This is a constant conversation in the sewing community. At times it can be as polarizing a conversation as whether we call ourselves sewers or sewists. There are zealots on both sides of the divide - some sewists swear by an indie pattern for directions, trends, patterns that highlight their lifestyle, easy downloads vs. the Big4 where there's always the "ease" conversation, lack of clarity in the instructions, sizing, etc.
So let's talk about this. First lets define Indie patterns and Big4 patterns ~ the Big4 are Simplicity, Vogue, McCalls & Butterick and I would even throw in Kwik Sew here since they are all owned by CSSI. For this discussion we're just not going to talk about the fact that all of those pattern companies mentioned are now under one umbrella.
Indies are anything that doesn't fall under that umbrella. I understand that since there are so many new indie pattern designers on the market, we sometimes forget that they stand on the shoulders of the indie designers that came before them. Many who are still designing.
If you will allow me a minute, I would like to pay homage to one of my favorite indie designers who has passed on...
Fred Bloebaum who designed LaFred Patterns
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Fred didn't produce a lot of patterns but they were basics with an interesting twist that could be sewn over and over again. Actually an entire wardrobe could be made from her patterns by choosing your fabrics carefully.
So this is the Question of the Day. Do you prefer Indie Patterns or the Big4 and why? If Indie, what are your favorite pattern lines? They don't have to be the newest, brightest and shinest ones to qualify. I mean if you're a Loes Hinse woman for example, speak up and let us know why. Or if you prefer one of the newer indie designers like True Bias, let us know and why? Finally, if you're like me and sew primarily the Big4, tell us why. Truly I want to know!
This is the Question of the Day so thanks for talking back to me!
...as always more later!
So let's talk about this. First lets define Indie patterns and Big4 patterns ~ the Big4 are Simplicity, Vogue, McCalls & Butterick and I would even throw in Kwik Sew here since they are all owned by CSSI. For this discussion we're just not going to talk about the fact that all of those pattern companies mentioned are now under one umbrella.
Indies are anything that doesn't fall under that umbrella. I understand that since there are so many new indie pattern designers on the market, we sometimes forget that they stand on the shoulders of the indie designers that came before them. Many who are still designing.
If you will allow me a minute, I would like to pay homage to one of my favorite indie designers who has passed on...
Fred Bloebaum who designed LaFred Patterns
Fred didn't produce a lot of patterns but they were basics with an interesting twist that could be sewn over and over again. Actually an entire wardrobe could be made from her patterns by choosing your fabrics carefully.
So this is the Question of the Day. Do you prefer Indie Patterns or the Big4 and why? If Indie, what are your favorite pattern lines? They don't have to be the newest, brightest and shinest ones to qualify. I mean if you're a Loes Hinse woman for example, speak up and let us know why. Or if you prefer one of the newer indie designers like True Bias, let us know and why? Finally, if you're like me and sew primarily the Big4, tell us why. Truly I want to know!
This is the Question of the Day so thanks for talking back to me!
...as always more later!