Cost of Needlework Patterns

Julie · 2005-04-19T18:10:56+00:00

Every once and awhile I abandon needlework for a long period of timethen come back to it. After a hiatus of about a year (when Iconcentrated on quilting), I returned to my first love. To "celebrate"I purchased a needlework inventory program and entered in all myleaflets and books along with what I paid for them. One thing that Inoticed was I got a lot more value for my money with my older leafletsand books. It used to be that when you bought a book or leaflet, yougot several designs (not to mention several pages). Now you pay$8,$10,$12 dollars or more for one pattern (and on top of that, are allthe specialty threads, overdyed fabrics, and embellishments that gowith it).I understand (and support) that designers deserve compenstion for theirwork and I have purchased many, many designs (not to mention myincreasing stash of overdyed floss and silk), but I have to say I feeldesigners are starting to price themselves out of my market (and I'mnot cheap about what needlework materials I buy). I used to buy somepatterns just to support a designer's work, but I don't do that so muchany more. There are some noted exceptions - for instance PrairieSchooler, Cross-Winged Collection, and The Cricket Collection arealways good buys, but after I saw a $40.00 Just Nan "limited edition"leaflet I couldn't believe my eyes. And those little Bent CreekSnappers - $4.00*12 months=$48.00 for little square designs (and yes, I*have* these, so what was I thinking?!).Does anyone else feel the same way? I really miss the some of the olderstyle books that used to be printed, like the Vanessa Ann Collection,that had not only lots of stuff, but interesting ways to finish them.

Apr 19, 2005 65 Replies

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ipod911 21 years ago

whatsoever,

better

single

amount.

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Lucille 21 years ago

I just tossed out my C80 Epson because the ink clogged so badly that it couldn't be cleared. I found it ate ink cartridges like candy and in the two years I owned it it cost me a small fortune to feed. It does give you a nice copy but if it isn't used a lot it's impossible to get it unclogged and the cartridges are very expensive.

I replaced it with an HP and so far it's been working fine and I don't have to constantly clean it.

Lucille

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Dianne Lewandowski 21 years ago

Ok. Wasn't sure where you were headed. Now I am. :-)

Dianne

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Lizzie 21 years ago

That's why I look upon patterns as a "suggestion" rather than directives.

Lizzie

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"To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong."Joseph Chilton Pierce

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elizabeth.dawes 21 years ago

Yes, that's why I often buy the books and get a lot of patterns for $10.00 but it's true the supplies are just inane. I often don't use the speciality threads as I don't find that they are worth the extra $

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elizabeth.dawes 21 years ago

Well the ANG kits are no better and when I made a comment on a Yahoogroup about it, every ANG teacher said that I was getting personalised service for such a low low cost. Personally membership

the teacher + threads is over 0.00 for one class. I really couldn't afford to 'learn' embroidery or needlework at that price!

I'll do it the old fashioned way: practise.

Love Elizabeth

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