Pattern Testers
Hello, prospective pattern testers! Thanks for your interest in helping me develop fabulous patterns! It’s important to test each garment pattern on a variety of bodies, sewn on a variety of equipment by sewists with a range of experience and skill sets. I want to know what you like (or don’t!) about the design, the fit, the construction process; what you found easy or difficult; which parts of the instructions made sense or made you scratch your head; if parts of the pattern didn’t line up the way your expected or if you found typos in the text! And, of course, I’d love to see pictures of your finished projects! (But don’t worry – I don’t expect them to be “perfect” sample garments if it’s the first time you’re sewing the pattern.) Speaking of which, keep in mind that what you’re testing is a beta version and not a final product, so there may be small “bugs” – your task is to help me catch them before the pattern goes up for sale.
I’m sure you’re wondering what exactly this involves, so below, I’ve included some information about what you are expected to do, as well as what I’ll provide in exchange.
You will be provided with:
- a preview copy of the current pattern and instructions to be tested;
- a feedback journal/form; and,
- (if applicable; see below) a kit containing any specialized or hard-to-source hardware, findings, and/or fabrics that are essential to completing the project.
After completion of the project, you will also receive:
- a free copy of the final pattern and instructions; and,
- a voucher for another free PDF pattern of your choice from my Etsy shop (which can be used for an existing pattern or saved for a future release).
You will be expected to:
- be honest about your level of sewing experience and skill so that I can choose the most appropriate spectrum of testers for each pattern (some will be more oriented to beginners, some are more challenging);
- use the pattern and instructions to sew one variation or “view” of the pattern:
- without any significant modifications or “hacks” not included in the pattern/instructions as written except: fitting adjustments, fabric choice, and surface embellishments;
- using either the materials provided (if applicable) or suitable alternative materials which you’ve chosen yourself according to the instructions provided;
- provide your own “fashion” fabrics and embellishments (if applicable), and basic sewing consumables (such as thread, needles, pins, tracing paper, interfacing, etc.);
- provide your own, or have access to, the required equipment and tools (see below);
- make notes as you go and provide feedback about the process, pattern, and instructions, using the form provided;
- complete the project and return the feedback form within 2-4 weeks of receiving the materials (see below for estimated dates); and,
- photograph the completed project (and, if possible, the construction process), which may be used (with credit and with your permission) as “real world” examples of the pattern on the Palm Patterns blog, social media, and/or press releases.
You are welcome to:
- share photos and details of your experience on your blog or social media accounts after the pattern has been released to the public (unless otherwise arranged), with appropriate attribution for the pattern and design!
- make additional variations of the pattern using your own materials if desired!
If that all sounds groovy to you, read on for more details about the pattern I’m currently testing…