Commercial Sewing Pattern Poll
The following is a survey I am conducting for a problem-solving class in college. It seems to me that [redacted]. If you have the time, please copy and paste the questions and post your answers to the comments of this entry, just like if you were filling out a meme. Thanks very much for your time
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1.) What is your age range? (Please specify):
51 - 60
2.) How many years of sewing experience do you have? 42
3.) How often do you sew? 5-6 times a week
4.) Why do you sew this frequently or infrequently? I sew garb for all of my family and myself, and for some friends for Renaissance fairs.
5.) Do you sew most often for yourself, or for other people?
Most often for myself, but the rest of my family also gets garb sewn for them.
6.) What do you sew the most often? (Examples: Clothes for adults, clothes for children, costumes, gender specific clothes, et cetera) Clothes for adults, and costumes...mostly Renaissance clothing
7.) Do you generally use commercial sewing patterns produced by companies such as Simplicity, Butterick, and McCall’s? Why or why not? Yes, although I usually modify them to take out darts or zippers.
8.) If you have used commercial sewing patterns published by other companies (Note: Vogue is a child company of McCall’s), what did you like or not like about their pattern instructions? Why did you like or not like these things? I've used Margo Anderson's patterns, and Laughing Moon, and a few Folkways. Margo's instructions are the best I've found. Laughing Moon is also very good. I like it when patterns tell you what is the most appropriate fabrics and trimming. I also like very specific instructions with diagrams to make it easy to figure out.
9.) Do you follow a pattern’s instructions while you are using it? Why or why not? Usually. Although sometimes if one element is exceptionally complex, I might make that part first if it doesn't have to be fitted over something else. (An example of this was the 7 piece sleeves on Margo Anderson's loose gown--I made the sleeves first to get them out of the way.) Otherwise, I'll work from the inside out.
10.) Do you feel that the instructions for commercial sewing patterns are easy to follow? Why or why not? The big three are pretty good; sometimes I wish they gave more pictures and diagrams.
11.) Should the instructions for commercial sewing patterns be more specifically aimed at inexperienced seamstresses, and therefore use plainer language and clearer descriptions (just as a start)? Why or why not? Yes. Not everyone has lots of experience. If I know what I'm doing, I can just skim over the things I've done lots of times.
12.) Do you think that the diagrams included in commercial sewing pattern instructions are confusing? Why or why not? No. They're pretty clear. I would like more.
13.) Do you think there should be more diagrams used in commercial sewing pattern instructions? Why or why not? Yes. Visual references make doing a craft like sewing easier.
14.) Would you be interested in the ability to access pattern instructions on the Internet, as well as having a printed copy with your pattern? Keep in mind this would have many benefits other than allowing you access to the instructions if you lose your printed copy. Why or why not?
Yes.
15.) Would you be interested in having access to instructional videos on the Internet for the pattern you are using? Why or why not? Absolutely. There's nothing like actually seeing something done.
16.) What changes would you like to see made to commercial pattern instructions to make them more convenient for your use? More diagrams.
17.) What pattern would you say has been the most difficult for you? If you can’t name a specific pattern, the name of the company that published it will do nicely. Why was this pattern so difficult for you? In spite of the fact that Margo's are the best, there were a few mistakes in the Gentleman's package. I was going crazy until I realized that I needed to cut 3 fly pieces instead of 2, and the shirt was wildly too BIG. Since I had never made Elizabethan garb before, it was a challenge. The other thing that is my pet peeve for historical costuming is the patterns for lovely Renaissance dresses with zippers in the back. I've actually given out documents to people at fairs entitled "Your dress is perfect--except for the zipper." It tells people how to make a privacy panel and insert grommets or eyelets.
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