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Pattern Testers Wanted!

Thursday, August 14, 2014
Thank you so much to everyone who has signed up! 

The database is now closed due to the overwhelming number of people on it and I truly appreciate it!!


Since the release of my first pattern, I've had a few people email me offering to test any future patterns I may have, which has been absolutely amazing. I've always taken them up on the offer, because, why on earth wouldn't you? I'm now at the stage where creating a small database of those lovely people who want to do some pattern testing for me would be extremely useful, so, would you like to do some future pattern testing for me? Because, I'd really love it if you would (and would be forever grateful!).

I've written up a little FAQ about testing to hopefully answer some of your questions -

1) Do I get paid to pattern test?
Unfortunately not, but you do get a (hopefully) cute pattern! Once all feedback is collated and any changes are made, I'll also send you a final copy of the updated pattern as a thank you.

2) Do I need to blog about it once the pattern is released?
Absolutely not! In fact, I have testers who don't even have blogs or an internet presence. What I need from testers is honest feedback about the pattern, and then should you wish, you are more than welcome to blog about your experience with the pattern (good or bad) once released, but there is no small print stating that you have to blog about it (though obviously, I'd welcome it!).

3) Do I need a blog or web presence to test?
Again, absolutely not, see above answer.

4) How do you pick who get's to test?
Once I have the next pattern ready, I'll email the entire database to let you know. From there, testers will be chosen on a 'first in per size' email basis. If the first 10 people signing up are all a size 14, obviously I need a range of sizes to test for me, and sending the pattern to a large group who are all sewing up the same size isn't going to give me a good idea of how the pattern works across all sizes. So in that instance, the first few in that size group will get to test.

5) What do I have to do?
Once you've received my email with a description of what the next pattern is, if you want to test it, all you have to do is let me know. If I receive your email before the testing group is full, I'll email you the pattern with a list of questions I'd like to know about. After you've made the pattern, you'll need to email me back with the answers to my questions and any other comments you think might be useful for me to put into the pattern (whether it's fit, typos, missing information, instructions that are hard to understand etc). This usually needs to happen with a 2-3 week turn around.

6) What if I'm too busy to test a pattern with a 2 week turn around?
I'll always let you know what you're in for before you commit to testing a pattern. If you think there's no way you'll be able to provide feed back in that time (sometimes sooner!) then I'd appreciate it if you'd pass on testing this time and let someone else do it.

Don't worry, just because you pass this time, doesn't mean you get a black mark next to your name for next time :)

7) Is the pattern going to be in pdf? Do I need a printer? I hate pdf's by the way...
Yes, at this stage all my patterns are in a digital pdf format. I am looking into paper patterns depending on demand, but that is realistically not going to happen until at least the end of the year/beginning of next.

So, yes, you'll need a printer. My patterns work for both A4 and US Letter sized paper.

I think 'hate' is a rather strong word, but I understand the difficulties of working with pdf patterns. However, if you're yet to try one of my PDF patterns, I hope I'll curb some of that dislike. My pdf's are laid out in a way that you don't end up needing to rearrange your entire living room to tape together one big blob of paper. You get to print out only the version you want to make, and you'll save a bunch of paper and time doing it my way :)

8) What if I don't like the style of the pattern on me?
I'll hopefully describe the pattern to you as best I can without actually showing everyone what the pattern looks like (cause that'd be giving it away!). Based on that information, you'll need to decide if you think it's something you'd like to make, and then fingers crossed you like it. If you end up hating it, obviously I'd still love your feedback and I guess you'll just need to look at the pattern objectively (rather than emotionally) so you can let me know any issues with it.

9) What if I'm a beginner seamstress?
Great! I will be releasing patterns that suit different levels of sewing experience. If I've stated in an email that a pattern is intermediate or advanced but it sounds like something you'd like to have a go at making, then please feel free to sign up. You never know, while I think it's an advanced pattern, you might think it's super easy, which would then mean I'd need to re-think my classification of the pattern anyway.

10) If I sign up and give you my email address, will you use it for other spammy 
purposes, or give it to spammy people who will send me spam?
No way! Your email address will specifically go onto my testers database, and you'll only ever get an email from me if it's about pattern testing (unless you'd like other emails of course! Email penpals anyone??). And I'll never give your email address to spammy people either, don't you worry (damn them and their promises of enlarged bodily bits that I don't even have!).

xx
J

PS) Apologies for being mean in my last post, hehe :) Here is more of a hint - the next pattern is for wovens and is a skirt/dress combo :) Is that better?

Sneaky Peeks...

Friday, August 8, 2014
I've been neglecting this poor wee blog of late, mostly due to this...


O hai new pattern!

This is not the original third pattern I was intending to release. Nope, we had a slight falling out so decided it was best we move on and see other patterns, because time (and distance) makes the heart grow fonder and all that. I think we're making up again though, because as soon as this one is out, we're going to work on our relationship, take it one day at a time and then hopefully show the world what a beautiful and versatile couple we (and you!) make. #howmanytimescanapatternbedescribedasversatile ?

In the mean time, other pattern and I are working out the last few bits before it hits the inboxes of testers (who will politely rip it to shreds in the very best kind of way) and we'll then be able to deliver a new pattern to you at the end of August to hopefully add to your ever expanding list of 'Patterns to make'.

I'll give you a hint, intermediate and advanced seamstresses, this is your pattern. Keen beginners, time and patience may be all you need.

xx
J

Your Bronte Tops...

Saturday, August 2, 2014
Today I wanted to showcase a few of the amazing Bronte Tops I've seen popping up lately. It's so exciting every time I see a new one out in the world!

Sue from Fadanista kind of blew my mind with her first Bronte top, in which she put the front overlap on top of the back overlap (it's designed to go the other way...) and wow, how cool does it look! Can I just say that doing it this way had honestly never crossed my mind, but now...


She also made a cute green spotty short sleeved version for fabric shopping in during her travels (me, jealous? Nope, not me...*cough*).


Heather over at Handmade by Heather B has made a gorgeous blue spotty version with some bonus fitting info for hollow chests and forward shoulders!



Tanya from Mrs. Hughes has made two versions, a gorgeous green and black stripe and a nautical stripe...




This Bronte dress from Gillian has me dreaming of a Bronte-Skater dress, what do you think?



I've fallen in love with the polka dot binding Tialys used on her Bronte...

Kirsten from Fifty Two Fancies made up both versions of Bronte - loving the gingham buttons!



Nicole from Sartorial Sewing has made a sleeveless Bronte! And she's hopefully going to post a tutorial on just how she went about it - can't wait!


Ela has made a Bronte from some absolutely gorgeous fabric, and the buttons she used for the neckline were found in an old shed in the Ukraine - I just love little details like that.



There are heaps more out there and you can either peruse the pinterest board for inspiration or add your own Bronte top to the Flickr group here.

xx
J

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