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Member since 12/26/08
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Posted on: 8/6/14 2:21 PM ET
I have a question and wondered what all of you think about it.

When I read the Pattern Reviews, I notice many sewers say they don't even bother with the instructions, don't open them, or disregard them altogether because they know the way they want to make the project, or feel their skills are good enough to not use the instructions. If you are considering this project, would you prefer the reviewer to talk about the instructions, whether or not they are helpful, or have a step that could be modified to be easier, or eliminated, or something else? I have seen some reviews, and especially of the independent pattern companies, that talk about how good the instructions are compared to the "big four", and have appreciated the extra tips written in, even if the sewer is not a beginner.

I understand that many sewers don't need the instructions, and I appreciate their skill level, and all that, but also it seem the reviewers could help us all out by letting us know if the instructions will be clear and helpful, especially if there is a construction method that will be a little different.

I guess my point is that I want to know whether or not the instructions are helpful or not, and have a review of them as well as the pattern fit, etc. Then I will know if I have to gather my books and consult them!

What do you think?
  
Member since 2/19/04
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Posted on: 8/6/14 2:43 PM ET
I think you just asked a loaded question.
You may want to refer back to this thread which is pretty recent.

A suggestion for those who post reviews...
Frustrated mini-rant.


There is nothing wrong with asking, but many people feel that since all reviews are voluntary there should be no requirement to review the instructions if someone doesn't use them. At least that's what I got out of that discussion and I did participate.

Personally, I don't think that pattern instructions should ever be viewed as a sewing lesson (not saying you think that). Pattern instructions are minimal directions in how to assemble the pattern. Just like Ikea furniture instructions. Sometimes you can find a better way or know a better way. I think that a good sewing book (Vogue, Simplicity, Reader's Digest) will serve you well. And a willingness to try something that you can't quite picture in your head. Sometimes discovery is a great learning experience. It's very rewarding (and frustrating) to fiddle along with something until you discover how it's supposed to go together.

Most importantly, if you run across instructions that you don't understand, just ask here on the forum. It's probably easier than asking people to review the instructions. That just doesn't seem to go well.
  
Member since 12/26/08
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Posted on: 8/6/14 5:54 PM ET
O.K.
It isn't my intention to cause any trouble.
If there is a way to eliminate or retract the question to not insult anybody, I will.
  
Member since 2/19/04
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Posted on: 8/6/14 6:05 PM ET
In reply to bakertoo
I think you are fine. If anyone gets riled up, they can just relax.
No worries. :)
  
Member since 8/28/08
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Posted on: 8/6/14 7:46 PM ET
In reply to bakertoo
No need to withdraw the question. As mentioned the reviews are voluntary so the person can put in whatever (s)he chooses. However, it is possible that a reviewer reads your post and decides what a good idea it is and will add some comments regarding the guide sheet.
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Member since 10/2/13
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Posted on: 8/6/14 7:51 PM ET
You've posed a good question. Not everyone will choose to talk about the usefulness of the pattern instructions, but we did need to be reminded that it's useful to comment on them, especially if they're misleading or if we know a better way.
  
Member since 12/3/06
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Posted on: 8/6/14 11:39 PM ET
Nothing wrong with the question...except those who do not use the instructions would probably not want to go back and review every step of the instructions.

If you read a review of a project you are interested in, you could ask about the instructions.

I have been sewing for a long time and have found some instructions to be vague. To help me, I read and mark those steps that pertain to the item I will be making if there is more than one option.
-- Edited on Today at 11:43 PM --
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OLD CHINESE PROVERB: I HEAR & I FORGET; I SEE & I REMEMBER; I DO & I UNDERSTAND.
  
Member since 6/24/07
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Posted on: 8/7/14 10:45 AM ET
I don't think posing this question is going to cause upset. Do I always review instructions - no. Quite a lot of what I've made from purchased patterns had written instructions only, and those in a language I don't speak, or that is my second language. I'm glad the section is there in the review template because it gives someone a space to comment if the instructions seem very good or obtuse, or if there's a confusing or erroneous step, but if I don't use them it is too much hard work to read through and try to work out if they would have been good enough or not.
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Member since 4/27/08
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Posted on: 8/7/14 11:04 AM ET
Ever since this question popped up a few months ago, I have started making more of an effort to actually read instructions, even if I don't use them. That way I can answer this part of the review more thoroughly. But I do think that people are entitled to review patterns in whatever way they want to...some don't even use the template and tend to just link to a series of blog posts. That annoys me, but I just don't read their review and seek info elsewhere.

You can always also do what I see pop up often--post on the forums a question about a particular pattern. Many more have sewn the patterns than the # who have reviewed them! :P
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I'll try anything once :)

SM: Pfaff Performance 5.2; Brother LS2125-i; 1929 Singer 99k; 1956 Singer 15-125; Singer SewHandy
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9/1/19: Meowied!
Sewed my veil, and Doggo's bowtie and ring bag.
  
Member since 8/14/05
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Posted on: 8/7/14 11:12 AM ET
In reply to bakertoo
So many pattern instructions have baffled me over the years. I find that if I Google a technique or I look in a good sewing book - that is more help than instructions. I always thought that was because I don't translate diagrams into reality very well in my head, but apparently many folks find pattern instructions baffling!So I tend not to use them except as a guideline when assembling something slightly different than usual for me.

It is helpful to learn an assembly sequence in sewing and to have a few good references, and now that you can Google a video - that is really great! :)

Good luck with instructions, and yes, when people do talk about them in reviews it is a good thing, but we all do reviews differently and any review at all is usually better than none! :)

HHmm....maybe a thread on which pattern companies have good instructions? Simplicity has patterns for learners and those have good instructions. For the European pattern magazines, I personally think Ottobre has really understandable instructions, plus little tutorials in each issue!
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Pfaff 1222E, Elna eXcellence 720, Brother Innovis PS500, Brother SE400, Brother 1034D, Sunbeam irons ;)
  
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