Another episode of drinking the Kool-Aid

…or Click Buy Now. 

I signed up for a demonstration of the Lutterloh pattern system that took place at Stitchin’ Post the last Friday in September. I have known of the Lutterloh system for many years (it was established in 1935). Before the scheduled demo, I checked out the tutorial video and thought it was not for me, but at the demo something clicked (that darned Buy Now impulse) and I bought it.

Sewing clothes for myself is primarily about getting the right fit, and using the fabrics I want. When I was in my teens, fitting was not an issue—I would buy the size 12 pattern from the Big 4 selection at Hancock’s or Cloth World, and the only adjustment I had to worry about was the length (I am 5’1”). I haven’t been able to wear a size 12 anything in over 40 years, but I was a lot closer to a size 14 at the beginning of this year and hope to return to that size in the next year or so; I’m a 16-18 in ready-to-wear right now. Also, age brings on the shifting of body parts and that necessitates the fitting adjustments. 

While watching Rolf Lutterloh, the inventor’s grandson, demonstrate how fast you can draft the pattern based on the wearer’s bust and hip measurements, my brain started thinking about the adjustments. In addition to having ample bosoms (DD cup), I have narrow shoulders, short arms, a large rear, and a belly apron.

Patience is a virtue, and I know if I commit to making the necessary adjustments in order to achieve good fit and comfortable clothing, it’s all worth it. I know a lot of people who have made clothing in the past that wouldn’t do it now. 

Back to the Lutterloh system—it is recommended that your first make is the ladies’ vest printed in the flyer handed out at the demo and what Rolf demoed. I had planned to do just that, but while reviewing the included patterns after returning home that afternoon, I noticed a pattern for men’s shorts. I had planned on making the Hubs some Jersey shorts using a Big 4 pattern that I bought long ago, but thought this might be a good way to test. I took his measurements on Saturday and began the drafting. When I looked at what I had drawn I wondered, can this be correct? I compared the pieces to a Big 4 pattern that I had originally intended to use to make the pattern, and a pair of purchased shorts that the Hubs frequently wears. I was hoping to approximate that pair. 

I joined the Lutterloh Facebook group and after reviewing several posts and watching an in-depth analysis of a pants pattern on a YouTube video by Cordial Couture, it was back to the drawing board. A week had passed and I re-measured the Hubs and, of course, his measurements were different from the prior week’s measurements. Onward…

I redrafted the pattern and thought, “That’s much better.” Cut it all out, then I was off to The Beaut. I was here when we left for the beach:

Hubs tried them on at this point and proclaimed the fit was good. I did not have time to attach the waistband before we left for the beach. 

Two weeks later, we’re back from the beach! Refreshed and relaxed, I’m back on the shorts.

I have never used drawcord elastic, but I had some and the Hubs’ favorite pair of shorts has them. Of course, I watched a video by Sew Anastasia which was very helpful. One thing to note: The waistband for these shorts was on the wide side, and I will cut it down for the next pair of shorts.

I finished the shorts yesterday and Hubs likes them a lot. He told me Saturday when he tried them on before I inserted the elastic that they already felt good! They're made from a medium weight cotton jersey I ordered from Fabric Wholesale Direct. These are navy, but I also bought some heathered gray and will be sewing them up soon. He has requested that they be shorter than this pair (I was thinking they were too short, but so are we!). 

Crappy photo, but what can you do with shorts for a guy who doesn't really want to model them?

I will definitely continue to use the Lutterloh system. The drafting of the shorts was easy, and I made no adjustments with the garment. I'm looking forward to making a top and slacks for me in the near future.

I have some other small makes to share soon, and I gifted the secret project on our way home from the beach. The honoree loved it. Wish I could show pics, but c'est la vie. 

Thanks for reading -- there is much more to make, more people to visit and things to see! I think I'm getting the hang of retirement. Go make!