Which Pattern Should I Choose From?
McCalls, Simplicity, and Vogue patterns made my Sunday morning wardrobe on point. My mother was an excellent seamstress and on special occasions would go to Jo-Ann fabrics and comb through catalogs for that perfect outfit. We spent many weekends in Philadelphia admiring colorful fabrics adorning the stores. Like a fine galleria, the varieties of textiles within our purview never disappointed. We always found the right fabric during our fascinating adventures. In the end, we’d have our yards of fabric, threads, buttons, and zippers waiting for the magic to begin. And it was magic. We had everything necessary to meticulously follow the pattern–the instructions and blueprint–to create a replica worthy of a storefront display. I wore excellence walking the church aisles representing my mother’s finest clothing. There was no denying, she was the best seamstress around.
Patterns gave anyone the ability to replicate dresses, tops, or suits on the pattern cover. My mom used to choose fabric to create a unique piece tailored to exact specifications. Whether someone was a novice or an expert, patterns made sewing practical, cost-effective, and enjoyable. Patterns were the template to guide the seamstress. They took the guesswork out of measuring and designing. All we had to do was read the instructions and pay attention to the details. However, simple wasn’t easy. One misstep could mess up the outcome.
Good patterns, regardless of the subject, have success attached to it. Someone already worked the hard parts and simplified them. There’s no need to complicate your life. Some things require that you take the path of least resistance. Of course, someone has done it before, but that doesn’t mean that what you offer isn’t needed. All patterns can be altered and tailored to specifications because no two outcomes are the same. After all, even if we fit the same pants, suit, or dress size, we still need personal specifications. We need what is made for us to fit us.
Find the pattern and make it work.
Follow the instructions and make it your own.
If you need help, shadow the teacher. Glean and watch them do what they do best.
Your version may be good enough to one day be the pattern for someone else.
Love, Auntie Joyce
