Calling Prospective Pattern Testers!

Along the journey to becoming a bonafide pattern designer are check points that need outside assistance.

The most important check point is to ensure that instructions provided for a pattern — particularly one that is for sale — are correct. I have had reasonable success in the past proof-reading my own material so I'm not looking for someone just to do a read-through. I'm looking for sewing enthusiasts who can follow instructions to make a fun project and let me know whether or not they were successful... and if not, where they had issues and how the instructions could be improved.

So with that out of the way, if you are interested, see below for current testing opportunities (and of course, any dates that are from the past are no longer required).

Fabric Pieced Voilà Vase (March/April 2018)

A handmade vase that you'll be proud to display!

If you're looking for something beyond the ordinary to make with your stash, this fabric pieced vase might be it. With the right fabric, this can be turned into a stunning statement piece for your dining table or fireplace mantle. Help me test this pattern and you'll be happy to tell everyone that "I made that!"

I need people who are comfortable with sewing — including confident beginners — and who have worked with Peltex. The process itself is not difficult, although the thickness of the layers at certain points may be a challenge that requires some patient hand-cranking. To make the project as shown, you'll need about a half yard/metre each of two different fabrics and a 22” x 20” (56cm x 51cm) piece of Peltex.

As I've asked for previously, I will give preference to people who have an established online presence to share the results of their crafting. (This can be a blog or an accessible — i.e., not private — social media account.) Project must be made exactly as written and you will need to send me photos of your completed work within an established time frame.

Testing for this project is already underway, so at this time, I am not looking for additional volunteers.

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The Diva Envelope Clutch (November 2016)

A stylish way to keep your paperwork organized!

Almost anyone can use a portfolio style clutch to keep their paperwork together. So if you've got some people on your Christmas list who are hard to buy for, maybe you can help test this project and solve some of your gift-giving problems at the same time!

If you've successfully sewn basic bags with linings and have previously installed zippers, the Diva Envelope Clutch will not be difficult to put together. Although there are a few tight curves to challenge you, most of the sewing is straight lines.

If you've never before tested for anyone but would like to (and believe you have the skills to do so), I want to hear from you. As with my previous pattern below, I will give preference to anyone who has an established online presence of some kind, so that results can be shared with the rest of the online sewing community. Note that I am looking for testers who will make the project exactly as written (with the exception of the optional grommets); if you want to incorporate changes, please leave that for your second (or third) attempts.

The best way to get in touch with your interest (and info) is via the contact form on the left sidebar.

NOTE: Tentative completion date for testing is January 6, 2017.

Testing for this project is already underway, so at this time, I am not looking for additional volunteers.

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The MyTie Makeover Mini Bag (October 2014)

Turn a tie into a purse!

Got any spare ties that you want to "make over"?

This project is not difficult at all, so mucho experience is definitely not needed. I welcome testers of all types who meet the general qualifications and who are able to deliver results in a couple of weeks' time. That said, I will give preference to those who have made some sort of purse or bag in the past (difficulty level not important), as well as those who have an online presence of some kind (i.e., current blog, website or publicly accessible social media account; in order to share the results with the rest of the sewing community).

Otherwise, the requirements are pretty much the same as with my Hot Hues bag below. Note that since the pattern will have three different variations, I will need testers to make two of the three.

Testing for this project is already underway, so at this time, I am not looking for additional volunteers.

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The Hot Hues Convertible Crossbody Fooler Bag (May 2014)

Back view of Hot Hues Convertible Crossbody Fooler Bag!

You absolutely do not need to be a seasoned seamstress in order to volunteer; in fact, I would probably prefer that you weren't extremely experienced. The testing process requires the tester to read the information and follow it directly. Testers should not be tempted to look at a photo and decide, "well, I'll do it this way". The ability to find alternative methods is not the point. The objective is to confirm that the instructions provided actually work, and if not, what should be corrected to make them work.

So to that end, if you are interested in testing out my Hot Hues Convertible Crossbody Fooler Bag, please send me an email with the following information:

• Your contact information
• Brief summary of your level of sewing experience
• Your availability in the month of June to turn this project around within a week

The pattern should be available by the first week of June (if not earlier) for testing purposes. I will be in touch with each person who responds by the end of May with further details.

Thanks in advance!