Yes I do use the same pattern over and over again for my daughter.  She found a pattern she liked and I have made at least 6.  I don't need to read the pattern and can turn one out in a couple of hours since I don't have to read it and figure it out.

Thanks for the article.  It was very nice!

Beth

Hi Rose! I loved your article as it did remind me of my first sewing project in a 6th grade crafts class. It was for a short sleeve blouse you pulled over your head - one of those “jiffy” Simplicity patterns that only involved a front and back, with a round neckline and one button over the back keyhole. Little did I know then that this little project was teaching me a lifetime lesson in some great basics on how to read a pattern envelope, laying out the pieces, cutting fabric, tracing darts, pinning, using a sewing machine and how to hem by hand. It was a 5-week project that gave me the prettiest little pink cottony-satin blouse that I wore at least once a week, I was so proud of it! I then did a lot of sewing in high school and college, using the same patterns over and over for skirts, pants and peasant blouses - I had a very boho look back then! I later also had the honor to make 2 wedding gowns for my friends, both very different gowns and each quite elaborate, but I got the bright idea to first baste a mock-up using inexpensive fabrics to tailor to the bride’s measurements and then taking the mock-up apart to use the revised pieces as the final pattern. It was so helpful to make those mock-ups and experience the difficulties involved. It also took away the fear of cutting into the final pricey fabrics for the real wedding gown. I do have a few favorite patterns I use over and over, and you can be sure that I first made mock-ups of each. There’s nothing like a personalized pattern, isn’t there? :)

Yes, I agree!  I'm always amazed at how easy a tricky pattern is the second time around.  And the second try usually turns out a nicer result too.  I sew a lot for my 2 daughters who are close in age, so repeating favorite patterns but just adding length to skirts and dresses is an easy way to make things they like again after they grow out of them.  However, I don't think I re-use patterns often enough, I am usually inspired by something new!  

my mother was a, um, substantial woman. and very curvy. she was an excellent seamstress, but found herself unable to fit herself or work with knits. i found a pattern with princess seaming front and back as well as side seams and a center front opening, which allowed many seams to alter from. i was able to adapt the pattern to fit her and we eventually created a wardrobe of 12 dresses from that one pattern-- including the formerly un-doable knits. the first dess was difficult to fit properly, but once that one was adjusted, the other eleven were easy!

I'm still using patterns I had in the 70's, a couple of good basic patterns that you are happy with the fit and the variations are endless.    Same with sewing for my husband there is a pants pattern that he likes, a golf shirt and a dress shirt and they are probably 80's patterns and I still have some of my mum's patterns from the 50s.  

I'm sewing a salwar kameez without a pattern for the second time. It's much easier this time & I'm much less stressed :-) I tell my son (he's almost 10) that the more you do something the easier it gets!  Of course things that you enjoy are easier to do than thinks you aren't interested in, but don't tell him that ;-)

I, too, reuse patterns.  I'm short and curvy, with really narrow shoulders, so I'm difficult to fit.  Once, I get the fit right, I depend on fabric, trim and detail variations to change the look of my clothes.  Most people have a hard time believing it's the same pattern, even when I point it out!

I have a basic skirt pattern, a curvy sheath, and a jacket I've used over and over with different fabrics and combinations.  I made the sheath, with the pleated ruffle from the skirt pattern, and 3/4 sleeves on the jacket in royal blue silk dupioni for my daughter's wedding; the skirt with a back pleat and same jacket in navy linen for a summer suit, with a cotton print sheath that coordinates with it; same skirt, with big box pleats, and long-sleeved jacket in grey wool, with black velvet trim, and another set in black velvet to mix and match, and I have plans for more!

Alas, the patterns are all discontinued, but I reinforced the pattern pieces with fusible interfacing, so they last.

Thanks for this obvious-in-hindsight and much needed reminder. I love the challenge of figuring out new patterns, adapting, customizing, but I forget that sewing doesn't always need to be that challenging! I riff on my standard repertoire of recipes in the kitchen; sewing doesn't have to be any different!

yes!  actually, rose, if i find a pattern that i like the way it fits me, i might make it up as many

times as i need a blouse, skirt, dress, etc.  this also goes for crafts that i give as gifts.  a big hurrah for TNT patterns!--anne

'Twice is nice' - I absolutely agree.

BUT,

by the time I decide to use it again my size has changed and I have to alter the pattern again!!.

I Really like that jacket it is really nice i also think the pattern was put to gather really well