Wednesday, May 2, 2012

The Wind of Change

The new Giveaway seems to attract some attention, I promise that La Mia Boutique issue will not disappoint. I reduced the giveaway period to 2 weeks, it seems there is a lot of freebees I have to give to my lovely readers, that monthly draw is just not often enough! Good for you ))))



My affair with Pattern Master Boutique has ended.

I returned it for a refund, after the simple peplum top pattern I designed (using their presets) came out with different side seams length and the armhole 2.5 inches larger than a sleeve cap (???)

I just used standard Burda measurements for size 34 to test it, so it wasn't me taking wrong measurements, it was a programming issue. I mean, it is an over $200 piece of software- this is a lot of money for a faulty fit like that. I just have no intention of going back to it, and it is off my Recommended list for good.

I didn't even expect that I will have to re-measure these settings and I even cut out and started my peplum top, and when it came to side seams- well, I was seriously ticked off by that. Luckily it is still possible to fix the muslin ( as it looks ok to actually wear in public), but I have been spending a lot of hours learning CAD pattern drafting instead.



 I have finally found a program that works for me on all levels, so I decided to stop publishing my free pdf patterns for a little while as I would like to offer much better quality of patterns. I would also like to learn more about global fit approach, so my patterns could be used by more people, I am also planning to offer my designs as made-to-measure printable patterns, how does that sound? Sound like a plan to me, at the end of the day, everything should have a positive direction towards success. 


But first- back to the desk, tutorials, calculator and, of course pencil and paper. Even though I love drafting on screen, I think it is handy to have a little sketch prepared with all calculations written on it. It is all basic slopers for my own measurements for now. The drafting technique I am using is based on Italian drafting technique described in Il Modellisimo - a book in Italian and English with drafting instructions for all you need, from basic slopers, to unique styles. 
They say the straight trousers drafted using this technique known for a particularly good fit. Well I will just have to find out for myself, don't I?


It is very strange how life takes us sometimes to a direction we never even thought to turn to before, so I am asking myself, what are all annual resolutions and plans for? Looking over my 12 in 2012 lists, I am wondering if there even a need for half of those goals now. But there's no regrets. I learn to embrace the change, it makes you feel alive.  And if you feel it is too challenging sometimes, do not worry- it is only making you stronger. I am really looking forward to the future now, that I have clear vision of what I would like to do. And it feels good.

P.S.: One more note, before I go- I am opting out of 12 in 2012 program. I also think that making a long-term commitments like that can be hard sometimes, as everything is moving forwards, sometimes in a direction far away from those resolutions, like in my case. It was a great motivator at the time and I am grateful for the energy charge it gave me then. Now, my 12 in 2012 page is gone. But I do wish good luck to all my sewing friends who are still in and getting through their lists! 


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10 comments:

  1. Oh nice! That's a really good attitude by the way, I'm excited about following your pattern making journey! I've been working on my drafting too (pencil and paper only) and find adjusting everything is so much easier with a well fitting sloper =D

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  2. That's so disappointing about the software! I'm glad you will keep drafting. To answer your question about the kind of patterns I would like to see (besides childrens!!!) maybe a pattern for a fitted top, or a simple summer dress, also with some style lines - not too loose and flowy. Made-to-measure printable sounds great.
    Angela

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  3. exactly- the sloper is the key!, however during my research, I'd found out that different drafting methods have best slopers for different garments. Il modellisimo seems to draft great straight and flared trousers, but not at great in skinny ones. I am going to try a few of them, posting a bit about the results. 

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  4. Yes- I am very disappointed, and I believe it must be said- so they can get their act together. With no disrespect, their support team is outstanding, it does compensate the faults of the software, but I personally find it too much hasssle- I like click/draft/ print/sew/wear approach, isn't that what they promise in the program description. 

    About a dress- find me a similar picture (you can attach it here to your comment- I'd love to see what you mean) I need ideas for what's on demand.

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  5. True, I find that bottoms fit very differently with the Japanese (Bunka) method - not such a great fit for my shape, however, it gives a great fit for the top (especially with my short back and petite sizing). For pants the German method seems to give me the better fit, it helps of course that both are metric (not a big fan of the American style for the same reason- empirical measurement just aren't fun to work with) .. It'll be interesting to see your results with the Italian version!

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  6. wow- actually been browsing through your site all last night- so cool, so much info- and I love your sketches. I' d love to start sketching down my ideas, but my drawing it not great (((( I did download the free fashion sketches .zip very handy to practice. Thanks for staying in touch so much- I really enjoy our discussions, or should I say DISQUSsions

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  7. You make me curious on the program you finaly found!!! ;-)

    Immi 

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  8. I can tell you, but then I will have to hunt you down and kill you LOL (O*****x)

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  9.  Thanks, it means a lot to me that you would take the time, I first found your site soon after I started sewing and I was really in awe of all your makes. You seemed to find a way to make every pattern 'yours'.

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  10. wow TJ thanks- and back right at you- love your work

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