Today’s moan is a bit complicated and offers the reader a look into the psychology of my BC3 (my brain has only three cells - called brain cells (one, two) three.
I was looking around my main computer the other day and came across quite a few patterns that have not been finished but left abandoned. I got to asking myself why and this is what I reckon.
The thing about doing what I do for free is that I’ve very little idea of who my ‘audience’ is and whether anything I do is ever used. If I were selling patterns I would have a good idea of what people like as I’d have money coming in and a record of what the people like/want.
I’d also have feedback if the pattern didn’t work or turn out as expected and comments on places like Etsy when people were happy. Now I do get comments on the blog which I’m always grateful for but blogs seem to be not as popular as Facebook nowadays. I don’t really ‘do’ Facebook and don’t understand why it’s used as everything gets ‘lost in perpetuity’ shortly after a post is made. I like blogs as I can search for things I’ve done in the past easily. I love reading blogs too and have lately seen a slow return to blogging.
I also got to thinking that people might assume that if they pay for a pattern it’s bound to be much better than one that’s given away for free.
All comments welcome and I’ll leave you with a picture from one of my walks.
Ha!! Love your patterns and have used many. Most ended up as treasured gifts 🌹. And here I am at 4:30 am reading your blog!! Yep, we may be quiet (not to wake others) 😇. But we are out here and reading and tatting. 💕💕. Thanks for your generosity over the years, and how much you have helped to keep tatting alive and thriving.
ReplyDeleteUse them a lot. If they didn't work I would say so!! Students get this URL when they ask what else can they do other than doilies!
ReplyDeleteI wasn’t looking for compliments just puzzling as to why so very little feedback!!! Thanks, Maureen, Anonymous and Liyarra - much appreciated. Maureen - you can remove apps from an iPad. If you want to know how then google it or ask me privately!!!!
ReplyDeleteYour patterns are great….some whimsical some not….most are fairly quick tats and you are always so willing to help….your technique section is the greatest help….my only complaint is …I can’t find the Canadian goose wearing a festive Christmas hat!!!😁
ReplyDeleteI've been tatting other things lately, but your patterns are some of my 'go-to' designs. I've bought patterns before - not often - and you quickly learn whose to avoid in future. Not only do I enjoy your patterns, I tend to get 'addicted' to them and I make ...sometimes MANY of [whatever] before I can tear myself away from it. I don't 'do' much in the way of technology, so there are rarely pictures of things I've tatted, but they're here. :-D I think we all appreciate the work you put into each design, getting it 'just right,'and we all love your patterns, we just don't say so very often.
ReplyDeleteStephanieW
I prefer blogs to facebook myself.
ReplyDeleteIt would be great if commenters had a way of posting pictures in the comments so they could show you what they have tatted of your patterns and comment too.
Your TIAS projects are so much fun to do. I have learned a lot from the elements you include in each one. Clear instructions and a great tatted piece at the end. You ROCK! Thanks so much for your contributions to us tatters out here in the hinterland.
ReplyDeletetHE OLDER I GET THE HARDER EVERYTHING IS. I LOVE YOUR PATTERNS I TAT YOUR PATTERNS ALL THE TIME WHEN I CAN. TATTING TAKES A LONG TIME NOW. THE FREE PATTERNS ARE GREAT. LOVE TO YOU AND MERRY CHRISTMAS.
ReplyDeleteELIZABETH
SEMMES, AL.
I totally agree with your comments Maureen!
ReplyDeleteAlso Jane you know I totally love your designs in TIAS and also if stuck with a pattern I first go to your techniques section to try solve my delimma! And I still blog what I FB and yes I go to the blog to find items. ✨️
I understand that you send things out into the universe and have no idea whether they are well received or not. I think they’re used and appreciated. I know I’ve used a great many of your patterns.
ReplyDeleteThanks EVERYBODY. It’s good to know that the technique section is useful too as so many people tend to use YouTube for techniques.
ReplyDeleteI think a lot of the time we’re all too busy to contact each other too.
Oh Jane, I LOVE your patterns and they're my "go to's". So many of my friends have been gifted a tatted item from your collection, and I attach a note about these having been designed by you. So appreciate your generosity in sharing your designs as I can count on them to work (when I read the directions correctly! - Ha!) I also often recommend tatters check out your patterns and techniques. So carry on!
ReplyDeleteI for one like some of your patterns a lot. They work out well with no adjustments for my way of tatting and the format you use to present them is comprehensive and easy to understand. I know that some people think that free things are low quality, but I disagree. Quite on the contrary, I say thank you! Regarding FB becoming more popular, I've recently seen several people mention it. It's tedious to navigate though and some things just get lost in the endless scroll feed...
ReplyDeleteThanks, GoldenMom and Lavinia. I’m intrigued about your way of tatting, Lavinia. Tedious is a good word to describe Facebook.
ReplyDeleteYou are the gold standard for beginning tatters. Thank you for all the techniques and patterns you have shared.
ReplyDeleteI've been using your patterns for many years, and love so many of them! My favorite is still the split ring cross; I can't count how many I've made over the years.
ReplyDeleteI've only asked for help once or twice, and you're great at solving my misunderstandings. And I've printed off many of your technique sheets for fear that they might "disappear" as so much does on the internet, just at the wrong time. Your sheets are so clearly written!
BTW, I'm eagerly looking forward to the next TIAS! BC3 better be working on it now, or lots of people will be disappointed come January! LOL
You know we keep coming back here to see what you’ve to say! I may not comment but I do read!!
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