Why don't patterns have more of the latest styles?

[Mule]

Although I see some of the current styles reflected in patterns, there are some popular ones that just aren't there.

My daughter likes these tops -- this particular shape is in all the stores right now. In every possible fabric, color, price point, etc. These particular ones from Express are about $40 each, but would be super simple to make. I've looked through all the pattern companies and don't see one for this shape anywhere! I'm sure I could figure out a way to make this anyway, but since this is supposed to be a quick and easy project I was hoping to just find a quick and easy pattern....

Why don't pattern companies offer patterns in the latest styles? They'd probably sell a whole more patterns!

[Mom of Six]

Because the designers want to sell their items before they let the pattern companies sell them

[Mule]

That doesn't really make sense as there's no one designer that owns that style. Those shirts are everywhere, and the shape isn't copyrighted or anything. If designers could keep their ideas from being copied, they'd probably focus more on all the ready to wear knockoffs offered at lower price points. Besides, how much control do designers, individually or as a group, have over the pattern companies?

I would think that even if a designer had some sort of "rights" to a particular style and was also in a position to control what one or more of the pattern companies offered, they would want to offer it as a pattern. The customers who buy the patterns aren't necessarily the same people who would purchase the finished garment at a store, so it would be additional revenue.

I don't know -- I've just noticed this several different times and it makes no sense at all!

[LeapFrog Libby]

Beth, a long time ago, a University professor who taught Home Ec. had a TV Show. Her name is Shirley Adams. She was on for 17 series of 13 shows each. In one of her books , she showed how to make a top from the "new" knits that were 60 inches wide. The main thing you need is the measurement from midpoint front of body to the finished sleeve length you prefer. Then take a length of fabric, fold in half lengthwise and then again widthwise,. Cut a neckline, allowing for front and back, then determine finished length you want the top, measure amt needed for the width, and make a curved line from the bottom up to the armhole hem. The curve depends on how much of the curved sleeve you want in your underarm area, and then how much semi fitting you want in the hip area. Cut, finish neckline, hem sleeves, and bottom, and you have a designer top. Easy as pie..I happen to have that book, I think. Her whole collection is still on sale on her website, and the pix are dated of course, but her instructions cannot be surpassed .. She is the best .. I still have VCR tapes of most of her programs.. Every once in a while I get a tape or two out and renew my skills by watching her.

[neefer]

Have you checked Burda? I'm pretty sure they had something like that in the last BurdaPlus magazine.

[bridesmom]

I know what you mean Beth, when I look at the patterns it seems they are behind in the styles, and I find the little girls dresses are almost all the same basic pattern, with a few tiny changes. I have found some new and more fashionable styles in some of the European patterns, but those cost way more. Neuve Mode (I think that's how it's spelled) does have some nicer stuff too. Again, more dollars for the pattern!

[dmoses]

I have to say thank you to Libby for mentioning Shirley Adam's name! I used to watch her show, and have been trying to remember her name for such a long time!

[Mule]

I looked at Neue Mode recently, and only got through the first few pages of their tops. I felt like I was in a time warp as everything I saw looked like it was from the late eighties or early nineties! Do they never discontinue anything? Maybe they have some gems in there, but I don't have the patience to look through over 1600 patterns (that's what their site says they have) to find them.

[Shellymoon]

Have you tried McCalls 6204 for the second photo?
I made view B for my DD and it has the same shape as the one in the photos.
McCalls 6078 and 6034 are close to the first one.

[Shellymoon]

New Look 6025 and 6648 and Simplicity 1972 are similar to the first view.