Speak now, or wait longer to get patterns you want

[seeinglife.livejournal.com]

When I finish all my commissions, I am going to switch to selling patterns and harder-to-find trims and materials. I would like some input on the patterns.



So. These would be English language, more Western-female-body-sized patterns. To start off, the standard sizes would be hand traced from a master onto paper a bit sturdier than the tissue paper of commercial patterns - more like thin copy paper. Custom sized ones would be printed out from my computer and taped together.

Seam allowance included, or left off?
Several variations in cut in a package, or trimming variations based on the same cut?
What would you like to see most : skirts, cutsews (should be selling the fabric for these!), blouses, jumpers, coats, dresses, petticoats, bloomers, something else?
Are there certain cuts you'd like to see or have trouble finding, like sailor collared tops, scalloped skirts, etc?
More advanced or more simple patterns?
Any other small things you'd want included, like detailed materials descriptions or something?

Comments

[moonacidyue.livejournal.com]

I'd prefer a visible seam allowance myself. :3 What about something that helps with pintucking?

[seeinglife.livejournal.com]

If there are tucks involved, it'd be kinda like "Fold the green like to the blue line, pin (glass or metal head pins recommended), and iron the fold in. When they are all ironed and pinned, stitch them down with a small straight stitch." Is that what you had in mind?

[moonacidyue.livejournal.com]

~nods~ Pintuck have been the bane of my sewing existence, so that helps alot. ^^ I'd like to see cutsew and blouses! :33 Also patterns for accessories like those huge bows, and bonnets. I've seen patterns for similar things, but usually not quite right or made for a very small child. xx;;

This idea is awesome~~

[seeinglife.livejournal.com]

Huge bows are just made of rectangles gathered in the middle with a strip of something covering the middle. Really fancy huge bows... are just multiple rectangles. :3

[novalis-b.livejournal.com]

Seam allowance on, but leaving a line where the seam allowance stops and the actual pattern piece begins would help tons.
Bloomers, Blouses, Coats, some Cutsews, some Jumpers and some Dresses mostly.

Could you explain this bit more? ^_^' I don't really follow what you've said. "Several variations in cut in a package, or trimming variations based on the same cut?"

How about advanced with simple options? ^_^

[sky-tipped.livejournal.com]

That's something like, variations in neckline from a square to a sweetheart

as compared to a pattern that is dressed up differently, with/out neckstraps

[novalis-b.livejournal.com]

Thanks for describing that for me! ^_^

[seeinglife.livejournal.com]

Variations in cut would mean the differnt styles of say, skirt would use different shaped pattern pieces. Example : having a packet with plain, apron/bustle skirt, and scalloped-bottom skirts. Trimming variations would use the same base pattern pieces, but have 3-4 different decoration options with color coded trim placement lines. Example : this skirt (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v80/stinekitty/asphodelskirt1.jpg), this skirt (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v80/stinekitty/roseofvenice-skirt.jpg), and a skirt with sailor-style front decorative buttons and bottom trim in a packet.

[novalis-b.livejournal.com]

Oh, then yes without a doubt! I had a feeling that's what you meant, but I wasn't sure.

[labrynthos.livejournal.com]

seam allowance is always a plus. i've never had a problem with patterns that just include it (and indicate the amount), but if you want to mark it in a way that shows the seam allowance then that's cool too!

I'm all about the JSKs...

[duskshadows.livejournal.com]

i love this idea with all my heart. i'd ask for visible seam allowance, just because i'm likely to forget such necessities ^^"
i'd love to see patterns for bloomers, jumpers, dresses, coats - everything really! by definition they'd all be at different skill levels, but maybe each package - like, say, a particular dress pattern - could have a simple version and the a more elaborate version? such as optional neckline variation or hem variation... personally, i'd love to be able to progress onto more complicated things once i'd gotten the hang of simpler ideas. *^_^*
As for material description, just something basic i feel would be sufficient - as long as the sewer knows the qualitis necessary, they can find the right kind of material (ie stretchy, thick, lightweight etc)
personally, i can't wait til you do these! my new sewing machine is begging me to do something loli! *^_^*

[moons-creations.livejournal.com]

I prefer patterns without seam allowance, but I think I'm in the minority there. XD

The variations would be nice, perhaps two per package, so you're not selling yourself short. Cutsews, jumpers, dresses, and petticoats would be the top of my list, since these are the hardest for me to find commercially produced.

Definitely more advanced patterns would interest me the most, but I can't think off-hand any particular cuts I've been searching for. I'll harass you later if I think of any.

[seeinglife.livejournal.com]

Heh, if you like the stripey think I've got to make, you can always buy a pattern of that for future variations. ;)

[ugly-kitties.livejournal.com]

1) Seam allowance left off
2) Variations on the same cut
3) Jumpers and dresses!
4) 50's halter styles (as in the straps being the same piece as the bodice rather than attached straps)
5) Simple
6) Basic construction instructions would be good, as in which part to sew before sewing another part, etc, etc

[seeinglife.livejournal.com]

4) Hm, interesting idea. It's a possibility, though probably not one of the first things I'll sell.
6) Instructions are a definite, don't worry about that.

[blakrose-eris.livejournal.com]

I prefer the Seam allowance left on.

Several variations in cut in a package

What would you like to see most: skirts, cutsews, blouses, jumpers, coats, dresses, & petticoats. I really need tops and coats. Maybe include a head dress pattern or hat also.

Are there certain cuts you'd like to see or have trouble finding: sailor collared tops definately, scalloped skirts, coats, Almost anythign in my size. I am plus sized, 22. I would love to see a kitty eared hooded coat pattern. or a kitty eared head dress would be real cool

More advanced or more simple patterns?: I can do both. I prefer simple, but I am not sure how you would make a simple blouse or coat pattern.

Any other small things you'd want included, like detailed materials descriptions or something?: Remember some of us don't sew with patterns too often so we do not know all the terminology. I usulaly make my own patterns, which works fine, except on the rare occation I have to use a real pattern I have a heck of a time trying to follow their instructions.

[mysticnightsky.livejournal.com]

I am the same size, and I second the kitty-eared hooded coat pattern. =^.^=

[seeinglife.livejournal.com]

Plus size = YES. I plan to make patterns up to about a 54" bust in standard sizes and bigger than that for custom sizes.

Kitty ear hoodie, hm, now that's a possibility. Maybe not in the first few, but eventually, yes since they seem to be rather popular.

[iko.livejournal.com]

Plus size = YES. I plan to make patterns up to about a 54" bust in standard sizes and bigger than that for custom sizes.

Wow! That's awesome that you're going up to 54" for standard sizes. My 43" bust salutes you! (unless you find that disturbing)

[suga-bay-bee.livejournal.com]

seam allowance on.
1. maybe one pattern have the basica skirt shape...and then tells of how to change it a bit with different designs (and guidelines)

2. jackets!!! long overcoat/jackets.

4. definitely blouses. elaborate kind.

dresses, and petticoats.

and several variations in one package.

[blasphemerius.livejournal.com]

I agree that this is a great idea ^^
I like the seam allowances as well, and the idea of having variations that work around the same pattern (such as different sleaves, collars, edges on skirts, etc), if they're all similar enough to work together.
Personally, I'd be interested in cutsews, blouses, skirts, and dresses. And I think that maybe a range of patterns such as beginning, medium, and expert difficulties would be cool too.

[yimisty.livejournal.com]

a) I like seam allowance on mostly because I forget.
b) variations are always good
c) I really need a good petticoat pattern and jsks
d) I'm still trying to work out a good peter pan collar
e) what qualifies as advanced?

[black-sonnet.livejournal.com]

seam allowance on as long as it says its a seam allowance ^_^
style variations are good but maybe have a choice of that? i for one can never figure out a good trimming without trying to slightly copy something
definately blouse patterns!
jsk, dresses, coats and skirts too.

[miss-lumpy.livejournal.com]

I would personally love some patterns for petticoats, blouses, and coats, and I prefer seam allowances to be kept on. Surprisingly enough, I'm having a hell of a time finding Peter Pan collars on blouses, so I'd like to see some of those. I'd like a few different skill levels per pack -- a simple skirt and a more difficult skirt, for example. And I think a vague materials description would be fine (lightweight, stretchy, etc.) This is an awesome idea, and I can't wait til you start selling! Do you know how much you'd charge?

[valkyrie-chan.livejournal.com]

I like seam allowance. I'd be willing to buy anything, but I'd really love a pattern for a scalloped skirt.

[sisterite.livejournal.com]

Seam allowance = yes. ^^

I'd love to see a pattern for the bunnie-eared hoodies. *blinks*

Also, JUMPERS. I'd KILL to have some jumperskirt patterns.

[madrigallia.livejournal.com]

1. Seam allowance on, definately. I've forgotten to add it once on a pattern T_T'
2. Variety is great. Pattern variations would be a good idea, for people that can't modify existing patterns on their own. Trims may be an issue due to personal tastes.
3.skirts, blouses, jumpers, dresses!
4. Sailortops! I love them, but I can never find a decent pattern that isnt kids sazed. Scallops. Also, sweetheart necklines, I love them so much~
5. Difficulty could range? Maybe offer both so people can choose or work their way up (because two people of two totally different skill levels may want to do the same skirt or dress).
6. Directions, I guess. They'd be nice just as basics in case one gets a little lost. Especially on something like pintucks.

[pinafore.livejournal.com]

I'd like to see the seam allowances left on. Also, I'd love it if you included patterns for cutsews and blouses.

[noodleslove.livejournal.com]

This is a really good idea. I would definitely buy some patterns. :333

1) Seam allowances on, I think.
2) I think variations are a good idea
3) Skirts, petticoats, bloomers, blouses... maybe some patterns for cute pyjamas?
4)I don't know anything about cuts and styles and such...
5)I think a healthy balance of both. I am a sewing idiot, so simple patterns would be good for me. (With maybe more difficult variations for others?)
6) I think maybe instuctions or basic terminology definitions for people (like myself) who get mixed up easily.

[toujourspret.livejournal.com]

1. Seam allowance left off, because most seamstresses eventually learn their own favorite length for seam allowances--some bigger, some smaller. Plus, it's easier to adapt a pattern that doesn't have seam allowances. That isn't to say that your patterns won't work well enough on their own, but it's easier for the buyer to purchase the pattern size nearest their own and adjust than it is for you to create a custom pattern for each person.
2. I think it depends on how much you're planning to sell for. If you're going cheap (around or less than $10), you could probably get away with just doing different trim ideas for a skirt with minor variations, like a skirt pattern that includes a gored skirt base with options to create a split, various lengths, and maybe an optional ruffle at the bottom. Then another skirt pattern could be a gathered waist, another a pleated waist. I'd leave fancy things like scalloped edges to themselves in a skirt pattern, because it will need more complicated instructions that would confuse a beginner. Maybe feature different levels of difficulty based on technique?
3. I think it'd be great if you sold an "underwear" set, with maybe a sleeveless blouse or camisole, bloomers in two lengths, and a petticoat or underskirt to wear over your pannier to soften the lines. I'd also love variations on a blouse, like removable sleeves os something similar, and a pattern for a pannier would be great! I also think that a mix-and-match sort of pattern for a basic JSK would sell well.
4. Panniers, as I said before. Also, there've been a lot of requests for various animal-eared hoodies, etc., and it'd be great if you had a basic hoodie pattern with a sort of "choose your own embellishments" kind of thing. Coats too, maybe? And a loli school blazer. I love blazers of all sorts, and school-style blazers in particular, but they're a hard pattern to find, and even harder to drape yourself.
5. Both, I think, ranging from simple skirt patterns that can be whipped up in a matter of two or three hours to complicated blouses that take days. Marked clearly, of course, so beginners don't try to jump in with a pattern that's too difficult for them.
6. Reccommended materials list, like on the back of commercial patterns, would be nice. Photos on the jacket of completed dresses/blouses/skirts/whatnot made with this pattern in a variety of styles (like, one dress that's gothic lolita, another sweet, another classical, etc.). Definitely a directions sheet with photos/drawings of the steps.

[chikfactor.livejournal.com]

aaah, finally! most patterns are hella ugly and not worth the effort to alter~

seam allowance included and indicated, variations in cut instead of trim, dresses and jumpers, edwardian style blouses [y'know, with the lacy parts on the chest], not too simple...but clearly explained and diagrammed advanced patterns would be awesome, just things like fabric suitability etc

[lozpie.livejournal.com]

Seam allowance included...
Not sure about variations... I'd go with no, to keep things simple.

Kind of patterns I would personally like:
I've included photos from baby, because it's easier to get them from one place, and just to show what kind of style I (personally) like.

JSKs!
Preferably ones without poofy sleeves, without shirring.
With 3-tiered skirts.
Not princess seams, unless you could get it to work with my OTT hourglass figure (93cm-70cm-103cm). I'm worried princess seams would cause the skirt part to be tight on my hips?
Other than that, not too fussed about JSK designs.

Medium-Advanced Skirts
I'd prefer skirts that rely more on layers and ruffles for decoration, rather than trimmings. Kind of like:
http://www.babyssb.co.jp/shopping/skirt/130511.html
Or when you get a scalloped edge with an underskirt.

Blouses/Cutsews like:
http://www.babyssb.co.jp/shopping/blous/130432.html
http://www.babyssb.co.jp/shopping/blous/130412.html
http://www.babyssb.co.jp/shopping/cutsaw/130714.html
http://www.babyssb.co.jp/shopping/cutsaw/130731.html
http://www.babyssb.co.jp/shopping/cutsaw/130713.html
http://www.babyssb.co.jp/shopping/cutsaw/130715.html
http://www.babyssb.co.jp/shopping/cutsaw/130722.html

I prefer either long sleeved, or no sleeves. Square neck lines preferred.

Bloomers
Just above knee-length. I want to hide my thighs but not have them visable poking out from under my skirt.

I'd rather buy things like petticoats, socks, then make them. And I already make my own accesories.

Harharhar look at me being a specific butt unlike everyone else. o_O I feel evil.