One of the last (big) steps to getting a new design to you is pattern testing. This might be the most important part of the process. You can have a creative idea, design it, write it, try it out yourself... but without testers, you can't have a quality pattern. It takes time, a lot of time, to even get to this point. From the first idea to the last word written can take months or even years.
like to have quilters of all levels try them out. For an advanced quilter, perhaps only pictures and measurements are what they need. Yet for a beginner, detailed instructions may be essential. I try to write my patterns so any quilter, new, advanced or even professional can come away with a project they love.
Prior to handing the patterns to my testers, I do everything I can possibly do to make sure it is accurate. Still, it is pretty much guaranteed to have a few mistakes. It might even just be grammar corrections. In return for the free pattern, I ask my testers to give me feedback as they work on the project. Good, bad, or indifferent... it all makes a difference in the final product. Pictures are great also. I will sometimes use them on social media when advertising a new pattern. With permission granted, I will use photos of finished projects in my pattern shop. I credit the quilter if they want their name published.
If you are interested in becoming a tester for Quilted Diary Patterns, you can go to my Facebook group "Quilted Diary Patterns: Pattern Testing" You will be asked three simple questions to join.
1) Which category do you consider yourself: New Beginner, Confident Beginner, Almost Intermediate, Intermediate or Advanced? What are your strengths?
2) Have you tested quilt patterns before?
3) Agree / Disagree: I fully understand this is a pattern testing group. These are new designs which will be publish for sale. Therefore, I will not share the free pattern which has been received as compensation.
You can choose which projects you would like to test. Just check back regularly to see if there is one. I do ask when you sign up for a project to follow through or let me know they cannot participate... life happens. Therefore, I always appreciate my testers giving me updates.
Lastly, a great thanks to those who have tested for me before! You make the finished product possible! Here's a few picture of past projects. Click on the picture to take you to the store.
