Pattern Testers - I Couldn't Do It Without Them

There's a lot that goes into the development of a pattern; design, pattern making, testing, writing, testing some more, refining and the list goes on.  But the best part of the development of a pattern is when it goes out to the testers and I get to what people make.

I'm amazed at how gifted, skilled and generous my pattern testers are!  They made some really fun Ally skirts, gave awesome feedback and were all around supportive during the entire process. Their suggestions have been invaluable.  I couldn't have done it without them!

Here are some of the makes from these lovely testers:

Michelle from ThatBlackChic added pockets and flaps for a young and funky Ally.  So much fun!

Melissa from Mahlicadesigns made a dark denim skirt with snaps.  A great wardrobe builder, right?

Karen made a wool version (so classic!) with pockets and then a higher waisted denim version for her lovely daughter.

Lindsay of Inside The Hem made a corduroy skirt.  When Lindsay sent her photos I had to giggle because I had just finished a brown cord version myself!

Caroline made a fun black Ally that can be worn all year with a light t-shirt in the summer and a chunky sweater and boots in the winter.  I love it!

I'm the luckiest designer ever!  Thank you pattern testers....you're the best!

Blue Dot New Release - The Ally Skirt

The newest addition to the Blue Dot Patterns Collection is the Ally Skirt PDF Pattern!  It's now available on the BDP website!

To celebrate the new release, it's on sale for 30% off....just $7.00.

Ally has length and pocket options and best of all, it sews up really quick!

Head on over to the website and check it out!

New Pattern Is On The Way...June 1st

I’ve got some happy news....

It might look like there hasn’t been much sewing going on here but really, it’s been a happy sewing marathon as I've been getting ready to add a pattern to the Blue Dot Collection.  I’m excited to announce I’ll be releasing a new pattern and her name is Ally!  

Upcraft Club will do an exclusive release June 1st and the pattern will hit the Blue Dot Website beginning June 3rd.  

More details about Ally coming soon...

Blue Dot Pattern Challenge Week #3 - And a Giveaway!

It's the final week of the Blue Dot Patterns Creative Sewing Challenge hosted by Melissa at mahlicadesigns.  This week Melissa of Mahlicadesigns, Cindy of Cindyparrett, and a second entry from Amy of Thatssewamy.

I want to thank all of the talented bloggers that participated in the challenge.  It's fun to see what all of these creative sewers can do. 

And don't forget....all patterns are 40% off at the Blue Dot website and also in the Etsy store during the challenge  AND for even better news.... you can enter to win a pattern in our giveaway!

Answer the question below to enter the giveaway and for a second chance to win, answer the question on the mahlicadesigns blog too.  The winner will be announced December 19th.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Head on over to mahlicadesigns for more pics and to see all the good stuff!

Sneak Peek - New Pattern Release Giveaway!!!

I've been feverishly working on a new Blue Dot PDF pattern and I'm happy to say she will be released Wednesday, October 14th! 

Today, because I'm so excited, I'M GIVING AWAY 5 COPIES OF THE PATTERN before it's released.  Just leave a comment at the end of this post and I will be picking the winners at random.  

Visit my Etsy or website to check out all of the patterns from Blue Dot.

Put Together a PDF Pattern....The Fast Way!

There's nothing like the satisfaction of finding the perfect pattern for that fabric and then realizing you can have it immediately by printing it at home.  You find it, buy it, print it and can be sewing in a few minutes!  But... taping them together isn't quite as fun.  Today I'm sharing the fastest way I've found to tape them together so you can be on your merry (sewing) way.

Here's what you'll need:

PDF pattern

Rotary cutter

Ruler

Rotary cutting mat

Clear tape (matte finish)

Step 1:  Test Square (don't skip this step)

Print the test square provided on the pattern and verify that it's the correct size.  In my example, the test square must be 4".  If your test square size is incorrect, be sure to go back and make print setting adjustments (setting the printer to "actual" size is the common fix) until it's right on.  Once everything is correct, print your pattern.

Step 2:

Place ruler along the left line of pattern frame and cut off margin using a rotary cutter.  Do the same for the bottom margin.  

 Be sure to leave the top and right sides untouched.  Your pattern pieces should look like this:

Step 3:  Tape pages together

Align numbers or markings on the pattern and tape.  Because you cut the left margins off already, you simply need to slide the left page under the right.  Tape pages together in rows from left to right.

In this example, Blue Dot patterns have both a number and a circle to help make alignment accurate.  I tape at all alignment marks and pattern lines to assure my pattern stays together.  I use "matte" clear tape because it allows me to use a pencil or pen to make any fitting adjustments.

 Step 4:  Tape rows together from top to bottom.

That's it!  The rotary cutter saves so much time!

I hope this helps you enjoy your PDF patterns!