Are you familiar with Stitch magazine by Interweave Press? It IS my favorite sewing magazine! They have great projects with great instructions and photographs that always make me want to go home and create something. But do I? Well, I must admit that the magazines do stack up with plenty of "dog eared" pages. I do look at them over and over again - does that count?
So, I finally have picked a project as seen to the left here: The Criss Cross Capelet by April Moffat, featured in the Fall 2013 issue. Since I am teaching, Vintage Effects on Modern Clothes at the upcoming Original Sewing & Quilt Expo in Ft Worth next month, this project fits right in. I would have already made it but what has held me back is that the pattern is available only as a PDF which is downloadable on their site, SEWDAILY.COM
I do not have a problem with PDF patterns at all, however when the project involves printing out more than 20 pages . . . which you then have to tape together (very carefully matching up the dots) and then cut it out of the "stiff" inkjet printer paper (rather than the tissue paper that we know so well) well, need I say more? I know that it is FREE, but is it really??? I do not know what it costs per page on my printer, but we all know that the ink is not cheap. Paper; not too bad and neither is the tape very expensive. BUT, do you know how long it took me to do all of this? Probably a little over 30 minutes! Hmmm . . . I am not sure about this after all. Maybe I should change my opinion about these PDF's . . . . what does everyone else think of these? I think that I personally would rather have a pattern on tissue all printed out, with directions all inclusive. I would gladly pay for this service But wait, haven't we already been doing for decades!
Wow, I never thought that I would say this, but it must be my age! I must be getting "old"!
Okay, I am going to cut this out today and start sewing it up, so follow my progress and comments right here:)
Here is what the cover of the magazine looks like if you want to check and see if you have this issue.
PS Has everyone already ordered their tickets for the show in Ft Worth? If we want to have our own fabulous sewing show in north Texas, here is our chance to get one and keep it!
Okay, my opinion is that I want both. I want it printed out for the convenience, then if I change the size or lose a piece I want to be able to re-print. I trace a lot, of course, but not always.
ReplyDeleteHmm . . . loosing a piece. That just happened to me with a older Vogue pattern of mine. Good point.
DeleteI have done the print out a lot a pages and taped them together, made the pattern and now where do I put it? It sure does not fold up like my tissues patterns.
ReplyDeleteNO it is sooo bulky! And, I cut it out today and I really do not like pinning through printer paper!
DeleteI do like PDF patterns, but I do agree with the time it takes to "piece" the pieces. Also the paper requires careful trimming so as not to dull my "fabric" scissors when cutting out the fabric.
ReplyDeleteSo, I think someone needs to invent "pattern paper" for the printer for these PDF patterns. Also, it would be nice for the designers to organize their files in two files...Directions & pieces (maybe some do, just not the ones I have used). I usually spend 10-15 minutes weeding out what I need & what I don't so I don't print too much.
Over all, I like them and have had great luck using them.
Denise, you have some valid points. Hmm . . printable "pattern paper" for home printers. That would be great, but mine would probably jam and then I'd be in a pickle!
DeleteI trace the taped together pattern pieces on to the famous tracing paper sold so economically at SewItUp. I save the PDF for future reference.
ReplyDelete