So far we’ve looked at three apps that focus on a single function such as helping you track measurements, fabrics, or patterns. Wouldn’t it be great if all that functionality was in one app? Let’s look at two all-in-one options for the last two posts.
iSewMe, v1.1, by Remy Woods is for you if you:
- have more than one sewing project going at one time
- want to see the measurements of the person you are sewing for, the fabric you plan to use and the pattern you will use in one place
- want to see what people, fabric, and patterns are assigned to each project
Features
Icons on the bottom bar take you to My Stock, My Projects, People, and Patterns.
Fabric
To enter details:
- select the icon for Fabric, Material, or Patterns
- once on that page, to enter a detail such as Fabric, a scroll bar will pop up with pre-populated choices
- if the choice you want doesn’t appear you have the ability to add and edit choices to personalize the app for you.
Body Measurements
The designer uses a different strategy for entering body measurements. Add a photo to show the person and select whether you are measuring for an adult or a child. Enter measurements in metric or imperial. There’s no ability to toggle between measurement systems or set the measurement system.
Measurements for a Girl 
List of Measurements for a Woman
Assign to a Project
Next, assign People, Fabric, and Patterns to a project. Tap on Fabrics in the Project to view the fabric assigned. Tap on photos to add additional photos beyond the anchor photo.
Project Overview 
+ Photos View 
+ Fabrics View
Business Model: Free
The free business model might account for the lack of updates.
Pros and Cons
Below are the pros and cons I found by using iSewMe and by comparing the app to Nielsen’s 10 Heuristics for User Interface Design. The heuristic rule appears in (parenthesis) after the observation.
Pros
- add/edit categories (user control and freedom)
- select from pre-defined categories (error prevention, recognition rather than recall)
- in the Fabric view, love the addition of a toggle for ironed in addition to washed (match between system and real world)
- in the individual Fabric, People, and Patterns views, the app shows which projects are associated!!!! (flexibility and efficiency of use)
- there’s always a back button (user control and freedom)
Cons
- iPhone only, no iPad version
- no updates for 2 years
- no ability to search based on combined search terms (flexibility and efficiency of use)
- top nav bar includes search and modifiers to narrow search instead of just search (flexibility and efficiency of use)
- cumbersome selection from scroll wheels requires 4 steps: 1. select “blue” in the wheel, 2. select “blue” from the list on the next page, 3. select done, 4. select “blue” again on the wheel. (flexibility and efficiency of use)
- details don’t show in project view – only categories – so it’s not possible to view all the project elements on one page (flexibility and efficiency of use)
- details don’t show in fabric view – only categories (flexibility and efficiency of use)
Evaluation
I have struggled to find a system to organize my sewing projects that takes into account all the different ways a project can begin: inspiration I see, patterns I have or want, people I am making for, fabrics that I have or that inspire me, what I need in my own closet, and techniques I want to learn. It’s quite a challenge. Even in a paper journal, it’s pretty hard to get a good look at everything in one place.
iSewMe starts to tie it all together by connecting projects with fabric, people, and patterns. That’s a big win.
What’s Next
There is another app, similar to iSewMe, yet different, that also helps organize sewing projects. A review of that app is up next.
Jennifer Hartnett-Henderson 