Become a Pattern Reviewer! The Pattern of the Month...

Thursday, July 27, 2017

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
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19 comments on "Become a Pattern Reviewer! The Pattern of the Month..."
  1. Hi from Timaru! I think that's a great idea. I've looked at your patterns numerous times but hesitate because I can't see samples on someone with my hobbitish stature! Sadly I don't have a blog purely because I know I'd be utter rubbish at keeping one up but I hope you get a great response and my files will be full of JLH patterns in a flash!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Awww, thanks Melissa! And HI! You're so close to me!

      I've just updated my post so that you can use a FB page (post your review there & set the specific post to 'public' if your profile is private) OR you could set up a PatternReview.com account. I didn't realise how many people don't actually blog all that much anymore!

      xx

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  2. Love this idea! Looking forward to see everyone creations.

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  3. This is such a cool idea! I had not actually heard of you until today - goes to show what a promo like this will do ;).

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  4. I had not heard of you before someone posted a link to this in a Facebook group. I love your patterns! I signed up and hope to have the chance to review one soon.

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  5. This is a great idea. I would love to see more of your patterns on fuller busted and/or curvier women. I don't necessarily mean "plus size". Looking forward to this, I think it is a clever way to review and promote!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, I know what you mean and I would too! I'm excited to see how this goes.

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  6. What a fabulous idea! I've recently finished making my first Jennifer Lauren pattern, the Gable top, and I love it! I agree, the instructions and attention to detail are areas you shine in :-) I'm not going to volunteer as a reviewer only because life is a bit hectic and unpredictable right now, but I'm looking forward to seeing some fabulous makes and reading interesting reviews. Good luck! :-)

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    Replies
    1. Yay, I'm so glad you like Gable :) I'm looking forward to showcasing some lovely makes and thoughtful reviews too.

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  7. Wowwwwwwww!!

    I would love to be considered for this, what an exciting idea!!

    Gemma
    www.fadedwindmills.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Awesome, thanks Gemma, did you manage to sign up at the link provided? I'm going to be taking it down soon, so if not, I can add you manually. Just email me Jen-at-jenniferlaurenhandmade-dot-com

      Delete
  8. I think I've signed up, I clicked the sign me up button but it didn't take me anywhere?
    So if I'm not on their sign me up! I'm Frankie my email is knitwitsowls@gmail.com and I blog at Www.knitwits-owls.blogspot.co.uk
    X

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Frankie, thanks so much for signing up. I couldn't find you in the list but I've added you manually. I don't know why it wasn't working for some people :(

      Delete
  9. My phone was in glitch mode last night so not sure if you got my message. Just in case:

    I wasn't able to fill in your form because without a "blog address" it wouldn't let me go any further.

    I would love to be a reviewer for you.

    I tick many of the boxes you list, particularly these three:
    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?

    I don't have a blog but am happy to review via Facebook and Instagram, and to Pattern Review. I could set up a blog if you want.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Sue, no need to set up a blog - a public FB review OR a PatternReview.com review would be perfect - I hadn't realised how many people didn't have blogs any more.

      I'm going to take the link down soon, so if you don't make it in time to sign up, I can add you manually, just send me an email to jen-at-jenniferlaurenhandmade-dot-com

      xx

      Delete
  10. I don't have a social media presence but I'm excited to see you doing this. I like seeing what other people have done with fabric choices and hearing what fitting modifications other people have made.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Kathryn, I'm the same, I love seeing lots of different makes and reading about pattern adaptations too, so hopefully I'll be able to bring so much more of that to the table now :)

      Delete

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