Yuck! It took me a week to get over that nasty cold. I ended up loosing my voice, too. I felt like a doberman who had her voice-box removed. And now I have post-nasal drip that makes me feel like puking. Ah well, working at home means I can spend little bits at a time in my studio, taking breaks when I need to, and still get my hours in. Which is a godsend for my headaches as well.
So what have I been working on since we talked last? My owl pattern, mostly.
The math on this one is a nightmare! I don’t know how I ever got the same results twice. So many of the stitch counts in the existing pattern were wrong and the decreases were in the wrong places. Plus the owl is crocheted in joined, turned rnds. And that always makes my brain feel like melting. I won’t be surprised if I need to make half a dozen more owls before I feel confident that the pattern is OK. So that means a couple more weeks before the pattern is ready. But not longer. I know I have been terribly poky about releasing new patterns so I have made a promise to myself to be more diligent. I know, too, that lots of you have been waiting for my fox pattern and that one is still in the works. I am just struggling with figuring out how I want to release it. I mean, the basic body type can be turned into lots of different animals. So I have been playing around with the idea of offering the basic pattern first with instructions for bear ears, which I think would be simplest. And then after that come out with “a booster pattern” that would include just the variations.
And a note to all the lovelies who are waiting on their special orders…I have not forgotten, I promise!
10:22 am on March 4th, 2010
I like the idea of the “booster” pattern. Look at how Wee Wonderfuls does it ~ she does the patterns for dolls, and then releases further sets with clothing patterns for the dolls. The variations are even something you could release later, so that you can get the basic pattern out sooner. (I wonder if you could do clothing variations for the bodies as well?)
10:47 am on March 4th, 2010
Thanks a lot for the suggestion, Tiffany! I’ll definitely check her patterns out. I know people would like the clothes patterns, too. But they are really hard (for me at least) and they have to be put on the doll while it is being assembled, so it can be really tricky and awkward.
3:26 pm on March 4th, 2010
Happy you’re feeling better Beth
8:01 am on March 5th, 2010
Don’t rush your healing! That can bring a cold back. But I know how antsy it can make a person when they’ve been away from the work they love too long.
I really like the idea of a booster pattern.
12:19 pm on March 5th, 2010
YES The booster patterns get my vote too! That way if you are like me and wanna do your own thing you can just get the basic pattern but have the option of more direction if you need it. sounds like a win win!
Owls look awesome! Love those color combos. Hope you put some of the prototypes up for sale!
12:24 pm on March 5th, 2010
Hi Melani, I’m going to have about half a dozen owls by the time I’m done proofing the pattern. So they will definitely be going in the shop.
10:10 am on March 6th, 2010
If you release the patterns with boosters for several segments and variations, I will purchase them. I love your designs:) Be fearless!
5:19 pm on March 11th, 2010
I, too, will purchase any pattern you put out. I’m particularly excited about the owl, though! My sister loves owls.
6:51 am on March 24th, 2010
Ohhh I’m so exited to se what that would be! I soooo adore the things that you do, you are such a profesional!
I’ve recieved much inspiration from your blog!
I’ve started a new crochet- and craftblog. I’ll be happy if you would like to take a peek at it and say what you think!
Hugs from Sandra
8:01 am on March 24th, 2010
Your blanket is really cute. Good luck with your blog