...Debbie Cook (stitchesandseams) posted a set questions on her blog today.  I found them interesting, so of course I participated.  Lynne (yousew,girl) did too and also posted them on her blog - so I'm following their lead here:


1. Do you cut with your fabric RS out or WS out? 
I cut my fabrics WS out, unless cutting on single layers of fabric as directed by the pattern layout and cutting instructions.  OR unless cutting plaids or stripes which I always cut RS out so I can see clearly how to match up.  And as Lynne said, laying out WS out also helps facilitate marking the pattern especially if I'm thread tracing; and it helps identify WS from RS because on some fabrics it's hard to tell.

2. How do you make your pattern markings?
I admit even though snipping into the seam allowance is a quick method of marking I DO NOT LIKE DOING SO.  I always felt that snipping compromised my seam allowance.  I will mark some fabrics via tracing paper/smooth tracing wheel.  I stopped using the serrated wheel because it tears my patterns.  I quite often mark with a highly identifiable contrasting thread sort of tailor's tack.  I usually use RED heavy duty thread, unless my fabric is red (them I'll use white) - makes it real easy to find my markings.   I thread mark right after I finish cutting so then that way it's done and over and I'm ready to move on into construction when ever I'm ready.  I lay out the pattern, cut and mark in one session.  I also use colorful adhesive stickers to mark dots and squares. I know it's frowned upon, but I have been known to use a #2 pencil to mark on occasion.

3. Do you follow the cutting layout in patterns?
Pretty much so, but there are times that I think the layout is a stupid waste of fabric and so I change it to save fabric.

4. Are you obsessed with re-folding your pattern tissue on or very close to the original fold lines?
Are you kidding???  That never works for me.  It seems that the tissue paper grows once you unfold and use it.  It never ever fits back into the envelope the same as it originally came out.  I fold neatly, and if it won't fit, I use the ziplock bag storage method.  I am a stickler for folding and replacing as soon as I am finished with my garments.  I have on occasion lost important pattern pieces - that irritates me to no end.  So I think replacing immediately after finishing a garment has become a good habit for me.

5. I thought of one more ... Do you make all the markings? 
Yep, I transfer all markings.  There are times that I miss one and have to go back to the pattern piece to find where it goes.  I do sometimes have a problem distinguishing between my markings for large dots, small dots, squares or triangles.  What the heck, once I transfer with tailors tacks they are all the same.
Confession:  Go ahead and talk about me (there's no shame in my game) I still actually cut out my notches - the single ones and the double ones.  I got upset when they stopped extending them outside the cutting line, so I just make my own.

I've been in the sewing room the bulk of the day, and something marvelous is unfolding.  Stay tuned...