Ditto Patterns responded to my question about whether or not you can use the projector independently of the app with an internet connection. The short answer is "no." Here is the response: "Hi, Jennifer - In order to use the projector, you must use the app on your mobile device that is connected to the internet. You can access your pattern library at anytime on the app or website. You may use the app (without a projector) to read sewing instructions, reference yardage and/or layout patterns in the workspace."
I refuse to buy anything where you are forced to buy a subscription to use a product. It is basically strong armed tactics and I am "over it"!! Thanks for a great review.
I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU ON THIS! YOU PAYING OVER 800 DOLLARS (799 WITH TAX) AND THEN....YOU GOT TO PAY FOR A MONTHLY SUBSCRIPTION? WTH???? TALK ABOUT SQUEEZING MORE JUICE OUT OF A LEMON! GOUGING THE CONSUMER!!!
Not having the ability to use PDF patterns you already have would be enough for me not to buy it. This thing is too expensive for that kind of exclusivity. It seems like it has the potential to just be too expensive (outside of the cost of the projector itself) in the long run, or maybe I'm just cheap! 😏 Great video!
Same. Also I buy a lot of vintage patterns from Mrs DePew and Lady Marlowe and one other person and I can't remember her name right now. Maybe if we weren't limited to their library and we could use it offline it would be more useful.
I would rather spend the $800 to upgrade my sewing machine. I have been sewing for many years and have accumulated many patterns. What new young new sewer could afford a sewing machine and a subscription to a projector. I would wait to see before I bought one to work out the bugs.
Thank you for doing this review. I love new technology and was really looking at this projector system but I did have a lot of reservations and questions. The pros and cons you mentioned covered everything I wondered about. I think I am going to wait and see if more reviews show up from sewists that actually are using the Ditto system.
I did buy the DITTO. It is super easy to set up and use. I have only made one thing using it so far. I did get one of the patterns that I put in my own measurements. It was spot on as far as fitting. However I dud not like the sleeves. They were to short. But that would be an easy adjustment if I had thought to measure it before cutting. But I just added a band to them and they are fine. They are now working on making it work with patterns you own from other than DITTO. I am not resl.pleased with the selection of Customizable patterns but they are listening to what people want and adding patterns each month. I also have an Epson projector I use for patterns. In comparison the DITTO is much easier to work with. It projects much clearer. It does not project big enough for a whole oair of pants but the way they have of adding the extra you need for that patterns projecting is very easy. I hope they continue with their direction. It will be a game changer for people that have been using PDF patterns and those that need to make many adjustments to patterns for fit. You do not need to have a paying prescription to continue using the app. So once you invest the start up. Your only cost is the patterns. If you buy them instead of getting them by prescription they are yours to use forever. You download them to your computer. Therefore if they do "go under " you will still have the patterns to use elsewhere.
Thank you for your review. I just purchased mine on sale. It's still in the box and I was thinking of returning it but I have decided to keep it. Hope I have the same experience you had :)
Joanns return policy is like that for any machines. Sewing machines and cricuts also have a $25 restocking fee. If you are returning with a receipt unopened, they will allow a return. If it's open and you have the receipt, it's up to each individual store manager if they will accept a return or not so most don't. If a machine is broken, no joanns will accept a return and they will tell you to contact the brand (singer, cricut, Brother, etc). *Note: This is just what several Joann employees around me told me when I asked for clarification on that return policy. So don't come at me, the messanger 😅*
It sounds like a great concept - especially for those of us who sew because our size has been mostly excluded from the fashion industry. I'm an itty bitty petite and don't enjoy shopping in the children's department (seriously - it's very depressing and frustrating). I learned to sew so I could make my own cute clothes that fit. I use a lot of McCalls and Vogue patterns when I sew and was disappointed to learn that we can't customize these patterns to our size. I browsed through the DItto patterns and they didn't really appeal to me. However, I am going to keep my eye on this technology because I think it will improve over time.
You can spend the same 799 dollars, take a sewing course, learn the skill you need and then be able to design and alter your patterns FOREVER no gadgets, no subscriptions.
I agree with everything you’ve said and plan on waiting to see how this goes. I sew garments for myself and my family. I make adjustments all the time, however as you stated this is an expensive item when I can’t customize all the patterns and they want total control after taking $800 of my money. No thanks.
Love your channel! Here’s what makes it attractive to me and the only thing! I’m a close to plus sized apple shape with large bust. I’ve been unsuccessful altering patterns. The sizing is what is attractive to me. However, I didn’t realize that only the customizable patterns are compatible with the measurement adjustment. Not worth it. Thank you.
Ditto Pattern Projector available at JOANN Fabric & Craft stores: go.magik.ly/ml/1rixp/ (affiliate) FYI - on 9/12/23 it's now on sale for 25% off at $599 More about Ditto Patterns: www.dittopatterns.com/ Lauren Mormino's NON-sponsored review: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-HjgDefEkunE.html
Oh I missed the live again. I double checked to make sure I am subscribed and I've checked the little bell to receive all notifications and I'm still not getting notifications but one of these days I'll make the live. I love this discussion. Thanks for talking about it. I tried using a projecter. I bought a short throw and it was very difficult to calibrate and it's very difficult to keep in calibration if I accidentally jiggle the table. So I'm rather intrigued by something more stable. But the price is way out of my budget. It will be interesting to see all the sponsored reviews that are put out raving about how perfect and wonderful it is.
What interests me is the customizable aspect of the product No regular sewing patterns fit me without multiple adjustments which I would love to eliminate
All the patterns have the ability to customize the size. Not all of them had the ability to customize the pattern pieces themselves. By that I mean things like changing the length or the sleeves ect... I personally did buy it. I have an ultra short throw as well. I use both. I am actually a cosplayer and the ditto really stood out to me as a way to get really fast, already fitted slopers to make costume patterns. I also like making my own clothes and it makes it really fast to go from one thing to another if I just want to knock something out fast. I also know that this is super early in development and there will be additional features. I'm really excited to see where it goes and what all they add to it. I think I had a much easier time deciding to buy it already owning another projector. It's a really cool supplement. I've been having a blast playing with it.
I totally agree with you Jen. I appreciate your video review of this item. I want to use my own patterns and designs in addition to ditto. I do not like paying for expensive patterns here after purchasing the projector plus having to pay extra for a subscription. It makes me angry that any pattern I purchase will be removed from my account when the subscription is canceled. If I buy something, I expect to be able to keep it! This item is an excellent idea and will be a super asset for seamstresses, but the greediness of corporate America ruined it for me.
So helpful. I'll pass. If the patterns cannot be customized, what's the point of paperless? You still end up with a physical item you need to tweak or modify each and every time. A fad. This package won't last long at this price point. Thank you.
It looks like you need a dedicated table and space, which would be a problem for many of us, and the cutting mat is only 36x24? So no pattern pieces more than 36" long? How would one do long slacks/trousers, or a dress with long pieces?
I really feel that there should be classes or even some demonstrations for this product to help with knowing exactly how it would be relevant for each potential buyer.
The Joanns near me is doing live demos in store for a couple hours each Saturday afternoon. I haven't been yet but I'm interested in the technology and not easily bamboozled, so I'm going, but the cost is too much, and I'm no longer living in an area of the country where fashion is fashionable. Check w your local store.
From our short experience with the DITTO... All DITTO patterns can be sized, a customizable pattern means you can change things like the neck, sleeve etc. to create your own style. However, all other brand patterns are limited to being able to project only. That means buy the size you need and then project it. That is not worth the $12+ cost. I would just buy the pattern on sale and cut it. I suspect if the DITTO takes off then more DITTO patterns will be available and maybe the software to create sizable patterns will be licensed to other companies. After all, more and more pattern companies are going out of business or being bought up as less and less people are sewing their own or can offrd to sew etc.
Agree! The big four are now owned by the same company, and I'm not seeing a lot of unique patterns. They all seem the same. And Joann's will put them on sale weekly - example Simplicity might be on sale for $1.99 one week, the next week MCalls will be on sale, and so on. I'm not paying full price or even $12.00 for a pattern. Especially one that I can't customize to my size. I was excited about the Ditto, but now that I've researched more into it - I'm not as excited and will continue to use my paper patterns for now.
@Katie you know, it's trendy now to refashion, upcycle, and make wo a pattern, if you want a unique look. I was heartbroken when the fabric clubs disappeared and there was no more gorgeous fabric at low prices, and when the very high fashion design patterns went away as well. But ppl just don't dress like that anymore anyway, do they? Now, I find a challenge in figuring out how to apply a design to a ready-made garment wo having to disassemble it. And I create outfits in "themes" wh are great fun and for wh I get many compliments. Yes, I'm sorry that they can't be Ralph Lauren in an affordable silk velvet fabric, but it's a whole new art and skill for me. Coming up w new ideas like adding crochet or paint is really fun and you don't have to worry about destroying your good fabric. I had some old scraps from the glory days and applied them to a jacket w sashido (sp?) technique. Everyone thought it was a designer (it was! ME!) and cost a fortune! I'm enjoying the process of slowing down and just having fun.🙆♀️
Regarding the app, how do you know the app is going to work properly without crashing while you're working? You're going to have to be connected until the garment is cut out. I'd rather pay for a paper pattern I can adjust myself. With this you don't know if your adjustments will work until you sew the garment together versus regular pattern fitting.
Question! You can customize for your measurements (body sizes/shape) but what about for always needing a forward shoulder adjustment, or high round back or sway back unsentimental? Would you still have to project it to paper, make the adjustment, and cut it out the ol' fashion way?
Saw a demo, the presenter wasn’t a garment sewing, wasn’t using right term, wasn’t impressed, and as soon as you quit your subscription your patterns are gone
That was an excellent observation, “what happens if they decide to throw?” In truth, I don’t think this product will stand the test of time. I feel bad for those who have purchased it.
BRAV-O!!!! I refuse to get a Cricket or any other product that requires a subscription or locks you into a contract. I've bought all the Big 4 patterns I want and can customize to fit me for $1.99 each at recent sales. I have more than I will ever use. No chance will I buy the same pattern and re-purchase for $15 or so. Company projects for use in companies cost around $200 max. The Ditto system is just another way to gouge sewists. Most sewists I know won't be purchasing this system because it's just too expense ($800 for the projector alone). Nice idea, but too many costly negatives to make the system cost effective.
I just want to do pattern project to instantly trace out patterns I develop in Clo3D. I also thought I could get a vynl cutter with pen attachment to print out my patterns.
My schedule is extremely limited but if you want to talk pattern projecting live, I promise not to flake on you. (It’s happened to me too and it is so frustrating!)
Thanks for this review. I came across it while I was looking for more info on the item in question. From my research, there are numerous "DIY"'ers that have gone before and have considerable success. As I write this, I am currently watching a RU-vidr "Dorothy's Daughter. She has been at it a considerable amount of time (2 yrs.) and seems very knowledgeable. Perhaps you could do an interview with her.
Catching the replay. I wouldn't buy this based on what you are saying. Most of my patterns are vintage patterns from independents like Mrs DePew and Lady Marlowe. It might be worth it if it wasn't limited to their library or if you can use it offline.
They need to let you bring in your own patterns or should have built or partner with a company like cochenille design studio and build your own patterns and adjust on sizes. Unfortunately they did not do this and the option to customize say a men’s shirt from long to short sleeve or even add a pocket is limited. At this time I personally can not justify something like this being exclusively menswear seamster. Also everyone says it saves so much time. I magnetized my cutting matt and the only pattern pinning I do is on parts I also have to cut interfacing for. Doing this saved me time. With this you have to select the pattern arrange it send it to the projector all that takes time. I have no doubt I can pull out and lay paper patterns fast. The only time saver would be when I use my pattern the first time and trace it. Also alterations which if it worked it seems it would be worth it. However I’m looking at a pattern studio program which would allow me to punch in measurements and get those same type of feature. They have a long way to go to make it worth it for a home sewer or even a professional seamster IMHO
I got mine for free with my sewing machine... didn't open it yet. but after watching the video I might sell it lol.. the pattern are not cheap... subscription are not my thing.. but might hold on to in if they decide to do some changes.
Thank you for your honest review. I was thinking about getting this BUT the pull for me was the ability to easily customize patterns...IF the customization is limited to just a few patterns, your point is well taken...what if the pattern you're interested in is not one of those that are customizable. Again thank you for your honest review~you just saved me a lot of money ;c)
Thought you could inter in my own designs and Ditto pattern would make my designs. Still end up buying new patterns. What about all your the patterns already have? I have over 200 or more pattern now. That cost 20. or more. Now have buy them again if they have them.
Wish I had waited! I paid $800 for this in July 2023 and it's now November 2023 and the projector is half the price. I'm embarrassed to even type this... uggg
I do have many sewing patterns and I agree that I would wait to see what happens in the future. Because it could flop and 800 is a lot of money. I do have a question would you have to buy patterns, like cricut some designs come included in your subscription.
If you’re still interested in a projector but have decided against this one, I fully recommend going a DIY route. It doesn’t have to be just for clothing patterns, either. And there are several other pattern companies that can customize patterns for you (I mention several in the video I did over Ditto vs DIY projectors). In addition, getting a projector lets you sew more often and gives you more and more practice to learn to adjust your patterns.
@@DaileySewsStuff I didn't know about Joanns return policy. I had purchased a lot of sewing supplies during pandemic days and now probably won't live long enough to use them all up. I nearly bought a new Viking sewing machine from joanns, but I don't think Viking is linked to the same company policy? While I was considering the purchase, my embroidery machine died too. I found a phenomenal deal on an eversewn X2 (sew & emb) and bought that online, so idk about Joanns returns on machines.
Just got an email from Joann's that this is $399 "for a limited time", plus 20% off. Okay, so at $320, worth a look, right? Then I searched for reviews and found this one, and absolutely no way. A subscription of $120 per year? That's an additional 38% PER YEAR on top of the original cost. And there are patterns that cost their usual amount and not included in the subscription? And some can't be size adjusted? Yeah, and there's that bridge in Brooklyn I can sell ya. This is crazy, the worst deal, ever.
No thank you. I am an experienced sewist. I love to keep up with all the new sewing trends. i own 5 machines and thousands of dollars worth of sew fabric . I SEW!!! -- the only way I would give the $800 is if it cut out the fabric for me. thats a lot of money. if i were an inexperienced sewist. i would not pay 800 dollars on something that is not my passion. if i were somewhere in the middle, i would not buy this because im still up grading my sewing machines ie getting a serger or coverstitch. -- the group they are marketing to is so small… good luck Ditto. At least bring the price down by half which is reasonable for a novelty item thats not needed.
I think that the idea is very good. The prices are ridiculous. It has to many loose ends. I have a Destiny. A Serger and a Cover stitch. I am not cheap. I want to have a trendy pattern. It's very constrictibe. Yes the Indi patterns are a pain to print in the printer at home. There is many pages and a great deal of paper waste. But many times the patterns are free. Or 5, 7, $. Even counting the paper and ink from the printer is more doable. So for me is a big fat NO.😅
Always risky to be on the bleeding edge of technology. Seems like a better idea would just be to sell the tension pole mechanism that Ditto uses for the projector and be able to use it with other projectors.
BUT NOW I UNDERSTAND THE SUBCRIPTION WITH CRICUIT. CRICUIT CONSTANTLY UPDATES THEIR DESIGN SPACE WITH NEW IMAGES WHICH IS GREAT. I DESIGN AND CREATE CANVAS TOTEBAGS AND ACESSORES SO I USE A LOT OF DESIGNS FROM CRICUT FOR MY BAGS.
