What would you like to ask me?

Hi,
I love your blog and style and I’m excited about the possibility of video tutorials :-)

I have a few technical questions about pattern making:
1) How did you choose you sizing system? (and why did you not use the one that’s used by the big 4?)
2) When you develop a new pattern – what size do you draft first? Do you first check your pattern on yourselves?
3) What resource do you recommend for someone who wants to learn grading?

Thank you!
Denise

I ditto Dina Jones…I’ve been sewing a long time and I still quite often pick the wrong fabric for a project and end up very disappointed.

My Question is…. How do you find the time to do it all and still have some life outside of what you do?

Hi!
I’m actually thinking about going into pattern-making and production on a small business scale myself, and I was wondering what a typical work day was like. Is there any parts of your job you don’t like, and what’s your favorite part?

I’m curious to know the answers to the two questions posed by Nicole at #2 and Debi at #4. I assume you use some sort of printing service, but do you hand grade everything, or is this done in a program with some sort of action applied? (Obviously I have never drafted a real pattern for clothing :) )

I would like to know more about getting my business name out. I have a small sewing business and could use a lot me work to keep me busy.

Right now I really want to sew this one dress design, and I think I can do it, but I keep hearing about ‘muslin first’, how difficult boning and piping will be (even though I’ve done piping before..and it wasn’t that bad) , and a few terms that I’ve never heard before, but being self-taught and in a family of people who can’t sew to save their life, I’m sure I know what the things are…just not the names that go with them.
So may I ask you, what do these people mean by sewing something in muslin first? Isn’t that a waste of time and money? and what does fusible interfacing mean?

I would like to see how you do the flat felled seam on the curved sleeve head of the Negroni shirt – I found it incredibly fiddly. Also, how to do an all in one facing when there is no CB or CF seam opening – that is the neckline and armhole edges to be completely faced on a sleeveless garment – like a tunic. Thanks!!!

Hi,
I would love to ask… But not necessarily for the video…. If you could think about a dress pattern that is straight thru….. (without a waist….) but at the same time modern… Neckline etc…. But remains of vintage inspiration… A HUGE ask I know…:)
I find straight thru more flattering than a waist… I am sure others must also have this problem…. But most available patterns are just the old fashioned princess line with a high round neck… IYKWIM???? Even straight thru from under the bust line…. And with a cute sleeve…. :)
I do absolutely love your new Book Cover Pattern…. And have been studying it…. And wondered if that dress could be adapted to omit the waist line….???
Just food for thought…..:)

I really admire your approach to business. Your website(s) are always kept up to date, and are shown in an cool and appealing way where the information you share is very thorough and informative.

I would love to know more about getting started writing a book as far as how you found an outlet for publishing and how you narrowed down your topic to make it most appealing to your market as well as your interests without duplicating what is already available.

Also, how did you start your pattern business? What were the beginning steps to getting your pattern produced and spreading the word to your market?

Besides sewing/crafting, what is your biggest hobby?

I’m interested to know if the business is now what you originally envisioned it to be, and also regarding your book (which I pre-ordered from Amazon) did you make most of the decisions on what content was included and how it was done?

Thank you very much for asking us what we would like you to cover!

I am a self taught beginner and I still make so many mistakes that I don’t always manage to fix.

I have just finished sewing a cape with a beautiful wool material and I only realized when it was almost finished that the material was with nap! I was so mortified!

Is there a check list of things you should ABSOLUTELY do and check before you start a project… could you write one for mindless sewists like me??

Thank you again, I love the new look of your site!

I think the spelling of your name is way cool, but wonder how it’s pronounced?

Lot’s of good ideas here already. I just wanted to agree with the others who commented – what a lovely photo of you this is!

Why Collette? I am always interested in the reasons behind naming process/choices. Also, how long did it take for your business to evolve from concept to form? Finally, where do you see your business going in the future?

Thx, Jaq

Is there a trick to quickly removing stitches when you make a mistake? I feel that if I could just remove the bobbin stitches I could remove all the stitches at once, but I don’t know how to do this without cutting each stitch with the seam-ripper.

Thanks for your help! I am new to your site, but I like what I see so far!

Totally not sewing related, as many have already asked things I’d be interested in hearing (fabric choices for garments, the ins and outs of small business start-up/ownership, pattern making for others etc.).

However, I’d love to get a good look at your breathtaking sleeve. And also hearing what the inspiration for that piece was, if it’s anything you care to share.

Thank you very much for asking us what we would like you to cover!

I’ve gotten into the habit of tracing all my patterns rather than cutting the original. I use pattern tracing material I got from Nancy’s Notions, but whether I use this or tissue paper, I can’t figure out what to use that won’t bleed through the material onto the pattern below. Any suggestions?