Q and A
So I’ve been just thrilled by the response I’ve gotten to the patterns I’ve made available for sale. Seriously, thrilled. The Boy can attest to the rather ridiculous happy dance and squee of glee that accompanies most checks of my sales and website statistics. More people have bought my patterns than I ever thought possible, and I appreciate each and every one of those purchases. So far, I’ve been successful enough to more than pay for my classes at Sock Summit. With a bit of luck (and the release of a few more patterns) I might just make enough to offset the whole cost of the trip.
Given the success (and the resulting glee) I definitely plan to keep knitting socks and witting up the patterns. I was going to keep knitting socks no mater what, but this makes it even more fun somehow.
So, if I’m going to keep doing this, I guess I’d better get a sense of what you guys want and like. I’ve got a couple of questions, and I’d really appreciate it you’d take a second to answer some of them in the comments if you’ve got a moment.
- First, would you be interested in a combination release of all the patterns together as a group at a reduced rate? I’m thinking of doing a package deal after I finish up Propitiate, maybe even something with a pattern exclusive to the package.
- Second, what difficulty level are you looking for in your patterns? Are the ones you’ve seen from me so far too hard, too easy, just right? Related to this, how much detail do you like in a pattern? Am I losing you in a sea of unnecessary verbiage, or do you like a bit of detailed explanation?
- Third, do you like instructions for (and maybe even pictures of) alternate versions? Do you prefer to come up with such things on your own, or do you like having a few suggestions provided?
I’d love to get your thoughts, and it seems only fair to offer something in return. Lets try this. If I get at least a dozen comments with answers in the next 72 hours or so, I’ll pick one of the comments at random and pack up some of the loot I got at Knitters Connection and send it your way. Don’t leave your address in the comment, just be sure to use a real email address and I’ll get in touch with you if you win.
I have been planning to buy Embonpoint when some Schaefer yarn arrives that I have waiting on the post man for. I really like your patterns and I am glad that others also like them.
Comments/feedback.
1. I always love the idea of a package deal – especially with the offer of an exclusive pattern only available through the package.
2. A bit of difficulty keeps it interesting – helps to stave off SSS. I am a fan of Chrissy Gardiner and your patterns don’t look any more difficult than hers.
3. I do like the idea of alternate versions.
I look forward to seeing more patterns from you.
1. I like the idea of a package deal — especially with an exclusive.
2. I like a little challenge in socks, to keep things interesting, and it helps me make sure I finish the second sock.
3. I like to have a few suggestions provided for alternative versions. Photos would be nice, since I can’t always picture it in my mind.
I just saw Embonpoint on Ravelry and it is beautiful. Glancing at your other sock patterns, I like them a lot, too. Nice work–it always amazes me how many good sock designs there are, and how many new good ones, too. How do people keep coming up with new and interesting ideas???
1. Yes, a package deal is a great idea.
2. Not having knitted your socks (yet 🙂 I can’t comment on them specifically, but generally I really like to have something “interesting” happening in my knitting. That said, I prefer not to have to pay as much attention to socks as I would a lace project.
3. Alternate versions are great–that makes me feel like there is added value to the pattern.
Keep up the great work!!
A package deal would be nice if you are a big sock knitter, as long as the individual patterns were still available.
Challenging socks are awesome! It is easy to make something easier, but if I am going to buy a pattern I want something I couldn’t figure out myself.
I have no opinion about the alternate versions question. I do like pictures in a pattern, though, because it helps me make sure I’m doing something right.
And finally, your socks are super cute! Keep up the great work.
1. I think I’ve already purchased most of your sock patterns, so it wouldn’t really apply to me. And since you plan to keep releasing patterns, it might be confusing. Maybe a two-fer deal, or three-fer. So that the buyer can pick and choose the patterns they’re interested in.
2. I’m looking for innovative ideas in socks, with or without complexity. Your “Slant,” for example, is a very simple sock, but a new (and pretty brilliant) idea. And I like the amount of description in the patterns I’ve purchased (and downloaded free) thus far.
3. It’s always great to see some alternatives. You clearly think “outside the box,” and providing some of that thinking can only encourage knitters.
Good luck with it all!
Giggle! That’s Shelda, not Shelad!
1. Yes I think a package deal would be a good idea as long as you still can choose to buy one pattern at a time.
I would prefer a deal where I can choose the patterns, and you can offer discounts based on how many I buy at a time. That way I think more people would buy multiple patterns at one time. But I would also be interested in a package that you put together, and I think the part about an exclusive pattern is a very good idea!
2. Personally I always like a bit of a challenge when I’m knitting, just to make it exciting. But that being said, I prefer patterns that have good explanations. Even though I’m a bit experinced in knitting, I like it when things are clearly explained. I’ve just seen your dipper pattern, but to me that is just the way I want a pattern to be. And when I pay for a pattern I really like it the way the dipper pattern is: with pictures, maybe somt text about the project, and with clear and detailed instructions on the pattern,chart and chart symbols. The worst thing I now is when they leave out the chart and replace it with writing.
3. Absolutely, that is such a great idea! I would feel that I got much more for my money when buying a pattern, if there were alternate versions. And yes to pictures as well, I don’t think I have ever knitted something without seeing a picture of it at first.
Ok this turned out a bit long, but I hope you got the info you wanted. I also hope my english is understandable.
Keep up the good work, love your socks!
Love your patterns and I think I’ve bought each as they’ve come out the package idea doesn’t apply to me but I like the idea mentioned about picking the ones that you are attracted to and then maybe basing the price on the number purchased. I just know if you did an exclusive I would fall in love with the pattern and then would debate whether to repurchase the patterns in order to get the exclusive.
I find your patters well written and complete = which I like.
Anything extra is always a bonus.
Keep them coming!
I’ve just discovered your blog and patterns and I have to tell you that I love what I’ve seen so far.
Regarding your questions, please remember that I have just “discovered you” so if something I say seems weird, it’s just that I’m new here.
1. I like to order specific patterns that intrigue me, so a group deal is rarely interesting to me. I have, though, occasionally made a purchase like that – a group of patterns all at once.
2. I like interesting, different, difficult patterns. I want to be challenged. I can put simple stitch patterns together in a basic sock format myself. What I have seen so far looks good. I haven’t yet ordered one of your patterns (I plan to now that I’ve seen them) but I do like full instructions. I guess I am a little slow that way. The more info the better as far as I am concerned.
3. Yes, I like instructions for (and maybe even pictures of) alternate versions. Yes, I like having a few suggestions provided.
Very often an intial photo or version of a garment – sock, shawl, sweater – does nothing for me. Then I see someone else’s interpretation, fall in love and come up with my own from that.