Looking for Pattern Testers

I’m currently looking for pattern testers for my new garment patterns that I’m working on. I find it to be a slower pattern writing process than the bags, but I’m excited to be moving along at a steady pace. I’m sending out a call for pattern testers!

Here’s a little bit of information about my personal testing process:

• I like to keep a database of pattern testers. When a pattern is available for testing, I send an e-mail out to the group with a photo of what the garment looks like and a supply list. If more testers reply than are needed, I randomly choose based on those that reply.
• Testers usually receive about 3-4 weeks to complete the pattern test. They let me know about things in the pattern that I could word better, any errors, and also general thoughts about the pattern.
• The tester version of the pattern will be a pdf, which you will need to print and tape the pattern pieces together.
• If you’re familiar with my bag pattern release days, I show off all of the tester versions and tell you a little bit about each one.
• Testers receive a finalized version of the pattern when it is released.

And here is a little bit of information about my direction for the garment patterns:

• If you’ve ever seen one of my bag patterns, I use a color step photo for nearly every step. I hope to combine color step photos with illustrations (some garment fabric pieces are really long, and sometimes an illustration is more appropriate to show the step – I will use as many color photos as possible though!).
• Two features that I am working really hard at learning are a) tiling of pattern pieces and b) offering multiple cup sizes (A, B, C, D). Tiling is helpful because you can choose the layer of the size that you are and only print that size (for example, if you’re a size 10, if you wish you can just print that size, for clear pattern pieces). Multiple cup sizes are great because most of the fit modifications I make on patterns are in the bust area, and with less to fit in the bust, I hope to make the fitting process much smoother.
• Finalized garment patterns will be available as paper patterns as well as pdf patterns.
• I am looking for my garment patterns to be seen on all body shapes and ages of women (plus size, baby boomers, etc.). In my marketing promotions, I’ll be showing my garment patterns on a variety of women because I feel like everyone has the possibility of making themself something pretty to wear.
• I’ve worked really hard to earn a good name as a pattern designer, and I hope my clear instructions from the bag patterns will translate over to garment patterns.

Are you interested in pattern testing for my garment patterns? Here’s what I’m looking for:

• Someone who can take notes as they work through making a pattern
• Able to take a photo that shows off their creation well (outdoor or well-lit shots usually look best)
• Someone who has sewn a garment before (while I usually aim for my patterns to be do-able by a confident beginner or intermediate sewist, for the testing process at least, I need to know that you are comfortable sewing a garment pattern).
• Willing to sew a muslin before they cut into their good fabric; I know it’s very tempting to sew straight to fabric, but especially this being a tester version, I would feel most comfortable with all testers sewing a muslin up first.

Are you interested in pattern testing for me? Please complete both of these:

• Sign up for my pattern tester e-mail list – sign up here
• Complete this super-short survey – survey here

Thank you so much for your time! I really appreciate all of my testers always, so if you have any questions about the process, please e-mail me at [email protected]. Thank you!