How the Jill Wolcott Knits Pattern Tailor Works
The Pattern Tailor will ask you to input information specific to the pattern, and then, using PHP, generates a custom pattern pdf for you. The Pattern Tailor uses your specific information to create a custom fit using each design and fit detail I used along with your information.
The process is simple and you will find plenty of tools, easy to follow and both written and video, to guide you through the process. Once you submit your information, it takes just seconds to create your customized Jill Wolcott Knits Pattern Tailor pattern. You can then download a print version and a digital version. Having two versions allows you to print pages as you desire, or to work from a device with written and charted information side-by-side. It is perfect for Knit Companion.
A Brief Aside About How The Pattern Tailor Works
How the Pattern Tailor works is pretty much my concept, but the tools I needed resided in PHP. There was a moment when I thought i would have to learn PHP to make this happen. First, I am eternally grateful that I didn’t even try to learn PHP (and have given away my How to PHP book!). We were that desperate!
I couldn’t find anyone who would talk to me in depth about doing the PHP, and the responses I got told me it would require far more than my budget (I literally cheated the grocery money to pay for it), and that what I really wanted was an app. And, by the way, it wasn’t really a good idea what I had in mind. [Insert huge eye roll from me. I am used to being told I shouldn’t do what I want to do, but usually I find a way!]
I asked on the Facebook page of the Craft Industry Alliance if anyone knew someone willing to work with a micro-business and Stephanie Carswell, Owner of Hawthorn Handmade said she thought her partner did. We welcomed the amazing Owen Jones to make the Pattern Tailor work effectively using PHP!
What Information Do I Need for the Pattern Tailor?
Each product asks for the information that you will need to provide so the Pattern Tailor works. Each product has a User Guide (online and downloadable pdf). Also available online or as a fillable pdf form are product specific Input Sheets. These tell you how and what to collect and record. Much of the information is repeated in each product:
Here’s an example of an Input sheet in fillable form.
This is the online version of a User Guide.
Your information will reflect you and your choices when the Pattern Tailor creates your personal pattern.
How Can I Try Out the Pattern Tailor?
We no longer have testing going on, so you will need to purchase one of the products to try it out. As shown below, you can put it onto a wish list if you like. Once you buy one of the Pattern Tailor products you will have access to Tutorials. There is a tutorial on how to access all the Pattern Tailor information too.
Put Them On Your Wishlist!
Fabulous Pattern Tailor Tools Too!
I love to provide tools that knitters can use that are not pattern-specific because they can make the entire process so much easier. I have some free tools that anyone can access, but I an so excited to be offering the Horizontal Bust Dart Pullover on the Pattern Tailor. This pattern will work with any pattern for a pullover (cardigan coming soon!). Put in the information related to your bust, your stitch and row information, and your total stitches, and the Pattern Tailor will write out instructions for horizontal bust darts done with German short rows.
The instructions work top down or bottom up. Follow the written instructions and the Action charts to insert your horizontal bust darts, then return to the pattern as written.
Upcoming Tools
We see the Bust Dart tools expanding very soon to offer Belly, Binder, Butt, and Back horizontal darts. Also Vertical Darts, and Sleeve Darts.
Thanks
P.S. Although I take credit for this conceiving and building this product, I also want to thank Owen Jones (IT), Holly Chayes (VA), Julia Neskorozhena (Usability), Frauke Urban (Tech Editing), & especially to thank Jamie Whitcomb for providing essential building services, input, and wisdom and being the best teammate ever!
