Spring & Summer 2005 Collection

Making sure that 54 new patterns draft properly and fit well with a wide range of measurement sets is a big task. There are new tools and new options and new features galore. We could never have gotten these changes accomplished without the incredible hard work and dedication of our beta testers.

Kaaren Hoback coordinated the team, accepting the hundreds of emails a day that came in and distilling it to what the development team needed to work from. It was a mind-numbingly difficult job that Kaaren did brilliantly.

Working with Kaaren was a team of beta testers that put in hundreds of hours looking at, testing and critiquing the new features, patterns, and options. We received so many great ideas from this group that the Spring Collection certainly would not have been the same product without their suggestions.

The tireless dedication, testing, and sewing, sewing, sewing of pattern after pattern has made this collection the best we have ever released. I'm sure there are still issues that we can improve in the future and we will do that as we hear about the need. But, what we have here in the Spring & Summer Fashions Collection now coming out is so much more than it would have been without their dedicated efforts.

Crop Tank	"If you love the look and comfort of the new stretch fabrics with lycra but are not sure how to adjust the size for knits……..Dress Shop has done it for you in this great new Spring Collection. These fun all new patterns introduce two NEW fit levels…...VERY CLOSE needing 50-100% stretch and CLOSE needing a little stretch. Just pick the pattern and note the percentage of stretch needed as noted in red on the pattern! It’s so easy! See the NEW fabric guide for details. This is a must have collection!" Nancy Nason Beta Tester
"Want a fashionable up-to-date outfit now? The Spring and Summer Fashions pattern collection has it all at a click of the button. You don't have to master all the tools - just print the pattern and away you go. Saves hours of design time and pencil adjustments!" Janet Dean Melbourne, Australia
Slim Fit Capris	"The new Spring Collection offers modern, up-to-date fashion for every age. Youthful stretch crop tops and tanks, cargo shorts and filmy overlayed skirts straight from the catalogs. Or try the layered dresses with hanky hems or godets for that perfect summer party or wedding. Throw the cute bolero jacket on and you have casual or evening wear with the same pattern! And don't forget to check out the bohemian styled peasant blouses....they are so popular now and you can do them in knit or lightweight linen or gauze....I could go on and on....this collection is fantastic! " Tina Chester Licensed Educator
Peasant Blouse	"The Spring collection is the most awesome collection of modern up to date spring clothes for all ages from teen to grandma. I loved working on this program, where I did not have to use a pencil or any to the special design tools. I'm still sewing out outfits for my spring and summer wardrobe. I'm going to have a whole new wardrobe this year! This one is wonderful! Thank You Kaaren, Bob and all the LivingSoft crew." Janet the barefootlady Beta Tester
Tank Godet	"WOW! What a fantastic collection for Spring and Summer. All the fun styles that are just coming in, none of the design guesswork. Even fabric suggestions and stretch requirements have been made available." Bobbie Connelly Beta Tester
Swimsuit Coverup Skirt	"Oh, my gosh! You can not believe the most wonderful Spring/Summer styles ever released in patternmaking software! Gorgeous tanks, princess line tops, cover-ups, great looking asymmetrical lines in skirts, dresses, and let's do not forget.... perfect peasant tops. They are in and they are HOT for the 2005 spring summer season.. you have got to try these... your daughters, sons - girlfriend, the girl down the street, even grandma is going to find something in this seasons styles. I love it! So much fun! " Bobbi Jo Nichols Dress Shop Educator
Crop Tank and Slim Fit Capris modeled by Luz's daughter Sedra	"What I love about the new Spring Collection is that you don't have to be an accomplished seamstress or an experienced DS user to get a fabulous, up-to-the-minute wardrobe! You don't have to spend alot of time making design decisions, sew what you see! The patterns are quick, easy and fun! This Collection is sew exciting!" Luz Pearson Educator
Tube Top modeled by Jaylene's daughter	"Wherever there are skirts and dresses hanging on a rack it seems like I am looking at the Spring/Summer Fashions Collection! This collection is perfect for a busy woman who loves the satisfaction of wearing something fashionable, in the fabric SHE chooses and because she is busy, doesn't want to spend a lot of time on pattern adjustments. My fussy 20 year old daughter looked at this collection and pointed out several tops she would like. A lot of time was spent during the testing to get the stretch percentages right and make sure the garments would easily and correctly fit any body, so I feel confident that if I DID make her something, she would wear it!" Jaylene Elmslie Beta Tester
"Love the new spring and summer clothes in the stores? But don't like the prices? This Spring and Summer Collection has all the latest fashions -- and you can make them all yourself and have twice as many for the money! Whether you're going to the beach, going to work, having a fancy evening out it's all here. Take a look -- you'll love it! And the patterns are set up for easy print and sew. No extra tools required. Start now, and you'll be wearing that new outfit this afternoon!" June Cappola Beta Tester

"Just make the one seam capris in the new Spring Summer Fashions Collection and turn sideways in front of a mirror- voila! the wonderful drape of this pant makes you look instantly slimmer- hides a tummy and falls gracefully from your derriere. Plus you can sew them in less time than it takes to drive to the store and try some on. Be sure to use a drapey fabric- crinkle cotton or rayon will be great for summer - or how about an evening look from silk?

While your at it, whip up a few tank tops or halters to go with them. Are you a lady of a certain age or well endowed? -- no fear- these new tanks and tops while created for stretch fabrics are not just for the young. The DS team designed them to give perfect coverage to the fuller figure while still looking modern and cool. Still a bit shy? - they are perfect to wear under a jacket or with a light cardigan thrown over you shoulders.

This collection is a feast of goodies. So easy to sew. Takes the guess work out of all those stretch fabrics you have in your stash. Your only problem will be deciding what to make first. Beta testing these designs was like being a kid in a candy store- won't you join us for for a bite of chocolate?"