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Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT ARE YOUR COPYRIGHT POLICIES?

Copyrighted images may not be sold, published, or redistributed in any form without written permission from M’Fay Patterns.

You are permitted to use M’Fay Patterns designs as relating to your clients on a “one on one” basis. This includes design photos and images from our Designer’s Digest and Workroom Manual, Portfolio Collection and other past, present or future published media you have purchased.

Using M’Fay Patterns images as a means of advertising is not permitted. This includes, but is not limited to, using images on internet auctions and/or personal or business web sites.

If you have questions, please feel free to email or call our office.

HOW CAN I ALTER THE SWAG PATTERN?

We cannot give you instructions to alter pleated swags. This includes depth and width. It also includes basic swags, Empire swags and every other type of pleated swag. To go beyond the size given would require the shape and size of the pattern and the pleat angles to change. There is no formula for a quick fix.

You can alter gathered swags by reading Chapter 6B in our Designer’s Digest and Workroom Manual Collection. We cannot instruct you by e-mail or fax.

Q: I need some help figuring the yardage on a pattern. Can you confirm my calculations?
We DO NOT figure yardage for you. All of the patterns have the actual pattern sizes on the back page of the instructions or you can find the yardage requirement for every pattern here. The yardage requirements for all patterns were revised in 2006 so we recommend you check online for updated information. The yardage pages are also available on a CD for your computer. Order product YP-1.

Q: I could use some more help understanding the yardage pages.
If you need help understanding the yardage page, please see our How to Read the Yardage Page and Figure Yardage.

INTERLINING

This subject is well covered in our Designer’s Digest and Workroom Manual Collection, chapters 3H and 3 I. A lot of our patterns have interlining instructions. It is important to trim away the interlining bulk in the fullness areas during the sewing process. If you don’t have the Manual Collection, you can purchase these two chapters for a reasonable fee.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT

Q: I really need some help, is there a phone number for technical support?
We are always glad to give technical support if you are having trouble. Please be advised before calling the sales line, M’Fay does not work in our business office and can not take phone calls for support. Our office personnel cannot answer technical support questions.
All technical inquiries should either be faxed (704) 845-2286 or emailed to support@mfay.com and they will be addressed promptly.

We have compiled a lot of the techinical questions and answers on our Technical Assistance page. You can click on "Technical Assistance" from anywhere on our site. Then click on the pattern for which you have a question. Your question may already have an answer posted, or you may just enjoy browsing the questions and answers about the pattern you are working on. More information will be added as we continue the list.

Q: But I really need some help right now. Couldn’t M’Fay call me just this one time?
Everyone wants help as soon as possible. We try to be very prompt in returning your query. Questions are generally answered within 24 hours and it’s not uncommon to get an immediate response, depending on how available M’Fay is. You may find an answer to your question on our Frequently Asked Technical Questions pages. If you need help immediately you might try our online forum or another online forum.

REVISED PATTERNS

We want you to receive the latest editions with as little expense to you as we can manage. Therefore, if you return an older copy of the same pattern (no matter what condition) we will replace it with the latest copy for half the current price. If your older copy has never been used and is still in excellent condition, we will replace it for only the shipping cost. The revised date can be found on page 1 of the pattern instruction booklet.


GENERAL QUESTIONS

Q: When a friend loses their instructions, can I just make them a copy of mine?
Our pattern instruction booklets (page 1) states: "No part of this pattern or instructions may be reproduced in any way without permission in writing". That means you are not allowed (by law) to scan or make copies for any reason. Our copyrights are registered. We are happy to provide lost pages, sometimes free of charge or at a reduced price, depending on the need. We often give permission to use our designs on business cards or for other promotional purposes, but you are not allowed to make copies to share with friends. This is especially true with the instructional pages of our Manual Collection and Portfolio.

Q: Can I make a copy of my cd from M'Fay Patterns?
By law you are allowed to make one backup copy of a compact disk for your personal use. As with our printed media, the cd is copyrighted and it is illegal to make copies without permission.

Q: Can I reuse the patterns? Do the patterns come with any instructions?
All of our patterns are on quality bond paper and can be used over and over. In most cases, more than one size is given on a single pattern piece. It is suggested you cut each size from other paper or from a sturdy fabric. Every pattern comes with step by step instructions with yardage requirements, fabric and alteration suggestions as well as helpful hints. Click here for a sample of the instructions.

Q: I do not have a lot of experience at sewing, but I would like to make window treatments for my home. What patterns do you recommend for me?
Our patterns 9204, 9220, 9224, 9226, 9229, 9275, 9276, 9277, 9278, 9282, 9283, 9289 and 9295 would be the easiest patterns in our line. Read the question below for more information.

Q: What is the difference between a Professional Workroom pattern and a So Beautiful, Sew Easy pattern?
Sometimes (but not always) the sewing technique is more difficult. We expect the professional to be familiar with certain procedures and terminology. Some of these patterns are not difficult for the experienced home sewer, however you may not understand the terminology. If you have our Designer’s Digest and Workroom Manual Collection, you can look up the meaning of these words and procedures.

Q: This pattern seems too difficult for me, can I return it?
As long as your pattern is in original condition you may return it directly to us (do not attempt to return it to a retail store or a distributor). There is a 20% restocking fee.

Q: I have misplaced my instructions or part of my pattern pieces, what do I do now?
We can send you new instructions or a pattern piece for a nominal fee. Please call us for help and prices.

Q: In my catalog I see some windows that are numbered, but I don’t see a pattern for these.
These are designs from our Designer’s Digest and Workroom Manual Collection. They can be created by mixing patterns. Window #310 has been so popular, we have made it one of our patterns (9293). There may be others in the future.


THE DESIGNER’S DIGEST AND WORKROOM MANUAL COLLECTION

Q: I am interested in the collection, but what’s in it?
The manual collection is a nice resource for Designer’s and Workroom’s alike. The first book has all of our patterns (at time of print), with the yardage requirements and fabric suggestions as well as over 400 other custom window designs based on our patterns. The second book has an enormous amount of workroom help. Click here to view a pdf file with some sample pages the collection.

Q: What are the Supplements?
The manual collection is constantly being updated. We offer supplements to the book every 18-24 months. Future supplements are not included in the cost of the manual collection.

Q: How can I tell which of the Supplements I have already, if any?
Click here for a detailed description.

Q: If I buy the manual collection do I still have to buy the patterns?
Yes, the collection does not duplicate the pattern instructions. However, the book will enable the patterns to do much more.

Q: I am a designer only. Would the manual collection benefit me?
The manual collection could definitely benefit you as to a deeper understanding of what the workroom needs in order to give you the quality service you expect. However we now have that portion of the book that only relates do the designer. This is the Portfolio Collection PC-1.

Q: I want to order the first book, 7001 in my older catalog, but I don’t see it online.
We are completely sold out of the initial book. We will no longer carry just the first book. The beginner book will now include the first 6 supplements. This is called the Manual Collection. However, all 6 supplements are available for the first book if you already have it.

Q: What happened to the books with the gold binders?
The Designer’s Digest and Workroom Manual Collection has grown so much we now offer new binders with Supplement 6, which will accommodate more information and future Supplements. We will continue to include the second gold binder when you order Supplement 2. This will accommodate you until you order Supplement 6.

Q: Why does Supplement 6 have all new cover sheets for PART 1?
In 2006 we revised all of the yardage pages to include the actual sizes of the pattern pieces. With so many different fabric widths, this will make it easier to determine how they will fit on the fabric. We have also added more color photography for some of the patterns.

 
     
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