Why are all sewing patterns for younger women?

I so agree, SIL bought me a nice new sewing machine a month ago, I have been looking for suitable patterns ever since, some of them do not even go over size 16.

I think everything is for young women .

Have you tried looking for free patterns on the internet? You do need to print them out yourself and then join all the sheets of paper but much cheaper than paper patterns. Sorry I can't remember where I found the trouser pattern I used but there are lots of sites on-line.

Most pattern companies do a "plus size" range. Have a look at SimplicityNewlook or Sewdirect.

I agree there are plenty of patterns in different sizes. Burda do a " curvy" range which goes up to 22. Have a look at Jaycotts website , they do a brilliant range of patterns and often have half price offers.

I'm check the internet. I've only ventured out of the main catalogues, and did a Colette pattern, and it didn't go well. Re checking out the large sizes, but don't like them.

There is a brilliant sewing forum thesewingplace.org.uk/ with many very helpful members who will help you find a suitable pattern

I like some of the vintage patterns, but they do seem to be aimed at very thin ladies.

the sewing place looks great - thank you. I have a valise case of vintage patterns from my grandmother (a tailoress). I have made a few, with varying results - some are lovely, but one makes me looks like a workhouse matron, and not in a good way. The sizing is definately smaller.

McCalls & Butterick do nice Plus size patterns, Burda are very adaptable.
A lot of people like Sandra Betzina's range for Vogue.
Also try:
Style Arc (Aussie but available in the UK)
Cashmerette (American and ditto)
Park Bench patterns (US, but I use my Saga credit card, and they come under the import duty threshold)

And thank you eddiecat - I miss the Sewing Forum and have been lookig for a new 'home'

I have tried to order patterns from British sites, unfortunately many of them seem to think sending a paper pattern to Belguim is akin to sending to Mars. I was happy to pay postage intil one quoted £10.50 for one pattern.

Simplicity do some well designed ones that can be tailor made. The bust can be made fuller etc. Minerva is a good web site for a wide range of patterns.

That being said I made up a vintage Vogue recently ...a classic 50s style with a bodice and waist that fitted very well. There are some lovely fabrics around nowadays that have a 50s and 60s feel but are somehow still contemporary. Yes, the sizing is much less generous than nowadays but for my figure that works. I find that a lot of modern patterns assume everyone has a much more generous waist so that modern patterns make up like shapeless bags....not at all flattering.

There are some very elegant styles from this company:
www.marfy.it/en
I haven't actually made anything from them, my sewing skills aren't up to it. Just like looking at them.

Have you got a photo of the Vogue dress, Hilda? Sounds intriguing.

Maisie This is a real problem. When I came to Germany I learned to trace the patterns in BURDA and have made a lot of clothes for DDs and GDs. I find there is nothing suitable now for older women and look through my old patterns. It has really paid off not throwing patterns away.

You can get patterns from the 60s and 70s on the internet, but i question whether it is worth the effort when you see your older lumpier (your words not mine)self in the finshed garment
I make nightwear and teeshirts with 3/4 sleeves but not much else. If it is to look good then I have to see it in a shop and try it on.

I so often wish I could get back to making my own clothes and the sewing machines look great nowadays.
I could go as far as cutting them out but to see if I am running in a straight line would be now too strainful. So I now get a lot of my clothes fron charity shops, some skirts have been fantastic, but thanks for the website
Cath

The pattern I had was similar to this:
www.silverstah.com/2014/12/04/vintage-vogue-2569-a-1943-wool-dress/
You can see the cut and seaming are very complicated.

went to John Lewis today - was shocked to see that they only stock Vogue and one more (Simplicity I think) patterns.
However after that went to a lovely independent shop in Bristol (Sewn) and the owner told me that, if you buy a pattern online, you can get it printed off really cheaply at print shops on large sheets (i.e. no sticking together).

Yes, John Lewis fabric and haberdashery is not what it was.

I agree HildaW. The Oxford Street Branch used to have almost the whole of the ground floor for haberdashery, now it is a tiny area in the basement. The department at Watford seems to get smaller and less interesting every time I go. They do have some good sales of wool every so often so I still pop in when I go that way.

I am just getting back into sewing after a long break away from my sewing machine, I have found a site called Sewing in the Uk, it's full of like minded dressmakers who give lots of tips and put photos of their finished garments on and they are all different sized women,
I think one of the reasons I gave up sewing was that I couldn't find patterns to suit me , also being somewhat lumpier and older, i was never really happy with my garment and didn't wear it, Hopefully this time and wi th the help of our wonderful local sewing cafe staff ,my garments will turn out well , otherwise it's back to making placemats, tea cosies etc !!!!? Good luck with your sewing

Try Pinterest too. Lots of sewing info on there.

I subscribe to Prima magazine every month thet send free patterns to go with outfits in the magazine. The patterns go to size 20.If you buy one issue at the shop you can send for a pattern.