Need some ideas please
 

Hi Ladies,

I was a member of this board several years back and because life gets in the way of all things good, I let it slip away.

I changed computers, lost bookmarks and then forgot about you wonderful ladies. I came across a post that was posted here in an internet search, clicked on it and it brought me right back. So I would like to say Hello again!

In the time that I have been away, I have begun to design quilt patterns. My students say that my instructions are wonderful, clear and easy to follow, so that gave me encouragement to continue.

I have posted a couple of things for sale but one of them is not selling very well. I asked another board that I am what they thought of the design, and they all told me that it was too simple and that they wouldn't buy it because they could figure it out themselves.<sigh>

So here is what I am seeking from you ladies. Ideas on what you would like to see in a quilt pattern.

I try to design for the beginning quilter? Is that market over saturated with that type of pattern and should I concentrate on more advanced patterns?

Is there a particular block or blocks that you would like to see set into a quilt?

What fabrics do you like to use?

Do you like pre-cuts, yardage or your stash, or all of them put together?

What size quilts do you like to make?

What would wow you into buying a pattern?

I sit at my software or stare at my quilt block encyclopedias and draw a total blank.

Thanks for your help!

Susan</sigh>

I don't want anything simple either. A unique pattern or technique is what I usually look for. An indication of skill level: beginner, intermediate etc. is helpful.

In addition to all the responses I'm sure you are going to get here, there are a couple of Yahoo groups dedicated to Quilt Designers. QUILT PATTERN-DESIGNERS COLLECTIVE is one.

Hi Susan,
welcome back! I remember you.

I like to to make quilts that are large lap size, twin, or full size. I personally look for more intermediate to advanced patterns. With that said, I find that I'm not buying many patterns anymore because I am like you in that I can find blocks that I can design a quilt around. I like to see interesting secondary designs created by value and color placement.
There are so many different preferences that it still may be hard for you to "crack the code", even if you get a thousand responses.
Half of quilters use pre-cuts; half don't see them as a good enough value and like to cut what they need from yardage.

I think that the need for beginner / easy patterns is low -- there are a ton of free or low cost online tutorials and patterns to help the absolute newbie along, and any quilter with some experience and chutzpa can probably figure it out on their own -- so why buy a pattern.

I rarely buy patterns, but when I do, things that make it worthwhile for me

-- multiple sizes -- yardage breakdown for everything from wallhanging to king, and I also appreciate a pattern writer who tells you -- each block will require X-- as I like to be able to make my own adaptations.

-- a clever time saving technique or method that I would not have thought of before.

-- some input on the process -- best way to press seams, considerations in color and fabric choices.

-- online presence and support. An example of a pattern designer who does this well is Julie of Jaybird Quilts. She has Instagram, Flickr, blog, etc sites where people post photos of quilts using her patterns, and she actively engages with people who are making her quilts, offering tips and encouragement. I like this because over time you get a huge range of images that give you an idea of how the pattern looks in many different color or fabric choices.

-- I hear lots of friends say they only buy pdf or instant download patterns. They want to keep it on the computer, not cluttering up their rooms. You will probably find just as many people who say they only buy printed paper. So maybe offer both/either.

I tend to be more likely to buy a pattern for a bag or tote than a quilt -- just because my solo improv efforts there have not been so successful, and I think a pro has something to offer me in bag construction (sometimes I've been disappointed on that score).

A really good name for the design helps. Something that's descriptive, memorable, accessible. A good example-- "Chainlinked". Or "Gravity".

Good photography -- of the steps along the way (or if you are a wiz at line drawings, that's actually my preference.) And of the finished product.

I think it has to help if you're a bit of a prophet and can sense the next trends in home decor and design. Probably most of the pattern buying market is relatively young/new to quilting (the long timers tend to already have an accumulation of to-do patterns and idea) so you're probably trying to appeal to the younger aesthetic and their tastes. And their fabric interests. So, lot of people oohing and ahhhing over Cotton and Steel. They're fun and funky and fresh, and very on trend, but the fabrics are kind of different, and don't always lend themselves to every quilt pattern.

I think that patterns that are readily used with pre-cuts are always going to be popular. How many times have you seen someone post or heard someone in a quilt shop say -- I have this jelly roll but don't know what to do with it, or I love this charm pack, but I'm not sure how to make it work. I like patterns that specify fabric requirements as: x fat quarters, or a charm pack plus jelly roll, or one layer cake plus scraps equal to 1 yard. By doing that figuring for the consumer, you increase the chances of a google search leading them to your pattern when they type in "charm pack quilt pattern".

I still like simple patterns (I quilt for relaxation) but am also pretty good at figuring out how a pattern is put together. I won't buy something I can find in one of my books or on the Internet, for free.

What I will buy, are patterns with appliqué or embroidery elements, or special assembly techniques. I will buy patterns with actual 'patterns' instead of just block/color arrangements.

I strongly dislike patterns which call for pre-cuts, unless they also provide regular yardage requirements.

It's nice to have a choice between PDF and paper patterns. If I buy a PDF, I expect it to cost at least a little less than the paper pattern.

I only buy patterns that are unique---a design I couldn't figure out myself. It might contain applique patterns or a method or instructions that help a complex pattern or design seem doable. I would buy a simple pattern that was dressed up with a unique border, applique or embroidery accents, etc. Successful quilt designers usually have a signature design style.

Susan, I am just getting started in quilting, and in purchasing patterns. I went to your craftsy page to see your patterns,though I am currently not in the market for more patterns, and my only suggestion is to have photos of the quilt in different colors. As a beginner I cannot picture a pattern in different colors, so if the first photo has colors not to my taste I tend to look past the pattern.

Hi Ladies,

Thanks for the answers, they gave me a good start and a lot to think about and digest. I am finding the same theme with a lot of answers is that if you are not new, then you can create it yourself, I know that one for a fact because I can take a picture, take it into EQ and duplicate it in about 10 to 20 minutes. The fact that there are so many free patterns out there, makes it hard to sell one. Coming up with unique is difficult and that is the other theme that I am hearing on this and the other board that I am a member of. Laura, I have often thought about the multiple colorways for a quilt as I too have a problem with that at times, I may just have to start using my pattern testers quilts in my instructions as well.

I am working on a pattern that is unique, taking a bit more time to write it than I had expected, but it is coming together.

What do you ladies think about special rulers or templates or paper piecing?

For me right now I am interested in patterns for precuts, but I agree with making sure you have a model for yardage as well. I also tend to but patterns for more interesting unique patterns. Most patterns I buy are intricate that I can't really duplicate easily. Well written directions are a must. Also good pictures, examples are also a must. I have quite a few patterns that are confusing and when that happens I will most likely not buy from the same designer. I have no issues with specialty rulers or paper piecing as I am a gadget queen and am attracted to paper piecing or paperless paper piecing patters as well as applique.

For me, the only patterns that I look for are for paper-piecing.

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!!

When using any pattern or set of instructions occaisionally find part of the directions that are worded in localized idioms, and there is no way to look up what they mean. Ex- "you have to ooch it just a bit" (Actual words used by Mary Fons, thank you) I know what she means, but sometimes I am just clueless. Also abreviations that are not explained is another iritant. I am not trying to be the problem child, just listing some ideas for you to consider. Changing terms throws me off also. If you start calling something one thing, stay with it for us, please don't change it.( ex- "lay fabric face down" in one sentence, then saying it "RSD" in another spot). Be consistant. If you write your instructions for a younger, less experienced quilter, you should be right on the mark, no matter how complicated the design. Pictures of steps in directions just thrills me. i am now a visual learner, so that is my issue. You could always ask a non-quilting friend to read them through, to see if that person thought they could do it with your instructions? Thanks for coming back. We missed you.

madammekelly, you would love the way I write my patterns then! I don't use local idioms, I stick with known quilting terms and normal definitions. If I do use an abbreviation, I will put a "key" as to what they are somewhere in the pattern, usually in the beginning and tell you that I will be using them. (this is because, sometimes there is not enough space on the page to write out Half Square Triangle, but there is enough for HST. I try to write so everyone can understand, but not for the very beginner. I assume that you know a little bit, just enough to be dangerous LOL AND all of my patterns have pictures, pictures of the actual work in progress or detailed computer drawn pictures with arrows and all the like.

I also give the directions to my husband, who doesn't quilt, but is a wiz at grammar and spelling, to look at my directions before I even publish. He is so good, he will point out that I have missed a period or a comma, I also have friends who are very beginners and they are my test gauge. If they can understand the directions, then I am good to go!

It takes me about 2 to 3 months to write a pattern, and that is after I have created it in EQ and played with it for a month or so there.

So thanks for the ideas, and I am glad to know that I am already doing what you have suggested, gives me hope that I am on the right direction.

And glad to be back!