Do you have what it takes to be on top?! The Made for Mermaids team is bursting with ideas and we have a lot of new patterns on the horizon.  We are looking to add to our talented group of testers!

The following question always comes up, “How do I become a tester???” Well, here is a great opportunity for you to get your “foot in the door”!

This little competition is designed to help you shine and show us what you’ve got!  There will be a couple of challenges that you must complete.  Each task will have a deadline which you will need to meet, just like we have in our regular pattern tests.  We will also have a few blog posts throughout the week talking about what makes a great tester.

Sign up!
Monday, April 18, 2016
I will post a “Tester Call” for the challenge in the Made for Mermaids Patterns Group on Facebook. You’ll need to sign up with your size, the M4M pattern you will be sewing, and any options from that pattern you’ll be adding.  Example- Size 5 width/6 length Mya Dress with ¾ length sleeves and ruffle hem.  Measure, measure, measure!! Kids grow fast!  And for womens patterns- I know personally that my measurements fluctuate on a daily/weekly basis.  Make sure you have the most up-to-date measurements so you can make the appropriate sized garment.  **You may sew ANY M4M clothing pattern.  No Freebies (mermaid tails, infinity scarves, etc).  YES- You MAY sew up Bonny Leggings (Join the Made for Mermaids Patterns Group to get a special coupon code).**

Print, Sew & Fit Feedback
Tuesday, April 19, 2016 – Friday, April 22, 2016
*Print, assemble and cut your pattern
*Select fabric
*Sew up your garment
*Show us “fit” pictures with feedback.  This is a huge step in getting our patterns just right.  These do not need to be professional pictures.  They can be cell-phone shots or selfies, but we need to see how things are fitting in the size you signed up for!  It helps us identify any fit issues throughout the testing process. Your fit should be mostly spot-on since these patterns have already been through the testing process.  But it’s a good opportunity for you to examine the fit for your model and tweak it to perfection for you! 🙂 Example- “Size 5 width/6 length fits great through chest and hips, but was slightly snug under the arms.”

I will upload a Top Tester Fit Pic Album in the Made for Mermaids Pattern Group page on Facebook for you to add your photos to!**Feedback is crucial in helping us get patterns just right.  Please don’t wait until the last minute to send your feedback.**

Tutorial feedback
Saturday, April 23, 2016
I will post a few pages from a specific PDF tutorial for you to edit.  The PDF will be located in the Made for Mermaids Pattern Group on Tuesday, April 19th.  It will have mistakes- spelling, typos, maybe some construction errors.  It’ll be your job to catch these and send me your revisions!  Send your edits to megant@madeformermaids.com. **Feedback is crucial in helping us get patterns just right.  Please don’t wait until the last minute to send your feedback.**

Final photos
Sunday, April 24, 2016
Take your photos and load them into the testing album in the M4M Pattern Group! We prefer natural, outdoor photographs. But we understand that weather does not always cooperate!!  You need to provide at least 5 pictures showing fit from all angles. Think front, back, side shots, close up on details, etc.  You may style them as you like, but remember the focus of the picture should be the garment.  **You do not need to have a fancy DSLR camera and photo editing software to produce clear, beautiful tester photos.**

Spread the Love
We love it when our testers promote what they made in various sewing groups and on social media! Share in your favorite sewing groups, including the M4M patterns group and Instagram and let us know so we can “Like” your post and send you some love! #madeformermaids #madeformermaidspatterns #toptester

All of these tasks must be completed by their respective deadlines in order to be in the running for Made for Mermaids’ Top Tester title.  Most of our testing periods last 4-7 days.

Winners will be announced on Monday, April 25th!  Here are the prize packages:

Top Tester- 1st Place
Guaranteed testing spot for next 3 patterns
3 M4M pattern pack of choice
Pattern of Choice from Cole’s Creations and Patterns for Pirates
Fabric Bundle

Runner-up
Guaranteed testing spot for next pattern
3 M4M pattern pack of choice
Fabric Bundle

*Note:  while only 2 winners will be selected, depending on your performance and effort, you may be invited to join our testing group!!! So bring it on, M4M fans!!! 🙂 **

**Winners will be chosen by the Made for Mermaids Team**

We hope you guys have fun with this challenge and are inspired to get creative.  We can’t wait to see what you sew up and who will be named Made for Mermaids’ Next Top Tester! 🙂