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.
I love both of these, but my 2 year old daughter is very into coloring, so having a mini crayon folio to keep in the diaper bag instead of her crayon roll and a coloring book would be fantastic!
Posted by: Heather | June 24, 2011 at 11:51 PM
The new photos look awesome! Always nice to spruce things up from time to time. I'm going to have to get my hands on that mini crayon folio-too cute.
Posted by: Vanessa | June 24, 2011 at 10:28 PM
My son would love the crayon portfolio!
Posted by: Jennifer L | June 24, 2011 at 09:59 PM
I LOVE THE MINI crAyon folio- its so cute. I've just starting making quilts and finished up my 3rd quilt top. I only 1.5 quilt backs made- need to fix that. i also made some zip pouches for teacher gifts and turned leftover quilt squares into mug rugs.
Posted by: darci | June 24, 2011 at 09:55 PM
I'd have to go with the "on the go" organizer. perfect for my everyday bag...such a nice design. I'm currently working on a summer blouse, and knitting up a flower shaped chenille washcloth as a gift. Lots of little girl dresses and a couple of skirts for me waiting to be next in line...I splurged on fabric last weekend!
Posted by: Katie | June 24, 2011 at 09:24 PM
I make Christmas gifts every year for my nieces and nephews. This is perfect!!! Thank you.
Posted by: Shannon | June 24, 2011 at 09:22 PM
I just the love the Crayon Folio! So cute and would be perfect for some birthdays coming up! I have just picked up my paper piecing again...I am working on a Grandmother's Flower Garden quilt all by hand!
Posted by: Ashley | June 24, 2011 at 09:01 PM
Both so adorable! But I really love the crayon folio and know my boys would too. I've just recently gotten in to sewing and my latest project is little baby quilt. Thanks for a great giveaway opportunity!
Posted by: Melissa | June 24, 2011 at 08:46 PM
eeeks!! I would so love that mini art crayon folio!! I would love to make it for my granddaughter. She is 18 months old and loves to color already. I been tempting to make one for her but for now we just stick the crayons and paper in grandmas purse :)
I'm sewing about everything right now from keychains/wallets to little clothes for my granddaughter..
Posted by: suzee | June 24, 2011 at 08:46 PM
I love them both! I'd probably take On the Go if pressed though. :)
Posted by: Skooks | June 24, 2011 at 08:09 PM
What I haven't been sewing lately are things that fit! Gah! One slipper into day's work and I realized I better stop right there -- way too small. Sigh.... Hey, that crayon folio is one size fits all, right?
Posted by: christina | June 24, 2011 at 07:49 PM
I would love to win the On The Go Organizer pattern! It would be great for gift giving. The new pictures are so bright and cheery, well worth the extra $2. The sewing project I'm dying to get around to is my Hope Valley quilt! Hopefully I can get started on it after the weekend. Thanks for the giveaway!
Posted by: Pink Stitches | June 24, 2011 at 06:53 PM
I would love to win a copy of the on the go organizer. I've used your art caddy pattern and made several as gifts - all well received.
Posted by: Anita | June 24, 2011 at 06:48 PM
That Art Crayon Folio is super cute and would be perfect for my girls and their little hands. Ive actually been in a sewing slump lately :( so maybe something cute and fun like this would get me back on track?! Love your site..you have such cute stuff!!
Posted by: Katice | June 24, 2011 at 05:30 PM
although I wish I still had time to color,I would probably want the on the go organizer.
Posted by: sharon | June 24, 2011 at 04:41 PM
I would love the on the go organizer because I could make gifts for my son's friends. He is going into fourth grade and colored pencils are way cooler than crayons now! I am working on a sleeping bag and quilt for my daughters doll. Love your blog!
Posted by: Jill | June 24, 2011 at 03:33 PM
I would definitely want the crayon art folio, especially since it has the mini version, too. I'd like to sell these at craft fairs... :) I've been sewing all sorts of things - but I'm currently working on a blanket for a friend's daughter who will (hopefully) be receiving a liver transplant soon.
Posted by: Practicalpeaces | June 24, 2011 at 03:13 PM
I got so excited about the giveaway I forgot to tell you what I've been sewing... I recently made a pillowcase for my daughter and I've been working on a baby blanket for about 3 months. Now that the baby is here I better finish it!
Posted by: Mariel | June 24, 2011 at 01:54 PM
Oooooh They are both so cute!!! It's hard to choose, but since my kids have birthdays coming up soon I'd go for the crayon folio. I keep saying I want to make the party favors myself and I think the mini folio would be awesome! Love your patterns!!!
Posted by: Mariel | June 24, 2011 at 01:48 PM
I'm working on the Grocery tote from the One-Yard Wonders book and getting ready to sew my first pillowcase dress for my niece's birthday party on Sunday (better get busy!!)
I would honestly love either pattern but if forced to choose would say the On-the-Go organizer.
Thanks for the giveaway!
Posted by: Crystal F | June 24, 2011 at 01:47 PM
They look awesome!!! You know I love all of your patterns!!! :)
Posted by: amy dunn | June 24, 2011 at 01:47 PM
What a fun design! I love the mini crayon art folio. I've been working on some lovely purses and just finished a dozen pillowcases for Joplin collected at our local quilt shop. Keep up the great patterns.
Posted by: Linda Volkman | June 24, 2011 at 01:45 PM
What beautiful designs! 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: Lise | June 24, 2011 at 01:23 PM