Buy a designer a cup of coffee

So, I started this conversation yesterday and I can’t stop thinking about it. A big ol’ can of worms has been opened. See my previous post for details.

I first want to thank everyone for your amazingly kind comments and thoughtful additions to this topic. It’s not one that will be solved here or in the near future, but talking about it can bring new ideas, open some eyes and show creators that they are truly appreciated.

I asked the question today “why does one skein of yarn I dyed have more value than a pattern that took me sooo much longer to create?” It started me down another path.

When you purchase a pattern, you pay for it once. You can let it sit there forever. You can make the item once, or you can make it multiple times because you love it SO MUCH that you want to keep making it and gift it to all of your loved ones. My Mitra Hat is a prime example. It is my best selling pattern by far. And I know that many knitters have knit more than one.

Here is where I think there is a disconnect. If I create an amazing design that you want to knit over and over again, I’ve almost punished myself because while you are knitting that design multiple times, you don’t have time to purchase another pattern from me and make something new. I know there are a ton of amazing designs out there right now that everyone is knitting and I know several knitters that are making multiple sweaters of the same design. They bought the pattern once but will be buying more yarn for each new sweater.

When I created my Lowell sweater, I knit it four times in four different fabrics. If I had purchased the pattern for $12, the pattern cost for the first one was the full $12. But by the time I knit the fifth one that is on my needles right now, the cost for the pattern per sweater works out to be $2.40. You see where I’m going with this. Designers aren’t paid royalties.

I don’t know what the answer is, but I do have an idea. What if, when you make a second or third sweater (or scarf, etc) from the same pattern, you buy the designer a cup of coffee as a way to thank them for creating such an amazing design that you want to make again and again? You could buy that cup of coffee through their Ko-Fi account if they have one set up, or a similar platform, or even purchase another pattern.

I would love to know your thoughts and keep this conversation going. My Instagram account is a good place to connect and have the conversation with others.

Thank you for taking the time to consider this topic. I greatly appreciate it.

Happy knitting!

Shellie