A specialty ruler *required* for a pattern can be a big turn-off to me. But a pattern that shows how to use a commonly owned ruler is a big plus -- if that makes sense. So it gives me pause to take on a design that requires I spend $30 on yet another specialty ruler. But if I see one that gives you the option of using something like, say, the tri-recs ruler as an option to a paper piecing method, then to me, that's a bonus.

I'm not a big fan of paper piecing. But there is definitely a market for that, and that may be a good niche to look at.

If you feel your pattern needs a "special ruler", then I am gone - unless you show how to use a regular ruler to achieve the same results.

Susan, it is tough market out there with so many quilt magazines and pay per view quilting show along with u-tube videos. I am one of those people with EQ7 that I will take an idea I see on the internet and design the quilt so it is easier to make. You are competing with so many patterns free on blogs and fabric manufacturers. Unfortunately, the board will not allow you to do any sort of advertizing here. I would go the show and tell at guilds with classes. Good Luck.

Yes, very tough, but I have a couple of ideas that might make it through. The patterns that I see from the manufacturers are basic, one block to show off the new line of fabric that they are trying to sell and in most cases are not very creative. Good for the beginner to visualize, but that is about it in my opinion.

The patterns on the blogs are just that, patterns with no instruction on how to put them together in a lot of cases, much as the Farmers Wife series. She gives you the block and then you are expected to know how to cut the pieces and in what sizes and then how to put them together, some have jumped on her back and made a living on telling you how to put them together, but that is not very original and that is not something that I want to do either, kinda like someone doing part of your homework for you and then you get the A... something not quite right with that.

I know I can not advertise here or on any board, but I can try to get some answers and a general felling of what everyone likes and dislikes so I can work toward and also avoid these area. I have already gotten a great deal of information and have read some things that I had not thought of before and I will try to work towards them.

Thanks for your input!

Specialty Rulers
 

I am seeing that specialty rulers are known to be expensive, and I have to admit, I am the queen of rulers and have spent my far share of money on something that is only good for one block, make it and you are on to the next project and the ruler hangs on the wall collecting dust for the rest of its life, I am sure you all have these.

The ruler I am thinking about has a shape that is already on the market and sells for about $6 to $10 depending on where you get it and you may already have it in your stash of rulers. That is the one that I used to make my design, but I modified it to make the pattern for the block. The pattern does need the ruler, but if I kept it under $10, would you buy it?

If I showed you how to make the markings on your existing ruler, would you be able to accurately transfer that information to your existing ruler?

This block is 100% accuracy needed, could you and would you do be able to do it? You would need to mark your ruler with ruler tape (unless you already have it in your stash is about $6)

Instead of buying the tape, having to struggle with getting it in the correct spots and hoping that it is correct, wouldn't it be easier to just buy the ruler at $10?

Just trying to get a good picture of what everyone would or wouldn't purchase and the price point you all would be willing to or think would be a reasonable amount.

Thanks

I look for new techniques in patterns. I hate making any pattern twice, if I do they have slight variations.

welcome back.

i have made patterns for day courses . The ladies preferred the photoes. Someone the other day said quilters are practical and like too see visually how to do something rather than words.

My personal answer: no more rulers for me. Not even for $10. But I am not your whole market!!

I, for one, do not enjoy an extremely challenging quilt pattern. I also quilt for enjoyment, not competition or the "WOW" factor. But there are many on this board who are much more talented than I am and the challenging quilt patterns are desirable to them.

A few comments from me - if it needs a special ruler, I'm out - If it's all paper pieced, also out. What I will buy is something that I feel is unique. As an example, Elizabeth Hartman of ohfransson.com has several patterns that are interesting enough and just complicated enough that make me get out my credit card. If it's a simple block pattern, I will just figure it out myself. I've been quilting for just a few years, so it does not take very long to get past the "beginner" patterns. I actually don't even want to do them because there is no challenge.

I recently purchased and made the Amy Bradley Designs, "Babies". I almost had a heart attack at the $22 price for a pattern BUT it was unique, had full size patterns and everyone outside of the quilting world thinks I am a genius!! LOL I am currently working on "Isabella" by Black Cat Creations, again expensive but very unique because it has a LOT of embroidery, full size patterns.

I would like to see, in addition, quilting samples that enhance the quilt. Too many just say, OK now quilt it. I am sure I am not alone when that statement causes me to draw a blank!!