Sewing Patterns
About 90% - 95% of my sewing is PDF patterns from independent designers. I have only about 3-4 Big 4 patterns that I use when sewing. The Big 4 refers to the biggest 4 pattern making companies in the US (Butterick, McCalls, Simplicity and Vogue). These are all now owned by either 1 or 2 companies instead of 4 different companies. I was never a big Vogue pattern user though many of the out of print patterns which carry designer names are very good sellers on vintage pattern selling sites.
Like most sewers I learned to sew using paper patterns from these companies. I still love finding a vintage pattern from the 1960s, 1970s or even earlier. Those patterns have so many interesting details and while can be not easy sews you end up with a very nice item. I actually have probably not bought a new Big 4 pattern in over 12 years. I found them to be very boring basic patterns that all looked the same. The pattern companies did also not keep up design trends. The other issue is that the sloper (this is the basic pattern size) for the companies just did not fit my body type and the patterns themselves were difficult to alter to achieve a good fit.
Independent pattern companies since they sell through PDFs are much easier to keep up with styling trends. It is also easier to blend sizes in the same pattern to achieve a good fit. You do have to print out the PDFs to construct your own patterns, but I do not find this all that terrible a chore. Over the past few years these independent companies began providing projector file so you can cut out your pattern using a projector.
These independent designers also have video tutorials that are embedded in the pattern directions or available on Youtube. They make sewing much more accessible to all, especially if you do not know anyone else that sews.
I think I have picked my pattern for the month. I printed it and the directions out. Now I just need to cut out the pieces to make my pattern. I will then sew a sample piece to try out the sizing. I am usually pretty good at selecting the correct size from the 6-7 independent designer pattern companies I know and love. Below is the beginning of the process.
