Re writing a pattern
I purchased a pattern from a vendor on Etsy and the instructions were not well done. She had a beautiful design but the pattern was just fabric requirements and a graph paper diagram. Everything was half square triangles, even though there were several places where flying geese or other blocks would have been appropriate. I spent days re doing the pattern. Has anyone else run into something like this?
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I've had to edit instructions frequently so that I can understand what's going on. Some people can write well, others need more practice. Sounds like you have a really inexperienced writer on your hands or someone who doesn't care about what they wrote.
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The cost was very reasonable so I am not disappointed on the whole transaction, but I think her talent is in design, not writing.
Also, having spent so much time re-writing a pattern, I have a lot of respect for those that do it from scratch on a regular basis. |
I have been in your shoes several times and its rather frustrating to spend money on a pattern only to discover that you have to write the pattern yourself for it to make any kind of sense. Yes, there are some that are simple enough to figure out on graph paper, i’d much rather spend my time sewing, thats why I buy patterns. I have nothing but respect for those that write patterns!
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If that was my situation I would contact the seller. I've done that before when something didn't make sense to me. Most Etsy sellers are very nice to work with.
I would never be able to write a pattern! I think it's an art form in itself. |
It also helps if the illustrations are good and the measurements are correct.
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yes--definitely have had it happen. I wrote one pattern for a friend's shop hop (baby quilt) and it was one of the hardest things I've done--trying to figure out if I needed to include everything or not. I do like clear diagrams and accurate measurements (and saying what the unit should be ). I do always read through a pattern and make my own notes, one of the reasons I prefer print patterns.
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Don't think I've ever made a traditional pieced quilt where I did follow the pattern. I always have to fix something, change the block size, change the alternating block to something else, change the colors, ad nauseum, to suit my taste. A self taught quilter for sure. Ha! Ha! I think knowing how to draft out a block, add seam allowances and figure yardage is time well spent. At least you have something to work with at the end. Unlike a crossword puzzle, which, after its done is trash can bait. But I do miss Eugene Maleska and his zingers.
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I had a pattern for a long time, finally decided to make it. The worst directions I have ever seen. The pattern directions said if there was too much fabric at the end, just cut it off! Now I know how difficult it is to write good directions. I wrote professionally for sewing magazines and always went over directions with an editor to make sure they were clear and correct. Smaller publishers just don't have that luxury. Still, too many are failing their obligation to their customers if they don't make a greater effort. I think books and magazines are generally more reliable than individuals, and it's a shame because some people are great designers, just not good writers.
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I don't rewrite the instructions, unless the block is uncommonly complicated and I can't redraw it in EQ. But, if I see where they are making FG, with the same colors for both halves, then I just have to make them as proper FG. That's where EQ7 comes in. I am better at following a picture lately than written instructions.
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I've run into this several times and it is somewhat frustrating. It's like finding a recipe on a blog that you want to try, and the measurements say 1 package of cream cheese, or jello, or butter, but not how many ounces or what size of that item.
I'm experienced enough that I can usually figure out the quilt pattern, but I feel bad for newbies who can get frustrated and give up. |
I have found errors in a couple of books and I notified the writer. She blamed the publisher. I made notes in my book so I wouldn’t make the same mistake again.
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I just had to do this this morning and it can be frustrating. I kept wondering to myself why this wasn't working as the directions stated only to discover after several hours of searching I figured it out on my own. The directions said nothing about a minor detail that made all the difference. The first part of the project will have to finish off the way I originally made it and from here on out I will do things the way I since discovered. Nothing like being brain dead! Hours of reworking the pattern.
I hear you with the frustration of having to rewrite someone else's instructions. Best of luck. |
I get out my graph paper and re-draw the pattern as well as I can. Sometimes I have to change dimensions a bit, but usually end up with an understandable diagram.
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I have had to change measurements on some patterns. Most of the time I make up my own.
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I"m not sure I've made many things that I totally followed the instructions anyway. I was notoriously bad about not making garments according to instructions. One of my friends once asked me if I had ever made a pattern without changing it.
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Seems so many patterns have errors that I never trust them. Find the same with crochet patterns.
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