Saturday, March 23, 2013

Making and Selling Patterns-Readers Thoughts





I have been drafting my own patterns for a while now and have had several people ask about purchasing copies of the patterns I have made. Mostly of Marilyn Monroe's outfits. So far it hasn't been something that i have offered but  has been on my mind lately and i'm wondering if there is a decent market out there and what method would be the best option. There are so many different ways to sell and receive patterns now.
There are so many talented ladies on Etsy making patterns i'm going to have to test out some of them to see what methods like. So if any of you out there have thoughts on what works for you, what methods you like please let me know!

8 comments:

  1. As I wrote on your fb status, deff the Marilyn Blue Bow Dress!!! I need it in my life, and while I wish I could afford to have you make it for me, I have to attempt to make my own clothing.
    I think that selling you designs is a wonderful idea!
    I know alot of people do the digital download these days, the pattern prints on many sheets of paper that then have to be put together by the person...I have not yet attempted it as I am the kind of person who feels better about having a pretty pattern in its own packet.
    (I seem to be on a rant here sorry!:)) With how wonderful your clothing is, and with no other pattern company making patterns that are an amazing match as your designs, I would say give it a go! Go large! With the right kind of marketing (go viral marketing, targeting facebook groups) you could really have something pretty exciting about to set off for you :)
    I of course would buy everything!!!
    Good luck and I hope my rant helps!

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    1. Thank you so much for your comments! They do help a lot, sometimes i feel like im talking to empty space, its nice to get feedback. I personally love to have a pattern in hand as well. I haven't tried the PDF patterns myself either, but i think id really like to do something a little more old fashioned, as usual. Im looking into printers, having patterns tested and all that goes into having patterns professionally made. So it may be a little while before i get the whole thing figured out, but i think its pretty exciting!

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  2. Your welcome! I hope it all works out and comes together! One thing I'd ask is pleaseeee have the patterns for plus size as well, I think I am like 43inch bust and patterns can be intimidating when I only see itty bittys! :)
    I honestly think that having a book proposal would be a great idea for you as well, I look at all your amazing creations, and compared to the sewing books on the market you would have more specialized knowledge with vintage reproductions. The only book out lately that comes close is Gerties New Book for better Sewing, and as much as I adore Gertie, I think something you would have put together would be all the more what vintage sewing lovers would be interested in.
    Haha I've become your own personal sewing cheerleader!
    Go do amazing things quick! :)

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  3. I think you are so talented ! I would probably buy all of Marilyn patterns from you although I also can make them myself. You are so good! I promise you that all the vintage bathing suit patterns would sell, and even more than that- there is a disparate need for a online video course tutorial on making swimwear ( especially vintage inspired! Are you kidding?) I am braking my head alone at home, looking for all the resources I can find and I am telling you have a unique and a valued knowledge and expertise. Seriously, please think about it. The sewing community is really large and shares info like that faster than clothing costumers. Look at Sarah's business at ohh Lu Lu , she has done both and it only increased her popularity.

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    1. I was actually looking for some tips on swimwear myself a while back and was surprised at how little information there was out there. I found it helpful to look at both new and vintage swimwear in person to see how they are put together. The older suits make more sense, to me anyway because they didn't have lycra/spandex and there were often zippers, buttons and they used ''normal'' fabrics. With modern patterns the fit is so dependent on the stretch of your fabric. figuring out how much to size down a pattern for spandex fabric to stretch enough once on to fit you, i think is the hardest part about the whole thing. I haven't quite come up with a guide for that since not all fabrics stretche the same amount but it's something i've been working on. The video thing is an interesting idea, i've never done one before. I'll have to think about that :-)

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    2. I am glad you answered this. Take a look at some of the videos online - I especially like Angela Kane http://www.youtube.com/user/angelakanetv, Professor Pincushion http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqEuVgO8Rno, or this dvd by Corset Training (you have to buy it) http://corsettraining.net/. The last girl makes corsets and did this course as a side thing with a small corset pattern line. I really liked that course, it was simple, unpretentious and clear. How do you fell about bathing in "normal" fabrics? Did you ever try this? I kind of hate the feel of spandex and lycra, mostly I an just bored with them and miss the variety of vintage fabrics on the beach. But then is it really practical? Will it dry fast? Will the rushing hold shape in frequent use..? That I still have to check. I say make tutorials/ videos / patterns of whatever you already feel comfortable with. I also keep learning all the time and never feel I reached the bar, so maybe it's easier for me to say it looking from the side - but you are very good!! Do it.

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  4. take a look at this platform https://www.coursecraft.net/blog

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