I really wanted this particular New Look pattern. Now, I could have had Simplicity send it to me, or I could have gone to my local Joann's to get a copy. But, the Simplicity option would take a day or two and the Joann's option might not work at all. The New Look patterns are sold off one of those spinning racks and they are ALWAYS out of the one I want.
I had been wanting to try this, just so I could tell people how hard or easy it is to do. Some people don't have a store near them that carries Simplicity patterns. And I know folks in Canada are having a really big problem with one of their main fabric chains dropping Simplicity patterns.
Here's how it works.
Then they suggest just printing out the first page of your pattern, to make sure the scale is correct, that the little grey square measures 1" by 1".
Here is a link to instructions for taking your PDF pattern to a print shop.
This should be great for people living outside the US. Also, you are allowed to print each pattern 3 times. Really, a good deal.
And for more instructions how to do this, read this article from Pattern Review.
Pattern Review - how to assemble a print at home pattern.
Now, some of you may ask why would I want or need to buy a pattern when I'm a pattern maker? I used to think patterns were expensive until I learned to make them. It takes quite a bit of time to make a good pattern. Even at full price, they are worth the price because of the time they save. Why reinvent the wheel.
And some others of you may comment that the Simplicity website is SO SLOW that it is too frustrating to go there and buy a digital pattern, but just this week I've been told they are in the process of solving this problem. Hope it gets fixed soon. I will let you all know when that is.