Thank you so much everyone!! Sign ups are now closed.
Edited to add - the number of people who don't blog anymore was a little bigger than I had anticipated! In this case, you could set up an account on Pattern Review and review the pattern there. I just need somewhere to link to so people can read your review and see your photos.
So, I've decided to trial something a little different for the next 6 months...
This idea might be a little crazy, but I also think it's an important step in sharing my patterns with a wider audience. It's definitely time to step up and give this a proper go, so, er, here goes...
Have you ever wanted to make one of my patterns but weren't sure if it was for you because:
a) You haven't seen it on a body shape that relates to you?
b) You're worried it's out of your skill zone?
c) It's a bit different to what you'd usually wear and so even though you like it, you're worried you won't once it's on?
d) You've never tried one of my patterns, so, what if it's just downright awful?
Well, how about I just a gift a pattern to you?
A little crazy?
Since releasing The Laneway Dress and having such amazing feedback (from both my testers and other seamstresses who have since purchased and used the pattern) about the addition of multiple bust cup sizes as well as my tweaked pattern blocks, I'm really feeling ready to try and actively broaden the number of people who have heard about my patterns.
I have many, many wonderful testers for my patterns, but I've realised that because I don't require them to have a blog or social media presence (and they are under no obligation to blog or share their makes at the end of the testing experience even if they do), this has left me in a bit of a conundrum -
How do I share what my patterns look like on lots of different, everyday figures, made by people with varying skill levels? How do I share people's experiences with my patterns, good and constructive, so that others can try my patterns with confidence?
I give them away, that's how!
I know I am a very small fish in a big ocean of amazing indie pattern designers, and it's just really not in my nature to talk myself up. (Not exactly the best kind of personality to have if you're trying to share your work with people; shrinking violet over here says 'Hi!!')
BUT I also really do believe in what I am producing. I work hard on getting an impeccable fit with spot-on drafting. I work hard on producing instructions that are clear and concise. I work hard on producing patterns that aren't stock-standard — it's all in the details and the details are where I shine.
And I want to share that.
My testers and their feedback are, erm, a testament to that, and now I just need to share my work way more than I do. I need to learn how to talk about my work, because I believe in it. I know it speaks for itself for the many who have tried one of my patterns, but, geez Jen, just talk about your work a bit more won't you?
So, I need your help.
I'm not always the best at asking for help, I tend to muddle through by myself a lot. It comes from a place of both wanting to do everything myself ('cause you know, I can do all-the-things thank you very much!) and also from a place of not wanting to impose on anyone else, because you all have your own lives to live.
To that end, approaching a popular blogger or social media darling to review your goods (or services) is hardly a new concept, but I want to try something new. To give YOU, my audience, a chance to review a pattern and for me, in turn, to be able to share those makes with the rest of my audience.
So, what am I asking you to do?
If you have an active blog and social media channels (FB, Instagram, Pinterest etc), can take a decent photo of your handmades and then spend some time writing about your experiences with some kind of thoughtful coherence, then why not become a JLH Pattern Reviewer?
You must have a public blog or YouTube channel that you post on regularly (1-2 times a month) to share your written/spoken review on, as well as an active social media channel (or more) to share photos etc on. Alternatively, if you don't have a blog, you can post your review on Pattern Review.
These can be any number of channels from my favourite, Instagram, to Facebook or Pinterest.
How it will work:
- Every month will feature a new pattern & a new group of reviewers for the 'Pattern of the Month'.
- You'll receive an email telling you which pattern will be being featured as well as the date your review must be up by. You can reply back if you're interested and have the time to review the pattern.
- I'll pick a small selection of different sizes, figures and skill levels (approximately 10 people per month) and will send you the pattern for free, as well as few questions you might want to consider for your review while you're making the pattern.
- You'll get approximately one month to make the pattern, take some nice photos and post your review on your blog (or Pattern Review) and social media channels.
- I'll then do a round up of the reviews on my blog (linking back to you of course!) as well as adding them to my Pinterest boards and showcasing some of them on my Instagram account + FB.
These are reviews though!
So don't feel like you have to gush because you got a free pattern. This is your opportunity to make one of my patterns and share what you liked and what you didn't like, what you changed and what you might do differently next time (if anything).
Hopefully a month is plenty of time for you to make a muslin, take some pretty photos of your final make and then write a thoughtful review of the pattern.
** Sign ups are now closed**
Thank you SO MUCH in advance, I can't wait to hear from you.
xx
J
