I love to give bag makers or those who are thinking of trying to make their own bags a chance to pattern test and have their photos and themselves showcased. Most of all I love to see the many different fabric choices made to make my bags.
If you think you would be interested in testing patterns I would love to have you!
You will always have the opportunity to see photos of the pattern to be tested along with a list of materials needed before you decide if it is a pattern you are interested in testing.
What I ask of my Pattern Testers:
I will send my pattern testers copies of the pattern in both the pdf format and word format so that they can make notes on the pattern in whichever way is most comfortable to them. Some prefer to write directly on the pattern and scan their notes to send back to me or some prefer to make notes directly on the word document.
On occasion I will ask specific questions but for the most part I like to let the tester ask me questions or make notes to where they feel changes should be made or more direction needed to complete difficult parts.
I only ask for at least one nice photo of the finished project that I may include in a blog post and on facebook; and of course feedback and written edits on the pattern pieces and instructions.
It is important to note that patterns are in their rough draft stage at the first round of testing. What I need from testers is honest feedback about the pattern to help get it to its final stage. You do not need to have a blog or web presence to be a tester. If you do and wish to blog about your experience once the pattern is released I welcome it.
FAQ's
Here are a few FAQ’s that may answer most of your questions; if you have any questions or concerns that are not addressed here please do not hesitate to contact me.
What if I have never made a bag before?
Great! I am looking for pattern testers of all skill levels. You never know you may fall in love with something you never thought to try. It may be much easier than you think to create your very own one of a kind bags.
What do I need to do?
If you have let me know you are interested in being a pattern tester, I will let you know when a pattern is ready for testing with a description, photo, and material list. Once you review the information and you would like to test just let me know, if I receive your response before the testing group is full I will email you with the pattern.
Once you have reviewed and made the pattern, within the required deadline date, you will email me back with any questions and comments you can think of that will help with finalizing the pattern for release. This can include, but not limited to: typos, missing information, steps that are hard to understand, areas where you had trouble with when completing the project.
What if I find a mistake?
If you happen to come across something that is not clear, or that seems incorrect please make a note of it and let me know as soon as possible. This way I can make the changes if necessary and pass it along to other testers. If you get stuck try to work through the directions as best as you can to try and figure it out on your own, if you cannot please let me know so I can work on a better way to explain it or illustrate it in the pattern. Spelling or grammar errors are important to point out as well, if you find these please make a note. I simply ask that you be kind, honest and please provide me with constructive criticism.
Important note to be a successful pattern tester, you need to be a good communicator. Things come up and sometimes life just won’t allow you to make a deadline. Please let me know if something comes up
Do I get paid to be a pattern tester?
No, but you do get a great free pattern and once the pattern is ready for release you will receive the final pattern as a thank you. You are welcome to sell bags you make from my patterns and if you are a bag maker who sells their wares I will write up a post for my blog and facebook featuring you and your business. I will also have giveaways, free future patterns, and such from time to time to show you my appreciation.
Rachel/RLRCreations
