Boys patterns - what makes one cool?

[Darny]

I know there are a lot of Ottobre fans out there (and Ottobre seems to be the only real inspiration for boys clothes) from what I've seen most of there stuff is often a quite similar shaped garment presented a different way (and honestly how many ways can you constructs a pair of pants or a top??!!) - not a criticism, just an observation. however, do you find that one style of the same garment you just wouldn't bother with while another you love.... and why?
So what makes a cool boys pattern? Is it the embellishments, would you buy a pattern based on the appliqués? Do the choice of fabrics on the pattern model influence your decision?
Looking for some serious inspiration as boys seem to get a raw deal in the clothing department, so what would make you choose a pattern for a boy?

[sjl]

For me personally I don't think it's the embellishments.
I think once G got out of the baby stage I was quite uninspired by most of the patterns - probably for much the same reason you mention. I then ended up choosing patterns for his clothes because I thought I could learn something by doing it. So I tried raglan sleeves which I remember doing at school but not since and also an awful lot of knit sewing.

I like to sew quite plain clothes (ie devoid of appliques etc) because most bought clothing is covered in screen prints, motifs and appliques so it's nice to have something slightly toned down.

I do like vintage patterns and sometimes use those to get inspiration as well as looking at seaming etc in RTW items. Recently I've started drafting my own patterns for him.

I think the oliver and s patterns are lovely but I've never bought one - also like Their Nibs which is a London RTW label but she put a book out which I have (but haven't made anything from yet!)

[rootoo]

If I'm paying for a pattern I think it needs to be a wee bit different from basic pants or t-shirt/long-sleeve t-shirt, or standard hoody because you can get 'basic' patterns so easily and them adapt them with applique etc yourself.
My fave bought pattern is the Mika pants from farbenmix (http://www.craftymamas.net/prodimages/mika_sm.jpg), because I never could have made them myself from a basic pattern with all the different bits sewn together, and they look really cool when they're done, in fact several people asked where I bought them But you can still adapt them to your style with fabric choice, pocket style and embellishments. I like the heidi and finn urban hoody as well, it was just a wee bit different with the cross-over bit at the front and again really easy to change to suit your own style.

I do think the fabrics the pattern is shown in on the models affects my thoughts on the pattern too. Like I'd subconsciously steer away from anything in big, full-on prints all over because its just not my style. it's nice to see the same pattern in a couple of variations of fabrics and embellishments to get a better idea of how my product might look and to inspire my imagination for embellishing

[Claire]

also like Their Nibs which is a London RTW label but she put a book out which I have (but haven't made anything from yet!)

I have that book. The boy stuff is very uninspiring! Pretty girl dresses but not a boy book I didn't think. Not one boy pattern grabbed me.

I don't try and make the clothes I make my boys 'cool' .. I try to make them comfy (no wool at all on my 4 )... pockets, they always like pockets.. and whatever colours or appliques etc that they ask for. My boys don't care about what they wear. They are practical beings
I don't think that they feel like they get a bad deal in the clothing department because its of very little interest to them iykwim. They love costumes but normal clothes just need not to get the way of playing.

I am constantly surprised though, how different a pair of trousers can look and how physically different the pattern can be even before any styling.

[Dunners]

I find Ottobre inspiring - the combination of fabrics (type, print/plain, colour(s), direction/placement of grain), finishing touches (top stitching, screenprints/embellishments, raw edges) and extra design features like pockets, belt loops, knee patches, yokes, etc all get the cogs in my strained brain turning.

I mix & match a lot of embellishment ideas, depending on what I have on hand and what I am inspired to do. When choosing the pattern I pay attention to things like the yoke (if there is one), type of waist band (e.g. elastic v zip), pockets etc - if I'm in a rush I go simple, if I'm up for the challenge I'm all on for all the fiddly stuff and extra pieces. I'm not afraid to mix & match ideas from different patterns. There are some patterns I've made numerous times, generally because I'm too lazy to re-trace more pieces, otherwise I try a new pattern, as it forces me to learn new techniques etc.

Not sure that answers the questions?