Finding the Pattern
In my previous post, The Bravery of the Baby Step, I talked about the importance of that first step and how, in many ways, the first step is the bravest. And last week I took the first step down a path that I have been hoping to walk for a little while and that is to design and sell my own crochet patterns with the launch of my first crochet pattern on sale through my Etsy shop as a PDF download.
The final pattern offers a practical storage basket/plant pot holder that is suitable for a beginner and can be customised to suit whatever colour or design you are looking to make. I have included a full list of the skills and materials that you will need to complete this as well as detailed notes giving suggestions for customisations that you could make yourself and have a personalised finished item.
In terms of the actual crochet pattern itself, I have aimed to make its use as accessible as possible including these features in particular:
- A delicately coloured background as this can help people with reading issues, including dyslexia.
- Large text and less ‘clutter’ on each page.
- A crochet chart that gives the pattern in a pictorial form.
- Clear concise instructions and plenty of pictures.
- Links to videos giving instructions for some of the special stitches in the pattern.
I also wanted the finished item to be something that could be used by all and wouldn’t require the purchase of further yarns – unless you want to, of course! There is no judgment here!
I also had the pattern tested by an incredibly difficult student who I felt that if they could understand it, then anyone could do it, and that was my Mum!! Needless to say, it was as rigorously tested as I’d hoped, my Mum made a lovely plant pot cover for the kitchen and we are still friends.
The pattern is now on sale in my Etsy shop and the first person to purchase it, has already completed it and it is now in full use in their home. Through Instagram, they were able to keep me updated with their progress and give feedback, which was very positive. One of the points that they fed back was that the pinky coloured background allowed her to read the pattern well. And here is their finished item and their 5-star review:
And yes, this is the first of many of my own crochet patterns that will be available to buy in my Etsy shop.
