Pattern Sharing is Stealing

The topic of pattern sharing (giving away copies of paid for patterns for free or sharing a pattern as your own original design when it is not) has become a hot topic in the crochet world lately. After seeing yet another blog post on the topic today, I had to stop and give my two cents worth.

First, pattern sharing is stealing! While I am not a pattern designer (yet!), I know many who are. The time, effort, and energy they put into designing, writing, and testing a pattern is in my mind, priceless. Most designers spend HOURS, even weeks and months, designing and tweeking a pattern until it is "just right." Most have a group of trusted testers that try the pattern out and give any remarks or proof reading that is necessary before it goes out to the general public. These designers then sell these patterns for $3-$6, roughly, some may be more or less depending on difficulty or sizes available in the pattern. You wouldn't expect to get a finished product for free, so why should anyone think the pattern would be free as well?

There are so many other avenues where you can get cheap or FREE patterns!

1. Follow your favorite designers on their social media pages!!

When I find a pattern (or a design style I like A LOT) I tend to check and see if that designer has a Facebook page. If they do, I "Like" the page and then follow it like crazy. Designers are great about giving back to their fans/customers by offering sales periodically throughout the year. Back at the beginning of the year, I was able to snag 11 patterns from one of my favorite pattern designers for less that $10! If I had bought them at regular price, I would have spent well over $20. I would have never have learned about the sale had I not been following the Facebook page! Many pages will get together with other pages and offer HUGE giveaways of patterns and supplies as well! These don't happen often, but when they do, they don't disappoint!

2. Get involved in pattern testing

This is something new that I'm starting to branch out into. Designers are always on the look out for people to test their latest pattern! I will say that this is a long process sometimes. There are so many people out there that want to test, and only so many open spots. The reward is worth it though. I recently got to test out a new scarf pattern for Baca Creations. Not only did I get a finished copy of the pattern I tested, but I got to pick another one from her Ravelry shop for FREE!! But this goes back to the first point, I would have never had the opportunity had I not been following her Facebook page! One and Two Company is another page that is always looking for fans to test for her. Some designers ask that you link to your Facebook page so they can see examples of your work, so make sure you always have your current work posted!!

3. Free Pattern Blogs

Let's be honest, there are a lot of free patterns out there that stink. They aren't cute or fun like some of the things you see on Etsy or Pinterest. There are so many designers out there that post their patterns for FREE! And I'm not talking about hats like your grandma made when you were a kid (and my step-grandma made us some UGLY hats!) These hats and other crochet items are fun and modern without breaking the bank. One of my favorite sources for free hat patterns is Repeat Crafter Me. Sarah has some AMAZING animal hats as well as tutorials for all kinds of other crochet and crafty projects! She was one of the first people I started following when I got into more elaborate hats. Moogly is quickly becoming another favorite. Tara post all kinds of free patterns and round ups. There is never a shortage of awesome patterns from her! The Yarn Box, Cre8tion Crochet, and Elk Studio were others that were suggested that offer free patterns or links to free patterns.

4. Pinterest and Ravelry

I've been on Pinterest for ages! In fact, it's where I learned about and found a lot of the designers I follow today. I have board upon board of free patterns, anything from hats to blankets, scarves, appliques, booties...even photo props!! Ravelry on the other hand, is new to me. I'm slowly learning how to use it and see all the awesome patterns and networking for yarn crafters it provides!

There is absolutely no need to steal anyone's hard work! You wouldn't walk into a department store and steal a designer handbag (or maybe you might, depending on the designer!) but the concept is the same no matter what. You wouldn't want someone to take your hard work and pass it off as their own or share it with friends. If a friend asks where you got a certain pattern, instead of sharing, direct them back to the designer's site(s) where they can get it for themselves. $3-$6 is what any of us spend on coffee, drinks, or eating out for lunch daily...Why not use that money and get the pattern you've been eyeing for months!

What are your thoughts on pattern sharing? Any suggestions for others or tips you have for finding free patterns? What are some of your favorite free pattern sites and blogs?

My Yarn Stash

My yarn stash is probably one of my most prized posessions. Sounds crazy, I know, but I love being able to go to my stash and be inspired by the colors and different textures each skein brings to the table. Having just moved into the new house, I knew at some point I would have to begin going through my stash and thinning it out. It wasn't until last weekend when I finally sat down and started going through boxes and putting things "away" (into more organized boxes and piles) that I decided it was time to purge the stash.

The stash plus multiple WIPs and finished projects

YIKES!! I'm an organized person and this was beginning to drive me nuts!! And I know if it's driving me this crazy, then the Hubs is ready for it to go! My stash isn't as large as others I have seen so this small cabinet that I inherited from my Mamaw works perfect! I try to only keep what I need or will use in my stash. When custom orders come in that require something I don't have, that's when I go out and buy more yarn. I work heavily with acrylic yarn (mostly Red Heart Super Saver) because it's easily accessible, but have begun branching out. There are a few skeins of ILTY as well as Bernat Softee Chunky (MY FAVORITE!!), and Caron Simply Soft. 

After it all got cleaned up

It probably took me 10-15 minutes to get everything back in working order. There are still some WIPs and finished items floating around the cabinet, but those will have to wait until I can get some more plastic drawers. I'm guesstimating at roughly 25-40 skeins and multiple scrap balls in here. Since I primarily work with acrylic yarn, there wasn't a big need to sort according to weight or texture. I keep my warm colors on the top shelf, cools in the middle, and neutrals at the bottom. The very bottom portion holds scrap balls and other miscellaneous items. 

So, where do you keep your yarn? Is your stash a crazy mess or pretty organized? Share pictures of your stash with me on Facebook or tag me on Instagram (@simplycrochet13) I'd love to see how you keep your yarn organized!

Happy Easter!!

Easter weekend has to be one of my favorite holidays. I love the egg hunts and family get togethers, but so much more than that, I love taking the time out to celebrate Jesus and all that He's done and continues to do in my life. Last night we got together with our sister church in the next town over and had the most awesome Good Friday service.

Before my weekend gets crazy busy with family picnics, hang outs, and more worship I had to share some Easter goodies with you guys. These sets aren't only good for Easter, but any spring photo session!

I can't believe it's almost been a year since we had this picture taken of Sweet P! I have a friend that does some photography and she took pictures of P when she was roughly 2 months old. This stump in her yard, tall grass, and bush made it the perfect setting for a little bunny!

The lamb hat is one that I've been wanting to work on for AGES! Repeat Crafter Me shared the pattern for it a while ago, but I never really had a reason to make one. Lambs are perfect for newborn shoots or Easter minis! 

If you are interested in either of these sets, message me on Facebook as these aren't available in my Etsy shop yet. 

I hope each of you has the best Easter weekend! Enjoy time with your family and loved ones! 

Playing Catch Up

Whew!! What a month it has been!! We finally got moved into our new house! We're still working through boxes and trying to figure out where everything will go but for the most part, I think we've settled in pretty nicely. 

Today, the cable guy came out and we were able to get the internet and cable hooked up. I didn't realize how much I had missed having cable until I was able to turn cartoons on for Sweet P this afternoon before nap. We went ahead and opted for the most basic cable package the provider offered. We've learned that we really don't watch that much TV and the shows we do watch are easily accessible through Netflix or Hulu. We aren't saving a whole bunch, but it's enough of a difference bill wise. 

Of course, I've been crocheting up a storm while Sweet P and I have been home watching movies all day. I have so many new projects and ideas to share with you guys! I'm in the process of updating my Facebook page...getting rid of all the old pictures and streamlining the albums so you can find EXACTLY what you're looking for!

I'm so excited to be back! Keep an eye out because BIG things are coming!!

Jen