Hello, sewing friends! I’m revamping the testing process for the A&P (Anno & Pum) Sewing Pattern line and looking forward to working with you fabulous sewers again! It’s been a while since I last sent out a pattern for testing and feeling a bit out of place but also excited to launch a few new patterns again.
If you’ve not tested for A&P Patterns before or it’s just been a while, maybe you’re interested in hearing a little bit about the process. If so, keep reading. More info on the pattern testing call is at the bottom. 🙂
There will be two types of pattern testers options (fit tester, and design tester). Each type of testing requirement is listed below along with testing requirements. Also, please bear with me as I work on getting these new patterns out. As the majority of my months are focused on developing patterns for independent designers, companies, and the University of Oregon Sports Project Management program team projects. So that takes a good amount of my time. But I’m determined to squeeze a few more in this year!
The Process
Selected testers will be notified a few days before testing begins with information on supplies needed. On the first day of the testing period, fit testers will be emailed Google links to download the pattern files, and design testers will be emailed a download link including the instruction booklet, and print-at-home pattern.
All testers are invited (although not required) to join a private Trello group for the duration of the test. The Trello group is a nice platform where testers can ask questions and/or make comments, or send images along the testing process to get feedback from the designer/patternmaker. (Trello is a free online program.)
If testers have questions, I can be contacted in Trello. But please keep in mind, that it’s just me here. So depending on the time zone sometimes another tester or my virtual assistant may be able to answer more quickly in Trello. Otherwise, I do try to answer all questions as quickly as possible.
Fit Tester:
- You will receive an email with a Google link for downloading to print-at-home sewing tutorial, and a letter-size or A4 size pattern.
- Sew pattern following instructions provided (some instructions may be rough drafts with diagrams or no diagrams at all).
- Write basic step sewing instructions and take step-by-step images of the steps as you sew garment.
- Provide feedback on pattern, sewing, and instruction to correct and/or improve the information.
Design Tester:
- You will receive an email with a download link for downloading the print-at-home sewing tutorial, and a letter-size or A4 size pattern.
- Sew pattern following instructions provided showing layout, step-by-step sewing assembly (images are displayed as diagrams or photographs).
- Provide feedback on pattern, sewing, and tutorial to correct and/or improve the information.
Requirements:
Pattern testers are required to sew the garment using the instructions provided and during the time period set out. If someone is unable to complete the test, they need to notify me as soon as possible.
A functioning sewing machine, and essential sewing tools (scissors, rotary cutter, mat, pins, etc.). If any special tools or notions are required, that will be stated in the signup sheet.
A high-quality cell phone or DSLR camera for QUALITY photos for reviewing and using for advertising purposes.
Internet connection and resource for printing the pattern (either the Letter/A4 print-at-home version)
Each tester will have the following time to download, prepare, sew, photograph/video the finished garment and provide feedback to submit final information;
one to two weeks turn time for testing basic to intermediate styles
two to three + weeks turn time for testing advanced styles
What do I need to turn in once done sewing?
Fit Tester:
- Send QUALITY photos of the finished garment on a live model (lady, man, child, etc) for fitting reference. A minimum of 5 photos showing one of each of the garment’s following areas for example (front, back, side, close-up of the zipper closure, pocket, and any specific details about pattern design).
- There are no requirements to do styled (for advertising purposes) finished photos. Although if want to share your makes on social media or a blog, you are welcome to do so but not required and I ask that you send photo/s to me first for approval to post. As new designs may not have been released yet and no photos will be allowed until the pattern has been released for sale. If approved to post, please use hashtag #PatternsbyAPM with images. By submitting photos you are giving APM permission to use photos at my discretion for advertising purposes once testing information is submitted.
- Written documentation and submitted information for feedback about your experience.
Design Tester:
- Send QUALITY photos of the finished garment on a live model (lady, man, child, etc.) for advertising and social media purposes. Along with a video of a model wearing the pattern design in a natural setting (out to dinner, beach, party, etc.). A minimum of 5 photos showing the model in natural settings and a minimum of 1 video (15-30 seconds) of the model in a natural setting.
- Share your makes on social media or a blog once photos and videos have been released for sale and approved, and please use the hashtag #PatternsbyAPM in personal posts. By submitting photos you are giving APM permission to use photos at my discretion for advertising purposes once testing information is submitted and online feedback form feedback is provided about your experience.
- Written documentation and submitted information for feedback about your experience.
Notions & Supplies
If a pattern requires special notions, I may assist in sourcing. For example, when my tester made the High Neck Sweatshirt pattern, I sent her fabric and trims to use. Although I’m not able to do that with sewers that are located outside the United States due to lengthy shipping times. The majority of the time I prefer to see what fabrics and trims my sewers like to use and have them work with those to see how the wide variety of fabrics and notions work with patterns.
Communications:
A&P has a FB group where testing information has been shared in the past, but I have decided to move testing feedback over to Trello where I do most of my communications with testers and contractors. Trello is FREE to signup for and messages come straight through to your email for quick feedback. There are separate (cards) for introductions, asking questions/inserting photos for the testing type you will be sewing (Fit Tester, Designer Tester). So I will be continuing with Trello for future testing communications. If unable to use Trello please let me know when signing up to test.
Be sure to check out the A&P (Anno & Pum) sewing pattern Facebook group if you are not a member of it yet. Great place to share your projects, ask questions, chat with other sewers, and get the most current updates and announcements on the A&P sewing pattern collection. Join here at A&P sewing pattern Facebook group.
Compensation:
This year, I’m making one big change to the process and that is compensation. In the past, I’ve provided a FREE pattern to testers who complete the process for a digital product from the A&P sewing pattern shop. But I recognize that people who have tested before would like other options versus just a FREE pattern. So going forward, I will be offering pattern testers a monetary stipend in addition to a final copy of the pattern that was tested. (Of course, if a tester prefers to be paid with a digital product instead of money, that’s ok too.)
Compensation will be provided if/when the testing requirements are completed.
Choose 1 of 3 compensation choices below;
- A monetary stipend of $10-$20 to offset the cost of fabric and supplies will be sent to your Paypal account.
- (If you don’t have Paypal or would not prefer the stipend, you can receive a one-time use download code for any digital products in the shop, including pdf patterns and e-courses.)
- OR a 15% discount on digital and paper patterns for two months following feedback following the submission date.
Plus…. you will receive the final pdf copy of the pattern you tested once it is listed in the shop.
Side note on sizing…
A&P (Anno & Pum) size charts are shown below for misses ( sizes 0/2-16/18), curvy (sizes 20/22-28/30), and children (sizes 2T-14/16). It is great when testers match these specifications, but it’s not required. Most of us have to make pattern adjustments and it’s a good thing to try out during the design tester phase also.
You can check out all current size charts here.
CALL FOR PATTERN TESTERS
If you are interested in testing patterns for A&P Pattern Collection, click here to sign up for TEST CALL notifications. There is no requirement to test all patterns. Just to be interested and excited about the design you are testing.
Thank you so much for your interest and partnership with A&P Patterns, looking forward to working with you soon!