submitted by Effat Maher
from Threads #107

When I come across a design element I want to remember or use, a motif I want to embroider, a quilt patch I admire, or a garment closure I find interesting—I copy it using a scanner. The scanner reproduces the design in its original size, or if I want to enlarge or reduce it, I can also do that with the scanner. If the design involves overlapping, intersecting, or seamed pieces, I make as many copies as needed to be able to cut a complete pattern for each element (and add seam allowances if needed); they fit back together perfectly.