It took me so long to learn how to pattern cut, I do not actually remember when I finally got to the stage I could create a complete pattern on my own. I studied fashion for five years, with at least one pattern cutting class per week. I also made things for myself in my own time... some projects were more successful than others.

When I graduated and started my first job as a pattern cutter and design room assistant, I discovered that many of the pattern cutting processes I was taught in college were too slow for industry work. I heard time and time again, “Oh! I haven’t seen it done like that in years! We don’t do it like that…” (Usually accompanied by an “oh, bless..” smile.)

I guess learning to pattern cut in college is like learning to drive - I learnt the skills I needed to pass the courses, then I needed to learn how to pattern cut for day to day purposes.

Over the years (as I previously mentioned in my blog “Networking is no longer a dirty word”), I have been lucky enough to work with some really talented and skilled pattern cutters and machinists who were willing to pass on their knowledge to me. I used to be so unsure of what I was doing, working in fear that making a mistake could hinder my career progress. Once I gained confidence (Yes, Allyson confidence IS the key! I still have the card you gave me J), I realized that I learn from every mistake, so fear of making mistakes should not be my focus. I should simply ‘give it a go’ and see what happened.

It makes me smile now, when I am teaching and see pattern cutting and sewing students have similar struggles I had. I now hear myself giving the same advice I was given by all the people who have taught me. I have been pattern cutting for over 20 years and I am still learning! I have found teaching has really helped me see just how much I have learnt….so far.

Now that I have now moved in to leather work, I found I am more willing to make lots of mistakes, as I understand it is all part of the process of learning and mastering new skills. I also have a better understanding of how I learn. 

So, frustrated pattern cutters , new learners in general.. Just be patient with yourself. Things WILL go wrong, sometimes you will have to start again from the beginning. It will take a while to understand what works for you when learning new things.
But ”If at first you don’t succeed…”
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