Bernina just came out with one called My Label that does just that. I'm sure it isn't cheap though.

I used to make all my clothes. Sometimes it was hit or miss. Some looked good and some didn't. Hard to justify the time spent when you didn't like wearing it after you finished it. When you add in notions, pattern, Thread and material, you can't sew cheaper than you can buy at TJMaxx, Target, Marshall's, Clearance racks for Nordstrom, and Loehmanns. I may go back to it though, just to get a pair of slacks to fit.

You're right that it's sometimes more expensive to make your own clothes than to buy them, but if fit matters, then it is sometimes worth the time, money and effort put into it.

I buy most of my clothes now because I don't have the time to make them, but if I did have the time, I'd much rather have make them because they fit so much better.

Now I love that! Thanks for the link!

Thanks, both of you.

MissTreated, your advice was not at all too basic, at least not for me. I copied it to refer to whenever I finally get that sewing machine.

When you say Vogue patterns are engineered better than McCall's/Butterick, and they are better than Simplicity, what makes them better or worse?

Thanks, got it. Turns out there's a shop not far from me.

I still sew clothes, making my granddaughter a easter dress now

It would be cool if you got yourself scanned so you can share the experience with everyone. They give you one free pattern when you get scanned, but they only give you a few to choose from. I got a button down blouse and have made several of them. It is wonderful not to have to make any adjustments to the pattern at all. The location near you is their headquarters.

After you get scanned, they send you an email a week or so later and ask you to take some measurements, then email them back. Makes perfect sense when you consider that the scan can only do so much.

They give you a catalog of patterns you can buy. The patterns are around $18-20 each and are printed on about 20 lb paper (same as regular copy paper). When you order an item, you can get it with different collars or different sleeves for a small fee. The patterns are wonderful - the 5 pocket jeans pattern is their most popular.

I've thought of doing this. How do you keep up with the new pattern designs? They offered this service at the Expos. I've even seen one software that allowed you to print your patterns. Then you would have to tape them together. Some times I take pieces of patterns from different patterns to make my own designs.

The pattern pieces are more precise, they fit better. The "very easy, very vogue" are the simplest, just be mindful of how many seams there are. Many of Vogue patterns are pretty intense.