Behind the Scenes of Designing

I thought I would share with you what it looks like while trying to create a pattern in 4 different sizes.

 The Bright Blue and Bright green tops are infant size from creating the Infant pattern pack.  I cant decide how I want to finish them, but they have taken a back seat while I work on the toddler patterns.

The Bright Pink and White top and the Teal and White top are both ideas I would like to get written up, but also took a back seat to the toddler patterns. 

The 4 Larger tops are for the Basic Toddler patterns.  I have the tops set and work up several rows of each of the 6 skirt pattern and send it out to the testers.  Then I get to finish them :) 

This has been a wonderful adventure!  I have had so many customers send pictures of the dresses they have made using my patterns and quite a few of them surprised they could even make a dress - but that was the point of the Basic Patterns.  I want even beginners to feel accomplished in making something other than a scarf or hat :)

The toddler patterns should be complete within the next few weeks and will be released for sale on Craftsy and Etsy.  I look forward to designing some more intermediated patterns and adding other Items to my pattern list.  I found some patterns for baby sandals and baby barefoot sandals, but even after gauging, they are to large for newborns, so I may be up for designing some myself.

Thank you for following this blog and please feel free to leave comments or suggestions.  I love to hear feedback from all of you :)

I'm gonna make it work - or balls of yarn may be flying through the air

As I began my adventure in designing baby dresses, I intended on only making newborn size.  I quickly learne that - though that size is great - Everyone wants a variety of sizes to go with each option.  Jumping to the task at hand, I was able to create instructions for 4 sizes ranging from newborn - 12 months.  4 testers, 6 patterns in 4 sizes plus the 4 dresses I made to work with the testers was actually smooth sailing in order to release my first pattern pack of dresses.

On to the next task - Toddler sizes for the same 6 patterns.  Luckily the sizing of the infant dresses was an easy fix.  If it had not been, I may have stopped there!  Honestly - The toddler sizing has KICKED MY BUTT!!!  I should have taken pictures of the tragedies I came up with. (really, the dresses didn't look bad, but the sizing was just not right)  I would work 8 rows of the pattern to find out that it was to wide or not wide enough and have to start over...not once, not twice, but at Least a dozen times.  Grrrr! 

Alas, I think my trials for the toddler dresses are coming to a close :)  I have made the tops to an 18mo, 2T, 3T, & 4T.  Now, to work on the instructions for the 6 different skirt options and get it all out to the fantastic ladies who test for me. 

Once the toddler patterns are released, I will hopefully be able to figure out instructions for 1 more size to the Emerald City dress (which has not been released yet).  I have also had requests for different sizing of the Angelique dress - That will be an interesting task, but I shall give it a try.

I also have an option for the butterfly pattern on the arms.  I can't decide if I should type it up and offer it as a freebie option for those who have purchased the basic patterns, or if I should create a new skirt and release it as a new dress.  Any thoughts or suggestions?

Have a safe and relaxing weekend and if you can, take a minute and notice all the beautiful flowers that are popping up everywhere and the birds chirping :) 

Pattern Pack

I fianlly have all the results back from testers.  24 dresses later, we have a pattern pack available.  It includes 6 dresses at 4 sizes each.

Dresses include: Shell Brook which was just released individually today, Diamond, Ribbon & Lace, Snap Dragon, Oh Snap and Baby Tay.

Pattern can be purchased on Etsy here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/CraftingFriends4you