Review: THE AVID SEAMSTRESS Indie Sewing Pattern Collection

[@velvetvert9431]

Just listening to you talk about these patterns is a fitting masterclass. Thank you for the time and effort that went into this!

[@InsidetheHem]

You're very welcome!

[@annesullivan1171]

I have made 2 of the gathered dress and I have been complimented so much. I have a flat bum and big bust and it is soooo comfy ❤

[@SunShine-000]

Beautiful, classic collection here! Thanks Lindsey for reviewing this pattern maker! Now that I’ve found IG and Pinterest posts of AS patterns, there are at least three that I plan to get. Yes, these are basic shapes, but beautifully streamlined and elegant. I definitely foresee a lightweight blazer and city trousers for autumn. Maybe that coat. I’m bored with the voluminous sleeves and trousers dominating my closet and am looking for sleek and sophisticated. This design collection fills the bill and will stand the test of time IMO. Feel like it is time to jettison all my froufrou patterns 😂 and start fresh!🎉

[@InsidetheHem]

That sounds like a lovely plan! You know you best!

[@annesullivan1171]

I have used Avid Seamstress patterns and loved them. They are based in the UK and I found their instructions very good. Loved the garments. Simple with a twist. ❤

[@InsidetheHem]

Thanks for sharing!

[@bunnypep55]

You asked and I will provide my opinion. First, I love your reviews. They are pithy, truthful and entertaining. Thanks so much for that, Lindsey. We can count on you! This particular collection really got to me, however. My favorite and only like was the plus size jumpsuit. It fit wonderfully on it's model, had proper ease for her to move and live but my complaint? How do you get in and out when there is only a tiny button loop at the back of your neck? Not good. The fact that there is such a huge difference in ease and style from the small to the larger sizes is troubling. Next, the cullottes. They share a problem seen over and over in this collection. The pattern draft is not balanced. Just look at the side seams on the various designs and look at when she stands straight from the back. The pants swing out to the center of her body and the side seams cling to her ankle area. Her legs should be in the center of her pant legs. Very poor draft. On the larger model the front rise is giving her a hiney wedgie. The Everyday shirt: This shows a problem that is on every garment with sleeves: poor sleeve draft. The armscyes are horrid. I own and wear several "big shirts" from indies and Big 4 and they are wide like this. The wrinkles on this are not part of a big shirt draft. What Isee happening here is the designer doing dropped sleeve and cut on sleeves and trying to work that type of shoulder into a traditional narrow sleeve and armscye. This shirt's diagonal sleeve wrinkles should not be there, even on big shirts. As you look at the collection, look at the back of the armscyes when you see the back. That big blob of fabric at the back armscye SHOULD NOT be there, again, bad draft. Also, and seen on other garments, shirt pulls up in the front hem because the garment needs a full bust adjustment. This is evident on models who are not busty here as well. How are we drafting the bust? A line dress: This length is just dated and not looking good. I agree with you on this one completely. I find all her biceps in the collection too narrow and the armscyes too small and high on most garments. Most garments are on models with slender arms. The sleeve caps are providing little to no ease to glide over the shoulders gracefully on most garments. The blazer and coat: Really? This must be the essense of her new way to sew. Facing are popping out. There is no understitching or taping and they fly out despite having linings. How does that happen?. The notch is a rounded mess, not a notched collar. I actually thought it was a shawl collar until the hair was out of the way. This is not tailoring, just a jacket pattern sewn like a blouse. Again, those bad back armscyes. The shift dress: Gotta say it---who puts puffing open pleats on the back high hip? Not on my booty. I could go on but basically, these are poorly drafted patterns that will give the unknowing beginner a bad fit that she will accept in her understandable excitement of making her first clothing. I am excited for her too, but there are far better beginner patterns and teaching out there that will give professional results with good fit from the start. This is not it. JMPO and I thank you , Lindsey, for allowing us to express our opinions. As I advise all newbies, look into credentials. While the "founder" may love to sew, as we all do, is she or does she use a professional pattern maker?

[@InsidetheHem]

Really helpful insight to anyone considering making these with little understanding of fit or drafting! Thanks for keeping it classy, too. We can be constructive and nice at the same time!

[@missdemeanor3524]

Agreed!!! A lined coat or blazer is definitely not something you can cheap out by eliminating tailoring techniques and expect it to look nice. I was so taken by the styling in the photos that I didn't even notice the notched collar mess. Those pajama bottoms made me mad - the tightness at the hips, the excess fabric at the waist and the $25 price tag. Ugh!

[@evalucilledixon3879]

Very nice and classic styling. From the exposing back scoop dress to the extra panel on the shift dress, from the perfect sundress to the coverall jumpsuit, I appreciate the whole collection. Good going for these must have garments. Thank you, Lindsay. Very nice presentation.

[@InsidetheHem]

Like I said…I think you like one of the patterns, you’re going to like a lot of them! :)

[@sallyadams3981]

I do agree with you about the hands in pockets on the models. Usually, flip past the pattern because its impossible to see the cut of the pattern with this type of distortion.

[@susanhemion2981]

I bought the city trousers pattern because I love these type of pants. It is in the que to make with a stretch cotton sateen

[@InsidetheHem]

That will be a perfect fabric/pattern combo.

[@sheelaghheugh9152]

I have made a couple of patterns including the city trousers. Made mine in stretch sateen and they are so comfy. Like the split hem at the ankle.

[@Whateverkatiesews]

Relate to this!!! Mad panic sewing before hols!! Lololo. Have a fab time xxx

[@ZeldaSews]

That is a very bold statement. I just put up my video yesterday and shared my frustration with not being able to understand the written directions in the pattern.

[@InsidetheHem]

You should give them a shot!

[@bunnypep55]

@@InsidetheHem Lindsay, I would be interested in your take on an actual pattern and how it differs in its "new way" of sewing. Thanks.

[@loribrandner6803]

Yes! Best to just sew it up without trying to decipher those convoluted instructions!

[@ZeldaSews]

@@loribrandner6803 Yes!

[@annesullivan1171]

I have the coat which I would call a duster rather than trench. I love the aesthetic of this company and that's saying something as I'm a bit Boho ❤

[@maryb.7043]

I have been using The Avid Seamstress for a long time and love their patterns. I'm thinking the garments weren't specifically sewn for the models; therefore the problems you were pointing out may not be an issue with the pattern. Like all patterns, you have to check the patterns measurements against your own body shape and adjust accordingly. Thank you for showcasing this wonderful pattern company.

[@InsidetheHem]

one thousand percent.

[@crochet106]

Hi I sure enjoy your channel. Will you be sewing anything Barbie 😊

[@InsidetheHem]

Errr. I don’t think so. Pink isn’t really my thing. Lol!

[@amem2785]

You get an extra pattern sheet so that you can cut one and adjust and keep the other intact??

[@InsidetheHem]

Ohhhhh. Interesting!!

[@marinelab]

Not sure those make any sense in the US, considering that the big 5 offer similar types of patterns for a much cheaper price. For a similar price I would rather go for Deer and Doe or DP Studio, that are much more original and/or sophisticated. All of those Avid Seamstress have a Mc call's vibe from 10 years ago...

[@missdemeanor3524]

OMG - I've been waiting YEARS for Lindsey to review DP Studio! They're my favorite pattern company of all time, and very nice people too! Dominique knows how to draft beautiful clothes beautifully. When they have their sales, it's way cheaper to buy the patterns from France and have them shipped to the US. Even with the VAT and the shipping.

[@susanhemion2981]

I like printed patterns and am willing to pay for indie patterns because they are so much better than big 4. The instructions are so much better and my sewing experience is much more enjoyable.

[@missdemeanor3524]

Plus, there's an excitement with indie patterns because they're sewing enthusiasts just like us. We're moving away from established fashion authorities, established news authorities, establishment in general and moving toward trusting people because they're not authorities. Godspeed!

[@missdemeanor3524]

I like the styling of the photos, the fabric used for the makes and the way rhe models are styled. I can really see the fashion influence of the British aristocracy in all these designs. If I had to choose one word to describe this collection, it would be 'ladylike'. It doesn't read as matronly to me only because while following the British Royal Family, I see that upper class young British women emulate this style. I can't imagine young American women going nuts over this collection. Lastly, how does a person get this far in her patternmaking career and not realize how long waisted ALL her dresses are? This isn't a rhetorical question. All of these designers would be well served to listen to your critiques.

[@bunnypep55]

I would be interested in her credentials. I see numerous issues.

[@InsidetheHem]

I often get emails from the designers who say they implement some of the changes I suggest. Waiting for someone to hire me before they release a collection to do an audit! Hehe.

[@missdemeanor3524]

@@InsidetheHem THAT'S SO COOL THE DESIGNERS REACH OUT TO YOU LIKE THAT!!! Maybe you need to bundle your eagle eyed skills into something else, like offering a pattern drafting service for designers. You'd be super good at it, and would know how to prevent the problems that plague so many patterns, as well as making plus sizes that aren't wonky. I bet there are online classes that teach pattern drafting. Clearly, many of the drafters used right now aren't up to the task and they're missing out on a huge market opportunity.

[@rayleenwallace8750]

Has your IG account been compromised or do you really have a sudden unexpected expense? I just don’t see you asking for PayPal payments in that manner?

[@asyaneasya]

Please take MAU patterns for the next review please! They are newbies but soooo hot

[@InsidetheHem]

I can't find a website for them. Are they only sold through third-party sites?

[@asyaneasya]

@@InsidetheHem yes, I think so

[@annesullivan1171]

I their defence everything in this country has quadrupled in price this year 😭

[@missdemeanor3524]

Still, an asshole move to charge $25 for those clown pajama bottoms!

[@rhonddalesley]

​@@missdemeanor3524Please keep it respectful

[@rhonddalesley]

And the rest, plus there's no sign of it stopping any time soon

[@carolinedelisle589]

It does baffle me somewhat why someone selling sewing patterns would post photos of ill fitting garments. Not a good marketing strategy in my opinion. The more Lindsay point out fitting issues in those videos, the less I am inclined to try their patterns.

[@InsidetheHem]

Yah, it's hard to know why. My guess is no one knows those are fitting issues? Or they don't have the budget to hire fit models and rely on testers sewing skills to photograph. It's a tough balance for indie designers.

[@grantbaker5612]

*PromoSM* ☝️