Monday, March 5, 2012

It looks like there is quite a bit of interested in an Ohhh Lulu Pattern Shop.  I'm still not sure if this is something I want to do, but I do really appreciate the input! If I were to sell kits or patterns, would you like the option of  a PDF or Hard Copy Pattern? I'd love to offer a paper pattern, in an envelope with some cute artwork on it, but I know for myself, I usually just buy the PDF version.

I also am working on a new line of goodies, but am having a debate in my head... Because I am juggling a full time job with Ohhh Lulu, I often find myself running short on time.  Right now I have virtually nothing in my shop and it's really stressing me out, but I'm not sure which way I want to take Ohhh Lulu.  As a customer, would you rather see:

1. A bunch of ready to ship, one or two of a kind sets, each sewn in a variety of sizes.
2. A made to order collection that changes seasonally
3. A Collection of ready made garments sewn in multiple sizes
4. A combination of option 1 & 2

I posted a couple polls on my facebook page this morning, so maybe you've already answered my questions there. Thanks so much for your input!


  1. Hi Sarah! I also would be interested in your patterns (I didn't comment on that previously - I'd love to be a tester if you ever need one, btw!) I usually choose the PDF version when there is a choice but I routinely purchase both. As for your beautiful lingerie..a made to order collection that changes occasionally seems to offer more flexibility (for both you and your customer.) The items I ordered from you arrived so quickly (though I was willing to wait!) and I loved the fact that they were being made just for me. I suppose a combination of a made to order collection and a few different ready-made items would be the best of both worlds. Either way, your work is beautiful!

  2. Personally, I prefer PDF over hardcopy for smaller patterns.

    Large patterns with lots of pieces are a real pain to piece together, though. I'd rather wait by my mailbox than print out sixty pages, spend an entire day with a roll of tape, and then have to go out and buy a new folder because the thickness of printer paper means the new pattern won't fit into a plastic bag in my regular pattern folders.

  3. OMG, I would kill for some of your lingerie patterns.

    PDF makes a lot of sense for you. Lingerie is one of the few items where taping it together wouldn't be a hardship.

  4. Part of the appeal of a pattern I love is the illustrations on the packet. I would buy hard copies.

  5. I'd definitely buy some pattern pdf of yours (pdf would be awesome for something as small as lingerie, plus it's environmentally safer and much quicker to get for international buyers)!

    If you're afraid of selling away some of your original Ohhh Lulu designs, you don't need to : why not sell some basic patterns and let your customers change it their own way? There are a few lovely knickers and camis pdf patterns out there, but I'd so, so love to find a pattern for a simple, unpadded, woven balcony bra or for a functional garter belt. I can't be the only one, so I'm sure there's a market. You should go for it!

    As for your question, a made to order collection that changes seasonally seems more practical for both the seller and the buyer to me...

  6. I know I've said this like twice already, but pdf patterns for sure! (: Taping together peices wouldn't take long and it'd be so simple! Sure, don't sell off your special original designs, but there can be a lot of creativity thrown into a simple pattern, like tap shorts or a bralette. Each seamstress knows how to make it their own!

    As for what you should carry, it depends on your schedule, I think. Made to order may be too difficult if you're busy with work, school, etc. In that case, doing things on your own time and producing things in a couple sizes or one-two of a kind type styles may be the best idea.

    Honestly I like made-to-orders, even if they take longer. That way you can get a design even if a ready made one is sold out. So perhaps make a few things ready to ship, then don't discontinue, just have them available as made to order? I think that made more sense in my head, sorry! It'd be the best of both worlds, though!


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