Pattern Updates- New Projector and A0 files for all patterns
About a month ago I posted about my new projector and my experience with it. I had decided to go through all of my patterns and update them to have Projector files and A0 files. This was a long and involved process, but I think it has been worth it to make my patterns more accessible to different types of sewing.
(Image is blurred slightly. Actual projection is not)
A wonderful advantage about the projector files is that I can make separate pieces for all the exterior, lining, and interfacing pieces without the customer needing to print a bunch of pages! I also grouped all of those together on their own pages. When I personally cut out fabric for a pattern, I like to cut out all the exterior, then all the lining, then all the interlining like Decovil or foam. I don’t like sifting through my pieces to see which ones are for the exterior, which ones for the accent, which are for the lining, which are for both, etc. So I tried to make the projector layout as convenient as possible for a bag maker.
For example, for the Round the World Purse, you are required to cut out 12 identical pieces for the exterior, 12 others for the lining, and 12 more for the interlining. On the projector file I copied and pasted those pattern pieces 12 times and angled them on the bias for you. Another example is the Yuletide Stocking. On one page of the projector file, I put all of the pattern pieces like normal. On the second, I put two of each piece and arranged them so that if you are making this pattern and cutting several stockings, it’s already laid out for you to cut more than one.
What features do the Projector files have?
The Projector patterns have extra large font, thicker lines than normal, and the option to invert the colors and have a black background with white lines. That is usually my preferred way to cut, as I find it easier to see on many fabrics. The margins are extra wide (20” on each side) so you can easily move the pieces around. Also, these patterns utilize layers, which means that you will click the size you need in the Layers menu (usually on the left in Adobe, but I heard this week that a new update has the menu on the right). There are grid layers for both inches and centimeters.
New A0 option
I also added an A0 file for each pattern. Some people hate taping and cutting with a passion and prefer to print at a copy shop or a pattern printing service such as PDF Plotting. I empathize with you! I don’t always mind cutting and taping, but sometimes it’s irritating and prevents me from wanting to start a project. You now have that option for each pattern. Each pattern has the print release actually on the pattern in the bottom left, as some print shops will insist on having that.
But what about cutting files?
I have had some requests for SVG files for cutting machines! And I am listening to those requests. Partway through the Projector/A0 update, I started researching how to do this. I downloaded the software for Silhouette Cameos, Brother Scan n Cuts, and Cricut Makers and began creating cutting files for each one. I quickly decided that this was its own giant endeavor and that I needed to stick to one major update at a time. Also, the SVG files will not be included in each pattern. They will be an added cost. There is just so much work going into making tons of cutting files for each pattern. I may be asking some questions in my main Facebook sewing group to ask for preferences and advice so I can make them as user friendly as possible. That will also only be available for my patterns with a lot of small pieces that will fit on a standard 12”x12” cutting mat.
How do I get the updated pattern?
So here is the most important part. How do you get your updated pattern? Unfortunately my website is not set up so that your previous purchases are easy to access. It’s one of the things I dislike most about my website, but I keep hoping my web host, Squarespace, will add that function before I get fed up and go find another one and have to go through the huge annoyance of that. I send them a request regularly to add that function!
I didn’t really make many changes to the original Letter and A4 patterns. I adjusted some fonts and added a sentence in the Printing section (I’ve discovered that some A4 printers need to be set to Custom: 100% and added that tip). Other than that, that file for each pattern is the same. If you don’t have a Projector and don’t intend on printing at a print shop, then you don’t need to do anything. If you really want to get your hands on the updated files though, please use the Contact Me page. I’ll need to know your name, email, and which site you bought the pattern from. An order number or purchase date would also be helpful if you have that. Since I sell on this site, Etsy, Makerist, Sew Modern Bags, and once sold on Craftsy, there are a lot of places you could have bought a pattern from me. I do need to verify that you purchased it from me though before I send you the updated pattern. As I don’t know how popular the new files will be, I can’t tell you how quickly I will get back to you, but within 24 hours is my goal.
Pattern Sale
To go along with this new update, I’m running a brief sale today through Saturday, April 22nd. Please use the code PROJECTOR for a 25% off discount. This ends at midnight my time on Saturday. (I’m on the East Coast of the United States).