Goth pattern exchange?
 

Hey, I was wondering if you guys would be interested in starting some sort of Goth pattern exchange? I know many of us enjoy making our own unique clothing, and patterns for many of the styles I am interessted in are hard to find. i have found many sleek, elegant styles, as well as some renaissance styled patterns I like, but I would like to see what's out there beyond the McCall's costume section. Something actually wearable? Anyway, I'm not too sure how to scan or send patterns, but maybe we could figure something out?

I'm in. There's a severe lack of good patterns out there for gothic styled clothing, and original designs are way better than what most pattern companies have to offer. Sharing sounds like a great idea, especially with the mix of creative minds present on this board.

Ooh. Well this does sound fun. I just recently started making a patchwork sweater. Its not that intracate, but its pretty cool. And Ive overcome my fear of the sewing machine x3

A patern-exchange could be good. Lately, I've been pinning lengths of cloth to make skirts. It's nice, because they fit, you can then unpin the skirt and use the cloth for something else, and you can also vary it from wearage-to-wearage. It's much fun. :D

I'm checking out new sewing machines, and have found Wal-mart to be good for one thing: the dollar a yard table. You can find some really funky, unique fabric, ans sometimes even decent quality. And lots of types of black fabric.

Any ideas yet on how to exchange or post patterns?

Individuality rules. Im in.

Hell, I'd be up for some "so you haven't a clue what you are doing, here's some guides" information.

I've got a machine, thread, fabric and enthusiasm but now idea what to do next...

good idea. count me in. i'm in the process of learning to knit and crochet and spent a good chunk of yesterday looking for goth-themed patterns. all i managed to find that caught my eye were goofy halloween patterns. i did manage to come across a skull wristband (cheesy halloween thingy), a bat, and a spiderweb thingy. besides that, i've got a load of sewing patterns i would like to make and personalize. now all i need is a cheap sewing machine.

victoria rain

I found some nice medieval patterns on eBay that I'm now going to mangle into my own exact tastes. Though I can't really think of a proper way of exchanging them over the internet.... We could always just scan drawings of the designs of the items to share inspiration, then make the patterns ourselves. I'm not much of a pattern person anyway - I generally just work with a few rough measurements and ideas in my head. Although to those just beginning, patterns are probably the best way to go until you get the hang of it.

I suppose we could make small scale patterns and write the measurements on the drawing, e.g. "breadth of chest, front" or "distance shoulder - waist". I've seen similar drawings in a book on historical patterns, with lines indicating the measurements ... and I own some medieval to 19th century patterns for Barbie doll from ebay, which come with directions on how to enlarge them to fit an adult human. The patterns would fit on the scanner, but probably be quite large as image files, so email might not be an option. ZIP or RAR is a must, in any case. And I must get that scanner working again - our rats got at the data cable.

I envy you the dollar-a-yard-table at Walmart's. I expect to pay around 12 to 15€ per metre for cheap (fake) velvet, and the real thing is easily at least twice the price. Most of the fabric I use is from ebay.

Whew, It's been a while since I last visited this boards, but anyway, I'm in.
I just bought a sewing machine, and I have little experience (altough I did manage to make a nice corset-like top by myself). Count me in, then. I'll share whatever I come across with.

some good ideas, i didn't want to let this thread die, but I've been out of town for over a week, so it seems to have dropped a little. I think the scanning thing could work for patterns, we will have to try it. I'd volunteer, but don't have a scanner. as for velvet, you certainly won't find the good quality stuff at walmart, but fabric stores like Jo Ann's are good, and sometimes you can hit the sales. Strangely enough, I've found some of the most interesting fabrics at yard sales, because you'll come across some little old lady who's been sewing for fifty years and has finally decided to clean out her fabrics stores. You can finds some really cool "antique" fabrics that way, and they are usually cheap.

Some of the recreationist patterns turn out very Goth when done in the right fabric. Google: A Vampire Day at the Beach. That is a folk wear pattern. Some of the 1950's day dresses. The McCall's M4490 turns out beautifully with a bit of tweaking. Done in silk from Dharma trading company dyed black, red or silver. yummy.

I don't have patterns for most of the stuff I do. Sorry to be of no help, guys.

The one pattern I do have is actually just a cut-out I traced onto some thin cotton. It's one panel for a gored skirt.

http://www.morgeve.dk/guide/witchskirt.html

That's the website I got it from.

I'm looking into creating a page where we could actually put the patterns (any suggestions on free hosting?), at least some basics, like different types of skirts, accessories, tips to make things easier and such. Also Jo anns is great, especially if you're on a budget because they have a clearance section where the fabrics are never more expensive than $5 and sometimes they go half off (like this weekend) not to mention being on the mailing list gives you 40% off of something every to weeks I practically own a fabirc store becuase of that place.

Corvidya - great idea, that web site. (Perhaps you'd care to introduce yourself... oh, and have a look at www.profusehost.com)

I hardly ever use patterns, sorry people. But I could share images and descriptions on how to do it, if anyone's interested in it.

You could put the patterns in a downloadable pdf file. Have them drawn to scale and instructions on how to enlarge them to the right size. I've seen it done before and it works pretty well.

If you want some simple DIY, just log onto http://www.gothfashion.info/diy.php.

Enjoy! Happy sewing. ;)

Sounds like an awesome plan, I just need to learn how to make my own clothes first. ooo, Thanks Tindomiel

yay! someone resurrected the beast! Dialogue is good for stuff like this, ideas get generated and everyone can use the bits and pieces they like.

Tindomiel: great site!

Oh God, I´m so exited about this. I wan´t you all to know I want to help as much as I can. Somebody asked about...free hosting?....you see, let´s all make pattern donations (I have some myself) and lets upload them! =D!!...I have purchased a host some months ago for the web page I´m making.
I could create a free ftp account for all of us =). What do you think? No banner ads, no pop ups =).

this could be interesting...

Great idea!! I'm working on a jacket right now. It should be done by the end of Oct. I'll post pics and if anyone wants the pattern I'll upload it :)