Those in the know folks. How do you go about grading/ printing/ and getting a pattern published or sold for your self or the big 3? :-\
Hi Syrilla,
I have no knowledge of how to go about this, but I do remember that several years ago the verymerryseamstress was going to produce some patterns for 1 of the major pattern companies.
It never happened, but since she is a member of this forum, she might be able to give you some pointers and even tell you what occurred so that she didn't produce the patterns.
Hope this helps. ;D
The VMS patterns were going to be from Simplicity, IIRC, and as far as I recall, everything happened except the patterns actually being released. I'm sure she'd have some honest information for you (I believe Lady Kathleen has worked with her, as well).
You might also contact Margo Anderson, who would have lots of information about independent pattern companies.
Good luck! What are you thinking of selling?
That is correct, gem, that I do work with Very Merry Seamstress for Men and Women's Noble Shirts/Chemises, various styles of Hats, and Children's garb. For much of what I do, I have drafted a basic shirt pattern that I can adjust for various sizes when making the shirts. Because people come in all shapes and sizes, knowing basic pattern drafting based on a person's measurements is a handy tool to learn.
For Children, I have drawn out patterns for Boy's Doublets, Pants, Shirts(based on the Adult pattern), as well as Bodices to fit girls. The Skirts, Farthingales, Bumrolls, and other accessories are all free hand done or drawn out on the fabrics like in many of the JA books show.
I was fortunate in my Senior year of High School in California to take Tailoring and Pattern Drafting. My Teacher had worked in the Film Industry in Hollywood during the 40's through the mid 60's. She had so much knowledge that I use to this day.
Thank you for the support. There are a few ideas that I would like to pattern out, but the first on is based on a space suit that I have designed and made for "Space Camp".
Yep - it was Simplicity. They just contacted me out of the blue and asked if I would sell them patterns for a few of my designs. At first I thought it was someone playing a prank on me, but they sent to me and I signed a contract agreeing to only sell my patterns to them. We decided to start with just one pattern. I made the pattern and two sample dresses for them. They paid me in full for the dresses and the patterns. The check cleared and I've yet to see the pattern in any of their catalogs. I had a difficult time getting the folks to respond to my phone calls and emails - even from the beginning. After a while I just stopped asking them when they thought it would be available. So, long story short: They have one of my designs, paid for it, and have done nothing with it. I don't know if they ever will.
I'm not fond of the one of the other big pattern companies for a variety of reasons.
I recommend branching out and doing it on your own. One of my favorite self-publishing pattern companies is this one: http://www.colettepatterns.com/
She's also in the process of publishing a book too. She's lovely - drop her a line and see if she can offer some advice.
This might help:
http://www.mckennalinn.com/publish_your_patterns_secon.html