1. Information We Collect
We collect information in the following ways:
a. Information You Provide Directly
- Sewing Pattern Generator Form: When you use our form to generate a personalized sewing pattern, you may provide measurements such as waist size and desired skirt length. These details are used solely to create and allow download of your pattern PDF. We do not store this data on our servers after the pattern is generated, unless you opt-in for future features (e.g., saving patterns).
- Comments: Once enabled, if you post a comment on our blog posts or pages, we may collect your name, email address, website URL (optional), and the comment content. Your IP address and browser user agent string may also be collected to help with spam detection.
- Contact Forms or Inquiries: If you contact us via email or a contact form, we collect your name, email address, and any other information you provide.
b. Automatically Collected Information
- Usage Data: Through Google Analytics, we collect anonymized data about your interactions with the Website, such as pages visited, time spent on pages, browser type, operating system, referring website, and IP address (anonymized to comply with GDPR). This helps us understand user behavior and improve the site.
- Advertising Data: Google AdSense is used to display ads on the Website. AdSense may collect data such as your IP address, browser type, and interactions with ads to serve relevant advertisements. Cookies or similar technologies may be used for this purpose.
- Cookies and Tracking Technologies: We use cookies for essential functions (e.g., session management), analytics (via Google Analytics), and advertising (via AdSense). For details, see our Cookie Policy by following the corresponding link at the footer of this page. You can manage cookie preferences via the consent banner provided by our cookie management tool.
2. How We Use Your Information
We use the collected information for the following purposes:
- To provide and improve our services, such as generating and delivering your sewing pattern PDF.
- To analyze Website usage and trends via Google Analytics (e.g., to optimize content and user experience).
- To display personalized ads through Google AdSense.
- To moderate and display comments (once enabled), including spam prevention.
- To respond to your inquiries or support requests.
- To comply with legal obligations, such as GDPR requirements for data processing records.
- For security purposes, like detecting and preventing fraudulent activity.
Under GDPR, our legal basis for processing includes:
- Consent: For non-essential cookies, analytics, and ads (obtained via our cookie banner).
- Legitimate Interests: For essential site functions, pattern generation, and basic analytics (balanced against your rights).
- Contractual Necessity: For fulfilling requests like pattern downloads.
3. Sharing Your Information
We do not sell your personal data. We may share information in limited circumstances:
- Service Providers: With third-party vendors like Google (for Analytics and AdSense), WordPress hosting providers, or PDF generation tools. These providers are bound by data processing agreements compliant with GDPR.
- Legal Requirements: If required by law, such as in response to a court order, or to protect our rights, safety, or property.
- Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your data may be transferred to the new owner.
For international data transfers (e.g., to Google servers in the US), we rely on EU-approved mechanisms like Standard Contractual Clauses.
4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and similar technologies as detailed in our [Cookie Policy]([Link to Your Cookie Policy Page]). Google Analytics and AdSense set cookies to track user interactions. You can control these via our consent banner, browser settings, or by opting out of Google’s personalized ads at ads.google.com. Note that disabling cookies may limit site functionality.
5. Data Retention
We retain data only as long as necessary:
- Form measurements: Deleted immediately after pattern generation (not stored).
- Analytics data: Retained in anonymized form for up to 26 months (Google Analytics default).
- Comments: Retained indefinitely unless deleted by you or us.
- You can request deletion at any time (see “Your Rights” below).
6. Security
We implement reasonable security measures, such as HTTPS encryption, secure hosting, and regular updates to WordPress and plugins, to protect your data. However, no system is completely secure, so we cannot guarantee absolute protection.
7. Your Rights Under GDPR
As an EU resident, you have the following rights:
- Access: Request a copy of your personal data.
- Rectification: Correct inaccurate data.
- Erasure (“Right to be Forgotten”): Request deletion of your data.
- Restriction: Limit processing in certain cases.
- Objection: Object to processing based on legitimate interests (e.g., direct marketing).
- Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured format.
- Withdraw Consent: At any time, without affecting prior processing.
- Complaint: Lodge a complaint with the Dutch Data Protection Authority (Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens) at autoriteitpersoonsgegevens.nl.
To exercise these rights, contact us at [Your Email Address]. We will respond within one month.
8. Children’s Privacy
Our Website is not intended for children under 16. We do not knowingly collect data from children. If we become aware of such data, we will delete it.
9. Third-Party Links
Our Website may contain links to external sites (e.g., Google services). We are not responsible for their privacy practices—review their policies.
10. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this policy periodically. Changes will be posted here with a revised effective date. For significant changes, we may notify you via the Website or email.
11. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact:
Free Sewing Patterns
The Hague, Netherlands
Website: https://freesewingpatternsforyou.com
Email: freesewingpatternsforyou@gmail.com
By using our Website, you consent to this Privacy Policy.