Mindy's Stole - Free Range
Just as a question, for those of you who cannot read charts and need the directions written out line by line, would you consider purchasing the written directions separately from the main pattern? What I'm thinking is to write up the line by line directions but to package them separately from the main pattern directions. In other words, if the pattern says to work Chart A 5 times, those that read charts can just flip to the actual chart, while those who cannot read charts would go to the written addendum, find the part of the line by line directions that is Chart A, and work from that. I actually have two reasons I'm considering packaging the line by line directions separately: having two complete versions of the pattern for sale could get confusing and I could easily see myself spending quite a bit of time sorting out people who purchased the "wrong" pattern, secondly because I knit much more accurately from a chart, this is the way I prefer to work the sample for the pattern, thus creating a sample and checking the charts for accuracy in one step. Line by line directions will have to be double and triple checked against the charts to make sure I've written it correctly. This will take more time to do and will delay pattern release. Most knitters do not need the line by line directions, so dividing these from the main pattern seems logical to me. If I do start doing line by line directions, I could go back and add line by line addenda to all my patterns (this will take some time though), and that would make them accessible to everyone, not just those that can read charts. At this point I'm thinking of pricing the line by line addenda (which really need a better name) at around $3 so the total pattern price for chart challenged people would be $9 (Pattern $6 + Line by Line Directions $3 = $9). So I guess what I need to know from all of you out there who can't read charts is what do you think? Does this sound like something you would be interested in? Leave a comment and let me know what you think.
Labels: Lace
posted by Melanie at 8:53 AM
13 Comments:
I *do* read charts, and like the idea of not having to wade through all those written instructions.
Well, I don't read charts and have passed up many really nice lacy things because the patterns weren't written out row by row. Its odd that I can't read a knitting chart but have no problem at all with a crochet chart. I think having both options is a great idea for those of us who seem to have some sort of mental block on reading knitting charts.
Anita
Chart reader here ...
I'm for having the pattern all in one bundle for one price. I don't like punishing (or rewarding depending on how you look at it) one group because of their skill set. You mentioned to Spindlers that the non chart readers didn't have a choice in the matter. I assuming this is because of an eye sight issue? Or something equally out of the knitters control. It seems wrong to punish someone w/ an extra cost because their eyesight warrants it.
With both chart and written word in a pattern, any half savy computer user would be able to print out just the pages they need. And have the pattern they need.
Just my .02 since you asked =P~g
Well, I understand your dilemna. Why not offer the pattern in chart form when ready. And then when the chart with the line by line is ready sell it like that for one price so that there are two choices. One with chart only and one with chart and line by line for a different price - it is not punishing someone but paying for the talent and work involved in supplying the pattern. BTW I am a chart reader!
In my opinion it's not really a punishment, having to pay extra for the written instructions. Those are a lot more work so one should appreciate that. That being said, I myself prefer charts over written instructions all times as written stuff confuses me. We all have are quircks (sp?), right? :D
Looking forward to yet another of your beautifull lace patterns!
I can knit from line by line instructions, but since learning to read charts much prefer charts. I think you should definately charge more for your expertise and time in writing a line by line set of instructions. I know when I try and chart a pattern since I prefer that method it takes me a good amount of time. You are doing all the work,I think you should sell two different sets and let us pick which set we prefer and pay you the appropriate amount for your work. PJ
I am definitely waiting to see Mindy's Stole all blocked out.
I am currently in the process of learning how to read charts and would love to see an "extra" that would allow me to have both the charts as well as the written out directions. From the one shawl that I am working on I have learned that writing out the directions does take work. So, I don't feel that it is a penalty to have to pay extra since you are DOING extra work.
Can't wait to see it blocked! I love charts, myself. :)
Who cares about charts when your sister-in-law will knit you a beautiful stole in exactly the color you want?!!
Seriously, I can't wait to see it blocked and then I can't wait to see it with a pair of black pants!!
Mindy
P.S. Of course I'll wear a blouse, as well....
Melanie, I can't wait to see this, as I really enjoy your patterns. I agree wtih Sherie's comment - seems a good solution to the dilemma. But hey, I learned to read charts working lace! Gorgeous color on that stole, too!
Beautiful pattern, I can't wait to see it all blocked out - and to buy the pattern! I am a chart reader, but if the situation were reversed and you had to put a lot of extra work into making the charts, I'd gladly pay for that. I don't see it as "punishment," but as fairly paying you for your hard work, espertise, and time put into what you do.
I would pay $9 for it and not even flinch because I would be grateful that you even took time to write the pattern at all!
Actually looks pretty nice, I have some technique for this because my mom teach me (so sad xD) but it's nice sometimes.
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