Saturday, March 23, 2013

I've Been Designing

I have always wanted to write patterns but have never been able to get up the balls to do so. Finally, after a lot of talk with a good sewing friend, I am going to take the plunge. This quilt (named Hemispheres courtesy of Rachel!) is going to be my first.



Everyone on Instagram has been so supportive so I am actually excited, but incredibly nervous. Anyone want to offer up some pattern writing tips? Or things that you love or hate to see in patterns? I will try to have other fun things to talk about while I venture through this, but if I am quiet, you'll know why.

News from my non-sewing world. I have recently signed up to start taking Pure Barre classes. My sister takes them and says that they are truly amazing. Unlike any other kind of workout. I feel like it will probably kick my ass. It is worth it though, as bathing suit season is right around the corner. I miss my muscle definition. Haha. It is going to rain here all weekend so it is time to do some sewing 'work'. :)

10 comments:

  1. That is gorgeous Megan! I don't write patterns but I would say don't assume anything, step by step and pictures are good!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. here's my tip.... don't rush the process! Send your draft out to several pattern testers (of different sewing levels if possible) and have them write up comments.... then evaluate their comments and make needed changes to your pattern. if you have to make lots of changes, send it out again to a different group! When I create a new pattern, I make it over & over following my own directions until I am happy with it. Good luck to you! it's a beautiful quilt

    ReplyDelete
  3. Ellyn has very good advice! I'm sure you'll do fine. I love how it's turning out and am glad you liked my name suggestion =)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Beautiful quilt top!
    Pet peeve, over estimating fabric requirements; if I can eek the necessary out of a FQ, but am told to get a 1/2yrd I am not happy!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I have absolutely no tips I'm afraid, but it looks amazing, good luck!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I would love to test this pattern when you are ready. It looks amazing. I have been pattern testing bags for a while. I am an intermediate sewer.

    ReplyDelete
  7. As a tester to trade can I suggest the following:

    1. Don't assume your readers know anything (eg seam allowance)
    2. Have good, clear pictures of the steps, especially the difficult bits, with good close ups
    3. Get people to test it, invariably they will find ways to do things you may never have thought of (and usually not in a good way!)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Oh wow it's gorgeous. My tip: tell people how to press seams I know it's a personal preference, but I think it always helps in a sewing pattern

    Rachael

    ReplyDelete
  9. I don't write patterns, but a tip I've heard is to make the font no smaller than 12 point, even if it makes the pattern to over lots of pages. The reason being that most people who read a quilting pattern are over a certain age and wearing reading glasses! Ageist I know, and possibly not as true for modern designs. I love the quilt by the way!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Don't show the finished product before the pattern is done! haha I pattern test a bunch for someone and she said she did this with her first pattern and then had trouble selling.. just food for thought. Should you need help with testing... let me know, I love me a good curve ;)

    ReplyDelete

Yay! You are leaving a comment! I love hearing from you and try to respond to every comment. If you do not allow blogger to show me your email, the only way I can respond to you is here, so check back! Thanks for reading!