Hi Lisa,
Thanks for this remark, I do read understand your point and I'm working hard on providing wider size ranges. The 3 first patterns were available only from 34 to 42 but for this one I have added two more sizes so it goes till 46. I know it could be even wider and it's a real ambition for me to develop also plus size patterns but this was already a big step forward considering the time it requires me to develop extra sizes. For the time being I'm alone on this project and therefore handling any little aspects of it from design to grading, pattern making, sewing, photo shooting, filmmaking web integration, accounting, workshop facilitation, fashion school presentation, communications... and I skip the details... So even though I have the ambition life doesn't offer me more than 24 hour per day. I'm reassuring myself with the little saying "Rome wasn't built in a day"
I try my best, with the cards I currently hold in hands and....fingers crossed for the future ! ;)

Thank you Lisa! And thanks Mylène for jumping in too.
I was doing a bit of research to see if I could find some other zero waste pattern suggestions, but it seems that the Milan AV-JC approach is currently pretty unique in home sewing world... we can only hope that more companies will invest in this kind of approach/have more time to develop zero waste patterns that are accessible for a wider audience! Good luck Mylene in trying to take this approach further with a hopefully expanded size range!

Wendy Ward offers some good suggestions/resources for adopting a more reduced waste and zero waste approach - maybe some of these are of interest? https://wendyward.wordpress.com/2017/08/17/zero-waste-sewing/

Cooool, thanks Barbara for your comment! I'm glad it intrigues you to the point where it becomes a new obsession ! I'm currently working on news designs so the panel will be soon extended ;)
Keep in touch !
xxx
Mylène

Thanks Barbara! I'm honestly thrilled with it, even more so as the approach/concept was so different for me! If you find any other cool zero waste pattern suggestions send them my way! :) xx

Thanks Abbey! The colour seemed a bit bolder than I'd usually go, but I sooooo loved the sample garment in a similar shade. Adding the facings felt a bit scary, but it was much easier than I thought - I'd really like to try it in a more suitable fabric though, definitely one without a wrong side! :) xx

Hi Corkpop,
Thanks for your comment, even though I find it a bit harsh by saying "they solve nothing"
As I just explained to Lisa (on a comment above) I'm working hard on this design research project and size inclusion is something I really care about.
Unfortunately as anyone on this planet, I'm ressources limited and I still try to find the balance between design research/ raise awareness events/ communication/ size distributions.
So the more the project will be stable, the more the sizes options will be extended.
Well, I'm just trying "to make my colibri part" as we say here in France and there is no other choices than doing it step by step !

Hi! Thanks for commenting! I had a great experience but I guess I didn't take into account that it might not be an accessible pattern for everyone. Mylene is doing a great job of raising awareness of just one of many approaches to sustainable sewing, so I'd say that that at least is a very big positive. Her website is also a great resource for makers, the fashion industry and beyond.

I heard that the Sewcialists are doing a November theme month on 'sustainability' so hopefully that will raise some other good options for approaching zero or reduced waste making and sustainable initiatives!

Good luck Mylene in trying to expand the inclusivity of her patterns and size range. xx

Hi Nina,
Interesting remarks ! I do agree with most of them.
I initially started this zero waste design project because - as many of you guys- I piled up loads of fabric scraps in my sewing closet, and kept saying to myself "one day I'll reuse them all for sure" but after three years I just realized I never managed to do it. Some scraps were so tiny, curvy and irregular that it was impossible to reuse them in a nice way (apart from filling cushions, and this is what I did)
I have tons of zero waste designs tricks in stock but I'm not happy with the ones which use extra fabric or use non functional details, event though most of our conventionnal garments do use non functional details, like weird pockets, straps, flares, extra yokes, unnecessary shoulder trendy holes etc..
I try my best to design pattern that are both minimalist and trendy so this also the reason why I keep saying it's a design research project. It takes time to develop good designs.
Anyway I also wished patterns brands offered more precise fabric requirements and single ply layouts because sometimes they are just ridiculous.

Yes, I am very familiar with the scrap mountain problem!! I think even filling cushions is a good use, though (I'm making a yoga bolster right now filled with scraps and worn-out clothes). And I do think pattern design has a role to play as well, so it's great that you're working on it. I love the zero-waste design of traditional Japanese kimonos, where there's so little cutting of the fabric that you can unpick them and basically have virgin fabric again!

Thanks Nina for your lovely and interesting comment and Mylene for getting a discussion going! I do get where you're coming from with needless use of fabric, but I totally love the sleeves and pockets in this case and would consider them to be design features/the things that make the pattern most interesting! I guess there's always going to be a bit of a weigh up between zero waste and 100% functional/zero waste with design features and extras. In the case of this pattern, the pockets actually run right at the bottom of the cutting lay out so could be left out or adjusted if you wanted to use less fabric or make them more functional!

Love the idea of a kimono that you can basically take back to the start again - I think I need to do some research and find a pattern! And I'm so on board for fabric shops offering to cut more appropriate lengths - only today have I had to purchase 2m of fabric when I only needed 1.3m! xx

Hi Mylène, just wanted to say a huge thank you for the lovely comment and taking the time to get involved in some of the discussions that this post has prompted - not many designers would jump in and do this, so thanks!

I loved the process and love my finished trench - it's been getting so many comments when I wear it. I was interested to hear that you'd actually made a version with facings and a collar finishing. That would be a great pattern for next year and definitely open to up to lots of different fabrics :)

Can't wait to see (and try) the new designs - best of luck with them! Thanks again for letting me try your amazing concept!

Shauni
xxx

Mylene -- I love your designs! I've been in a bit of a sew-jo slump lately, but seeing Shauni's trench coat and then seeing the rest of your designs just lit my fire! I just purchased three of your patterns and can't wait to try them. :)

Thanks Lia! I'm soooo into the design/silhouette! xx

Thank you Lynne! They were new to me too, but I'm so interested in trying more of their patterns after this one :)

Ahhh thank you Charlotte! It's nice to hear you agree that wool might work - I always question my judgement with these things. Coincidentally I've seen LOADS of amazing boiled wools since making this, though not sure I need another version..? xx

Thank you Randi for taking the time to write such a thoughtful comment! I've not stopped wearing my coat since I made it - it feels very stylish. I do agree and think that zero waste pattern cutting should be much better considered for RTW clothing at the factory stage. I get the feeling change is afoot, so we can only hope that more people - from the factory bosses right down to us home sewers - adopt a similar attitude to Mylene :) xx