Have you noticed the price of patterns lately? Talk about
inflation! My goodness! I don’t buy mainstream patterns anymore unless they are
on sale for a dollar or I have a half price coupon in my purse and I really
need the pattern! I think it’s time for me to get over mainstream patterns and look
elsewhere.
I admit, over the years I’ve primarily used Simplicity
patterns for the basis of my designs. From aprons to doll clothes, they are
easily changed and/or modified to create the design I’ve envisioned. Second in
line are the McCall’s, but I’ve become very disillusioned with McCall’s lately when
I discovered many of the individual pattern pieces are NOT marked with the pattern’s
name, number, view, or size. This means I must stop what I’m doing (planning to
cut out and sew) and write down everything on the piece before using it. Like I
really have the time to do their job!
Then, you’ll find less than a handful of Butterick and Vogue in my stash.
It’s exciting how many patterns are coming out from independent
designers!
At the new website SewSet
– an online sewing directory – you will find amazing pattern offerings from
independent designers – and some are free! It’s easy to sign up and it’s free. Once
you’ve signed in and click on one of their categories (Children, Women, Men,
Home Décor, By Designer, Recently Added), you then decide and click on
either:
“All Patterns”
“Free Patterns &
Tutorials Only”
“Patterns for Sale ”
Find something Free that interests you, and click on the
picture. Once there, you click the “for Free” button on the right, and it takes
you to the person’s website or blog! Oh my goodness… how you’ll find so much
more from these talented folks than just a free pattern/tutorial for that one initial
thing! Try it, you’ll love it!
I’ve used a Liberty Jane Patterns before, the Dress
Form for AG Doll Clothes, and found it very easy to read/follow and all the
pieces needed were included – always a good thing! Will be buying more, and
using a few of their “free” patterns, too!
If you’re interested in fun, whimsical primitive looking
creatures, try out Shweet Potato
Dolls N Patterns! I have, and love them! And, she lives in Texas!
Do you know of an independent pattern designer/producer? I’m
searching for more, American made!
Great article! i did not know about Sew Set. Thanks now I have another place to visit and add to my ever growing stash.
ReplyDeleteSandi
Shweetpotatodollsnpatterns.com
Thank you! I recently discovered SewSet and thought it would be a great resource for pattern people like you, and for those of us looking to support independents!
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