Supplies

• What size of button should I use?
  • I'm using a 1/2" button, but any size can work! 
• Where do you get your fabric?
  • Check out my fabric sourcing guide on my blog. 

• I'm between sizes, which one should I pick?
  • Check out my notes on the Sizing page-- my full answer is there!

• How do I know what size of paper to print on (for PDF pattern)? Does it matter which one I choose?
  • It DEFINITELY does matter! Choosing the wrong paper size to download for the PDF pattern will skew your pattern and give you the wrong size. Here is my guide to paper sizes by country. 
• How can I ensure that my printer is scaled/aligned correctly and everything is proportionate/to scale?
  • I've placed a vertical and horizontal line that span across two pages (A-----B), the length of this line is labeled on your pattern so that you can make sure it is accurate. 
  • There is also a square on page 1 of the pattern that you should measure for accuracy. 
• Can I get the giant paper pattern reprinted?
  • Yes! Take the size A0 pdf download and upload it to an online print shop (such as TapeFreePatterns.com or PDFplotting.com). They will print your pattern and ship it to you. 

• I screwed up cutting and now I don't have enough fabric, what should I do?
  • Can you make the short-sleeved and/or cardigan version of the garment instead? Do you have another fabric that coordinates well so you can do color-blocking (a.k.a. cutting pattern pieces out of multiple fabrics and combining for a cool look)?
• Is it okay if I rotate my fabric pieces 90° so that they fit better?
  • I do not recommend this, if you have enough room not to. If you use linen fabric and you do the rotation on the skirt or the sleeve, you basically are more likely to get permanent wrinkles at the hems (for whatever reason). However, if you're using a different fabric and it truly won't be noticeable with the grainline changing, then you are probably safe to try it. 

• My collar stand is too short for my neckline
  • The pattern is correct, I triple-checked! Your neckline likely stretched out a little, since it is cut on the curve. Use your fingers and your iron to try and cinch it back into shape (compare it to your paper pattern pieces). You might still have to pull on your collar stand to stretch it to length. That's OK.
• My sleeve head is not the same length as my armhole
  • The pattern is correct, I triple-checked! One of your pieces likely stretched out a little, since it's cut on the curve. Use your fingers and iron to try and cinch it back into shape (compare it to your paper pattern pieces). You might still have to pull the shorter piece to stretch it to length. That's OK. 
• My buttonholes suck and now I want to cry. What should I do?
  • Don't panic! Buttonholes can be fussy, and sometimes our sewing machines hate us. First, take a deep breath. Walk away and get a snack and/or fresh air. Then try one of these ideas: Hand-stitch over them with a matching thread; trim all your threads so there are no stragglers (clean it up, basically); try using Fray Check to tame any fray; say oh-well, and make a physical note of what you would do differently next time. 

• Where can I learn more about you?
  • Check out the Charlie Darwin ABOUT page, then join my email newsletter-- I tend to keep things pretty honest and personal on there. After that, jump down the rabbit-hole that is my YouTube channel!  
• I want to pick your brain on some things, sewing or business-related. How should I reach out?
  • Email me at [email protected]
• What is your background in?
  • I've been sewing since I was 13 and took studio art and textile courses in college, but my undergrad degree is in Animal Behavior (which is lots of biology, psychology, evolution, and ecology), and my first Master's degree is in Animals and Public Policy (which is lots of animal welfare, animal rights, human-animal interactions, etc); My second Master's degree (which is the result of quitting a PhD program early lol) is in Cultural Anthropology (which is lots of human social behavior, culture, making sense of societies, social norms, etc). Regarding sewing, patternmaking, and running a business, I have learned these skills in many rich, nonacademic ways-- and I believe you can, too!

• Can I resell this pattern or share the links with a friend?
  • No. Please do not share the links with a friend, but I'd love to have them in my community! Please DO invite others to join my email list and purchase their own sewing pattern. 
• Can I return this pattern for a refund?
  • Due to the nature of digital products, I cannot accept returns. But that being said, if you truly despise this product and want to leave a negative review somewhere, I'd prefer that you ask for a refund instead! ☺️
• Can I sell the finished product?
  • Not if you are selling it to make money for your business. BUT if you just want to clear out your personal closet and sell it as a one-off, that's totally okay (and encouraged)! If you would like to sell the finished product through your business, email me at [email protected] to set up a commercial license for this pattern.