"Please do not send me any more emails – your prices are ridiculous."
Couldn't she have just said "please unsubscribe"...?
I must add that I'm at the stage with this (Best Dress) pattern where I know that no other pattern designer would bother. I'm over it and want it finished ...and there is still another edit to do before we go to press today.
But, instead of actually working on the edits, I've spent the last few hours pouring out a lot of emotional energy. I made a response to the criticism - to the unsubscriber and to anyone who isn't familiar with what my work is about.
"Hi ... –
I’m happy to unsubscribe you from the mailing list and I’m sorry that you regret having signed up to receive my updates.
I’m happy to unsubscribe you from the mailing list and I’m sorry that you regret having signed up to receive my updates.
I’d normally do this without any response to you, but the tone of your email has deeply upset me and I feel the need to explain that in Australia, my patterns are the same price (or cheaper) than any other independent designer pattern (Amy Butler, Patty Young, Oliver & S etc). The cost of living (and producing products) in Australia is much higher than in the USA, as is the cost of craft materials (for example, we’re used to paying $28 per metre for the quilting fabric that you can buy for under $10). By our standards, my patterns are a very fair price.
As far as patterns go, mine are so much more than just a sewing pattern. I’m a qualified, industry-trained designer-patternmaker – not just an uppity crafter who thinks she can make sewing patterns**. Each one of my patterns contains a 20-30 page booklet of (agonized-over, on my part) instructions that act as a sewing-class in a packet for the end-user – teaching all my hard-earned tricks of the trade. If you care to read some of the feedback I receive (much of it from US citizens who feel it’s worth paying the exorbitant Australia Post charges), you'll see that I’ve been thanked for teaching even the most experienced of sewers to become better bag-makers, hat-makers and dressmakers.
If you’re at all interested, here’s some background reading –
http://www.nicolemdesign.com.au/testimonials.htm
http://www.nicolemdesign.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/up-close-and-personal.html (an insight into the process behind each of my patterns. As an aside, I’m still tweaking the pattern in this blog post, based on the 3rd round of pattern-testing (12 testers), to make sure that everything is as fool-proof as it can possibly be).
I shan’t bother you further. You have every right to not be interested and to want to unsubscribe from the mailing list. I just want you to do so, knowing what my products are about.
Sincerely...etc...
Edited to add: This line about "uppity crafters" is purely my interpretation of the implied accusation pointed at me. It is by no means meant to be disparaging of any other pattern designer - trained or untrained - on my part.
So, I'm very sorry about the slight delay.... the dress was going to be ready for print by the time I got to work this morning, but it may be a day late.
It is a LOVELY little dress, and although I've pitched it toward intermediate sewing skills, I tested it on 10 beginners and advancing-beginners (as well as a couple more experienced sewing gals). Although it was slightly beyond the comfort zone of beginners, they all learned loads and made dresses that they loved. They felt proud of what they'd achieved and confident that they could (and would) make the dress again.
And the little girls ADORE it. (It's very twirly.)
So... apologies for the slight delay. The pattern will hopefully go to print by tomorrow, and we're taking orders for it now. I believe it will be in Ms CurlyPops' shop as soon as it's printed.
..And it'll be at the ridiculous price of $21.95.
82 comments:
Not so much 'You Sew Girl' as 'You Go Tell 'Em Girlfriend'. I think it is a valid response to a shitty 'thank you but no' email. Hope you are feeling better for it.
The techniques I have learnt from your patterns are priceless!
The best dress is fantastic and I love all the variations you have made. Maya loves her one so much she has even tried wearing it to swimming lessons
Aye Carumba.
*passes you a freshly made latte and 2 thick buttery slices of toast and jam*
Phooey to the people who just don't get it.
I wish I had a 5-10 year old make your dresses for.
Chin up.
Hugs
Oh Nikki, what a mean-spirited email from that subscriber! Your response was nothing less than graceful, something that theirs certainly wasn't. Kudos to you for that, my dear!
Money talks, Nikki. That is one email. Compare that to all the patterns you sell over and over again. I have been sewing for years and still learnt heaps from you. From your blog (which is free!) and from every pattern of yours I've used. Fine if your subscriber wants to unsubscribe, but seh will be missing out.
I just bought something on Etsy and assuming it is as good as it looks when it arrives, I will be emailing the seller to tell her that her prices are ridiculous - ly - cheap! Not only do many people underestimate the value of hand made and independent, there are quite a few sellers who do themselves no real favours by undervaluing their own work. I fully understand the dilemma but I totally support those who charge the true value of their work.
And some people are just darned rude. It's not your fault.
PS - I wish that dress came in smaller sizes. I will just have to wait for my little girl to grow a bit :)
Ugh! Although I know we're supposed to let something like this clueless person roll off our backs, I also know how hard it is to do so. I hope crafting that well written response makes you feel a bit better, and who knows, you may actually have made Ms Cheap-o realize that there are people on the other end of the computer keyboard!
The dress is beautiful! And if I had girls instead of boys i'd buy the pattern in a second and pay that postage too! :-)
Love you, and your patterns, good on you for such a response
I feel your pain with the rude emails...x
There certainly was something ridiculous about the unsubscriber's email but it had nothing to do with you.
People are so thoughtless sometimes, and yes, unfortunately it does hurt.
The dress (like all you other patterns) is gorgeous.
I agree with others, I have learned many new techniques through purchasing your patterns.
xox
Good grief!
She could even have clicked on the "unsubscribe" option herself without making any comment at all, rather than forcing you to do the work of unsubscribing her.
Hope you can get on with what you do best today, and put this behind you.
I had a similar response from someone in the states who had an order of wooden toys and had left the cart at the point of paying. I send a courtesy email which explains that their card hasn'tbeen charged and as such the order wouldn't be processed or sent as it hasn't been paid for. Usually I get a 'thanks so much for letting me know, I wasn't sure/lost internet connection/baby woke up' but this lady said in the rudest possible way that my postage costs were ridiculous. When I looked more closely at her order and her address I noticed she was in Texas and her order weighed in excess of 5kg! I sent her a link to the Australia Post website and told her to work out the postage herself if she didn't believe me!
That aside, that dress is GORGEOUS and very very girlie! I have a 6 y/o who comfortably wears a size 10 (and is still happy to wear mummy made clothes) so you know what? To heck with the budget this week, I will be heading over to Curly Pops shop and putting in an order for one. $22 is a steal for a handmade not mass produced pattern! What do the Simplicity ones sell for in those hideous chain stores of fabric? $18/$22... I'll satisfy my need for those from America when they are on special for $3 but for something really special... In fact, I have just ticked off a few Christmas gifts.
Chin up Nikki, it is one person in a plethora of fans and likers, follwers and the like. Beautifully handled.
There's a mailing list? Why am I not on the mailing list??? *boggle* ;)
Sadly, you can't please ALL the people, ALL the time. I am slowly learning this.
Cheers
Lisa :)
it's always that ONE bad email or comment that unfortunately sticks.
well written response Nikki!
You know I have been going through this the last week & wondering why people think I can make them a two tier fancy fondant decorated cake and question the price. I guess that 20cents an hour for my time is sufficient.
ahhhhh...needed to vent that.
Just telling you it's always that one bad comment that ruins our day...our week!!
BIG hugs gorgeous girl, sorry to see you sad ♥
Good for you, Nikki, for sticking up for yourself and telling it like it is (and oh so politely too). Obviously Ms Unsubscriber's mum didn't tell her that if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything. Don't take it too much to heart; remember there are lots of very happy customers out here in blogland (including me).
I'm not surprised that you are feeling hurt, but your patterns are lovely, and you have many, many more fans.
I understand that work involved in producing them, and being so over it, but wanting it to be the best.
I just finished my pattern instructions for my big secret project. 11 pages of just text, and 24 diagrams, I don't even know how many pages it will be when they are put together!
It is so much more work than most people would realise.
What a crock! I have bought loads of your patterns and I am a notorious tight arse when it comes to buying sewing patterns. Considering I have made five A-line skirts, countless fedoras, three laptop bags (but wait, there's more!) I think I have gotten my moneys' worth out of your patterns. Plus I've picked up a bunch of useful skills that I use in garments made from other patterns.
oh my God. On behalf of all Americans everywhere, I apologize, once again, for the ridiculous insensitivity of my countrymen. I think it is clear from your posts that you put your soul into these patterns, and I think you have the right to charge wahtever you wish. And, by the way, $22 for a pattern is perfectly consistent for middle to higher end quality patterns here in the states.
Some people are just mean for no reason at all. =( I'm sorry your day didn't go as planned. I still think you're marvelous.
To be honest, I'd never heard of you until today when someone posted a link on facebook to this post... (now I'm going to look up your stuff :D)
But I wanted to just give you an internet hug, because I know a bit what that's like when people comment on pricing without having any idea what they are talking about (I run a small sewing business myself)... and I know how sometimes even the smallest of criticism can be a huge emotional blow.
So while you're rolling around in the piles of money you obtained from your *ridiculously* priced $21.95 patterns :Þ Just remember that no matter what you do, no matter what your prices are - some ungrateful people will be unhappy about something, (hell, you can give stuff to people for free and some will still complain about something)... and that's just the kind of person they are.... and those people aren't worth wasting any of your time and emotions over.
Not that you probably needed me to tell you that :) but sometimes we need reminding :D
(But on behalf of all of us who hand-make stuff - hopefully your response to her made her think and reassess her opinion)
You and your brilliant pattern making skills are the reason I have rediscovered my love of sewing and fabric and the wonderful craft / blog community. I wish there were many more patterns available written with your level of skill and attention to detail... I would be more than happy to pay for it!
A good friend once told me (when I had a similar situation) "wish them well, then wish them well away from you". You have given this person too much of your time and energy. We all live in different worlds and cultures. In her world the patterns are too expensive. Luckily you don't live in her world. She is not your target buyer.
The reality is we don't know anything about this lass except she is rude and appears a little uncultured but who we are we to judge. Just wish her well away from you.
It might be a good idea to have a think of why this lass triggered such a hugh response from you. Too much happening in your life and perhaps this lass has done you a favour as it might be a reminder in disguise to treat yourself to some down time.
I love what you do but please don't wear yourself out doing it because there are lot's of people out there just hanging on for the next pattern. xxx
Marilyn
Sorry about the long response but I've been there. Hope it helps.
grrrr. that's all I can politley write!
I do try and support other pattern makers as well as yourself, but after my last disaster with that big pattern company who shall remain nameless (*coughstylearccough*) IO would pay DOUBLE your prices to get such good results.
But if you don't want to charge me double I appreciate that too :)
I sure appreciate every extra minute you put into your work! And my girl's getting one of these dresses and will be forced to wear it (only the first time, then she'll love it i think!)
I have been sewing for over thirty years and I have never come across patterns with so much detail as yours. I have your book which has taught me (with fairly advanced sewing skills) a lot. It is obvious that every one of your patterns has been tried and tested and includes tips and tricks to make sure the results are great for people of all levels of ability. For every nasty email, there are scores of us who silently appreciate you sharing your commitment and experience. Your best dress looks divine.
You go Nikki!
Some people just want stuff for free. Those people also don't value a well drafted pattern with comprehensive instructions. Anything of quality takes time and care and you deserve to be paid for it.
Oh Nikki, I am so sorry you've had this experience - what a cow! I just don't understand why people have to be so nasty! I've been dealing with a similar bully from the US - and she's been so nasty she's got Etsy to issue me an infringement notice to change my shop name on Etsy! I LOVE your dress and absolutely appreciate how much time and effort and love you put into everything you do. I think you're wonderful - please don't be discouraged :) Kx
Some people just 'do' nasty. Very sad. You have the best little model and I love how the dress fits so wll instead of being baggy. Go Nicole Mallalieu. Cherrie
What a sucky email to wake up to. I'd be stressing too.
Hubby told me the other day how he was showing my sewing to an associate and the question was- do I sew and knit for sale? The typical conversation ensued- how hard it is to charge properly and correctly for the time and labour involved.
Appropriate and professional response. I love the pattern- and my little one will too :)
Tas
Hi NIkki,
I'm on a few sewing / craft forums and when people post asking for hat pattern recommendations I always send them your way. My post invariably gets a "thats expensive" but I let it go. Why? because without fail they are back in a few days asking for hints and tips as they can't quite get that cheaper hat pattern to go together properly!
I for one can't wait to purchase your little girls dress pattern - in fact maybe I'll buy 2 and do a giveaway on my blog!
onwards and upwards, M xo
Brilliant!!
I live in the US, and in my opinion, your patterns are worth every penny. I have learned more from your pattern/lessons than from any other source. Don't let one rude person ruin any more of your day. The rest of us LOVE your work :)
We have stocked patterns that have an RRP for $17.80 that aren't half as well written as yours (the sewing methods left a bit to be desired as well). We will be removing these patterns from our inventory to make more space for your designs. I've been sewing for a while now and I always pick up a helpful hint or two from your patterns.
Well said Nikki. I thought I was on the mailing list but maybe I'm not because I never seem to get anything from you
My cousin Lyndsay (who channels books for gurus) would advise you to blow this out into a pink balloon and let it go.
Do let it go. Don't let it spoil your day, your achievements and your success. Perhaps the sender is having financial issues mixed with a bit of green envy and they took it out on you. It's not your problem. You are a wonderful designer and lots and lots and lots and lots of people will tell you that.
I'm so sorry to hear about this person and their facile comment. I know from my experience running a small not for profit business that there are so many hidden costs in the creative process that people who claim things are 'too expensive' never consider like:
-utilities
-insurance
-printing
-rent
-the many many unpaid hours spent in development mode
-unpaid time spent editing and revising
etc etc. So frustrating when people don't understand the sheer costs of running a business in Australia!
i actually think your prices are extremely reasonable and your creations are wonderful.
stay strong,
Cate
Nikki, I have several of your patterns now. And I love them. The instructions are so clear and well written. The designs are great.
I have even managed to accomplish some of the more 'advanced' designs, because you are such a great pattern writer.
If she can't appreciate the cost of your patterns, she obviously hasn't ever used one. If she had she would know how fantastic yours are compared to el-cheapos that leave you scratching your head with their vague confusing directions.
I love your work.
You go Nicole!!! Your stuff is wonderful and I see many of my friends above agree!
your patterns are worth every single cent!!! The precise and clear instructions are worth whatever you charged. It makes such a change from some I've worked with.
I've just booked in for the class at Hettie's Patch in July because I know I'll learn lots of little tricks for future bag making. I just wish I lived a little closer so that I could do more classes with you. I'd love to try some of the clothing ones.
Just enjoy the good responses that you get and forget the rest!
Cheers
Anne
Chin up Nikki!! She obviously hasn't met you, your patterns are great, no detail is left untouched and your classes are the best, I've learnt so much!! I'm about to put an order in for your pattern, my Granddaughters will love it for next summer. Again chin up babe:)
I happily paid full price for one of your hat patterns at that nice little quilt shop in Bacchus Marsh that you featured in one of your blog posts last year sometime.
I made a hat for my daughter - following all of your instructions and tips - and it is perfect. And I have never made a hat before.
I think I'll make another for myself. And then another. And then probably a few more.
Thankyou.
Some people don't understand great value when it smacks them in the face Nikki, I would say this person has never actually had one of your patterns in her hand, or she would think very differently.
Like your classes, your patterns mean that the finished item is beautifully constructed and finished and that the person sewing it will have learned many new things, I know I always do.
I hope you can shake this off and get that gorgeous dress out there so small girls of the world can twirl in style!!
(I hope my endless email blatherings overnight didn't add to your grief!!)
A big hug and hope you're feeling better and forgotten that one person forever. We love your patterns because you put so much into them that we can't fail to produce something to be proud of
Wow. How rude.
The way I look at it.......one of your patterns is like having a sewing lesson with you, and if I factored in the cost of airfares, accommodation and a workshop cost - well I'd be looking at hundreds of dollars.
I just bought my first clothing pattern of yours the other day and so far I am VERY SATISFIED that it is well worth the money.
Love some of the comments above, especially the one about the hat pattern!
Oh Nikki..
You tell em luv...
This one of your posts that I want to frame.. I just LOVE it!!
Understandably you have been put out by this but boy..have you handled it with such wonderful eloquence. I am proud to know you.
Lots of love,
One jumped up itty bitty crafter...LOL
Well said ... so hard to let stuff like this slide when its a comment on your heart & soul ... I love the dress ... if only I had a girl to sew for ...tomorrow is a new day ... a new pattern day!
Not sure I would have dignified her comment with a reply. Some people value quantity over quality and, whatever you say, it won't change their mind. However, if venting makes you feel better, go for it!!
Your patterns aren't over-priced, but you don't need me to tell you that. Just continue doing what you love doing and be assured there are those of us out there who are ridiculous (read: happy) enough to pay your prices because we appreciate what we're getting!
wow. some unsubscriber didn't have her morning coffee. or maybe she needed more bailey's in it...
Sorry Nic. People can be such shits. I recently had an email exchange with a customer and as a result I have removed from sale all my sewing patterns, I just couldn't deal with it. You are stuck between making a any kind of return for your work or being slagged off for being unhelpful/too expensive. You don't hear anyone complaining that Vogue charges too much with their shitty instructions and total lack of customer support. You are a better woman than I and I hope as other commenters have said you can find a way to blow it off.
It seems like everyone who dares to put their talent out there with a decent price tag will get shot down once in a while. I recommend your patterns and book to every new/beginning/developing/experienced sewist I encounter - with the emphasis that *they're worth the pricetag*.
l'arte nn ha prezzo,il saper e i piccoli trucchi del mestiere ,nemmeno!!!
qualsiasi sia, il costo del pattern e' sempre inferiore a quello che dovrebbe essere.
ogni pattern,semplice o facile,e' frutto di tempo ,di ricerca e d'ingegno.
cHI NN CAPISCE QUESTO E' PERCHE' NN SA COSA VUOL DIRE CREARE.
ti auguro ancora piu' successo
CONTINUA PER LA TUA STRADA E NN GUARDARE IN FACCIA NESSUNO
saluti dalla bell'italia
Laura
At about the lowest rate of pay possible, say $17 per hour in Australia, I would say that that pattern is probably worth about $1000 when you add up the hours invested in it and the raw materials. How many patterns will you have to even sell before you can break even? If I ever sell any of my things, I probably get about $2-5 per hour. How many people (in developed countries) are there that would work for that rate? I understand that personal circumstances can make it difficult when you love something but can't afford to buy it but there is no need to take it out on you.
You give so much advice and information away on your blog for free as it is. The hours you give to your work is all about your passion, expression and love for what you make. I certainly appreciate it and can only imagine how awful that unsubscribing must have made you feel. Well done for responding in such a dignified manner.
What an upsetting experience, I feel for you x
Don't let the turkeys get you down.
Some people just take sick pleasure in making others feel awful, others didn't have parents that took time to instil manners in them. Be glad that you are lucky enough to be neither. Getting off your mailing list is their loss not yours. I so wish I had a daughter to make this gorgeous dress pattern for... the next best thing is my niece, but she is such a tomboy. She wears dresses when forced to if she can wear her gumboots.
I use your patterns....they are FANTASTIC! Detailed, lots of options, great photos....i'd like to see the commercial pattern makers meet your standards. Don't let one banana put you off your game...afterall, you're not YOU SEW GIRL for nothin'!
Bad Kharma will come to that unsubscriber....
..and I have a Miss almost 3 that loves to spin around in dresses...she'd love this one.
What a nasty person! I have tried a few patterns from other designers (including really famous ones like Amy Butler whose designs are nice but with not so detailed nor clear instructions) and I still think yours are right up there in terms of details and illustrations. Love your work!! There! another really positive review of your work, Nikki!
Have a hug.
and a nap.
and some chocolate.
I still want to be you when I grow up.
Minus the kid and the 36 hour days, I'm not good with kids - even the fab ones, like yours - and I'm not entirely convinced about 24 hour days yet.
Did I mention you could have a hug?
There is always someone who complains isn't there. Like others have said I have learnt so much from your patterns and wouldn't think twice about the price, they are extremely reasonable.
I love your ridiculous price ..... but maybe that's because I love to know that I'm supporting someone else's small biz. Thanks for sharing all of your knowledge with us and creating beautiful patterns. Anne
Well said Nikki!
so much to say- but I hope you are feeling the love and appreciation all these commentors have shown for your skill and expertise. As one of the priveledged 'advance beginner' pattern testers who, has never made a size 10 girls dress (or anything above size toddler-ish really) or put in an invisible zip before- I have to reiterate that thing about how you 'hold our hands and teach us skills and watch our confidence blossom'- did I tell you my first invisible zip rocks?! Or that as well as the many (9? I was never good at permutations and combinations!) dress combos one could create from that one pattern given the bodice detail, sleeve options, skirt options, belt options...my girl really wants me to make 'just a top without the skirt' (?) that she can wear a long sleeve T-shirt under! I hope you can breathe, rest, chill. Cam sent out his first 'bulk email' the other night- to nearly 2000 people in his contacts. I rang him from work the next day to see if he'd had any response and he'd had '5 unsubscribes'- he was abit fragile because he'd never had that before- he got over it. I unsubscribed from a fabric shop list today and they asked why and I did write a comment "I do enjoy your newsletters but I am just getting too much email and am trying to 'declutter' and save time at the moment' (which is true). You know your skill, you know your market- and, from the response to this post- your patterns speak for themselves because "your people" know a good product when they see one and are loyal and keep coming back. You go girl xxx
oops- sorry- didn't realise that was an essay rather than a comment until I saw it published...I have said before, I am not known for my 'succinct-ness'!
Oh bugger, don't let the bastards get you down!
I do understand where you're coming from though, I spend a lot of time explaining to people why my collectable, one-of-a-kind, handmade, designed by me mohair bears cost what they do (and I'm at the lower end of the market) But I realise that the people I'm explaining this to are not collectors, and are comparing my bears to what they can pick up in the local card shop or toy shop made out of the cheapest of plush somewhere in the far east. I think you're effectively getting the same comparison, except with the bargain $1 sale Simplicity patterns in Walmart.
You would like to think that people that handmake things would appreciate the time and energy and material costs, but I bet that even if you charged as if you were living in the US, you still wouldn't satisfy this person, who has probably been spoiled reading so many free patterns on blogs and getting the aforementioned Walmart bargain!
Now I'm off to ponder how to say to a quilting friend, that asking me to make her a bear for her pay it forward gift is rather like me asking her to make me a full sized quilt as a gift, and at UK fabric prices rather than her US ones...
(((((HUGS)))))
Obviously by selling your patterns at that price you are ready to retire! If that rude and uninformed person doesn't realise that to recoup the costs involved in developing an original design and pattern could, and is likely to take years to become truely profitable, then they have no idea regarding business. I am always shocked (an a little hurt)when people who ask for the price of my handmade items, tell me that they are too expensive. I try to keep my prices realistic, but at the sam time, I need to cover my costs and turn a (very small) profit.
I have paid as much as $35 for a pattern and then had postage added. As with your patterns, you get what you pay for - detailed instructions and a fabulous product at the end.
Smile, wrap yourself up in your new lap quilt, and know that what you trained for and now do for a living, is worth every cent you charge for passing on your expertise.
You know what? After reading this post, I've decided that I am going to browse your patterns and buy one or more for myself.
I learned to sew in High School Home Ec and have rarely sewn since). I just recently got the OLD Singer (which was actually my grandmother's) out of the closet after years of not sewing, and attempted to sew a skirt (an "easy" $5 pattern from Wal-GIANT-mart).
Halfway through, the unfinished skirt is hanging on a hook, because I was so confused and discouraged by the skimpy instructions (seriously, they've skipped steps and the instructions jump all over). That "EASY" pattern might be easy for someone who has sewn for years, but clearly "EASY" does not mean BEGINNER or NOVICE. If your patterns have the details you've described, then those must be the patterns for me!
Don't worry about what some cranky B said about your stuff, either. Some people are just hateful and they don't know any better.
Cheers!
Basically some people just don't get it. They can't understand the time and care taken to get things done properly and expect things for nothing. Unfortunately no amount of explaining will change their minds, so save your self the time and trouble and move on.
Too bad one cranky cheapskate has the ability to get us down. Just keep moving forward and leave them behind.
I'm loving the twirly factor of this dress. My little one would love it too.
Oh Nikki. I am so mad mad mad and angry at that email 'unsubscribe'. Really. What are people about!!!! Your reply was perfect. Good on you for taking the time to try to educate the person on how the real world works - I suppose they buy "made in china" and don't even realise what that means.....
I hope they read this post and are feeling guilty. I'm sorry that you had to spend such a happy time feeling sad. I know it doesn't make a difference how many good things people say, one bad thing brings us down.
Isn't there a little saying that if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything. I think people forget that the internet has real people and real feelings attached.
xxxxxxx
Hi Nikki, I already have your book and your Kids Hats pattern and they were worth every cent! I have learnt so many tips to ensure a well made finish. I was already planning to buy this pattern as my daughter has grown out of the "little girl" dress patterns that I have. Whilst I haven't done an invisible zip or pin tucks I know your instructions will be second to none!
Keep designing, writing and creating!
Karen
Hey there Nikki - I am late to this blog post! Sometimes you do just need to let it all out - and it is usually the "little" things that break the camel's back! Good on you for responding and really educating people about what is involved. And I reckon that now you can probably "breathe" a little more too. SO looking forward to our weekend away - which we all need - and I don't have to tell you just how wonderful that dress pattern is because I already have! It is my best invisible zip insertion EVER! And now I'm off to sew up one for the little girl as well. Hugs.
Good for you for standing up to that person. I think your work is amazing and your dedication must surely be obvious to anyone who buys from you or follows your blog.
I sell PDF patterns which, at around $10, always seem more expensive than many of the PDF pattern sellers in the US who price at around half that.
I stand by them, though, in terms of quality and spend so much time testing and re-testing them often over the course of a year or more. I don't see how people can produce proper quality patterns for ridiculously low prices.....
Well said Nikki. The dress looks wonderful. I don't have daughters, so I could never get into making girls clothes. I'm now waiting for grandchildren. When that happens, I will be looking at your childrens' patterns. You are a great teacher, so upwards and onwards! Sue Schulz
As someone who has learnt almost everything I know about sewing from either you or your patterns, I can say that the price tag (which I don't consider to be that much anyway) is well worth the price.
I know with each pattern I buy, that I'm not just getting a pattern, but a sewing lesson as well. Each pattern has something new to teach, so every time you buy a different pattern, you know you'll be adding to your list of skills.
I know it's hard not to get rattled by comments from people who just don't understand. I've learnt to develop a thick skin, but everyone has moments where sometimes these things just get to us, so I understand your frustration!
Well said. We all have a breaking point and it's usually an insensitive comment that pushes us over the edge. You've every right to be more than a little peeved!
I love your patterns, they're worth every cent.
Hello -- I am not condoning the negative comments by Unsubscriber who said your prices are ridiculous,but I have to say the REALITY is I (and others, I'm sure) simply cannot afford your prices. It appears that your readers who buy your patterns can afford to do so. However, $21.95 for some of us would buy basic essentials: bread, milk, eggs, vegetables. I don't live in Australia; in fact I live in Silicon Valley in California-the home of high-tech wealth. Things are not inexpensive here either, and I have a hard time making ends meet. So as much as I enjoy your blogs and viewing your glorious handmade bags, dresses, etc. I can only continue to do just that. I've been sewing for 40 years, so I'm not a neophyte. I've benefited from your tips and techniques on your website and thank you for that. But please don't be so hard on some of us who wish we could afford your patterns but need to spend the money on other necessities. We all make choices.
Dear ANonymous -
I'm sorry if you thought I was being hard on people who simply can't afford my prices. That's not the case at all. I was simply defending myself agains the accusation that I was ripping people off and I was saying that the manner in which it was delivered was rude and unneccesary and that it hurt my to my very core. There are many, many things that are well beyond my budget but I don't take out my frustrations on the people who work hard to make them.
Oops - typos. Must remember to edit before publishing...
I'm so sorry that you received such a nasty email.
I think the Internet has given people license to be mean spirited because of anonymity. Shame on that person! I am going to buy this lovely pattern and subscribe! It is gorgeous!
I also purchase from another Australian based pattern company and pay the postage. As they say, "it is what it is!"
I'm Sorry that you received suach a nasty emails...
One more thing i love your patterns.....
I agree, your prices are ridiculous. Ridiculously good :D
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