I’m excited to announce that three of my hat patterns are now available for just $1.99 a pop at KnitPicks.

I’ve been thinking a lot about what this means for the other places where my patterns are for sale, and have decided to leave the pricing (which is more than $1.99) the same. I realize this means I probably won’t ever sell another of these hat patterns on Ravelry (because I have made it clear in the pattern listings that it is available cheaper elsewhere), but I’ve done this for several reasons.

• I actually get all $1.99 from each pattern sale at KnitPicks. It’s equivalent to what someone would pay me to buy the patterns wholesale, but Knit Picks is passing on the savings to their customer. When I list my items at Etsy and the like, it takes time and effort, plus transaction fees that add up to about a dollar each time. (Hey, that’s a lot when the item is only $4!). Stores that sell my patterns have to put up the space, pay the rent, provide crochet support,etc–  and it just wouldn’t be fair to expect them to sell it for less–but I also wouldn’t want to not be able to sell the patterns in-store.
• It wouldn’t make sense for me to list the items at $1.99 because frankly, it’s not worth my time. (Knit Picks has enough volume that they can do the work for me, but when I’m doing it myself, no thanks!).  Some people might not want to create a whole new account just to buy one pattern, or they might like the feature that Ravelry has, of storing the PDF in your library, so I am leaving the option to buy these patterns on Ravelry and other sites open.
• So, think of the patterns as being “on sale” at Knit Picks. Savvy shoppers, you will get a good deal! And I am totally happy for you to purchase my patterns there if it makes you happy! It works out great for me too.

This is basically an experiment, because Knit Picks has such a large customer base and I do feel that patterns get “lost” on Ravelry becuase there is so much content–and so much free content! As a designer, there are only so many magazines to submit to, and this program lets me design things as I want them and when I have down time, and I don’t have to sign away any of my rights. Plus, they give me an advance which means I can have the patterns professionally edited. Plus, when I get around to designing garments, you’ll even get to see them on models other than myself–hooray.

At first I was apprehensive, but now I am hopeful that this program will help get crocheting into the conversation for so many people who already love working with yarn.

I hope you understand, and am happy to answer any questions you might have. I also reserve the right to change my mind about the pricing thing in the future.

P.S.  Thanks to Kim Guzman, who is doing the same thing and gave me the confidence to give it a go.