I’m about a year into producing sewing patterns. I’ve been looking to hire someone who can write and illustrate the instructions for me. I’ve looked locally, but no luck, so I thought I’d offer it here. Most people that applied for the job just hadn’t sewn enough to know the terms even. Can you look at a simple pattern with a tech drawing and a few notes about the most difficult assembly spots and generally be able to assess the order of assembly and describe the steps in clear terms? Could you illustrate the steps either using some type of drawing software, or by hand (if it looks professional)? This is a flexible (freelance) contract job, paid per each style. Work anywhere you are and e-mail the finished work by the deadline. Is anyone interested?
Laura
www.gownsbylaura.com
Replies
I would be interested in talking to you about the job. I have an undergraduated degree in Home Economics Education with an emphasis in teaching sewing. I actually have been sewing since I was in grade school which is many, many years ago. I have sewn everything from wedding gowns to dance costumes to tailoring coats. I have draped and redesigned patterns, though not recently. Since I have never done drawings before, I would need a software program to help out or something else.
I would much prefer talking to you about this either through a personal email account if you'd post how to reach you.
Sue
Until gowngirl replies to you, may I offer a consideration?
To reach a member via e-mail, click on the name in blue following From: in the psot heading
A screen comes up from which you can select - Send e-mail.
If the member chose to receive private messages, there was the option to do so when one signed on to Gatherings. Perhaps gowngirl selected the preference.
nepa
Thanks for the reminder:
Yes, anyone can get in touch with me privately by using the method Nepa explained. All can see some of/and the types of clothing I design by clicking on the web address below my name.Laura
http://www.gownsbylaura.com
Edited 3/4/2009 8:56 am by gowngirl
Your daywear designs are so feminine and flattering. I had seen a couple you've posted here before, but not the others. I especially like the Pongo and the Pendleton. Good luck to you as you continue with your pattern business.
The Pendleton pattern is available. :) (hint, hint) http://www.nostalgicpatterns.com/shop.html
I'll be putting Pongo in the next round.Thank you so much for your kind words.Laura
Your hint - ;) - took me to the pattern site, so I could look at the recommended fabrics. I must say that the curved tuck is a little daunting, but I may well give it a go. It's so striking made up in the fabrics you chose. I would have far more wear from a cotton or soft linen, so I'm thinking...
I've made the dress in cotton, and linen would be fine too. Just expect that the godet will protrude a bit. Even on the bias, these stiffer fabrics have more body to them. The tuck is created with a facing, and then top stitched altogether (with the soutache), I'm sure it's nothing you haven't done before, you're just doing it in a different way.
Keep thinking....
Thanks for that info. Do you think a linen/rayon blend, a little more drapable than !00% linen, would work? I happen to have some in my stash; it even looks a little like the - plaid or check?- wool fabric you used.
Yes, I would think that rayon/linen would be just about the perfect stable, yet drapable combo. It's good to use up that stash. I have one complete wall, all the way to the ceiling of my garage taken up with bolts of fabric, and then enough in plastic bins that I could make a second row. I can't seem to use it for just any reason- it has to be the perfect fit to the design. My husband used to complain, but he's given up on the hope of any reform. Someone needs to invent a 12 step program for stashaholics!!
Edited 3/4/2009 7:19 pm by gowngirl
Wow, do I know what you mean - it's hard to use those treasures, which require just the perfect pairing with pattern, etc. Well, I'm going to try that linen/rayon then. I actually have two - one a pretty greyish-white, and the other black with white lines running through, like your black with red. I'm excited now. Thanks so much for your opinion.
Sure thing! Talk with you later.
Hi Laura ~
Your designs are stunning! Good luck to you in your search for an instruction-writer and illustrator ~ they certainly are vital to the success of your customers and therefor of your business.
Have you considered separating the two parts of the process? Those two very different talents (technical writing for the layperson, and line drawing/illustration of same) may be difficult to find in the same person.Also, may we post this to other networks? I think that with the many sewing-oriented blogs represented here in the Gatherings community, somebody has a reader (or two) who will be your perfect fit!Bright Blessings ~ Kharmin
Thank You Kharmin,Thank you! Feel free to spread the word, and yes, apply separately or jointly as your talent/skill/experience/interest allows. I know this isn't the most common way to find experienced employees, so those without a resume should create samples for me by writing up instructions for something like how to sew a man's necktie, or how to professionally install a centered back zipper (I don't use the usual home sewing proceedure). Those without experience who are interested in the illustration aspect can find something in their closet and draw illustrations (by hand or computer) of the construction, making notes so I know what I'm looking at. I've attached an example below. My contact e-mail for this position is [email protected]Most people say these designs look complicated, but I'm sticking to the easy to sew styles for now. Thank you!
Laura
Madeleine Vionnet! Oh! How lucky you are! She is my absolute favorite, and then Valentina. How wonderful that must have been!
(I just visited your website, in case you were wondering. Beautiful gowns, too. Sigh...)
Lucky me, I was privileged to study under Prof. Nancy Bryant who is something of an expert, having written numerous scholarly articles on Vionnet. She had a huge closet full of her own reproductions of vionnets designs. I've made a few of her designs as offered up in Betty Kirke's book:
http://www.amazon.com/Madeleine-Vionnet-Betty-Kirke/dp/0811819973
The patterns aren't perfect, but it is someplace to start. Not many designers can use properties of grain to the advantage that Vionnet did, even now. I love the fact that she called herself a "dressmaker" rather than a "designer." It's a reminder to get too rapped up what I think I "know" because there is still so much I don't.
Edited 3/7/2009 1:06 am by gowngirl
I just checked out your Website. I love your designs ...and I am waiting anxiously for you to start marketing them. Good luck ...and continue to enjoy the journey.
Sewslow67
PS: I also like your choice in models; i.e. they are "real" women. Kudos to you!!!
Thank YOU! I used to sell them at a special occasion boutique, but they are expensive (NOT made in China) and the boutique went out of business. I really wanted to do sewing patterns in the first place, so I made the switch. I went to school to learn to design because I was bored with the pattern styles offered up by the major pattern companies, and thought other sewers might feel the same. So, the Gowns by Laura site became my online "portfolio." I do have several daywear styles on the market now (Does anyone live in the Spokane, WA area? The Top Stitch carries my patterns- http://thetopstitch.com/ ) and also online. I'm in the process of upgrading everything from the website to a name change. The instructions don't have illustrations yet (I didn't want to do instructions at all!) so I'm trying to upgrade by adding them, thus my search for a pattern writer and illustrator. Many have inquired, but it's a more difficult task than one might think. Anyway, I apologize for an ever too long answer.Laura
You are most welcome. Now then, if you have any day dress designs that are ready (and I frequently don't need directions or illustrations - unless the design is very complicated), please send me a PM, OK? I'd love to try one.
I went to that Website in Spokane, but didn't see a link to their patterns. I might give them a phone call though, to check that out. There is a chance that I might be driving through there next summer and, if so, I'll stop by that fabric shop. Thanks for the tip.
Sure thing! I sent you a message with a link to the pattern website, though I'm sure that the folks at the Top Stitch would love to hear from you too....
Thanks, Laura; got your PM and am in the process of ordering your Pendleton design. DH likes it too, and wants me to make the one with the very full skirt come summer.
Thanks again and, I'll post a photo on Gatherings when I get it completed. What fun this will be! ;-)
I wear southern belle aka: the full skirt to all the dancing parties, and I get so many compliments from compete strangers. Warning: Don't wear that dress if you don't like attention!
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