Pattern prices
 

Am I the oly one to notice that Connecting Threads has increased their pattern only prices up 25% in the latest catalogue. It looks like we are all going to have to do more Internet searching for the patterns we love.

How many times do we reuse patterns? It's just another cost to making quilts,



Sylvia

Quilters cache is my favorite free pattern site.

Mine too, Alienquilter....

As a quilter I understand the frustration in buying patterns. I also understand the single use issue. As a pattern designer I put a lot of time into designing my patterns. I have to have proofers make sure I have correct information and the correct cutting directions. I tend to over write my patterns. I don't want someone to buy one and say I can't figure this out! I also print my own patterns and have to purchase the bags. I fold the pattern sheets and stuff the bags. They go out to shops and distributors and are sold to quilters. I know that all of that is the price I pay to do business but I sure would like to make a small profit on my patterns. Selling direct to shops I receive half the pattern list price. Selling through the distributors I receive one third the list price. As I have applique patterns that tends to add to the costs. I am not trying to upset anyone. I am just giving some of the factors that go into selling patterns! Luann

If you think about it, the quilt magazines are the best value for quilt patterns. I like the ads in them too. The ads keep me informed about what is new. Although I did not like the magazine insert in Fons and Porters this month! A clothing catalog stuck inside. I tore it out and threw it away. Raise the price of the magazine don't trash it up.

Its the perfect storm again.. the costs associated with keeping a pattern designer in business have gone up. Plus with all the free available .. the total volume sold must be decreasing , but the base costs have increased.
I think what bothers me is its the same price if I download it(most sites) , I only save on the shipping.. but the sellers costs are less.

I just received a table runner pattern that I ordered online. The cost was $8.00 plus postage. It was printed on one sheet of inferior paper(front and back). The printing was so small that I could not read without manifying glass. I tried to increase oncopy machine and the printing became distorted. the graphics for construction were very small. It had applique designs that had to be increased in size to use.
I sent an email to the designer and the store ordered from and expressed my dissatisfaction. The designer sent me a word document that allowed me to modify the font and increase design fearures in the pattern. The store "Oh, so sorry"
This sholud have had the option to purchase as a downloadable pattern.
Now I am attempting the pattern and WOW! What poor instructions. Nothing fits. So it is time to design my own.

I agree with you 150% about the download patterns. It wouldn't bother me so much if the price was at least a $1 less. :( I have now decided not to purchase a pattern if it is only available via download.

The only good thing about downloading a pattern is you get it immediately. The downsize is you use your precious copy paper and ink. I go through ink and paper like crazy with downloading patterns. I actually like buying the patterns and getting them in the mail. Usually they are on thicker paper and have a 'real' picture and a plastic sleeve. Three pluses right there not including not using my ink and my paper and paying the same price except a couple of dollars for shipping. I think it's worth the couple of dollars for shipping. JMHO.

Part of my issue of the cost of the pattern was the 25%, I know everything is going up but 25% seems nuts.