Fabenmix Patterns

I have only used standard patterns, Simplicity, McCall's, Butterick, etc.  Please explain to me the advantage of Fabenmix patterns?  I'm trying to learn. 

The clothing styles area a bit different from Big 3 patterns, and they're done in the European style of patterns, so you have to trace them off in order to use them (and also add seam allowances). I think what really makes them appealing to many people is how customizable they are, kind of a blank canvas for embellishments. If you check out the Farbenmix gallerie, you can do a search for a pattern name and see hundreds of ways they've been sewn (unless you know German, you probably won't be able to read much, though).

The instructions sometimes are a bit more sparse than American patterns, which can be a problem for some folks. However, nearly all of the translated patterns have sewalongs posted on the Farbenmix site.

If you think you might want to try some, I'd suggest picking up a Burda pattern, which is printed in a similar manner (have to be traced). (FWIW, so are Kwik Sew patterns.) There's even a Burda pattern by the designer of Farbenmix (although it's a fall/winter pattern -- super cute, though) which can help you get a feel for how the Farbenmix patterns are, for less than you'd spend on one.

I love, love,love Farbenmix patterns.  They are so customizable.  Plus, they are usually pretty easy to sew. I just love the styling of the clothes.  They are very kid friendly while maintaining a sense of style. 

The thing that I also love about Farbenmix is that they are made up of a group of moms that like to sew. 

Here's a link to the English sewing guides:
http://www.farbenmix.de/anleitungen/anleitungenen.htm

This is a list of everything that is currently available in English and the sewing guides here are in English, too.  You can also use the German sewing guides on Farbenmix's site, but they are of course in German.

Before you order your first Farbenmix pattern, make sure you read the description and that it is in English.  The German versions are also available in the states, and you don't want to be stuck with a German pattern.

I'm currently hosting another Farbenmix sew-a-long on my blog: http://wondermommy.wordpress.com.  This is my second one.  Our sew-a-longs are really detailed sewing guides for these patterns.  We are currently working on the Marieke pattern.  You can see our first two posts here:
Day One
Day Two

We did the Paula pants pattern for our first sew-a-long.  Click here to view that.

I recommend following along with us on a sew-a-long.  You'll be able to ask questions if you need to, and as you can see that I have used a lot of pictures.  Like, Mary said, the instructions can be a little sparse sometimes. 

Wondermommy is also having a month long farbenmix/Studio Tantrum celebration.  You can come by and view posts about different patterns and projects I have made and  others have made. 

Nancy Langdon of Mother of Invention also sent us some patterns to giveaway this month.  So, you may want to enter. You'll have a chance to win a free pattern...you may not have to buy your first one 

I would also like to recommend a first pattern to buy, the Anna Wrap dress.  I think it is a good starter Farbenmix pattern and a great dress. 

I also wanted to recommend the <a href="http://flickr.com/groups/farbenmixsewing/>Farbenmix Flickr group[/url].  You can view samples of the patterns that others have made.

Wow, you guys just opened up a whole new world of patterns for me.  I had no idea Fabenmix existed!  I'm really going to have to try one of these.  They look fabulous.  Thanks for all the info Wondermommy!

You are so welcome!  They really are great patterns...I guess you can tell how much I love them 

I am so glad I found this forum and this topic! I have just learned about these patterns and can't wait to get started on my own project. The info on the patterns and the flikr group is going to help so much
Dana

I'll be starting another sew-a-long for Farbenmix patterns on my blog soon.  I'm announcing the patterns that I'll use this week, and the sew-a-long will begin at the first of September.  Stop by and check it out: Wondermommy

I'll announce the pattern choices for this sew-a-long on the 12th, Tuesday.  This time I'll take you through two Farbenmix patterns step by step to create a complete outfit.

Once you make one of these patterns, you'll become addicted! 

Wow, thanks so much for the info.  I never heard of them until now, very cool.