Pattern Book???

[Messman]

I am looking at putting together a book of patterns and I am looking for ideas suggestions and the like from you all. A couple of questions I have is what do you like about the pattern books that are out there now? What do you dislike about them? What would you like to see in a pattern book? and anything else you would like to let me know.

[scrollpup]

The early bird gets the worm (or in this case the night owl )!First off let me say I really admire all of you pattern makers on here.That said, I think your patterns are GREAT Chris (very few that don't grab my attention) O.K. enough @$$ kissing

I like a section showing pics of some of the finished patterns (seems to say it can be done and what the patterns will look like on wood).

I like the introduction as to what type blades the author suggests for the patterns (helps out newbies such as myself).

My biggest dislike is that its hard to align the book and close the scanner top over the book without moving it.Maybe I don't have the right technique or something.

It would probably make the price sky rocket, but what about perforated edges on the patterns, with a pocket on one of the inside covers for storage?You could remove the pattern for copying,then store it in the pocket for safe keeping?

Put me down for one Chris when you publish

Jerry C

[Steviegwood]

Hi Chris, something that I have found is that a lot of people do not have their own copiers but do have a printer. Most patterns can be printed on standard paper through a printer even if you have to print a few pages and tape them together. That said I think that most of us would pay a couple of extra $ to have the patterns included on a cd/dvd along with the pattern book. That way everyone has a backup hard copy. Just a few thoughts. Steve

[pat c]

I like patterns that have a good solid line and the waste area lightly shaded. A down loadable pattern book would eliminate the problem of trying to fold back the binding when trying to make copies. Pat

[miniwoodworker]

Chris, here's my feedback, FWIW.

Like Jerry, I can't get good copies from a regular bound book. My first suggestion is to include a CD with the book. I'd pay a reasonable premium to get one.

Include near or in the pattern itself author/source info. I have a bunch of patterns in my stash and don't have any idea, now, who to credit for the work. Keep the info small, but put it there.

Don't use masses of black as fill in the pattern. A light grey shading and a black cut line is OK, in fact, sometimes it's helpful to have the shading. If you do decide to include a CD, red cut lines would be great. For the paper patterns bound in the book, it wouldn't matter because I doubt most folks have access to a color copier or would pay the preminum to copy in color.

Include with each pattern, recommended wood thickness, blade size, bit number for holes, percentage to enlarge (if needed). If a clock pattern, include an X in the center of the clock cut out along with the forsener (sp) bit size. All this info along with designer info can be in a tiny box in 6-8 pt type, so it doesn't take a lot of space.

Although it isn't necessary, I'd love to read about the inspiration or story of the design. To help illustrate this --I collect bookbooks. When I pick up a new one at the bookstore, if it's simply a collection of recipes, I put it back on the shelf. OTOH, if there's a little background, personal history, story, etc. I'm far more apt to buy the book. Bet I have 2 dozen recipes for greenbean casserole. So, I'm not really looking for another one. Yet, if the author talks about his/her recipe, I'm much more likely to want to listen. (Hope that makes sense.)

Like Jerry, I like to see pictures of the finished project. And, especially if alternatives in materials, finishes, etc. are also shown. These photo's don't have to be large. I know color photo's are expensive to reproduce in print, so even thumbnail size photo's would be helpful. (Another reason for including a CD!)

In closing, my dream pattern book would be one with practical applications of scroll work that's not "country kitchen" oriented. I have dozens of patterns with hearts and cows. When I use the term "practical" I talking about things like switch plate covers, drawer pull medalions, appliques for cabinet doors, usable kitchen utensils, hand mirrors, and such.

While I realize that patterns can be adapted for "practical" purposes, it's often too difficult to modify a PAPER pattern so that it fits the application. (Don't have a scanner, yet. Nor, software & skills to use it.)

Sorry for writing a book about a book, but I hope some of these thoughts are helpful. Good luck with your book. Do keep us updated on your progress.

Edit: LOL, I see other folks beat me to one of my ideas while I was typing this book of mine.

[JohnB]

G'day Chris,
Well, mate, I just gotta say, that any of your patterns would be Ok with me.
Once again, and I'm beating an old drum here, but a smattering of Aussie patterns would be great. And perhaps some specialist ones eg building trades, Office workers etc. Just a few ideas, Oh, I'm assuming the book will be Fretwork ????

[CanadianScroller]

I like the comb binding on pattern books so they can easily fold flat when being copied.
I love the fineline series of patterns.
I agree that patterns on CD or DVD are easy for the average computer user but they do make it much easier for people to infringe on copyrights, It takes the same amount of time to copy an entire cd as it does to run off a couple of photocopies of one pattern.
I like to see coloured pictures of some of the finished projects but it doesnt need to have them all.
I like to see ideas where people can expand upon the patterns.
I like pattern books that cover several styles of scrolling. I know some people like fretwork, some intarsia, some compound cutting, I like to see them all, just in case I decide to stray from my the scrolling style that is familiar to me.

[will8989]

Identify on your pattern where it came from. There's nothing more frustrating than having used your last copy of a pattern, wanting more and forget where you got it. SSW does this quite nicely with Issue# & designer. Haveyou seen Sue Mey's site? I love the idea of paying for one or two patterns and having them printed in a few minutes. I also like the idea of having a book to look through. No excess background or coloring. Black lines on white with no shading is fine. This uses ink that we all know is very expensive. Don't have the pattern right up to the binding where it won't lay flat to copy. To save space, if you are going to provide directions, just provide a set of directions in the front of the book. Each pattern doesn't need the same direction, sand, tape, drill, etc. This saves space & can get more patterns in the book. CDs are nice but I have no idea how ou could protect it from copyright infringement by people copying. And don't forget CHRISTMAS items!!!
For those of you who don't have a copier/scanner or whatever they are called, they are well worth the investment. Mine cost $109 with a $40 rebate. I just hit copy, adjust size if it want to make it larger or smaller, and print. I do make most of my copies at Office Depot, I always get free $5 print coupons in the mail and use their ink instead of mine, but the convenience of having one at home can't be beat.
Betty

[Messman]

I thank you all for the ideas you have presented so far. Many of these ideas I will be using for this book if I move forward with the project. I will be looking at doing mostly fretwork for the book, since I have not designed much outside of fretwork. I do like the CD option but I don't think that will happen this time around although there might be a way where I can offer the e-book free with the purchase of the "hard copy" of the book, something I will have to look into. Keep those ideas coming please.

[justjimmyb]

3-D/stand up puzzles......and lots of em!