Holy free patterns, Batgirl!

August 19, 2009 by Minnie

dresspattern OMGOMGOMG. I just read on Dress A Day that the University of Rhode Island is allowing free access to their Commercial Pattern Archive for one week. WOW! I didn’t even know there was such a thing as a pattern archive but I am happy to hear it exists. Normally you have to pay 120$ a year for access.

Login with the username “guest” and the password “pattern”.

Hello, I know what I will be doing this week, just call me ‘guest’!

Their search form looks great and really gives you many options to narrow down what you are looking for. You can find free clothing, needlework, embroidery, crochet and quilting patterns!

Go to it! Let me know what you find!

UPDATED:
So the free pattern downloading started yesterday and ends on August 25th 2009.

This archive is by no means perfect. There are some broken images and finding sewing instructions to go with your pattern pieces appears to be rare. BUT STILL. It’s awesome and having the shape of the pattern pieces is one step in the right direction.

Have you read?

Girl in Meadow Hand Embroidery Pattern – Etsy Review

This one has such a soft, dreamy feel to it. The Girl in Meadow Hand Embroidery Pattern, Floral Design (PDF) from ModaVationStitchery is a digital download on Etsy, priced at AU$3.29 on sale from AU$8.22, and the shop is showing a 5 out of 5 star rating. Etsy lists it as a craft supply download with 2 PDF files included.

What makes this design appealing is the calm, nature-filled look. The listing describes it as a girl sitting in a meadow surrounded by flowers, with flowing hair, delicate blooms, and grass, and it is clearly aimed at stitchers who enjoy feminine hoop art and floral scenes rather than cartoonish motifs. It feels like the sort of project that would look lovely framed in a hoop for a bedroom, reading corner, or handmade gift.

There are some nice practical details too. The listing says the pattern comes in 6 hoop sizes ranging from 3 inches to 8 inches, and it includes a stitch guide, thread colour suggestions, and an Embroidery Guide for Beginners. That gives it a bit more support than a bare-bones printable, even though the seller is also clear that this is design-only and does not include step-by-step instructions.