round upper back, unusual armholes (or any other sort of fit problem above bust level), you have to deal with all that for yourself. But a very visual method, which I like. And the booklets on pattern making, altering the patterns to make other styles, are excellent.

Patti B · « **Reply #13 on:** March 31, 2011, 07:52:02 AM »

Martha, it isn't the same but the approach may be similar. Lisanne, I think that Glenda has addressed some of those issues in her updated versions but it might be worth emailing her to ask.

Lisanne · « **Reply #14 on:** April 01, 2011, 09:17:44 AM »

Thanks for the pointer Patti - it'll be helpful to others to have more up-to-date information. I happen to have moved away from software/ Bonfit/ Sure-Fit types of approach to fitting these days. After much exploring of ways which are supposed to make things easier, I find 'reading the muslin' is what suits me best after all ! (though of course it helps that I've learned so much by trying to get other methods to work. . .)

Carolyn · « **Reply #15 on:** April 01, 2011, 10:15:38 AM »

There are a couple of things drawing me to getting the Sure Fit Design system. I have learned a lot about fitting through the years, and am able to achieve a very good fit with most of my garments - pants and tops. However, I'm tired of making the same alterations over and over again. I want to get a good sloper. The other draw to the system is I want to start drafting/ designing my own patterns. I think with a good sloper, it would be so easy to see the technical drawings and do my own.

woolybulle · « **Reply #16 on:** April 01, 2011, 02:13:49 PM »

the sure fit pattern system reminds me of a video i saw on patternreview.com; it's called the lutterloh pattern system. it's been around for awhiile. i have seen it for sale on patternreview upon occasion. has anyone ever triied it?

sammie_s · « **Reply #17 on:** April 01, 2011, 04:26:31 PM »

Quote from: woolybulle on April 01, 2011, 02:13:49 PM

the sure fit pattern system reminds me of a video i saw on patternreview.com; it's called the lutterloh pattern system. it's been around for awhiile. i have seen it for sale on patternreview upon occasion. has anyone ever triied it?

There is a Lutterloh thread here you might check out. I sold the one I purchased a number of years ago. I suppose I didn't want to take the time with it.

annlittle1 · « **Reply #18 on:** April 03, 2011, 11:17:13 AM »

Carolyn, I'm sorry it took so long to get back to you on this. I got hung up on reading the Burda thread and just now got back to this.

Measuring is very easy in this system. Glenda demonstrates very clearly how to do the measuring. She does some things very differently than we are used to, but the instructions in the book and the video are very clear.

I am almost finished with my jeans. I used my pants sloper from my first pair of pants and followed the directions in the book to change it to jeans. The only problem that I had was that the pockets on the rear were hanging off of my tail feathers (behind) because I am very short from waist to the top of my legs. I shortened them by 1 1/2" and then realized I was going to have to put them up higher. When I finish them I'll try to post a picture.

Carolyn · « **Reply #19 on:** April 03, 2011, 11:20:47 AM »

Can't wait to see your jeans, Ann. Sounds like you have had good success. I've been very impressed with Glenda and her customer service. That goes a long way in deciding on a product.

Jane S · « **Reply #20 on:** April 03, 2011, 03:29:06 PM »

Ann, I am looking forward to seeing your new jeans. I am going to take a look at Sure Fit Designs to see if it something I want to invest in.

MandySA · « **Reply #21 on:** April 10, 2011, 07:26:12 AM »

Like you, AnnLittle, this topic has caused me to come out of lurkdom where I have been for too long.

I first read about Sure Fit Designs in the Australian Stitches magazine vol 19, nos 4 and 5, with at least one more to come. I took the plunge and ordered the 3-kit combo and DVD today and all going well it should reach me in South Africa in 2-3 weeks time.

As you have said of yourself, Carolyn, I am more comfortable with tracing than with printing from the computer. For me, once scissors and glue come into the equation accuracy goes out the window. Last year I did a hobby course in fashion design and pattern cutting, and I am hoping that well-fitting slopers could be the missing link and I'll at last be able to "put it all together".

Isn't this global village amazing? In South Africa I read about an American system in an Australian magazine, and here we all are "talking" about it on the same page!

Carolyn · « **Reply #22 on:** April 10, 2011, 12:01:55 PM »

It is amazing, Mandy. I have friends from this board all over the world, and I feel I know some of you very well. I often think I'll run into some of you at my local Walmart, forgetting that you are in Australia, England, and now South Africa. Thanks for coming our of lurkdom and joining us.

Glenda is having a public chat this Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. Central Standard Time. Unfortunately, I have another commitment but wanted to pass the information along. I plan to order the Works this week. Once we start working with it, we should post our results on this thread. I'd love to see what others are doing with it.

MandySA · « **Reply #23 on:** April 10, 2011, 12:50:32 PM »

Thanks for the warm welcome, Carolyn. I think it's a great idea to share our ideas and experiences on this thread once we get going.

I won't be able to listen to the public chat either - I'll be snuggled up in bed because it will be 3 a.m. here! Perhaps Glenda will pass on information coming out of the chat in some other manner, such as in her newsletter.

The Kit as a birthday present is a lovely idea, whether it is a "milestone" birthday or just a "special" one. Either way, happy birthday in case I miss it next month!

Carolyn · « **Reply #24 on:** April 10, 2011, 07:35:57 PM »

Thanks, Mandy. It's just a boring 52nd birthday. My husband is thrilled he doesn't have to come up with something to give me. I wondered what time it would be in South Africa. I asked Glenda if she could post the transcript online, and she said she would try. I'm looking forward to making the slopers up, as well as drafting my husband some shirts.

PJsewingal · « **Reply #25 on:** April 14, 2011, 09:32:50 AM »

So, I ordered the "pants" system after seeing a couple of reviews on PatternReview. I have WildGinger software and have tried many times to make pants. I am not a pattern drafter, so I really couldn't figure out what to do to make the required adjustments. I tried a Connie Crawford pattern - no go. Tried a Sandra Betzina pants pattern, better, but still not perfect. I can actually buy pants that fit fine, so my thought was why can't I make pants that fit!! I am plus sized, but no major issues like overly large difference between waist and hips, etc. What I do have is a much shorter front crotch length than back crotch length, and most patterns don't really address that.

Let me say - the first test pants from this system are FABULOUS!

The crotch is perfect (or at least I think so), the waist is 99% there. I need to work on slimming down the legs a bit in the back thighs, but I think I know how to do that. I am very excited now to be able to make some bermudas, and pants in the colors & fabrics I want, rather than what is available in RTW.

And, best of all - it was actually quite simple!

Paula

marciae · « **Reply #26 on:** April 14, 2011, 09:57:23 AM »

Great news Paula. Once you get a TNT pant pattern you'll be addicted!! Keep us posted.

Jane S · « **Reply #27 on:** April 14, 2011, 10:46:46 AM »

I am so wanting to try this system. I think I will order this.

Carolyn · « **Reply #28 on:** April 14, 2011, 10:59:46 AM »

Finally, someone on this board who has actually tried it recently! Thanks Paula for the report. I'm going to get the Works kit. Birthday is May 3rd, so I've been trying to hold out to get it near my birthday. But my patience is wearing thin. I'm excited that I can not only use it for myself, but also draft shirt patterns for my husband.

Congratulations on the sucess of your pants. Can't wait to hear (and see) what else you do with it.

annlittle1 · « **Reply #29 on:** April 14, 2011, 06:24:00 PM »

I'm finished with my jeans and I'm trying to post a picture, but as usual, I'm having problems. I thought it looked easy. Just use the attach button, but nothing seems to be happening. Its me; I just always have problems when I want to post pictures.

Anyway, I'm super happy with my jeans. As soon as I put them on I knew that they fit better than any RTW jeans I've ever bought. I can't wait to make the next pair. I sent a picture to Glenda (after a big struggle!) and she thought they still needed the flat back adjustment, which I forgot to do.

annlittle1 · « **Reply #30 on:** April 14, 2011, 06:26:24 PM »

I did it!

Yeah! Maybe I'll go for the back picture now. Remember, I forgot to do the flat back adjustment and I'm standing funny.

Ann

marciae · « **Reply #31 on:** April 14, 2011, 06:35:40 PM »

Looks like your pretty darn close - for a first attempt I'd say it was darn good. How does she tell you to do the FBA?

annlittle1 · « **Reply #32 on:** April 14, 2011, 07:05:03 PM »

Glenda's instructions suggest you use a muslin to perfect your fit, but I' ve done enough fitting on my short round body that I knew they were pretty close after I drew the pattern, so I skipped the muslin. She has you take out a seam the full length of the back. If you need more shaping then you would do a double-ended dart in the area that needs more shaping. This,you then transfer to your pattern. Because I didn't do a muslin I'll do the Palmer Plesch method when I do my next pair. I'll take a pleat of about 1/2" out of the back of the pattern all the way down. I had to slim the legs down a bit for me so I should have plenty of room to do that.
Ann

marciae · « **Reply #33 on:** April 15, 2011, 06:01:26 AM »

Thanks - I've used Ann R's method - always nice to hear about other options!

Patti B · « **Reply #34 on:** April 15, 2011, 06:42:58 AM »

Paula and annlittle -- woohoo! Pants success! Paula, we'll be waiting for a photo if you can do that. Ann, I'm so glad you said that you're going to slim down the leg for the next pair. These are looking good through the body for sure! What a great feeling to have some positive tangible results.

News:

Author Topic: Sure Fit Designs? (Read 68117 times)