@Efemera I think I worked out to be a Soft Classic too, although I like to incorporate other aspects especially the Dramatic and the Natural, but my body type doesn't favour these other looks as well as the Soft Classic. It explains why I've been unsuccessful when going for a more offbeat look which if I'm not careful can swamp me. @wrenkins, so glad you liked it. I thought Doctor T had worked so hard pulling all these patterns together, and the posts were very informative.

I’ve been reading through DoctorTdesigns blog on Kibbe, a system of working out your body type and what suits you. Her version is ‘sew your Kibbe’ and gives pattern suggestions for the different body types. I though it was good and explains why a structured style blouse might not suit your body shape. Might be worth a look if you’re interested.

Hi SandraS. I just spotted this pattern on eBay. Nice coat. I think it was a buy-it-now if you’re interested

  Cheers Esme866. I enjoyed your input into the Style thread. I've definitely got the problems you mention and more,  and sewing for myself has completely reinvigorated my wardrobe.

My only Style patterns now are one dress (unusual princess style neckline - I think this is why I still have it ) and one shirt when I was looking to make a fisherman's smock some years ago and this was the nearest I could get! (Still haven't made it ) I've also got a children's doll pattern for a Beefeater- a Palace Guard with busby and a Scots guardsman. These were so stylised they intrigued me....more 1960s than 1970s when it was printed. I do think that on eBay the Style patterns are so much more stylish than the other old ones. I can see why you went to them first, @DementedFairy. @Esme866 - your view would be my view on the morality of copying a defunct pattern for a friend.

Maybe I should have been clearer. I wasn't advocating re-issuing any Style pattern...just someone drawing off a copy of the 45 year-old pattern on tissue paper - for the use of someone else. My husband is an author and evidently I would be against anyone reissuing or re-using work not their own.

Just noticed an LIDL advert for the Singer Brilliance sewing machine £119 - looks like it has buttonholes and some decorative stitches and a Singer overlocker £129. There's also a sewing cabinet for £49. Hope this is helpful to someone, or for a present. The offers start today and I presume last a week?

The hairstyle is also important. Wavy and pinned away from the face! Or little curlers all round the edges, and flattish on top if you have shorter hair.