So this is why I have an amazing collection of Burda magazines - both the monthly and the plus size ones - and have made just one garment from them. And then only recently...I think I'm a cutter. Oh shoot, I'll just stand up and proudly admit - that I AM a cutter. I'm taking my scissors to that pattern tissue and I'm wacking away with glee. I'm not looking for the tracing paper, my sharpie markers and some rulers. I'm not searching through miles and miles of lines (Burda magazine patterns) to find the garment I'm looking for and I'm not spreading sheets of thick white paper out and laying tracing paper on it to get my garment traced out.
Nope...not happening...well not often...cause it's just not me! So tell me..."Are you a cutter or a tracer?" That's the Question of the Day, folks, so talk back to me!
At 99 cents a pattern, I'm happily, gleefully a cutter. Too much work involved in tracing. I have a Burda pattern I traced and I just don't have the right tracing paper either. So there it sits.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely a tracer. I never in my life owned a pattern I could cut straightaway. Probably because all my life I've only sewn with the patterns from KnipMode and Burda, and they are all tracing. That doesn't mean I like it. It takes a lot of time and you have to be very careful that you trace it right because sometimes it's extremely difficult to see what line you are following as they sometimes are all drawn so close to one another. Though this is something that has improved over the years I think. If I look at patternsheets from the nineties....brrrrrr...
ReplyDeleteCutter, definitely a cutter, although I have traced and will probably do it again. I love taking scissors to pattern paper and cutting up and reassembling it just the way I want. After tracing I always have a headache and need a stiff drink.
ReplyDeleteTill recently a cutter. But I've been transformed to a tracer from watching my daughter do it. It's actually easier in some cases. My daughter is 5' 10" so have to make lots of height adjustments. When tracing you can just mark and slide it down. It's so much faster than slashing and adding tissue in multiple areas on a regular pattern. I do it when I'm watching TV at night. It goes pretty fast. Try it - you might change your mind.
ReplyDeleteFor me it depends on the pattern. I will gladly hack away at my McCalls, Vogue, and Butterick patterns. I always cut those. But for Hot Patterns, Jalie, anything I spent more than 99 cents on...I trace those. One of the reasons is that I always know what I can expect in terms of alterations in "The Big 4" patterns, but haven't had enough experience with the others to throw away those other pattern lines with confidence. I trace using soil separator cloth from the hardware store...so easy to see through...and crayons (no markers bleeding through!).
ReplyDeleteRight now I am a tracer of garments and a cutter of bags/accessories. But I am questioning whether tracing is holding me back.
ReplyDeleteDepends on the pattern. For some of the big 4, I'll happily cut away. But when sewing for little kids, I usually trace, since I want to have all the sizes available for future gifts. I'll also trace when I handle my first Hot Patterns piece next month.
ReplyDeleteBut, if I could justify the cost, I'd be a cutter every. single. time!
I'm fairly new to sewing, and always read that tracing is best...but secretly I'm a cutter! I've looked at patterns I have to trace, and they intimidate me...maybe one day...but for now...I just stock up on inexpensive patterns when they are on sale and cut away!
ReplyDeleteLike so many, I cut away on the big-4 patterns. I truly oooly HATE tracing patterns, but I do so (thus far) when I use BurdaStyle (whatever they're called these days) or Hot Patterns. When I trace a pattern, I bring it into the office and spread it out on our large conference tables and trace it during my lunch break . . . it beats tracing it on the floor at home!!
ReplyDeleteI'm a little bit of each - since I'm a Burdaphile, I have no choice. Other than that, though, out come the scissors. If I want to make it later for someone else, too bad - unless they're my size or smaller.
ReplyDeleteI do both. Because I need to get multiple sizes from a pattern when I make them I sometimes end up tracing the big 4. But usually I will cut those to pieces without a sense of guilt. I use a lot kwik sew, Burda and few other patterns that really after the cost of the pattern I don't want to be chopping it up. So it depends on the project i guess. Current project- 7 skirts and 7 shorts All different sizes. I traced all but one and cut the pattern on the last one!
ReplyDeleteI'm both, though I prefer the easy way (cutting) when possible.
ReplyDeleteI'm a cutter too and readily admit it! I do have to admit that after reading sewing blogs for the last year and a half I have been tempted to buy a subscription of BWOF but the thought of tracing off patterns is a red stop light. Sure, I've traced off patterns before but why? Like you, I'm a plus-size woman with numerous adjustments to be made and pride myself in getting a perfect fit. So, in a nutshell, I'd rather spend my time cutting up tissue and perfecting the fit. Why should I add the tracing to my already limited sewing time???
ReplyDeleteKaren
Mom used a lot of Stretch and Sew patterns when I was younger, so I guess I just associate tracing as part of the cutting out process. It definitely provides disincentive to sew garments though!
ReplyDeleteWhen I was a standard size, easy adjustments to get a good fit person, I cut. I didn't start tracing until I needed to start making adjustments that I wasn't confident about. I'm always afraid I'll make a mistake and I want to be able to go back to the original to fix it.
ReplyDeletePlus as someone else said, I make adjustments as I trace, so sometimes it saves time.
I aspire to be a cutter again someday. :)
I was a cutter and then I discovered Ottobre and became an enthusiastic (daytime) tracer. Now I always trace because 99c patterns do not exist in the UK and I am Very Cheap!
ReplyDeleteI'm 75% cutter, 25% tracer.
ReplyDeleteI prefer to have patterns that I can just cut out, but I can't bring myself to do it when the pattern is expensive and/or rare. I just know that if I cut out a $20 pattern I'll frick it up royally. So in those circumstances, I trace.
I am a dyed in the wool tracer, I find it easier to make alterations if I have traced off a pattern, because sometimes I need to go back a re-do it.
ReplyDeleteMostly a cutter, especially if it was a 99 cent pattern and is still available.
ReplyDeleteI always cut B/M/V, New Look, Simplicity and Burda. Everything else, I trace. But, darnit, sometimes I just don't feel like tracing so I pick something I can cut instead!
ReplyDeleteWhen I find something I really like from the major pattern companies I buy a back-up when they are on sale.
I am a bona fide cutter. I keep saying I would like to try a burda pattern to get the feel of tracing, but ummmm I'm still cutting....lol
ReplyDeleteTracer. I am a tracer. I just am not confident enough that I know exactly what to do for alterations every time. I need to know I can start all over again from the original.
ReplyDeleteAnd I've noticed that I don't make the same alterations every time, even if the pattern is from the same company.
I bought two rolls of 48" wide tracing paper from Pearl Art a few months ago. I won't run out any time soon. It's a lightweight vellum and even a Sharpie doesn't bleed through it.
I cut for the largest size and then make snips for smaller sizes. It "saves" the pattern but does not require tracing. See my blog entry with explanation and photos, here's link
ReplyDeletehttp://skitzoleezrastudio.blogspot.com/2008/04/silk-tank-for-eileen.html
Cutter, cutter, cutter. Most patterns I only make once, not because I don't like the results, but because I'm eager to try new things -- and tracing would make that take longer to happen. For patterns I do want to make more than once, I have cut and *then* traced to sturdier paper -- but not often.
ReplyDeleteMany years ago I used to cut, but I have learnt to trace and I am happy to do it. Sure it is a right pain the butt to trace the pattern, but I would rather butcher the traced pattern than ruin the original... who knows, I might lose weight/change shape and need to know all the lines and markings for a different size.
ReplyDeleteYeah. Sure. LOL
No doubt about it, I'm a CUTTER! Sometimes I regret it, but not often.
ReplyDeleteI would be a cutter, but I use a lot of Ottobre and you don't have a choice then! I don't trace 99 cent patterns, though!
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely a cutter. I find no point in tracing a Big 4 pattern.
ReplyDeleteI have been a TRACER for nearly 30 years. Currently I use 4 or 6 mil vinyl sheeting. Comes on a roll 10 ft wide by "many" feet long and is quite cheap for what you get. I can see everything when the pattern is lain out on the fabric, especially those spots where you do not want a large circle! I write all my markings and notes in the appropriate places with a fine Fine or Narrow Sharpie Permanent Marker. No, it never rubs off. If I have to make alterations, all I need is scrap sheeting, and scotch tape. If I make a mistake, I just pull it apart and put back together. The patterns last forever and can be used over and over again. You can even pin together for that purpose of tissue fitting. To keep, I just roll them up into a tube, attach a note regarding size, style, person and put in a drawer or bin.
ReplyDeleteI am a tracer. And not just because I use Burda Style almost exclusively. When I made a Vouge last summer, I traced it first. Years ago,I took two classes in Industrial Sewing at Philadelphia University and the instructor pounded tracing into our heads. I've been a tracer ever since! For the class, we had to buy rolls of tracing paper (available at most art supply stores), mechanical pencils and special point sharpeners and rulers. I just kept it up longer after I stopped the classes.
ReplyDeleteCutter of Big 4 patterns. Cutter of KS recently too. I'd probably cut your HP pattern because it's not like I would be making it for someone else. When/if I use a BWOF/BS or other Euro pattern mag, I have to trace, no choice. I actually prefer tracing BWOF to messing with Big 4 tissue but I'm not about to mess with tissue AND trace it unless I really think I'll need another size later.
ReplyDeleteI do both, but there's no getting around tracing with Burda World of Fashion, so I do trace those...but for 99 cents...I'll buy another one if need be...my time is worth something (not to mention the tracing paper)
ReplyDeleteI am most definitely a cutter. With all of the time that I have spent cutting out patterns I find the tracing annoying and most of the time unnecessary. I mark only with pins and or hand basting when absolutely necessary.
ReplyDeleteSince my preferences run to Burda magazine patterns, I'm mainly a tracer, of course. I never trace envelope patterns - although I'm planning on doing just that to a couple of kid patterns, so I can re-use them as the child grows.
ReplyDeleteCutter for the $99 sale patterns, tracer for the BWOF. No problems taking scissors to those. But, I confess to making more than one garment per mag, so it's worth it to me on the BWOF.
ReplyDeleteLately I've become a tracer - I like being able to refer back to the original tissue. I have a nearly 40 year old stash of patterns - most of them cut and altered, and not to fit my current body shape. Wish I could have some of them in their original state.
ReplyDeleteLois K
I'm currently a cutter on low-priced contemporary patterns. When I work up to using some of my vintage patterns I will definitely trace.
ReplyDeleteI do both, I cut and I trace! I trace my Big 4, Kwik Sew, then I trace my vintage and "expensive" patterns
ReplyDeleteCutter for Vogue, Butterick, McCalls, Simplicity, New Look, and generally anything printed on tissue. I usually keep what I've cut off though and have been known to sticky tape it back together, particularly if going up a size in kids clothes. Tracer for Hot Patterns and Jalie, as much as I loathe tracing. I can tell I'll need to do more tracing now I'm starting to get Ottobre as well. Tracing will put me off making something - I'll change projects to something I can cut if I'm in that mood. And I always cut if the patterns are for bags.
ReplyDeleteps - I even cut vintage patterns - I know, sacrilege! I figure that way they'll get used.
ReplyDeleteI prefer to be a cutter, but when it comes to Burda, Hotpatterns and other independents, I'm a reluctant tracer.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely a tracer, although there have been times when I know I will never make a pattern again that for the sake of brevity, I have cut. I would never, ever cut a vintage pattern, but sometimes if I buy one that has some views cut already, I have cut the other views as well. I quite like the tracing part and I will often spend an afternoon tracing a whole load of patterns. I find it helps me get to grips with the way the pattern works.
ReplyDeleteTracer! I even trace those 99 cent patterns - what if I want to use them again??? It's the pack rat in me, I think.
ReplyDeleteI had a subscription to Burda pattern magazine and I never made a single garment. Whatever I think I should do or mean to do in the end I will only cut.
ReplyDeleteI HAVE to be a tracer. You can never buy a big 4 pattern for less than $7 here (Australia), and Vogue is never less than $12. You guys and your 99c patterns...
ReplyDeleteI'm a cutter, but I do long for some of the tracer styles.
ReplyDelete99 cent patterns get cut.
ReplyDeleteOliver + S patterns and Hotpatterns get traced. Tracing is no fun. I'm not really sure what I should use to trace onto, so I use rolls of baking paper!
I really hate tracing and this for me is a good reason to quit buying Burda magazine. I just never want to bother!
My mother always cut, so that's what I do. Even HotPatterns - never occurred to me not to cut!
ReplyDeleteI was taught to trace, but I am a consumate cutter
ReplyDeleteI've always been a cutter (unless it was an irreplaceable vintage pattern). That said, I've been taking a pattern making by draping class and I've learned that the tracing wheel, french curve, hip curve, and push pins are practically my best friends! After we drape the fabric on the dress form, we have to trace it onto dot paper. Using push pins to mark major intersections and the tracing wheel (it has to be the spiky one--not the one JoAnn's sells) to mark the curves makes tracing a piece of cake (the french curve and hip curve make the curves more accurate). I think I'm a tracing convert! *laugh*
ReplyDeleteTracer...most definitely. There are times that I do as you do...just don't feel like tracing and the pattern goes back on the shelf but for the most part I trace. I guess it is my frugal nature...patterns are so expensive and especially if it is a mult-sized pattern so I trace thinking that at some point in the future I will make it again for myself or someone else that may be smaller or larger than myself.
ReplyDeleteReluctant tracer. I really don't like to, but if it's a pattern I really want to sew, well, there's no other choice for me. Gotta do it.
ReplyDeleteCutter! Well, reformed cutter. While I trace much more than I used to, I prefer cutting. Probably because deep inside I'm just a wee bit lazy and I'll choose what seems the easiest.
ReplyDeleteA little of both. And my TNT night gown pattern is one of my favorite, fast projects. Which explains why i have so many summer night gowns!
ReplyDeleteOh, this is like a heavy weight lifted off me! I was an ER doc for fifteen years, I'll cut ANYTHING! Cut, cut, cut, tracing (like Mardel) gives me a major headache, takes too much time, and requires much wine. K
ReplyDeleteCutter. Though I've recently bought some vintage patterns, and I think I'll be a tracer with them.
ReplyDeleteCutter. Cutter. Cutter. NO Contest. I break out in a sweat just thinking about tracing.
ReplyDeleteUse only the big 4 patterns, but I usually trace them first. I have fit issue and will tissue fit before cutting the pattern out. I've lost a few pattern tissue fitting so I'll trace most patterns.
ReplyDeleteI have to be in the mood to trace. I can cut any time. Doing a swap has meant that I need to have the energy to do both.
ReplyDeleteMostly a tracer. Regretfully, but almost exclusively. As that combined with cutting the fabric, particularly all on one day or weekend leaves my back in a bad way. But I mostly sew from vintage patterns, and I don't have the heart to make all the alterations I need on vintage pattern tissue. I always feel like I have to be more of a steward with vintage patterns-- not just that I want to have the option of coming back to the original later myself if I need to, but also to be able to pass a usable pattern on to the next person in the chain of vintage pattern custody. :) Plus they are often so flimsy and degraded with age, there's really no choice.
ReplyDeleteI usually trace, but I can do pivot and slide without tracing. That means that if it's a flimsy tissue pattern, I "might" cut it.
ReplyDeleteI'm a cutter!
ReplyDeleteI'm a tracer, used to be a cutter. I'm more than one size so I trace and make my modifications. The traced copy is then the one that gets sliced and diced leaving the original intact and available if I need to go back to square one. Even the .25 thrift store patterns get traced.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely a tracer. I am my mother's daughter and she taught me to never burn my bridges. What if I mess up? What if I gain weight and want to use the pattern again? Ooooh. Cutting the tissue is much too scary for me!
ReplyDeleteJoan
I am definately a cutter.... I don't have that much patience......
ReplyDeleteBig 4 get cut, indie patterns are traced. I take patterns and tracing fabric to the cabin in the summer and trace my patterns where I don't have electricity, then bring them home to cut and sew.
ReplyDeleteSome of each, inexpensive or trendy patterns get cut. I'll also cut if I know the pattern will be a one off. I've most recently been doing HotPatterns and Burda though, and they get traced. Don't hate me, I actually like tracing. I get familar with the pattern that way.
ReplyDeleteCutter, but...I have acquired a very small collection of patterns that require tracing that I'm sure I'll do someday. You know, that day where time stands still.
ReplyDeleteI sew a lot of Burda and Hot Patterns, so I trace those. Vogue? I don't think I've ever traced them. They are a break from tracing.
ReplyDeleteSince I buy a lot of my patterns on sale, I would say I am a cutter since I can always find another sale and get it cheap. I've only done a couple BWOF patterns and I did trace those (but I didn't like it too much)!
ReplyDeleteI'm a tracer--love to keep the patterns intact and I often need to make some changes...so I trace!
ReplyDeleteI'm a cutter ,no question. I stopped my subscription to Burda after a year because I hadn't made one garment and I also noticed that the styles presented in BWOF became patterns in the pattern book in about six months!
ReplyDeleteTracer!!! I'm learning how to alter patterns and my weight fluctuates, so I am a tracer by default. I *heart* Swedish Tracing Paper.
ReplyDeleteI hate tracing! I avoid using my BWOF and HP's for that reason too!
ReplyDeleteI am definitely a cutter. As much as I love the Burda patterns and have made a few garments. I really dont enjoy tracing the patterns. It takes too much time and effort and lets not talk about trying to figure out the instructions that comes with these patterns that can be a headache by itself.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, definitely a tracer. I can't bear the thought of cutting up the original and then losing/gaining weight and having it not fit and then having to go and buy the same pattern. I use vilene to trace which is stronger and will last many more uses than tissue paper. I'll trace a few patterns one night and have them ready for adjusting/cutting out the next night.
ReplyDeleteIf the pattern cost me less than $5, then I cut (so this means I cut the big 4 patterns that I can purchase from J's). If it cost more than $5, then I trace (this means, Burda, BWOF, KwikSew, Ottobre, and other patterns).
ReplyDeleteRose in SV
I prefer to cut but learned to tolerate tracing since I mainly use patterns that I draft. Most of the time, I save the paper pattern and reuse it. This month, I started cutting off the design features from commercial patterns and gluing them onto the patterns that I draft in PMB.
ReplyDeleteA couple months ago, I would have said cutter, but I found a really cheap, homemade, lit-from-below, plexiglass-topped table that makes tracing MUCH easier. Especially great for kids stuff since I have two little boys in different sizes. For me, I usually need the largest size, so it doesn't matter if I cut.
ReplyDeleteFor me, tracing is a given. The only patterns I cut are $0.99/$1.99 trendy patterns from the Big 4 which I rarely sew. Even my Vogues, which could be cut, are always traced! I just want to preserve all the sizes.
ReplyDeleteI only buy Big 4 patterns when they are on sale for a few dollars. Those I cut. But KwikSew and others that come printed on heavy cardstock, those I trace.
ReplyDeleteI'd be interested in knowing what others have found to be good papers to trace onto. Regular tissue paper is flimsy, marker bleeds through it, and pens rip it, but heavier papers often are too brittle to take pinnings and not rip.
Tracer. Each and every pattern..yes ma'am :)
ReplyDeleteSome people trace patterns! :-)Not me if I can help it!
ReplyDeletehahahhahaha
ReplyDeleteBConky is my Mom and she failed to mention that I am the tracer- because I trace off all the patterns that she buys! hahahhahaha
Plus, one of those ones you cut may go oop, you lose the pieces, you lose weight... you gain weight.... ugh.
I love to keep the original for just those reasons! Plus I'm cheap.
I cut the big 4 and trace the others like Kwik Sew and Burda. The big 4 are on sale so much that sometimes, I buy 2. When I go through my pattern stash, I have actually found 4 of the same pattern. hehehe I buy 2 at 99¢, forget, then buy 2 more at 99¢. Vogue at 3.99 is a "Cut" too. I traced DGD for a couple of years and got sick of it. Became a cutter.
ReplyDeleteI happily cut! I never knew tracing a pattern even existed until I started reading sewing blogs. I think of the extra work and I just cringe. I work full time, help do construction on the house, have kids, grandkids, dogs, on and on it goes. I need to just cut out the pieces and get sewing! I sure do enjoy seeing what others create though, whether it is cut or traced!
ReplyDeleteA cutter for the big four. But a tracer for Burda, Kwik Sew, Hot pattern, Ottobre.
ReplyDeleteI only buy pattern on sale, and so far only use the Big 4. I am a cutter through and through. The thought of having to trace makes me sick!
ReplyDeleteA tracer - it hurts to cut a pattern! But I live in Denmark and tradition here is tracing - before I started reading American sewing blogs, I only heard of one who cut the pattern and I really thought that was about the stupidest thing I'd every heard.
ReplyDeletePatterns here are never, ever on sale - they are always at least US$12 (Burda and the like) and the American patterns are more than $20. (I go eBay if I need anything!) Or printed on heavy paper (like Onion patterns, which are Danish). And then there are the books (patterns also printed on heavy paper) and the magazines.
But if I could get patterns at 99 cents and not expecting to use it more than once, I would cut them. Or maybe not - I like to have complete patterns if a friend wants to borrow it. Okay, I would definately cut some of them, haha!
Cutter! I went through a period last year when I thought I was a tracer, but now I only buy BurdaStyle mag if there's something INCREDIBLE in it. The longer the prep process before sewing, the less enjoyable for me.
ReplyDeleteI trace EVERYTHING! If envelope patterns cost $10-15 each for you like they do in the UK, you'd never want to harm them, either. It's funny you let tracing get in the way of your sewing with pattern magazines, though - I'd much much rather trace from small, manageable sheets of real paper than wrestle with a flimsy Vogue sheet the size of my living room!!
ReplyDeleteDefinetly a tracer - i even trave vogue patterns! Always have the feeling that i need to preserve them ....
ReplyDeleteTracer. I never cut a pattern apart.
ReplyDeleteOMG - 93 comments. Your blog is getting more and more popular! I love it! Do you read them all?
ReplyDeleteTime is money - I cut and buy another pattern for a buck. I teach to cut big and sew small at first then teach how they can adjust to fit ..but still cutting.
Enjoy your sewing moments!
I started out a cutter, back then all I needed to do was make length changes. Now that I need to also make width/FBA adustments, I've changed to tracing. If I royally goof up the pattern, or change sizes, I still have the original to go back to.
ReplyDeletedefinitely a tracer. I enjoy making all my alterations while tracing and then have a nice pattern to store. I hate those thin paper patterns that tear so easily and then you have to tape together. I use Easy pattern paper and it is great. Now I only buy patterns for the details or the directions. Tina
ReplyDeleteA tracer. I sew quite a lot of BWOF don´t mind the tracing. In fact, I don´t like the thin tissue of the Big 4 patterns. I trace my patterns onto plastic foil used for covering furniture and floors when painting.
ReplyDeleteI cut a couple of the Big 4 patterns at first, but since I´m losing weight, I don´t want to ruin any more patterns by cutting.
I'm a tracer. I don't really like it, but since I most often use Burda Mag patterns, so I have to.
ReplyDeleteI once bought an enveloped Burda pattern, and I cut it. Which I regretted. The paper was super flimsy, tore in several places and besides, what if I one day wanted to make that same pattern in a different size? Buy it again? At 8€ a pattern, no way. So in future, I'll trace again.
As some wrote, it is also easier to do alterations that way.
I am a tracer. Patterns are really expensive in the UK and I love the value that BWOF represents. I also love to have the stitching line marked - I find it makes it so much easier to do alterations.
ReplyDeleteI am a tracer and actually enjoy the tracing process. I find it helps me get to know the pattern before I sew. It is also important for me to preserve the patterns since I "collect" them. I get a lot of pleasure from just looking at the pictures on the envelope and reading the instructions, etc.
ReplyDeleteI have been sewing for over 40 years (yikes), I'm embarrased to say, but I've never traced and wouldn't even know how to do it? But you girls have me thinking, because of alterations I do to ALL my patterns....maybe I'll read up on it.
ReplyDeleteA little from column A and a little from column B. If the pattern has 100 pieces and it's one of the big 4, I'll buy 2 (when they're on sale) and cut one. If I mess up, then I have the other one left to trace. If the pattern is OOP or from Kwik Sew, Burda, Jalie, etc., I always trace.
ReplyDeleteTracing is fast for me now that I've simplified the method. I use tracing paper, a pencil, & long dashed lines. I can trace the pieces for a garment in about 10 - 15 minutes.
A cutter...but on the very rare occasion I will trace, maybe once a year.
ReplyDeleteWonderful question! I am definitely a cutter. I have never traced a pattern and even cut the expensive ones. When reusing a cut pattern, I just cut around the pattern again. LOL, I just READ my Burda mags.
ReplyDeleteKaren (aka Karendee)
Definitely a tracer. Patterns are too expensive here (NZ) to cut.I also sew a lot from magazines (Topkids, Burda and Ottobre) so tracing is necessary.Tiresome, but necessary. I also like to have the original because if I stuff up the changes I need to make I can go back and start again.
ReplyDeleteLol, and my word verification is so appropriate - cheapsy
I've become a tracer. Even when I'm not digging in my Burdas I tend to trace the patterns out. I use to cut before I discovered Burda, using more than one size at a time and "oh but mom I like that too."
ReplyDeleteCutter. I even bought five copies of DD's nightgown pattern (simplicity) so I could cut a new one each time she went up a size. Hey, for 99 cents....Like Gigi, I often buy duplicates when the pattern is on sale.
ReplyDeleteI have traced my TNT patterns from Nancy Erickson onto heavy interfacing or something equally strong.
I'm a tracer definitely! As mentioned earlier, patterns here in Australia are very expensive - approx $13 - $30 when not on sale. Unfortunately, we have nothing like the 99c sales that you have in the USA either!
ReplyDeleteI cut tissue patterns, but trace magazine and hard paper patterns. I buy art tracing paper from Home Sew and it works for me.
ReplyDeleteI'm a tracer unless its for the kids and they're GROWING real fast. I use whatever paper is to hand and wide enough for the pattern. Traced my latest bolero onto extra wide christmas paper, which was on sale last year really really cheap. Use a tracing wheel etc.
ReplyDeleteBack in the day, when the Big 4 patterns only came in one size, I cut them. Now I trace everything, except that not all the pieces need to be traced. For instance, facings are usually one size only and rarely need to be altered, so I cut those. Pieces that are straight, like self-belts, I just fold the end to the right size.
ReplyDeleteI usually use the interfacing-type pattern tracing material that is marked with dots or lines. Although, beware--what looks like inch markings may not be accurate!!
I've never had to trace anything, but friend, I would never trace. I almost don't have enough patience to cut out my pattern pieces!
ReplyDeleteI am a cutter for sure and I think I always will be.
except when I'm creating my own patterns, my scissors and I will merrily live a long and happy life together.
wow! what a lot of posts you've received on this one! Anyway, I'm a tracer. I even trace off patterns that are preprinted, like the big 4. I will cut things that do not have to be altered, but I make so many alterations to the pattern (and they don't always work) so I want to have the original to go back to if I need to. If it's a newer pattern and I know I can replace it on a 99 cent or $1.99 pattern, then I cut with reckless abandon!
ReplyDeleteIi am definately a cutter...I will trace patterns from Burda WOF but on regular store bought patterns...cut, cut, cut!!!
ReplyDeleteHahahaha!!! I'm a cutter too!!! But I've slowly made myself a tracer. I have the buttload (excuse my language, haha) of BWOFs, plus & regular, and all those vintage patterns. They all need to be traced (ok, a few late 50s/60s patterns in my size are in good enough shape that I"ll admit I don't trace. Shhh.)
ReplyDeleteI rarely sit down, trace, and immediately sew. Instead what I try to do is trace a whole bunch at a time from a single magazine while watching tv or a movie or something. No sewing plans for the day, just a couple hours of tracing. (More often than not I end up sewing because I get so excited about all the "new" patterns.)
I 2nd the roll of tracing paper, it made me SO happy. SO much easier than regular tissue I was taping together from the wrapping paper section (even the BIG pieces were flimsy and hard to use). I get my tracing paper from Dick Blick online! They ship fast, it's a good price. Nothing has ever bled through either (which makes me happy for my vintage patterns).
I cut patterns for about 35 years. But mostly I trace now. I find it soothing. In fact I volunteer to trace a Burda WOF/Style pattern for you, Carolyn. Let me know which one!
ReplyDeleteCutter here, and if I screw up I am also a rebuyer and cutter again
ReplyDelete1
Life is too short to trace.
ReplyDeletei trace most of my patterns, especially because i share them with friends who have different sizes... when it comes to print-out free patterns, i gladly cut them up since anyone can print them over and over again!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWhy do you NOT cut a vintage pattern?
ReplyDeleteThe ones I have bought only have one size on them anyways. So its not like I can size up or down or even that I'm ruining the pattern by cutting.
Thoughts?
Hahaha. Your so funny guys! How'd you get here? Theres so much comment on this page, what is going anyway here?
ReplyDeletemen's suits
anyway I'm william