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.