Quilting Aggi

Barnbum!! don't put it on a shelf til you are bored!!! Get out there and write it up and promote it!!! do it!! do it!! do it!!!

I write up patterns all the time where I teach and make my own designs! When you do write it up find someone who will be a test quilter to make sure everything is explained right as they are making it. then get out there and promote it!!!! Approach your local quilt stores, the local guild, friends and family who sew!!

At the moment I am making a line of tote bags for the summer. So far I havent' spent a dime on advertising but its been all word of mouth. I have several orders now. Some of them sight unseen!!! I started a list several months ago on every possible way I could sell my designs with as little money as possible. Most of my list is FREE!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm alllllllll for people wanting to make money doing something they love!! I'm all for entrepreneurs!!! I love your design!!!!

Cheers

live2teach

That is such an adorable quilt. You should definitely write it up and sell it. That is a great pattern.

sandpat

Thanks for the mini education Skeat. I've often thought about doing this too with my designs but had absolutely NO idea how to begin. As usual, this board is filled with super info.!

Bernadette Harwood

Yes, I have my pattern for a Weaver's Log Cabin Quilt for sale on my ebay store. I also have several more in my head, just haven't had time to write them and proof them.
I say go for it, there are lots of variations of log cabins, just make your own size logs and enjoy it. Bernadette
Any questions feel free to write me at [email protected]

mareliba

I have written several patterns and have them copyrighted. The best thing to do is write your pattern, make another quilt using your pattern, then give your pattern to some test sewers - friends who are willing to sew your pattern and give you suggestions on your directions. Then have your pattern copyrighted.

mareliba

Cathe

I use software called "autosketch" - like a mini version of AutoCad - to draw the illustrations for instructions. Because I am most familiar with it and I like the way I can organize each page in cells and the pages in worksheets, I copy the autosketch elements as Metafiles and then paste them into MS Excel.

In one file, I can have worksheets/pages for the Class Flyer/Supply List, Cover Sheet for the pattern, the cutting instructions, the assembly instructions, pictures of finished quilts, and personal notes for teaching.

I use Excel for just about everything. :wink:

ambquilter

How do you get a pattern copyrighted?

mareliba

Just fill out the form from the copyright office and send in $45. It takes about 8 months to get your copyright paperwork back.

Bernadette Harwood

I have read a lot about copywrite and my brother in law has had bad experiences with copywrites. Someone stole his design and they ended in court and they both have huge court fees and neither one won. The other party gets to continue making my brother in laws product. It doesn't stop someone from taking your design and making their own thing with your design.
I sell patterns on ebay and I'm not going to get a copywrite for them. I do put the copywrite symbol on showing that I am the author of it and it should not be copied but it won't stop them if they want to steal it. I'm not wasting my time and money into copywriting since it doesn't protect my interest like it should.
The choice is yours but unless you are going big I wouldn't bother. Good luck in what ever you decide. I like the other girls idea about having a friend try out your pattern, it is a great idea. Bernadette

Butterflyspain

BarbM, I second that you are a genious. What a great idea.

I was very interested to read this particular thread as I have a quilt buzzing around in my brain, helped by my little GD who wants a specific design. I can draw and have been sewing long enough to be able to make patterns.

So my question is, how much does it cost to put a Copyright on it?

Skeat, you are an angel for giving me all those valuable secrets. When I begin I will write it down, and yes I agree with the dummy proofing, I have worked with some really talented people who had no concept of how something was done unless it was written down step by step.

Thanks for this very interesting thread :D :D :D Elle