I have downloaded this software from Wild Ginger's website twice and I still am not getting any sewing instructions for either the cape or poncho. I've sent an email to Wild Ginger and haven't received a reply yet. I am getting very frustrated, as this seems to be a typical thing of Wild Ginger. (I previously bought a Click and Sew package and had problems with that too.)
Would anyone have a link for a freebie poncho or cape pattern somewhere else? I would certainly appreciate it and my hair (after being pulled out) will thank you.
Well, they did say that they don't provide technical support for Wild Things. But both patterns look pretty self-explanatory to me. What sewing instructions do you need?
For the poncho, you fold the neck piece in half and sew down to the neckline of the body part and hem the edges of the body part.
For the cape, you sew all the straight edges together to make a circle and then hem the rounded edges.
What problems did you have and how did you try to resolve it? Have you signed onto the mailing list to get help from there also?
Wild Ginger patterns don't have customized step-by-step sewing directions. They are made with the presumption that you already know how to sew and don't need hand-holding, and they recommend a basic sewing book if you don't already have that level of knowledge.
There aren't any. The disclaimer at the beginning of the Instruction Section says, and I quote: "Basic sewing instructions have been provided. These instructions are not illustrated, and assume a basic knowledge of sewing knowledge for most of the projects. Instructions for preparing and attaching the pockets are not included. _Please consult a sewing text book for more in-depth explanations._" (Emphasis theirs, not mine)
I'm not sure why you would need instructions for a poncho or a cape. A poncho is a square (more or less) of fabric with a head hole in the middle. Finish the edges however you prefer; finish the head hole (either by binding or facing). If you use fleece or a felted wool, you don't even have to finish the edges. A collared poncho is slightly more involved, as you need to sew the collar into the head hole.
Capes a very similar, although they're open down the front, and often have hoods.
If you really think you need instructions for making a poncho or a cape, I would suggest either borrowing a book on basic sewing from the library or hitting the pattern section at JoAnn's during a sale. McCall's has a poncho pattern in their 'easy' line (#4207), and all of the big three have poncho patterns in their regular lines. Cape patterns are are easy to find, as well.
Thanks all, for the info, including the disclaimer. As to the instructions, thanks Melinda for explaining them to me. I did figure them out, but I didn't quite "get" why there was a seamline perpendicular to the side seam. I guess that's for the armholes.
It just seemed to me that if Wild Ginger was promoting freebies of several things you could work on, as well as the instructions, you would think that the software would be complete. To me, that's marketing, even if it is for a freebie. This is the only reason why I haven't bought their expensive Pattern Master; this represents to me their "quality" control.
Actually, it's the sleeves. They're optional, but they do keep the poncho from flying open.
It is complete. It just doesn't have basic sewing insructions.
It's only bad marketing if they're misleading. They're very clear about it. They *don't* include basic sewing instructions. Most people who buy their stuff (or try Wild Things) already know the basics.
If they included basic sewing instructions, they wouldn't be able to offer as many things in WildThings, or any of their other programs.
I'm not really sure I understand your complaint.
You're complaining that they don't give basic sewing instructions, even though they tell you that they don't?
AFAICT, the Wild Ginger programs are *not* aimed at beginning sew-ers. They're aimed at people who don't want to use patterns from the big 3, but who don't want to draft their own patterns.
"Beth Pierce" > I have downloaded this software from Wild Ginger's website
You have to remember this is pattern drafting software. It is a tool to design your patterns. If you need complete instructions then you are better off sticking to the patterns from the big companies. But for those of us who want the freedom to design and create unique things without limitations, Wild Ginger fits the bill extremely well. Anyone who is at this design stage should have a strong construction and technique background.
And as WildGinger states, they do not provide any support for WildThings. Most of the things in WildThings were originally supplied in the programs you purchase. But for programs that you purchase from them they have the best support from anyone I have ever seen (and I'm a software engineer so I've dealt with hundreds). All you have to do is ask. And the user list is extremely helpful for design questions and support.
Why are there instructions for some things and not for others? I can certainly attach a pocket (as well as make a three-piece vested suit, make pants from no pattern, mark off RTW to make patterns, etc., etc.,) but when there is a perpendicular line to a side seam and no explanation of what that line represents, including no notation given on the pattern piece, there is some explanation called for. If a company is going to rate their Internet-distributed projects "Easy", "Intermediate" and "Advanced" in an attempt to draw those markets to it, they need to explain what those albeit "unusual" details are, especially to the beginning sewist. The company needs to be complete in the marketing of their product; sewing book or no sewing book; disclaimer or no disclaimer.
Another example is that the index lists a Wrap Vest, which has no pattern or else it's labeled differently. Could that be the Tunic?
There is no yardage estimate given for the poncho, cape or tunic, yet it's given for all the other items.
There are 31 items listed for patterns; 29 of those have instructions and 1 of those 29 is possibly labeled. The facts speak for themselves. This is the reason why I haven't plunked down my hard-earned cash to buy Wild Ginger's Pattern Master software, although I did buy a Click and Sew and had nightmares getting the bugs worked out of that, which weren't my responsibility.
Jenn, if you are a poster to this NG and not affiliated with Wild G> Beth Pierce wrote:
(I don't know how what I am saying is going to come across, but please believe that I am just explaining the situation the way I see it and am not trying to be mean, critical, sarcastic, or whatever.)
I understand what you are saying, but their software *is* complete. It is not a sewing pattern that comes with complete blow-by-blow, step-by-step sewing instructions for everything you could possibly create. It is pattern-drafting software. It does the job it was designed to do, which is create patterns with practically unlimited variations in styles and shapes.
They couldn't possibly give you customized, step-by-step instructions (with or without accompanying diagrams) for everything you could possibly create out of it, especially since the pattern editor will let you make an infinite number of style variations from things as easy as color blocking to my designing a scooter skirt (that's a straight skirt with side slits over a matching pair of shorts) from it. And they make no bones about saying that the software is not for new sewists and that one needs a basic level of knowledge about sewing to be able to make the patterns. They recommend the Reader's Digest Sewing Book as an example of a good basic sewing book for people who don't know how to do basic garment construction.
The WG ladies did put basic instructions for things that are not clear. But I haven't seen anything in Click and Sew, Pattern Master anything, or Wild Things that I really needed step-by-step instructions to be able to put together.
If you can't figure out how to sew something like a basic dress pattern without needing instructions, then maybe you could find a good sewing reference book, a pal to help you, or some place that offers lessons and then you could learn. Or I think I have seen that somebody (maybe Livingsoft) offers some type of software that teaches you how to sew with minimal help from someone else, although I'm not sure who the target market is -- but that software would draft patterns and then hold your hand and tell you exactly what you need to know to make it.
In essence, I think you are expecting too much of pattern drafting software if you expect it to give you customized construction details for every step of everything you could possibly create from it.
Thank you for your candidness, Melinda, although I don't think you understood my point. My point is that a company shouldn't mass-mail something for others to use when it has "glitches", or at least provide support for the glitches. Thank you for your reference to a sewing book or "pal" to help me. I'll decline as I've been sewing much too long for that. Out of the 31 items, there are instructions for 29. Why not put the instructions for the other two items in? Or at least make a notation on the pattern what the lines, besides the seam, cutting and CF and CB lines, are.
If I were a beginning sewist and had this same problem, I would find it poor marketing for a company to direct me to a sewing book to make a poncho, cape, or something else if that company didn't provide me with instructions on some of their patterns when it provided me with instructions for others; that's all I'm saying. MHO. I am not expecting Wild Ginger or any other software company to provide me with "customized" instructions; I just want them to finish the ones they started.
To finish, if you were a student anxious about learning a computer and were able to take a computer class and the instructor didn't provide you with instruction on how to turn the computer on, wouldn't you think that instructor was a little faulty in their teaching? Would you go back to that class? Or would you have reservations?
I understand this. That's why we have Readers Digest Book of Sewing, Singer Basic Techniques, classes at Joann's, etc.
Sorry if you didn't understand; no, I don't want them to give me basic "sewing" instructions; that's what books in the library are for. I would certain expect assembly directions, as with the other 29 items, and some kind of notation as to what the line on the pattern indicated. In other words, just finish what they started with the other
And for Heaven's sake, don't label something in the sewing instructions for the patterns and not have it appear in the pattern list. Is the "wrap vest" a "tunic"? Then why not say so? Forgive my being "anal", but I've been a teacher and you can't expect a student to read something and try to convince her it's something else, especially if that student was new to what was being taught.
Okay, I can agree with this; that's why I bought Click and Sew, and that is something I won't get into here.
The bottom line is, I wasn't sure what the line was, even though I have sewn for many years and have never made a poncho--believe it or not. I tried calling them and the recording stated "Due to the high volume of calls, BLAH BLAH BLAH. Log onto our website with technical questions." Okay, so I did. Simple question--what's the line for? Now I understand they don't provide support for their freebie software. I can understand why; it's too expensive to devote the time. Okay, then fix the problem; make a notation on the pattern; provide sewing instructions (as they have done for the other 29 patterns)---problem solved; complaints diminished; end of discussion.
I'm sure that if you pointed it out to them they will fix it and make a new release. I know that when Wild Things first came out, someone on the list mentioned a problem with it to them, and they fixed it and put a new release out. So if you pointed this out to them they probably are or will be working on it and will put out a revised version. But it's important to remember that the programming for this is done by one person and not a whole team of them, and it might take a while, and I'm sure fixing their free program might not be on the top of their list -- they are working on upgrading the rest of their pay programs to version
3 also.
I emailed the WG ladies to ask about it (last night and got the answer bright and early this morning) and she said that those two were a last-minute addition and it was an oversight not to include a description of them. I can guess that they probably also renamed the "wrap vest" to a "tunic."
(shrug) It's obvious to me that they are sewing lines you can add to hold the poncho onto your arms so it doesn't flap around too widely. Like I said, I have not needed sewing instructions for anything I have seen on C&S, PMB, or Wild Things, and to me it's not worth grousing about. And if you need them, then you need a beginning sewing book.
I'm sure they will fix it.
Here is the way I see your analogy: If you were anxious about learning how to PROGRAM a computer and went to a computer class and the instructor DID provide you with instructions on how to turn the computer on, wouldn't you feel that it was totally unnecessary? IOW, the WG products are not products that are made to teach people to sew but to enable people who already know how to sew how to get into the nitty gritty of designing their own patterns.
As always, YMMV.
Melinda, who wonders why it is so important to you to make such a stink about this when it just doesn't seem to be that big of a deal
Have you ever done computer programming? If you haven't, let me explain to you that program documentation can take as much time as the programming itself sometimes, and it is not so uncommon that a difference between documentation and the program can occurr. Usually there is one team working on programming that is split into those coding and those documenting, because they are two different skills. I believe there is only one programmer at WG, so she is having to wear multiple hats, and I know personally how difficult it can be to wear both hats because you can't always keep straight what you have documented and what you haven't, and sometimes you forget. I would expect that if you let WG know about it, they would correct it.
But WG's target market is not people who are new at sewing, so this analogy falls apart.
And I will have to ask if you emailed them for support.
The WG products are not like computer games that you can just install and go play with. They are sophisticated tools, and sometimes it takes some training to learn to use them well. You get that training from either emailing them, going to one of their classes, or signing onto the mailing list. The same thing applies to the other pattern-drafting software out there as much as to WG products.
I have never made a poncho, but I have seen them and I have worn them, and I knew immediately what it was.
Did you email them with the question or just look at their web site? If you emailed them (whether via web-based form or through your mail reader)? Did they answer you?
The best way to get support is to email them with specifics ( snipped-for-privacy@wildginger.com). And if you read anything, you will read that technical support is the most costly part of commercial computer programs and what is most likely to bring a company down. So it is perfectly reasonable that a company would not provide technical support for a free product.
I am sure they will. But I am also sure that they have other projects they are working on and might not do it overnight.
This is an interesting question. It seems that their greatest production expense is in writing the program(s) for patterns. If they were to add instructions, they might double their sales - or more. This would reduce the cost per unit. Do they prefer to keep their customer base small and limited to highly skilled customers?
I have been astonished at times to see posts asking for a pattern for sheets, or cushion covers, or drapes/curtains. It never crossed my mind that there would be such a thing, or a need for such a thing. I guess it's a question of experience, confidence, or security.
On the other hand, I have seen patterns that the most experienced would have had difficulty constructing without detailed directions, because the sequence of assembly was critical to the outcome. On a much lesser scale, imagine making a pair of underpants with a lined crotch without having someone explain how to do it. A lined or reversible vest (U.S. version) is the same. If you know the "trick" you have about 2 inches of handsewing to do when finished. Without the information, you'll have at least one full seam.
Of course, it is Wild Ginger's right to decide what to include and what to not include. But by not offering instructions, they give a message that their product is not for most people.
I don't buy this. I haven't followed pattern directions in years, although I might reference them for a new technique or a unfamiliar construction. As for the undies analogy.... you give an experiences sewist a pattern and a sample, and they should be able to make it without instructions. Or you can take a sample apart. I'd guess that historically step by step instructions are a fairly new convention.
I'd agree that complaining about minor irritations about a free product that doesn't meet your needs is a little excessive.
Wrong. Ask *any* programmer who writes user code. The most expensive part of providing a program is writing the user documentation and providing user support. (F'rex...the company DH works for has 30 programmers, 25 analysts to make sure the code does what it's supposed to (they write accounting software), and 70 doc writers, plus a support staff of over 100.)
True, but. The item under discussion is a *free* demo. It's rather excessive to expect basic sewing instructions in a free demo.
The actual *purchased* programs have more detailed instructions, but you still can't really learn to sew from them. They assume a basic knowledge of sewing. Which is fine by me. I'll accept the need for a basic sewing book so I can have more pattern options.
I wouldn't say "highly skilled". Even an beginning/intermediate sewist can use WildThings, if they have access to a good basic sewing book.
Which is fine. AFAICT, if there is a feature like that in a WG pattern, they give instructions. OTOH, I don't really need basic instructions on how to mark a hem, or clean finish a seam, in all of my patterns.
jenn
(Just for the heck of it, I showed the pattern sketch for the poncho to DD (12)....her first comment was "cool. a poncho with sleeves." She doesn't sew (yet), and may not ever.)
I thought about you and Wild Ginger today, as I got a Simplicity pattern ready to use.
Lengthen Sleeves
High waistline alteration on back and front
Lower breasts a smidge (can't just change it at the waistline because it's shaped from breasts to hips)
Re-do sleeves because the tape slipped
Re-do front waistline because the cat who owns me got all nesting-playful with my pattern paper when I was in the bathroom
Make note to get another copy of this pattern, because I forgot to trace it off before cutting and this is one someone else is interested in, too.
Make note to change front facing to match altered pattern, AFTER I put my feet up and clear my head. grrrrr feels like it will go on forever and I have the feeling I forgot something
Make mental note to double check hip width and back length- did I remember to allow for having lowered the breasts in front? (see! you and I both knew there had to be something!)
Sooo, even though this is a pattern with the added convenience of theoretically complete instructions... I'd rather figure out how to put together Wild Ginger than go through all that cut-and-paste on each and every paper pattern. Next time I have the money, pattern software here I come.
Needing to figure out Wild Ginger assembly -- a nuisance Freedom from innumerable "Simplicity" pattern tape-and-ruler alterations-- priceless
To be honest, I think the stink has as much to do with the fact that so many people with "NAYY" with WG seem to be so hell-bent on convincing everyone that it is the *only* pattern software worth trying and buying. People with less skills or who are looking for something to use as a jumping-off point try it, trusting that those who make the recommendation aren't overly prejudiced. If they aren't impressed, they are jumped on as not being capable of understanding the software or not being good enough "sewists" to be worthy.
I have tried PM and it has its merits, but then so do Click & Sew, Dress Shop (which also makes a Home Decorating package, BTW) and Cadterns (which really DOES assume better sewing and computer skills as it is designed as a true CAD drafting companion). I personally use Dress Shop, but if I buy a drafting program from another company, I will opt for the full Cadterns program. But I won't tell you that your choice sucks if you stick with the Wild Ginger patterns and I would hope that you wouldn't denigrate my choice to stick with Livingsoft.
It would be nice to make the program in different skill levels so that those who need help have it and those that don't can just design and sew to their hearts' content. We're all here for the support and help we give each other, so make nice.
I don't knock people for sticking with the program that suits them best. I do medical transcription and there are Word Perfect fanatics versus Word fanatics, Win fanatics versus Mac fanatics, and people in "opposite corners" on the various different competing products.
No one product is going to be everybody's favorite. That's okay with me. I wrote a long dissertation recently on the various pattern drafting programs giving what I saw as the benefits of Pattern Master Boutique and what I perceived to be the benefits of Dress Shop, ending with suggesting that the person check out the demos and maybe their bottom-end products before making a final purchase decision. That's not denigrating Dress Shop. And I would say the same thing to anybody who had unrealistic expectations about *any* pattern drafting software.
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