I have been working on items for classes and have selected some of the patterns from these new young designers. Their fabrics are wonderfully delicious and very popular. So, to sell their fabrics, they are all coming up with patterns to use them. And, the designs are terrific! However, I am getting more and more impatient with their pattern making skills (or should I say "lack thereof"). Apparently, some of these young gals have never read traditional patterns, so they are "re-inventing the wheel" making up their own terminology and methods. For example, one has redefined the word "midriff" to mean below the waist and another thinks a circle or dot is the same thing as a dart, and seam allowance! .. just guess! Imagine if my daughter the architect decided to redefine words for the carpenters that use her plans ..."Oh, I'd like to call the window sill a sash, and strut is a funny word, let's call it a molding..." I guess that's why she has 5 years of intensive training and has to intern for 3 and then pass a whole battery of exams to become licensed ... no such regulation in the clothing industry .. if you can afford to print it, it can be sold without disclaimer! My biggest concern with these patterns is that the gals who they appeal to the most are beginners and when they can't figure it out, they think it is something they are doing wrong. Some just go for it and "make it work" which is not what a pattern is supposed to do (and I've seen some of the workmanship on those), but they are happy, so all is well in la-la land. Maybe I just expect more from someone who is selling a product.
Oh, I should add that I have found some gals who do a great job ... I have put together several of Melly and Me patterns, and except for the language barrier in a few places (I don't read Australian), their bags go together very well. Pink Sand Beach does a nice job, but she is closer to my age, and I have heard that Penny Sturges's patterns are very good. So, I will continue to sample and pass on the info to my customers and contact the offenders and offer suggestions for improvement ... if I could only rule the world of sewing!
