Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Some Advise Please

I'm finishing up quilting the last few quilts that will end my Urban Series.  I'm a little sad about saying goodbye to "Urban" but excited to say hello to "Metro"!  I can't wait.  But before I begin my Metro Series I have to get a few more Urban Pattern's released.  One being the Urban Nine Patch.  Now this is where I need some advise.

I've done up two quilts, using the Urban Nine Patch block.  This is the first quilt.


I really love the layout of this quilt but it was never my plan to do up a pattern with this layout.

My plan was to do up a pattern with this quilt and layout.


I love this quilt too.  These blocks are just side by side, not on point.  This quilt is bigger and even though it uses the same block as the first quilt, they both look so different.

I still intend to do a pattern for the 2nd quilt but am still not sure about the first one.

The one pattern will give you the basic instruction for the Urban Nine Patch.... I could always include layout design for both in one pattern.  Problem with that is each quilt has completely different fabric requirements and so on.....

....so do you see my dilemma.

Should I do up 2 separate patterns?  Should I do up just the one pattern and stick with my original plan?  

I don't know????

Some advise please  ;o)

~Jenny~

38 comments:

Aunt Marti said...

Jenny, I think it completely depends on how much time you put into writing up a pattern. I, too, prefer the second quilt -- but there are probably dozens of quilters who prefer the first. If it doesn't take masses of time, publish them both. There are quilters (like me!) who will buy any and everything you publish!

Michelle said...

Make 2 patterns. They are different enough. And, if you can keep each pattern simpler, perhaps the price/pattern can be lower (but not 1/2) and you will sell twice as many!

Auntie Pami said...

I like them both. My fav is the grey. Is the other not on point? You could do Both, I'm fine with either way!

Deb and Mandy said...

I would do a pattern for each especially because they both use your nifty ruler. If I am considering buying an unusual ruler one of the first things I do it look up how many patterns I can make with it-- if there are several I like I usually buy the ruler if not it is iffy.

Anonymous said...

That lime green is stunning! I would say just do one pattern like you originally planned - leave it up to the pattern owner if they want to mess around with layout!

DianeY said...

I agree with Anon above. Since the block is the same, I'd do one pattern of the second one and show the first one as a variation. I think anyone confident enough to buy the pattern, will probably be able to work out the fabrics.

Trudi said...

Hmm, do the first original pattern, if you have time to,do a second, go for it, but don't stress over getting it done.. People will work out their own layouts and yardage if they want to change it in the mean time. Both equally beautiful!

jeanne e. said...

they are both great quilts and you could totally do two patterns. if it was me, i would probably do the full pattern for the quilt i originally intended and then have the second one as an alternative layout with new fabric amounts, since it is the same block. if they were two different blocks, i would do two different patterns.

also, for the sake of argument, say you would charge $8.95 for each pattern, so $17.90 for both or you tuck in the alt. layout into the first pattern and charge $12.95...these days, i would be more apt to buy one pattern with the extra layout and not both.

but i am also very tight budgeted at the moment. :) either way...they are both gorgeous!!! i have become such a fan of your work.

Cindy said...

I would do one pattern, since both use the same block. You'll probably sell the same number of patterns total - most people would not buy both. I think it would be great if you showed an alternative setting for the block in the pattern. Even if you don't give complete instructions, most quilters doing this caliber of pattern would be able to figure out the specifics for the alternate setting.

A.M. Gwynn said...

Oh goodness, my two cents may be just worth that much, but I have to say that your first design is so stunningly gorgeous, the pattern should be with this one. A variation of the second perhaps at a later time, or simply let that stunner be the template for someone else to be creative in their variation.
Seriously, that first is absolute Art!

With time and sanity permitting, why not do two seperate patterns?
In my own opinion, the first is very different than the second. Not only in fabric requirements, but in color and lines.

Goodness... to see a full sized quilt in that first design... OOMPFH!!


Anonymous said...

Hi Dear, I think you are asking for advice, not advise.

Kathy Schwartz said...

It's the same block in both quilts so stay with your original plan. One pattern, one set of fabric requirements, and add the on-point layout diagram as an extra but no need to add fabric requirements.

Sheila said...

If it is the same block in both quilts, then the only difference is the layout. Many patterns offer alternative layout and fabric requirements for large , medium small quilts... its a "value add" thing

Teresa in Music City said...

If the instructions are exactly the same for both quilts, I'd just do one pattern. You could then feature one of them with an inset picture of the second, and include the measurements and fabric requirements for the second in parenthesis. I think this is the way most patterns work. But I'm definitely no expert - just my thoughts :*)

Unknown said...

I absolutely love the grey one and would like to have the pattern and fabric requirements for that one.

Karen Chatters said...

2 patters. I LOVE that first one with big huge smooches and everything. It would be totally worth it... to me....

Mama Pea said...

I say do both. But I'm selfish that way. I love them both! I am going to set mine like the first one you did, but I just adore the second one, too. I love the block enough to do both. But I also want to do the Urban Deco as well! :-)

Razzle Dazzle Quilter said...

Oh Golly I would love to do both!!
I have to say though that the first one calls to me more

Linda

Kathy said...

I absolutely would be drawn to the first one only. But your comments clearly have people who also prefer the second one so sounds like you should do both. I never worry about fabric requirements when picking out a pattern but setting it on point to achieve a different look would definitely need to be explained to me.

Gloria said...

My Fav is the first one and I would have that on the pattern cover with and altenative on the back. Two totally different looks for the same pattern is a good value and motivator to buy.

Dina said...

I really love the grey version of the quilt, and I think having both options in your pattern would be fabulous. You know what would be even more fabulous? Create a few more variations, and put together a book! It really is a beautiful pattern.

straythreads said...

I would love to get the pattern for urban 9 patch I just love the 9 p that is stretched to the corners with the curve and lots of variations of 9 p with curves. and then I would get the curve ruler too.Your quilting and designs are striking.
Ann

Barbie Mills said...

They are both gorgeous, but I don't think it is necessary to do both. I would think that most quilters doing this pattern would be able to mess with the layout on their own. Including a basic diagram of the alternate layout would be a good inspiration at least.

Lee said...

That's tough! But I would say just one pattern. They're similar enough that I doubt many people would buy both, so if you do two patterns, you're probably just splitting the audience for it in half, which makes the whole thing less profitable.

So I would say do one pattern with fabric requirements for the easier layout (so probably with the blocks NOT on point). You could always include a diagram for the alternate layout with the blocks on point, but if someone is advanced enough to set blocks on point, they can probably figure out the fabric requirements for themselves.

Hope that helps! I'm excited to see the Metro series!

Unknown said...

I'd do both patterns - they both deserve it as though it's the same block the quilts look so very different (unless you can come up with a quick guide on how many blocks you can create with FQ's to create the grey quilt)

awalters_nc@yahoo.com said...

Jenny, I think one pattern would be the best choice. The only difference I see in the 2 is the color choice. My favorite color combination is the 1st one on gray but the 2nd is equal gorgeous.

I just discovered you and your patterns yesterday. I purchased one of your urban patterns and can't wait to do the quilt. Do you have plans to publish a book of your Urban patterns?

QuiltSue said...

If you have the time, I'd say do them both.

Melia Mae Quilting said...

I think that you should do two different patterns. There is enough variation between each quilt that it might get a little confusing trying to write a 2-1 pattern. Just a though.

Danih03 said...

hmmmmm, I really like the one on point. You could do the 2 patterns in one and advertise it as a BONUS pattern included. People love a great deal! Or you could do 2 patterns and offer them as a group on special for a certain amount of time(perhaps during the christmas season?). How ever you market it.....do them both. they are both worthy!!

Danih03 said...

And BTW, I noticed the spelling police stopped by, haha!

Danih03 said...

As I was looking through your comments, I noticed one saying that people advanced enough could turn it on their own, but keep in mind, people (like me) that aren't advanced enough:/ can't! The fabric requirements alone help me tremendously! I never buy the right amount! You don't want to narrow your buyers. Maybe I am just to lazy to figure it out(the fabric requirements) haha! And I guarantee others are to;) Okay, I'm done now.....really :)

Auntie Pami said...

I vote for book.

MiChal said...

I *LOVE* the first one!!!! That pattern would definitely catch my eye. Not so with the second one.

Lora said...

I love the on point so much...I would pay a little extra for the pattern if it had both layouts available. I could work out fabric requirements on my own, but if you already know them it would be nice to have them listed in the pattern as well, under a picture of the alternate layout. Tough choice, though, and a lot of it will depend on your ability and willingness to spend extra time!

I will be sad to see the Urban series go, they are some of my absolute favorite quilts, but I am so excited for Metro! You are just an amazing quilter!!

Janelle said...

I would do one pattern with both layouts since it's the same block and although it will take you a bit more time to figure yardage, I think it would sell better. I love options, but would not buy two patterns that similar. I would not show options on the pattern if you don't have instructions though. I work in a quilt shop and it can be frustrating to do math that should have been done when you are very busy with customers. It's not that people can't, but if you do it once it saves time for everybody!

jojo said...

One pattern with fabric requirements for both. My two cents:)

Anonymous said...

One pattern with both ....I am "advanced" enough but sometimes I just don't want to have to do the thinking!! :) I also want to buy the fabric without calculating at the store....Love the one on point!

China Ali said...

do one pattern because first is art and second is more likely to be used as bedding. So do a pattern with different sizes and fabric requirements. Then average out sale price if you were to make two. it will save time Snr still sell with profit.