When I want to draft a new style, I trace from my blueprint, and then make my adaptations. Wouldn't it be fab if I could just print a new copy of my Blueprint (or any of my patterns) and then make my alterations?
I found and bought a second hand A1 scanner in December. We were busy with Christmas, then csomethgin else, then Covid, and the scanner sat, untested.
Around the same time as I bought the scanner, I saw an idea about using a projector to project A0 sewing patterns directly on to fabric. This seemed like a great idea! I could scan my current self drafted patterns in, and then project them!
What a fab total technical solution!
I joined a specialist FB projectors for sewing group a month after it was set up. At the time, it was all very new and quite complicated. Some determined people worked hard to identify how to make it work. They designed tools to help with calibration, and guides on how to set up. People shared what worked, and kind people pulled it together into guides. what to do. More people joined, people shared their results. Indy pattern diesigners started offering projector friendly files.
A few weeks ago, I decided it was almost time! I started to look for projectors. I realised that I needed to test the scanner. So, I got it out and tested it to see if it would work.
It did a beautiful scan, and it was exactly how I imagined. I overlaid the original wit the scanned printout, and they didn't line up. I used a window to see what the problem was. The width matched, but the length did not.
Perhaps it wobbled in the rollers?
To test, I created and printed an A1 grid of squares. I then scanned the grid, and printed the scan. I compared the 2, and saw that the length wasn't correct. I asked DH for advice. He did some detailed measuring, and declared that the error was consistent down the page (so it wasn't wobbling). I contacted the manufactirer, who confirmed that it could be adjusted, but I needed to go back to my supplier (I bought it privately so that was no help).
At least we know it's likely to be fixable, I just need to find an engineer who won't charge a fortune :-)
I went ahead and bought a second hand Ultra Short Throw projector, which meant I could have the projector near the table rather than ceiling mounted. It arrived. DH and I had a go at setting it up.
In order for this to be a helpful solution, I need it to be a fixed set up. I don't want to have to calibrate every time I want to cut fabric. It doesn't take much to put me off, so I need things to be as easy as possible.
We rowed a bit. My brother visited, and was fascinated. He helped DH, which stopped us rowing. We did some more the next day, and then I played until I got the right zoom level to get the patterns to consistently project at the correct size.
At his point, the table was a couple of feet from the wall, which meant when we enter the kitchen from the hall, all one can see is this mahoooooosive table! It was OK to test proof of concept, but it was not a permananet solution.
I suggested something involving another electric stand I had (bought for my embroidery machine, but not used in the end), which would ennable us to adjust the projector height exactly, and it might go under the table. DH thought it would work, he played around, and the end result is good. The table is in a much better position, it will work for most garments, and I can pull it out so that my maxi skirt patterns will fit.
I made 2 skirts!
It's not all sunshine though, projecting brings a different set of challenges... but for the way I work, it's worth it. It would be so great if we can get the scanner sorted as well,
We had to lower the table a bit (it's actually an electric desk with a kitchen worktop on), and the printer doesn't fit under the table anymore. It's too wide to fit anywhere else, so it's been sitting in the living room, with stuff on it, while we work out what to do with it.
The collateral damage of all these machinations is that everywhere is in chaos.
Downstairs is a tip. Moving the table and sorting things out meant that a lot of things had to be excavated. The stuff, is leaning against the kitchen cabinets, which meant I couldn't put all the fod delivery away, so some of that is out on the worktops
DH had a great idea. He got an inexpensive wide TV table and put castors on it. The printer will fit back under the table. The old stand can be dismantled and put in the loft.
Upstairs is a tip. The little electric stand was actually being used, and all the stuff that was on it , under it, and around it, is now piled in the spare bedroom, in the corridor I use for sewing.
I wasn't really a believer in the power of Feng Shui, but now I do believe there is something in it. I've got to do the next stage of the scanner testing, but I just can't get into the right frame of mind. The clutter is impacting not only my mood, but also my energy levels.
It's not enough to just tidy the stuff (or to hide it, whch fortunately I've never done). I'm battling to permanently clear the stuff that's piled up.
Anyway, I need to get back to it.
It will be lovely when it's done.
