I think you must have joined the Tarts the month I left. I remember Bobbie saying there was a new woman roughly my age doing some interesting things. Having read your blog for a year now, I am increasingly sorry I missed you.

I still have a book of pin doll patterns the Tarts published, if you’d like a copy. Everyone made one or two original pin dolls, and then Althea and I edited the patterns and drawings so there was some unity across them. I found the books during a recent cleaning snit. I may also have some pages written by Althea about how to make patterns, which I’d be happy to send along.

Making patterns isn’t hard - you do it already for yourself. It is formalizing it for use by others. It helps a lot to have other people read, proof and test the pattern for you. Find a pattern you like, and see what is included in it. Some people like to make big book statements with their patterns, and they are each a course in something, others like to produce a little flyer with slotA and tabB level instructions. Part is up to you how much detail youthink to want to write. people who pick up patterns are more knowledgeable now than 5 years ago, I think. certainly more people are making things and talking about it, and more people have access to someone who will know how to interpret what you say.

Good on ya, as they say, and good luck

Lee

You’ve set yourself quite a list to accomplish in the year ahead. Goals are good, I guess. Yet, you are a prolific artist with a great personal style. Links and comments and making patterns are the stuff of deflated balloons; whereas making dolls and ATCs are the stuff of inner contentment. What is really important?

I adore the robot ornament! I am just in love with all your robots!

I find pattern making overwhelming too. I think it’s difficult to separate yourself from how one normally does things and break it down into steps that someone else could follow.