Here's a nice article from Fine Woodworking covering the use of SketchUp to make full size patterns for components.
Conquering the curves of the tripod table - FineWoodworking
There's also a short video showing his method of transferring the pattern to his work using acetone.
Conquering the curves of the tripod table - FineWoodworking
There's also a short video showing his method of transferring the pattern to his work using acetone.