Dear Ms.Loper and "Non-Wimp" George, Arrgghh-the "I have a pattern we can use" sentence. The tenth time it might be OK, but the other nine, it's sure to be a mess. After strike, I always try to put the patterns I've drafted and the purchased ones back into a recognizable shape, and add some documentation so that the next time there will be no confusion. Extra time now will actually save time later.

I am not the best patternmaker, so I welcome input from the designer. But I do agree that many times the one they used before is not worth dragging out again. Our shop has several sets of every size of sloper on poster board. It is easy to draw around the most correct size, using the pivot method* for moving and combining the darts, then adding and subtracting to get a proper basic. This I fit on the actor and have the designer draw on the muslin and create the style lines. It is easy to make a cutting pattern from the lines on the basic (draw grain lines and match marks before cutting apart). I know this might seem as if it would take a long time, but we have made finished garments in this way without needing another fitting, saving time there.

*The pivot method of patterning is explained in Pattern Making by the Flat Pattern Method (1-8 editions) by Norma R. Hollen and Carolyn J. Kundel. Check with a bookseller for new and used editions.

I love to make the patterns for the shows. I try to include at least one where the students can help with each step: measuring the actors, making calculations, graphing the pieces from a book, making alterations to the pattern, adding seam allowances, laying out and cutting, and stitching the mockup. Yes, it takes longer than trying to piece back together one that was demolished earlier, but now I have students with some knowledge and skills who can help me the next time. After all, that's what the students have paid for.

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