UPDATE: Applications to test the pattern are now closed

It’s that time again!  I’ve been hard at work on a new pattern for Scroop Patterns based on the dress I have NEVER worn without someone commenting on it and asking where I got it.

While I think the dress is pretty darn perfect, I need to make sure the instructions are just as perfect, and that the pattern is perfect in every size   So, that means I need testers to give their opinion on those things!

If you’d like to apply to help test the dress, keep reading to learn more, and how to apply…

The Pattern:

This dress pattern features an effortless loose shape and elegant geometric patterning inspired by the Medieval garments excavated at Herjolfsnes in Greenland.

The timeless base pattern has been given a modern update with roomy pockets, fully machine sewn construction, ankle of mid-calf hem lengths, a low or high scooped neckline, and straight medieval-inspired sleeves with back seam and inset gusset or lantern sleeves.

The pattern will be available in bust sizes 30”-56” / 76.5-142cm.  The loose fit over the waist and hips means that it will fit pretty much any waist and hip measurement.

It takes me approximately 3.5 hours to make this dress from start (cutting out) to finish (hemming).

The dress takes between 3y/2.8m (60”/152cm wide fabric, smallest sizes) and 5 1/8y /4.7m (45”/112cm wide fabric, largest sizes) of fabric, depending on fabric width and pattern size.

Testers:

For this test I am looking for testers who are low-intermediate or higher level sewists.  Setting in the front and back triangles is slightly tricky and fiddly, but other than that this is an easy make.

To be a tester you will need to:

• Be able to print patterns in A4, A0, US Letter or US full sized Copyshop paper sizes
• Have the time to sew up the dress. You’ll have two weeks to make the dress, and provide feedback, and a further four days to provide photos.
• Be able to photograph your make being worn, and be willing for us to share your photos on this blog and instagram.
• Be over 18 years old.
• Provide clear feedback
• Agree to a confidentially agreement regarding the pattern

I would hugely appreciate it if testers would share their finished make once the pattern launches, but this is not mandatory.  I’m asking for TESTERS, not marketers.

As always I’m looking for a range of testers. I need a spread of geographical location, body type, sewing experience, and personal style.

Based on previous calls for testers, there will be 30+ applicants in each of the most common size ranges (34-42 bust), so if you aren’t chosen, it’s not that you weren’t fabulous, it’s that there were so many applicants.

Social Media

Having a social media presence helps your chances of being chosen as a tester, but isn’t necessarily a requirement.  I’m significantly more likely to choose testers who have an online social media presence, as that means I can really see and analyse their sewing, and how they think about sewing, when I’m choosing testers. I do occasionally choose testers who don’t have social media, especially if they fill a less common demographic.

The Timeline:

Applications to test the dress are open from now until 10pm Tue 16 Jul, NZ Time (unless I receive so many applications I won’t be able to consider them all properly, in which case I’ll close applications early)  UPDATE: there have been so many applicants I’ll be closing the tester call at 9am on Tue 16 Jul, NZ Time

Materials:

If you’re selected to test I’ll let you know and send you the materials requirements, line drawings, and the full pattern description by 10pm NZ time on Friday the 19th of July..   This is Thur the 18th for most of the rest of the world.

Patterns:

I will send out a digital copy of the pattern to testers before 10pm NZ time on Thursday the 25th of July.

Testing & Reviewing:

Testing will go for two weeks, with a further four days to provide finished photos..

Testers will have until  10pm NZ time on Thurs the 8th of August  to finish their dress and provide feedback.

They will have a further weekend, until 10pm NZ time on Mon the 12th, to provide photos

What you get:

Pattern testers will get a digital copy of the final pattern, lots of thanks, and features on my blog and IG.

Testing also offers testers an opportunity to get group and 1-1 feedback, assistance, and sewing tutorials.  I’m modelling our testing process after an online class, albeit one you don’t pay for, because you’re letting me beta test the pattern on you.  There’s an online group that testers can join as they wish.  I’ll also be running a couple of live zoom events.  I’m committed to making testing as beneficial to testers as it is to me, and to improve my testing process with every pattern I do.

To Apply to be a Tester

Applications are now closed, sorry!