Last year, I put a call out for pattern testers and was overwhelmed by how many of you were interested!! The first pattern to be put to the test was my Fairy Tale Castle block. I just loved seeing how different people interpreted the block in different ways through their choices of fabric! I now have two more patterns currently being tested, and yet again am just loving seeing the variety of finished products coming into my inbox.
So far, each pattern has been very different. The Fairy Tale Castle was a big paper pieced block, and the two patterns in testing now are quilt blocks and a whole quilt pattern. For the Castle, I had 8 testers give it a thorough work over. For the quilt blocks, I have 3 people per block; while there are 10 people doing the quilt pattern.
But why so many people?
Because I want to make sure my patterns are as well-written and as easy to understand as possible. Some might wonder if I’m losing out on potential customers by “giving away” so many free patterns, but I’d rather have a good pattern then a few extra dollars! This also means that I have a wider range of skills and “ways of thinking” testing my patterns – what might seem crazy obvious to me won’t seem obvious to others, and vice versa! Maybe my testers will pick up on something as simple as a better way to press a seam, or even help me work out some tricky quilt math! Hopefully by the time the pattern gets to my testers most of the issues are already worked out, but sometimes there will be a bigger issue we need to work out. So yes, they might be getting the pattern for free, but it doesn’t mean it’s perfect! They’re my guinea pigs and sometimes the cost is cutting fabric wrong. They do get my eternal gratitude and a copy of the finished pattern in thanks, though.
And it all means that you get a well-tested product!
Michelle @ Squeek Crafts says
Its amazing how wonderfully generous folks are out there. I agree with you, it was wonderful to see how many volunteered for my this way that way pattern. The feedback was great and to see how everyone used it and came up with alternatives was so cool to see 🙂
susie says
Fabulous. Such an awesome pattern – its gotta have fussy cut people or animals in the turrets doesn’t it?
gina says
we can always count on you for a well tested pattern! even though i get to enjoy this block every day in real life it still makes me smile to see it on the computer screen 🙂 hope everyone is feeling better at your house and you have been able to catch up on those lost hours of sleep!!
Aurea's Kitchen says
As a tester for this castle, I am so pleased to be included in your pattern tester group. Your patterns are so well written and you give us plenty of time.
What means maybe some waste fabric if that means we are helping you?
Thanks
Leanne says
I agree of the need for pattern testers. I used one tester for my one pattern so far, but I’m hoping to be adding to that number soon.
Julie says
I tested a pattern for Terry Atkinson – it was interesting and fun and she took our suggestions and made changes before she published the pattern. I’d totally do it again.
Rachel Dreher says
I’ve been wanting to get into pattern writing so I’ve really enjoyed this post! Question for ya – do you blog about the block/quilt and then ask for testers or do you ask for testers before seeing the actual project?
Thanks!
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