Your Tried and True (TNT) patterns and why

[cmarie12]

My TNT patterns for my basics are from patterns that are over a decade old...won't do you much good now to give you the numbers since most of them are OOP.  Personally I think you should find patterns of garments you like and work with them until they become TNT.  That means you have to make them more than once or twice, though! 

And I don't have any tips for using TNTs with different fabrics - that is part of the excitement of the journey for me.  How can I manipulate the fabric to get a different look to the same garment?  How will the fabric work differently with the fabric than another will?  It's just part of the adventure...part of the creative process.  Part of the reason I like working with TNTs so much.  Nevermind the ability TNTs give me to make or adapt ideas or garments that I've seen...like I said earlier, my TNT patterns allow me to express myself creatively instead of just worrying about fit issues.

[CanAndi]

I have a Burda WOF jacket that has quickly become a TNT.  I've made it with and without the collar for business attire to go with slacks and skirts.  With a minor centre front adjustment, I have made a zipped light winter jacket out of some quilted fabric with a flannel lining and I know that it will get made up again in the future - I have a vision of it with drafted cuffs...more to come on that.

Other than that I have a McCalls shell that I have made numerous times for under blazers, and a Vogue blouse that is on its third run currently.  I have twice made it out of silk and now am making a white cotton version.

For the staples, you cannot beat a TNT for a quick sewing hit. 

Andrea

[RuthieK]

My current TNTs are a Burda WOF pant, and several knit tops. I also have a straight skirt.
I'm not there on jackets, though I am making lots of those cardiwraps, which will be more useful once it warms up a bit more.

[LizGo]

I'm a pattern hog. Although I have TNTs, I sometimes - no idea why I do this - will go through all the trouble of altering a new pattern, when I have a perfectly good TNT such sitting there, only to ask myself later why I didn't just use my go-to pattern instead. Glutton for punishment, I guess.

At any rate, my TNTs are mostly pant patterns. They are: Any Loes Hinse pant pattern. They always fit. Always. But these are mostly drapey, full leg pants. If I want a slim pant, La Fred Daphne or an oop Vogue. Also, I will trust just about any New Look or Burda. New Look 6570 pant I have made several times times. And Simplicity 4885 I have also made several times.

Knit tops: Christine Jonson BW II, LH Perfect T, La Fred Thia T - really love that one. It's more structured than most T's and so pretty. I've made the LH Sweater Set several times.

Skirts - Don't make a lot of skirts but La Fred Iris Skirt if I want to take the time, any LH if I'm in a hurry.

Coats: I've made the CJ Easy Coat twice and worn both coats to death, so does that count a TNT? I tailor them more than she instruct you to do. I've also made the LH Sweater coat twice - and worn the daylights out of them and also the La Fred Artemis.

Jackets: You can't beat the Nancy Erickson jacket IMHO but again if I just want something quick to throw on, more like a cardigan jacket, any of several LH designs.

Dress: Don't have a TNT dress pattern because I just don't make that many dresses. But the LH NY dress, the simple fitted version is a favorite.  I also made the Barcelona dress several times, and that is DH's favorite.

By LH I  mean Loes Hinse ...

[marciae]

I'm a pattern hog. Although I have TNTs, I sometimes - no idea why I do this - will go through all the trouble of altering a new pattern, when I have a perfectly good TNT such sitting there, only to ask myself later why I didn't just use my go-to pattern instead. Glutton for punishment, I guess.

Are you my twin???   Sometimes I'll scold myself as I start looking thru patterns deciding 'what' to make next!  (Why not try a TNT??)  Maybe it's the "thrill of the chase"?

[ejvc]

I am surprised about how many of the independent designers are on these TNT lists, actually.  It's very interesting.

[deb]

Just about any of the Loes Hinse patterns are TNT for me.  I have not purchased the last couple of new ones, but I will.  I love how quickly they can be sewn, and how the upper body fits in the shoulders.  If my weight goes up or down (currently up) I just add to the side seams in the hips.  The simplicity of the patterns let the fabrics, and accessories take center stage.  I am nearly 5 feet 8, and I just add to the lengths for her pants.  I love her philosophy... No muslins, no tinkering with adjustments, just straight simple sewing, without overthinking everything.  Her style just meshes with my limited sewing time, and I am happier knowing that when I sit to sew, I will have a winning garment.  The ones I have lost count sewing are: the swing skirt, bolero jacket ,sweater set, new york dress ( just yesterday in deep rose stretch velvet), tunic blouse, casablanca blouse, gore skirt, skirt trio (all views), cruise pants, oxford pants, european pants, venetian vest, kimono jacket.

[DebraMartin]

Here is an update on the BURDA pattern I am hoping will become my TNT sheath dress.  This is how it looked before I attached the collar and facing.  The hem and kick pleat still need finishing as well.

 

(pictures are linked to a blog posting about this pattern)

Edited to update photo link

[reanns]

Vouge 9968 - seems to no longer be in print.  I pulled this little Elements Very East Vogue out of my pattern stash yesterday as I loved just how easy it was - plus the measurements on the pattern envelope matched mine exactly - when has that ever happened before?!  Of course I double-checked just to make sure they weren't lying  

I had purchased several print jerseys at Michael's in NYC several years ago and they said it was time I made something out of them!  With such large and colorful prints, I needed a very simple pattern that wouldn't overwhelm them.  The pattern and fabric were a perfect match!  What I loved about this fabric is it's wad-able.  I can toss it in my suitcase and it takes up hardly no room or add any weight.

And ladies, it took me exactly 1 hour to lay out, cut out and sew this dress together!  Only 2 pattern pieces and though the pattern says to do French seams I thought, this is why I bought a serger.  Going out to dinner and want a new dress (knits only) then this is the pattern to hunt down and find.

The cowl neck is part of the both the front and back pieces and just falls gracefully down around your neck.  It would be great if your fabric didn't have a right or wrong side as it's possible that the 'wrong side' might show when the cowl falls.  But I didn't find this a problem.  Could easily fold the fabric so the 'wrong side doesn't show.  I also added a very slim black belt but it most certainly doesn't need it as it just skims the body.

ReAnn

[tumblina]

Wow, ReAnn, I never would have guessed that pattern would work up so nice!!

My TNTs are Jalie 2005 T (which I've gone through a couple of tissue copies already, so now I have it on freezer paper!), and a pants draft that was originally based on a BWOF pattern, which I've now made in varying leg widths, with slant, jean-style, and side seam pockets, and added a yoke waistband to. I've got a jean pattern about 90% of the way there (although with those little things who knows, might turn out to be a major reno job!). And just finished fitting a button up shirt (which so far is as close as I'm going to get to a blouse... self-drafted).

Jackets - I have folders full of inspiration shots, but really, I haven't needed one for 13 years now (since my last out-of-the-academy job interview ), and in fact would look entirely out of place with one. I keep looking for the one that will call out to me that I can still wear out of the house!

Skirts, I have a basic A-line and 6/8 gore skirt self drafted, but then I keep finding neat ones at the second hand shops, so I won't be needing more any time soon!

Dresses - well, they are my fun things. Usually it's not so hard to get them fitted correctly, and I don't need them very often, so they are a unique adventure every time! I may regret that in a couple of weeks if it looks like I can actually complete SWAP - my last dress is going to be quite the effort, so I'll have to put it aside and pick something quick and easy if it's the only hold-out!

[Elona]

Vouge 9968 - seems to no longer be in print.  I pulled this little Elements Very East Vogue out of my pattern stash yesterday as I loved just how easy it was...The cowl neck is part of the both the front and back pieces and just falls gracefully down around your neck.

ReAnn, I love that pattern!  It has always seemed to me that a good cowl top should have the same pretty drape in both the front and the back.  I mean, why shouldn't the back be as interesting as the front?  And yet patterns with this design feature are very rare.

 Anyhow, upon seeing your pretty photos, I looked at ebay and found that fine pattern.  Score!

[Terri K]

Way to go ReAnn!   I thought the Vogue Elements were some of the best patterns they ever produced.   They were all well designed basics.     I have a few of them and they would be right in style today, just as ReAnn proved with her super looking dress.

[shams]

What a great dress, ReAnn!  You've certainly kicked into "productivity" mode.    I've never heard of the Vogue Elements patterns - they must have come and gone during my sewing hiatus.

[reanns]

Thanks for the kind words.  I'm so old and been gone from sewing for so long that I didn't realize that Vogue no longer produced Elements! 

ReAnn

[fzxdoc]

I have a bunch of those old Vogue Elements patterns, ReAnn, and I recognized your fav right away. Your dress really turned out cute! It would look great with a wider black belt as well, perhaps. It's always fun to play around with accessories.

I love the colors in that print. You're ready for warm weather with that pretty dress!

Kathryn

[Ann]

What a wonderful dress ReAnn. It is so nice to find a pattern that goes together quickly and looks great. Like Kathryn said, try it with a wider belt for another look.

Ann

[Jacs]

Reann that looks a million dollars - Kwik sew have a similar pattern that is still in stock that I have made up lots with the same satisfying results.

[ejvc]

Reann, that dress looks great!  These patterns must have come out during my 10-year sewing "break" -- I don't recall them.

[JS]

I'm a pattern hog. Although I have TNTs, I sometimes - no idea why I do this - will go through all the trouble of altering a new pattern, when I have a perfectly good TNT such sitting there, only to ask myself later why I didn't just use my go-to pattern instead. Glutton for punishment, I guess.

Are you my twin???  Sometimes I'll scold myself as I start looking thru patterns deciding 'what' to make next!  (Why not try a TNT??)  Maybe it's the "thrill of the chase"?

I'm a pattern hog too, but I prefer to think of myself as a pattern collector. I call my stash (pattern and fabric) my imaginary wardrobe. It's all about the possibilities and yes, the thrill of the chase. The next one will be better, more current, or just different.

I would love to have a few TNT patterns and am working towards that to help with fitting issues.

[fzxdoc]

I call my stash (pattern and fabric) my imaginary wardrobe.

That's perfect. I may borrow that phrase, if you don't mind, JS. 

Kathryn

[sammie_s]

I'm a pattern hog too, but I prefer to think of myself as a pattern collector.

Well said, I am a hog, aka "collector" too.     It's so addictive!

[vtmartha]

Great line, JS!  I don't really need many clothes so, while the idea of a TNT is appealing, I rarely sew anything repeatedly except for tees.  I like to try different patterns just for the experience.  I did sew three different skirts from the same 'pattern' this winter in preparation for a trip but there wasn't much fitting involved so it became an adventure in production sewing. 

[Myrna]

My TNT patterns never bore me...they actually are quite liberating and allow me a creative freedom that makes sewing exhilarating for me.

I haven't been back sewing long enough to have many T & T patterns. Only one. New Look 6735. I don't consider a pattern a T & T until I've made it at least a half dozen times, perfected the fit, and have started to use it as the base for designing. If I trust it enough to be a base, it's a T & T.

My imaginary wardrobe is large, varied, and exceedly fun. LOVE that phrase. Now for the real wardrobe - LOL.

- Myrna

[cmarie12]

Reanns - your dress is beautiful!  I remember those Vogue elements patterns - there was so much design in only a few pieces.  I think they were meant to encourage young women to sew...y'know the most bang for your time!  I still have a few in my pattern stash, too!  Now that's something Vogue should return to!

[stashpanache]

I LOVED my TNT patterns but alas, they no longer fit, even though I weigh the same.  So, now that my body is more "southern" I must start over.

[marciae]

I just made a pair of 'jeans' out of my NE TNT pants pattern!!  I've never done anything that 'different' with a pattern - but this worked quite well.  I posted them on the NE thread.  I've tried a couple of different 'twists' on my TNT top - but it didn't turn out like I wanted.  I like a TNT pattern as you can make something new in record time - with not much thinking!!

[Sewingagain]

What wonderful inspiration.  You have some terrific examples.  I'm getting back to my sewing and am in process with the weight issue  I'm working toward a few TNTs but I'll have to adjust as weight changes.  It's worth it.  I've just reached a happy point with my latest muslin for Hotpatterns Marrakesh Pants so that's my next new garment.  If it turns out like the muslin that pattern will become a staple.  I also need jeans (jsterns pattern), skirts (making my own pattern from a RTW that I actually found last week), a blouse (maybe V1170), tees for my hotflashes (jsterns tee and Sandra Betzina's V8151 in the wrap front), and a jacket (unknown).  I'll try these out over the summer and try to get them to wearables for TNTs.  I'll also need a more classic, trim flat front slacks for heavier fabrics.  I'll keep my eyes open here for what you are all having great success with.  Now - fun time!

[DebbieF]

Maybe we could start a campaign for Vogue to bring those back.  I absolutely loved those patterns, even though I think I only purchase one.  My time I realized they would be perfect wardrobe building patterns, they were discontinued....