A Thriving Business with One Major Challenge
In the heart of New Hampshire, Patty and John Grass built Skate Free or Die into a thriving custom roller derby apparel business. With an impressive background in printing and sewing, they had long mastered the art of creating high-quality, vibrant designs on spandex. However, despite their extensive industry knowledge, they had never faced the challenge of finding a pattern maker—a crucial element that would tie their production process together and ensure every garment fit perfectly.
The Search for the Missing Piece
When the need arose to source reliable, production-ready patterns, Patty and John found themselves at a crossroads. They had the printing know-how, the sewing expertise, and a wealth of experience in creating apparel that looked great on the rink. Yet, without a professional pattern maker, their designs were at risk of falling short of the flawless fit demanded by competitive roller derby athletes. Unsure of where to begin, they turned to the online world in search of a solution that could bridge this critical gap.
Discovering Pattern Room
That’s when they discovered Pattern Room. Almost immediately, it became clear that Pattern Room was exactly who they needed. “We’re standing on the shoulders of giants,” Patty recalls, echoing the sentiment that Pattern Room’s expertly crafted patterns allowed them to build on years of industry wisdom without reinventing the wheel.
With digital patterns available in DXF and Ai formats and delivered within 48 hours, Pattern Room provided an efficient, cost-effective solution that took the guesswork out of the process.
An Instant Game-Changer for Fit and Consistency
For Patty and John, the benefits were almost immediate. The precision of Pattern Room’s patterns revolutionised the fit of roller derby uniforms, transforming their product from a labor-intensive challenge into a streamlined process that ensured consistent, perfect fits every time. This newfound consistency not only boosted the confidence of the athletes who wore their jerseys but also set Skate Free or Die apart from competitors still reliant on unpredictable offshore production methods.
"We’re standing on the shoulders of giants,” Patty recalls, echoing the sentiment that Pattern Room’s expertly crafted patterns allowed them to build on years of industry wisdom without reinventing the wheel."
Seamless Communication Across Continents
Communication played a vital role in this transformation. Despite being continents apart, Pattern Room’s service and communication have been nothing short of fantastic. Patty recalls how responsive and supportive the team was throughout the process, taking the time to understand their unique needs and ensuring that every pattern met their exact specifications.
This level of commitment reassured Skate Free or Die that they were not just buying a product—they were gaining a partner dedicated to their success.
Speed and Flexibility to Scale with Confidence
The fast turnaround provided by Pattern Room has been a game changer for Skate Free or Die. Rather than committing to patterns before a design is proven, John explains that they now showcase a range of designs and only order the pattern once an order is secured—confident that Pattern Room will deliver it within 48 hours with the perfect fit.
This agile approach means they can test the market without the upfront investment in every design, ensuring that only the most promising concepts move into production. It’s this speed and flexibility that have allowed them to respond quickly to orders and focus on refining their brand, setting the stage for rapid growth in the competitive world of roller derby apparel.
The Results: Growth, Expansion, and New Opportunities
Contracts with multiple teams have surged, and their customer base—comprising hundreds of dedicated athletes—has grown rapidly. The ability to quickly scale production without compromising on quality has allowed Patty and John to focus on expanding their brand and exploring new opportunities in the dynamic world of roller derby apparel.
The Power of the Right Partnership
Today, the success of Skate Free or Die stands as a testament to the power of the right partnership. By choosing Pattern Room, they not only resolved a long-standing production challenge but also elevated their business to new heights.
Their story is a reminder that sometimes, the key to innovation is simply knowing where to look—and knowing when to lean on the expertise of those who truly understand the craft.
