Any Bonfit Patterner Users?

[Tenuki]

I searched for this topic with no results, but please move or point me to the thread I missed.

I picked up the Bonfit Patterner system, well, long before widespread internet bloggery, with the lofty goal of drafting my own patterns. I've had mixed results using it, mostly bad results with wonky fit. Possibly I'm not patient enough, but I don't have so many problems with commercial patterns. Every couple of years I search for other sewers who have been successful with the system. I find a blog post or two but the users haven't been so happy with it.

I've searched here on the Lounge for pattern systems and fin the Lutteroh system thread. How I wish I'd picked that system up instead. However, I can't justify switching systems until I make a good effort with the Bonfit system.

Is there anyone out there in Lounge land with some Bonfit advice they may share?

 

[Tenuki]

I ran a new search on Bonfit patterners on the web after I posted here since I wanted to make a pencil skirt. I found a few posts and included the links in my blog post about my first-in-a-long-time Bonfit garment the Black Pencil Skirt: http://musings-of-a-crafty-wench.blogspot.com/2010/08/black-pencil-skirt.html

I'm off to search the Lounge threads for other pattern drafting advice since I never got around to taking a pattern drafting course I am determined to make this thing work for me since I spent good money on it. If it kills me, I'm going to get a a 40's style blouse and pair of sporty trousers out of it.

I'd still like to find other Bonfit users out there to share ideas with so let me know if you're out there.

 

[crwritt]

I've been curious about both the Bonfit and the Lutterloh systems, but never bought them, although I have taken a pattern drafting class or two.
Whatever method you choose, it takes time and work to get a good fit.
Where I go wrong, more often than not, is that I get impatient and don't take the time to document my adjustments, I am more likely to focus on fitting the garment and finishing it, since I enjoy the sewing more than the pattern making.

 

[Tenuki]

It's funny you mention documenting, crwritt. I, too enjoy the process of sewing more than drafting and making notes about alterations. I get very impatient to reach the end of a sewing project and want to get to wearing a garment. In order to be successful with my Bonfit system, it's time to put more effort into drafting and documentation.

The skirt was laundered yesterday. I have to stop by cotton twill at my local Jo-Ann's. I barely recognized it, it was so wrinkled into a wad. It's going to take at least 20 minutes of ironing.

 

[Ann Sadler]

Old thread I know and you're probably sorted now. Books that teach pattern making
Natalie Bray metric pattern cutting is probably the Bible. You're much better making your own blocks and it's not too hard although it looks fiendishly difficult.
Regards,
Ann

 

[Tenuki]

Hi Ann. I can't believe how long it's been since visiting the FL! I've given away my Bonfit. I just never got the hang of it. I'll check out Natalie Bray's book. Thank you!