Lutterloh System

I was recently given the books for several different years of the Lutterloh System and I was wondering if any of you have ever used this system.  Also, all I was given were the books, not the rest of the kit and I was looking on online for the rest of the kit and the lowest price is $40 and the highest $110.  Being on a pretty tight budget I don't know if I want to spend that much for it not to work.  Do you think that there is a way that I can use it with a regular dress making tape measure?  Please let me know if any of you have any suggestions either by commenting on here or visiting my blog The 50's Project.  I look forward to hearing from you.
Till Later!
Andrea