What does it take to publish patterns?

Good question; I am glad you asked. Sit back and let me fill you in.

First off we need to back up 45 years. I needed to learn to sew at some point. Sewing 4-H was the avenue that taught me how to sew. Decades of sewing have kept my talents fresh and growing. Decades (wow I can really use that word!) have kept my sewing skills at the ready and constantly improving.

You are so talented!

Yes, but it is talent that I have been training for almost 45 years. 45 year of experience looks awesome to anyone who has not taken the same amount of time to learn and grow a skill.

Then there is the willingness to try something new. Garment sewing, making stuffies or bag making have some similarities but each has their own skill set. I think bags and stuffies are easy compared to clothes. Clothes are supposed to fit when you are finished.

Then it took finding a mentor or group of mentors. I needed to find my like minded tribe. A group willing to walk along side sharing their experience and wisdom without reservation. That wisdom includes direction on simply where to begin. Learning what software programs to use and how to use the software. Finding out what other bag makers expect from a pattern and how to create that.

Then there is the photography – Oh my! Words are not enough explain a step in a pattern. Pictures and even videos are needed to back up and demonstrate your words.

And there is actually some sewing. First a prototype, makes some changes and resew. Then sew up another, taking pictures of each and every thing I am doing to use in the pattern. At the same time taking notes on how I am stitching pieces together. Putting on paper what I have running through my head day and night. Don’t forget the cover photos when finished.

Now how do I know if my pattern is complete and ready to publish? Testers! Testers will teach you a new level of humility. They are an awesome resource to proof all the elements of a pattern. But at this point, I think my mistakes are actually breeding like rabbits.

Then there is the website, domains, emails, resale license, doodling, pinterest, Naming the pattern, editing, search engines, advertising, business name, logo, branding, blog and TIME! Lots and lots and even lots more time.

Yep I choose this! I really chose this journey. I am putting all the decades of sewing into growing my talents even more. All the good, easy, crazy and hard – I chose this.