Hi friends!
Every now and then I do a call for new pattern testers
and now is one of those times! I am going to be releasing a new, patriotic pattern soon
and thought it would be a good time to invite some of you to test it for me!
This time I am making the process a little more "official"
with an actual blog post listing all the details about what I'm looking for in a pattern tester,
how the pattern testing process works, as well as, a legit application form.
Ha! Sounds a little crazy to have an application form but last time I posted the call on Instagram
I got tons of messages and this application will help me keep track of and sift through all the information so I can find people that will be a great fit for the Gigi's Thimble pattern testing team!
So here's what I'm looking for in a pattern tester:
First and foremost, I am looking for someone who LOVES to quilt
and loves my traditional (with a fresh twist) style!
I need someone who:
- is up for testing a pattern 3-5 times a year
- can start and finish a quilt quickly (about 2 weeks for the top is ideal)
- can follow written instructions
- pays attention to detail
- doesn't tweak the pattern layout to make it their own
- communicates well and can give feedback
- has a public Instagram account
It also helps to have testers who:
- have an eye for color and pretty fabrics
- great photography skills
- have an Instagram account
that's primarily about quilting
Besides testing the pattern and looking for any errors, confusion, etc.
it is greatly appreciated when a tester can share a few posts on Instagram
to help advertise about the upcoming release of a new pattern! It really helps for
people to see the pattern in another colorway besides mine too.
How the pattern testing process works:
A few times a year (when inspiration strikes) I design a new pattern.
I write the instructions and send them to a professional editor.
While the instructions are being edited I make the original quilt.
When the edits come back from my editor I make the corrections and then
send an email with a picture of the quilt plus a few details to my pattern testers
to find out if they would like to test it for me. There is never any obligation to test a pattern.
If you have the time and like the pattern then you can respond with a big, fat "YES!"
and I will then send you the instructions. If you don't care for the pattern or don't have time,
you can simply tell me "no" and I will completely understand!
You get to pick the size and colors you want to use for your quilt. If you can get the top made
within a couple of weeks that helps a lot so I can make any final edits to the instructions.
In the meantime, I am getting my quilt quilted, bound, photographed and the cover sheet designed. After all of that is finished, I will publish the pattern in paper and PDF forms in my Etsy shop and do some serious marketing on my blog, Instagram feed, etc.
Just a note, if I get 2-3 "no's" from you in a row or the quilt doesn't get completed in a timely manner
I will assume you want to stop pattern testing for me and will stop sending you emails.
With no hard feelings of course!
What's in it for you:
- you'll receive soon-to-be-released PDF quilt patterns for free
(just those you desire to test)
- I will mention you and repost your quilt on my feed and in my stories
(great advertising if you are trying to grow your IG following)
- I will donate a couple of paper copies if you'd like to host a giveaway on your IG feed
- you will gain quilting and pattern testing experience
Here's a little snippet of my upcoming pattern, United.
This particular pattern only comes with instructions for 1 size - 78 1/2" x 87 1/2".
I'm excited to find testers that can show it in some different colorways.
A few of them may vary slightly from mine and hopefully there are a few of you out there that
can put a fun or funky spin on this! I would love to see it in solids or
even a very colorful, non red, white and blue version!
So if you made it through all of that info and would like to be a pattern tester for me
please click HERE to apply. The application just takes a minute to fill out and I will sift through all the applicants in the next 24 hours and choose about 5 -8 people that I think will be a good match for me. We'll start with this pattern, United
and then go from there.
Please let me know if you have any questions!
Thank you!