How difficult are these patterns to use? I like the variety of patterns available from them and would like try one. My mom is an experienced seamstress and will be helping me with this dress. Any feedback on these patterns?

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skating mom to 3 angels on earth and 1 in heaven

hi - I've used lots of them - great patterns, but not for a newbie sewer. If your mom has some experience, she should be fine. The directions are pretty basic. Be prepared to trace everything onto tissue as they come printed on regular paper and this won't pin onto lycra nicely.

I do find the fit needs a bit of adjustment - the panties are huge and the skirt length a bit too short in the back for my skater. But the styles are great.

Pay attention to the skirt you order as well - most styles let you pick the type of skirt and you probably don't want the full circle skirt. We like the 400 series, it has just enough fullness without being overwhelming.

I agree that they are not for the inexperienced. I too have found that they always need adjustment - the panties ARE enormous, and they tend to be very short in the torso. Also be aware that they are designed so the largest degree of stretch in the fabric goes up and down - NOT sideways like most skating patterns. If you use 4 way stretch it won't be much of an issue, but if there is a big difference in the stretch in the two directions, you'll need to accommodate for it. I'm also not a fan of the deep V cut of either the 200 or the 500 series. I usually use the 400 at the waistline along with either of the 500 skirts (single circle or tulip)

I do like the huge variety they have, though, and if you have any questions, the lady who sells them is very helpful.

I've always found their website so complicated and confusing that I didn't bother trying any of the patterns.

And I really don't want to use a pattern that requires a lot of adjustments. YMMV.

I prefer the Kwik-Sew patterns and have found them to fit most girls/women with very little adjustment and most pieces are interchangeable. As a 2nd choice, Jalie is good. Both are printed on heavy paper and require tracing onto pattern/tissue paper (don't cut out the heavy paper!).

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Skate@Delaware
Ah, show skating!!! I do it for the glitter!