{EDIT – I've had an overwhelming response – thank you everyone. Applications are now closed for the timebeing.}
If you are a keen follower of So Sew Easy, you will have noticed by now that in addition to the free sewing patterns, I've just recently started to introduce some for-sale sewing patterns too. I'd love to be able to bring out a new pattern each month – but on top of the free pattern I already offer – they are a lot of work! So I'm looking for a little band of helpers – calling for pattern testers wanted!
What I'm looking for
- Sewists of all levels from beginners to advanced
- Ladies in all sizes for pattern size/style testing
- Reliable people
- Anywhere in the world is OK
What you'll need
You will need to have access to
- Your own sewing machine
- A printer for the patterns
- A stash of cute fabrics
- A camera to take blog-worthy pics
- Time – the projects will have a turnaround time of no more than 14 days
What skills do you need?
You should know how to:
- insert a zipper
- ease in a sleeve
- sew with knit fabrics
- print and use PDF patterns
- make personal fitting alterations
- take clear, bright, colorful and blog-worthy photos of your finished items
How it might work
I'm thinking the process might run something like this, but it's open to changes and improvements as we work together:
- I'll email and let you know a new pattern is ready for testing and give brief details and a deadline
- If you want to make up the pattern and can meet the deadline – say Yes
- I'll email you the first draft of the pattern and instructions
- You make up the pattern, and make notes as you go along noting any pattern errors or areas where the instructions aren't clear
- You send me the lovely pics of your completed project by the deadline along with any suggested alterations to the instructions
- I make revisions, send you the final pattern once its released
- I feature your completed projects on So Sew Easy
- You get my thanks and gratitude for ever
How to apply
I'm setting up a separate mailing list for pattern testers. If you would like to apply, please complete your details here below and I will send you a link to a form to complete online with all of your details.
{EDIT – I've had an overwhelming response – thank you everyone. Applications are now closed for the timebeing.}
photo credit: Krissy.Venosdale via photopin cc
If you need any pattern testers in the future I’d love to help.
Hannah.
http://surfjewels.tumblr.com/
I’ll keep that in mind Hannah, thank you. For now the current team are doing well, but if any drop out, I’ll give you a shout.
Hello I’m Marina, a French girl expatriate in China.
I really like sewing and ready to help you.
I have an intermediaire level, making a lot of my daughter and I clothing (chinese style is really special…)
I have the time and all you need.
Let’s go for me if you need help.
Marina
I am an advanced sewer in most area…would just like to help out and try new things….I am retired and no family close right now (daughter married a Navy man and now in GA w/our 2 grandchildren) so basically I have time on my hands with only my on project to keep me going…at times you just wish someone would ask you do something….don’t get me wri=ong I’m always making things for friends…but just would like to be helpful to someone else……thank you for this opportunity
Hi Susan and thanks for leaving a comment. The replies and applications has been truly amazing, so many people wanting to get involved. I’ve already signed up far far more lovely ladies than I expected and can’t take anyone else right now. But these things always change as people come and go, and I’ll certainly keep your details for the future. Thank you so much and I love your generous nature, that you are always looking out for someone to help.
Do you have a tutorial on sleeve ease? I haven’t done it before but I’m sure I could learn quickly.
Hmm, I’m not great at that myself Awbrey. Let’s learn that together. Once I come across a project that needs it, I’ll probably do a video tutorial. I’m sure it will be easier to see that way than in photos and if I mess up and have to do it again, we can learn that way too.
This sounds to be a lot of fun, and I always like to try new and different patterns! Thanks!
I would absolutely love to do this but unfortunately I have no access to knit fabrics. If you get inot wovens I will jump in like a shot or if my local fabric shops ever stock knits!
Hi Jemma, Its true that most of my clothes sewing would probably be knits, but not all. And I also am starting on other projects like bags too. So there is never any obligation to do all of the patterns – just the ones that you like – the same as you would in real life. I need all sorts on the team, so do feel free to sign up and just pick the projects you like.
Thanks Deby, I have applied! Kind of beginner – but I make a fantastic Danielle! Learning to sew the perfect fit and hubby can take great photos!
Hi I just signed up. I am a professional seamstress and teach garment construction in a university fashion program. I love trying new patterns.
Hi Louise – you’ve got me really nervous now – as a new and self-taught sewist myself I still have a long way to go – I hope you don’t find my patterns and tutorials too terrible and laughable! I’d love your input.
I teach all levels so I am always evaluating patterns as to ease of use. A lot of the mainstream commercial patterns are not user friendly. I am so happy independent designers have the internet to allow the world to see options for obtaining patterns!
I am a self-taught sewer. I’ll do my best to help. Love a challenge.
Great Denise – look out for the email.
Great idea and I have signed up. I am intermediate sewer.
Hi Cathy, thanks for the interest. I’ll be setting up a Facebook group and look forward to chatting with you there.
Hi Deby ,
I would love to join the group 🙂 I signed up. You can visit my blog for the garments I make 🙂 I am an advanced beginner or probably an intermediate sewer (as I have made some garments which require intermediate level of sewing ). I signed up above too..
Your site is great! Really love that coral pleated top – you obviously have great skills and a great deal of patience. Good to have you on the team Diya.
Signed!
I can’t wait to see what comes next 🙂
Hugs,
MammaNene
Hi Deby,
I ´d love to help you out. So let´s give it a try.
Cheers,
Jessica
That’s great Jessica. Look out for the email and then fill out the form to join and I’ll see you in our secret group!
Hi deby, I’m excited to have signed up. I am quite an experienced sewer and always looking for new patterns to save me having to draft my own! I find as I do a lot of sewing for other I don’t make time to make things for me so this will be a great excuse, Can’t wait to see what you have for me! Thanks, Sarah- http://www.leicesterscraftyladies.co.uk
Great to have you oh the team Sarah
I’m in! A little past beginner level. I’ll work on my zipper skills.
Great Becky, thank you. Look out for the email you’ll get when you sign up to the mailing list and fill out the form so I can get all your details and add you to our secret Facebook pattern testing group!