Sorry for all the posts about my pattern fix ups. But it's on my agenda this summer to go through and make things better instead of just rushing onto the next new project in my head. For the past couple of years I have been so excited to make my new patterns that I just rush ahead, but now that I have more experience with writing patterns, I see how I need to go back and make the old ones better. The instructions are fine, it's just that my graphics and pictures really needed an update.
I am surprised by how much I like doing these face lifts. I actually completed the new version of my Crayon Art Folio about 6 weeks ago!! The reason for the hold up was my internal debate over people selling the made art folios and how I should handle that. I'll tell more about that after some pictures of the new pattern cover pages!
First the On the Go Organizer...
I really do love this pattern. I give these away as gifts all the time and they sell nicely at the Handmade Arcade. The pattern itself was written fine, but my pictures were dark and I wanted to change the outside piecing to be vertical instead of horizontal. I also included instructions to make the old horizontal version and a colored pencil holder version that I made a few months ago. I know people will like the brighter pictures and enjoy the additional options.
The Crayon Art Folio was a bigger undertaking since I actually re- wrote the entire pattern. It is my most popular pattern- the Lola Owl being a very close second! It was only my second pattern written and for some silly reason I decided to use graphics instead of photos. Again, the instructions were fine- lots of people have made it successfully, but I wanted to add pictures to the pattern and a pattern piece that people could print out. This meant that much of what I had written for the pattern originally couldn't be used. I also added 5 extra pages (with pictures!) with instructions to make the mini art folio- people have been asking and now it's finally available as an addition to the main folio pattern!
I also added 5 extra pages (with pictures!) with instructions to make the mini art folio- people have been asking and now it's finally available!
Aren't they cute? The deal with selling is going to be that I would like to have sellers email me with their intentions- like selling at a craft show, on etsy, face book, etc. I will keep their name and shop on file so that I can set up a part of my website that will say where buyers can purchase Gingercake items made. Also, I gave specific wording about giving me credit for the pattern so there won't be any more confusion. I originally thought I would sell a license separately in my shop, but I don't want to spend my time policing people and emailing them messages about buying a license, etc. That would be a stinker, no?
Feeling like you want the new version but you already bought the old version? Email me some kind of proof of your previous transaction and I will send you a coupon code to get the new version for about $2 (75% off!) in the shop. These new versions are going to be $8 instead of $6 since they have all the extra so you will be getting your money's worth!
Here is a picture of the On the Go Organizer opened...
This wouldn't be complete without a giveaway! I'll choose 3 commenters to win the new version of either the Crayon Folio or the On the Go Organizer. Tell me which you would like in the comments and also, just for some fun, also tell me what you have been sewing lately-or wishing you could sew lately. I'll choose the winner on Monday, June 27th. Hope you all are enjoying your summer (or winter for my Australian readers)! Giveaway is now closed! Thank you.
Hello! I just wanted to state the fact that you definitely managed to build a magnificent blog. And I got a question for you. Do you consider the option to write in a professional way or having a blog is basically just a hobby of yours?
Posted by: AllAbsorbingCharm | December 19, 2012 at 03:38 AM
I love the on the go organizer! That will be my next sewing project if I do not win!
Posted by: Ruth | July 1, 2012 at 03:44 PM
Hi, I've just made your Mini Crayon Folio for my 2 year old and we both think it's absolutely fabulous! Will be making the big one next! Thanks for such clear and easy to follow instructions. I blogged about it here http://littleflowerbaby.wordpress.com - hope that's ok!
Now off to buy some of your other patterns :-)
Posted by: Nikki | February 15, 2012 at 06:38 PM
I would love to win the 'on the go organiser'. It looks so practical and stylish. I have been making few pants fort son and his friends at kindy so they can all wear the same pants to kindy. It is so cute and they get so excited about planning the next 'same pants' days :)
evass at hotmail dot com
Posted by: Eva | July 13, 2011 at 06:08 AM
My kiddos would love it if I made them the crayon art folio. Recently I've been doing alot of applique shirts for birthdays...lots of june birthdays I guess :)
Posted by: Erin | July 6, 2011 at 07:52 PM
i have some special fabric i have been hoarding - but i think this would be the project to use it. lovely
Posted by: charlotte | July 6, 2011 at 10:46 AM
I'd love a chance to win the On the Go Organizer (either, really, but I'm feeling selfish today). :-) I've been desperately seeking time to sew some pillows my mom's requested, but just can't squeeze it in right now. Sigh. Thanks for the chance to win!
Posted by: cheap customized jerseys | July 1, 2011 at 05:08 AM
Love it, thanks for your updates
Posted by: Jenny | June 28, 2011 at 08:27 PM
I love them both - but the on the go would be great. Love the designs. I have been sewing w/ the college daughter this summer - clothes and we each have finished a quilt top! thanks!
Posted by: Lee | June 27, 2011 at 08:02 AM
WOW! This is really impressive... I would love to get a chance to win this :) I'm new to this blogging world and I'm finding all kind of interesting sites and this one surely is one. I love crafts and would love to take it up a notch. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Renee | June 26, 2011 at 10:39 PM
Oh you are a clever lady, I am so impressed that you have revised the patterns, you must be so motivated - well done. Lately I have been making yo yo hairclips which is possibly the only thing I make without the machine - it's quite therapeutic. I would love the Crayon Art folio if only just for the bonus mini one - it is so super cute. Thanks for the chance to win.
Posted by: Mary | June 26, 2011 at 05:25 PM
I would just love to own the 'on the go' organiser. I just soooo need organising! I have been so busy knitting at the moment but would love to find the time to get my sewing machine out. I keep buying such beautiful material and it is crying out to ge made into something - I just need yout organiser to make the time! If I don't win one I will definitely have to make one. They look just fab.
Posted by: Rowena | June 26, 2011 at 03:31 PM
I got your art folio pattern in December but I haven't tried it yet. Soon, I hope. I would love to have the mini crayon art folio pattern. A very portable size!!
Posted by: Karin | June 26, 2011 at 03:10 PM
My artists in residence would love these!
Posted by: Maureen | June 26, 2011 at 05:37 AM
The crayon folio would be a fab prezzy for my niece, whenever they visit she dives straight into my art supplies :) Like a typical crafter I've got lots of projects on the go at the moment but my main ones to finish this next month are rockin' up some refashioned jeans for my baby, stitching up a calico tote bag printed up with some vintage Manchester fabric bolt stamps & a floaty summer dress for myself. Phew! I admire you for all your crafting & managing to keep your blog up to date lol!x
Posted by: Annie Mc | June 26, 2011 at 04:36 AM
I love them both - really. But I'd have to say the crayon art folio, becasue this summer is all about The Girl for me, and she would love this. Thank you for the opportunity !
Secondly, I have been sewing .....my Christmas table runner. I know, I know, Christmas in July has become a bit trendy - but it wasn't supposed to be like that !! I pieced the top just after last Christmas, and then got whammied by a relapse of ME before I could quilt it. Bah. However, I plan to try to do an hour of sewing a day over the long summer break. I have too many plans not to !!
Posted by: Margaret C | June 26, 2011 at 04:09 AM
so cute, would love to try the crayon folio (I've never done anything like that!). I'm just trying to find time to hem some slacks and some cafe curtains...boring, I know...counting down 'til Halloween, the only time of year that I "have to" sew something fun! :o) Becky
Posted by: fancyrock | June 26, 2011 at 01:18 AM
Most recently sewed? Two of your crayon art folios for birthday gifts for our neighborhood twins. My girls loved choosing the fabric and putting all the crayons and stickers in the right slots.
Posted by: Terrill | June 25, 2011 at 11:40 PM
I'm so glad I found your blog a few months ago. I really enjoy checking often to see if you have new posts. I really love your On the Go Organizer and would love to win the pattern. I've just completed some pool cover-ups for my boys made from towels and the great instructions over at Sew, Mama, Sew. I just posted pics on my blog tonight -- please feel free to visit and see what I've been up to.
Posted by: Julie B | June 25, 2011 at 09:57 PM
Sorry for all the posts about my pattern fix ups. But it's on my agenda this summer to go through and make things better instead of just rushing onto the next new project in my head. For the past couple of years I have been so excited to make my new patterns that I just rush ahead, but now that I have more experience with writing patterns, I see how I need to go back and make the old ones better. The instructions are fine, it's just that my graphics and pictures really needed an update. I am surprised by...
Posted by: order zovirax | June 25, 2011 at 05:16 PM
Wow! Just came across your site, and I'm loving it! These folios are so creative, and I would love either one. I've always enjoyed art, and have a special place in my heart for coloring with crayons.
Right now, I'm working on a pieced pillow case for a travel-size pillow. I'm using scraps of pink and light blue, as well as a light green floral. I cut out a cute bird silhouette to use as an applique - looking good so far!
Thanks for the giveaway offer :o)
Posted by: Linnea | June 25, 2011 at 04:31 PM
Your stuff is so cute. I am actually thinking about making your gnomes. I bought the wooden beads for their heads and now I am deciding on what fabric to use. I think I am going to use a Moda that is blue with little white stars on it.
Posted by: Scrummy | June 25, 2011 at 03:51 PM
Wow. You have definitely done a fantastic job with the pictures. Awesome! I just love the Crayon Folio and would love to win one to make for my Granddaughter. She just loves coloring when she comes to see me. I always have new color books when she comes and we have lots of fun. It would be wonderful to suprise her with one of those.
Posted by: VickiT | June 25, 2011 at 03:22 PM
I haven't been able to sew lately because I've been crocheting hats for photographers but I'm SOOOO ready to get back to my sewing machine! I would love the mini crayon folio for my kids to take on vacation with us in Sept. We'll have ALOT of car time!
Posted by: Laurie Wilson | June 25, 2011 at 11:01 AM
decisions, decisions! After much debate I think I would go with the crayon folio. I'm glad you decided against the extra licensing fee. Though I have not made anything of yours to sell, it's nice to stay consistent with the patterns that you buy at the stores, which you can make things to sell with :)
-Stefanie
2ndChanceCreations.etsy.com
Posted by: Stefanie Gott-Dinsmore | June 25, 2011 at 12:37 AM