Thank you so much to everyone who has signed up!
The database is now closed due to the overwhelming number of people on it and I truly appreciate it!!
I've written up a little FAQ about testing to hopefully answer some of your questions -
1) Do I get paid to pattern test?
Unfortunately not, but you do get a (hopefully) cute pattern! Once all feedback is collated and any changes are made, I'll also send you a final copy of the updated pattern as a thank you.
2) Do I need to blog about it once the pattern is released?
Absolutely not! In fact, I have testers who don't even have blogs or an internet presence. What I need from testers is honest feedback about the pattern, and then should you wish, you are more than welcome to blog about your experience with the pattern (good or bad) once released, but there is no small print stating that you have to blog about it (though obviously, I'd welcome it!).
3) Do I need a blog or web presence to test?
Again, absolutely not, see above answer.
4) How do you pick who get's to test?
Once I have the next pattern ready, I'll email the entire database to let you know. From there, testers will be chosen on a 'first in per size' email basis. If the first 10 people signing up are all a size 14, obviously I need a range of sizes to test for me, and sending the pattern to a large group who are all sewing up the same size isn't going to give me a good idea of how the pattern works across all sizes. So in that instance, the first few in that size group will get to test.
5) What do I have to do?
Once you've received my email with a description of what the next pattern is, if you want to test it, all you have to do is let me know. If I receive your email before the testing group is full, I'll email you the pattern with a list of questions I'd like to know about. After you've made the pattern, you'll need to email me back with the answers to my questions and any other comments you think might be useful for me to put into the pattern (whether it's fit, typos, missing information, instructions that are hard to understand etc). This usually needs to happen with a 2-3 week turn around.
6) What if I'm too busy to test a pattern with a 2 week turn around?
I'll always let you know what you're in for before you commit to testing a pattern. If you think there's no way you'll be able to provide feed back in that time (sometimes sooner!) then I'd appreciate it if you'd pass on testing this time and let someone else do it.
Don't worry, just because you pass this time, doesn't mean you get a black mark next to your name for next time :)
Don't worry, just because you pass this time, doesn't mean you get a black mark next to your name for next time :)
7) Is the pattern going to be in pdf? Do I need a printer? I hate pdf's by the way...
Yes, at this stage all my patterns are in a digital pdf format. I am looking into paper patterns depending on demand, but that is realistically not going to happen until at least the end of the year/beginning of next.
So, yes, you'll need a printer. My patterns work for both A4 and US Letter sized paper.
I think 'hate' is a rather strong word, but I understand the difficulties of working with pdf patterns. However, if you're yet to try one of my PDF patterns, I hope I'll curb some of that dislike. My pdf's are laid out in a way that you don't end up needing to rearrange your entire living room to tape together one big blob of paper. You get to print out only the version you want to make, and you'll save a bunch of paper and time doing it my way :)
8) What if I don't like the style of the pattern on me?
I'll hopefully describe the pattern to you as best I can without actually showing everyone what the pattern looks like (cause that'd be giving it away!). Based on that information, you'll need to decide if you think it's something you'd like to make, and then fingers crossed you like it. If you end up hating it, obviously I'd still love your feedback and I guess you'll just need to look at the pattern objectively (rather than emotionally) so you can let me know any issues with it.
9) What if I'm a beginner seamstress?
Great! I will be releasing patterns that suit different levels of sewing experience. If I've stated in an email that a pattern is intermediate or advanced but it sounds like something you'd like to have a go at making, then please feel free to sign up. You never know, while I think it's an advanced pattern, you might think it's super easy, which would then mean I'd need to re-think my classification of the pattern anyway.
10) If I sign up and give you my email address, will you use it for other spammy
purposes, or give it to spammy people who will send me spam?
No way! Your email address will specifically go onto my testers database, and you'll only ever get an email from me if it's about pattern testing (unless you'd like other emails of course! Email penpals anyone??). And I'll never give your email address to spammy people either, don't you worry (damn them and their promises of enlarged bodily bits that I don't even have!).
xx
J
PS) Apologies for being mean in my last post, hehe :) Here is more of a hint - the next pattern is for wovens and is a skirt/dress combo :) Is that better?
PS) Apologies for being mean in my last post, hehe :) Here is more of a hint - the next pattern is for wovens and is a skirt/dress combo :) Is that better?
