I am probably going to offend people with this post, but I just feel like I need to say this.

I have a huge problem with people asking me to draft patterns for them. Yeah, sometimes I do it to be nice, but here's the thing: it takes a fair amount of effort, and why should I do it if you're not going to pay me or do anything for me?

I draft patterns for my own use, and then I generously post them online for free use--as a gift to the public. But, I am not a magical pattern fairy. I'm glad that people find my patterns useful, but honestly, I don't do it for people. And I don't see why I should do what everyone else wants me to do if I'm not getting paid for it. And I don't see why I should be taken advantage of because people are too cheap to buy a pattern or too lazy to google for tutorials. I feel that people are acting entitled, assuming that I'll do anything for them because they ask nicely. Well, that's not the case. I'm actually not a very nice person.

Do you go around asking every artist you like for free commissions? How well does that get received? It's a comparable situation.

One of the reasons I post the patterns is with the hope that people can look at them and learn how to make their own. Apparently, it's too much to ask that people can think for themselves! It's so simple! It's simple geometrical shapes and a bit of basic math to get it to fit you. There's no fancy curves or darts or anything that's hard to draw.

I'm sorry if I'm being mean. Most of you guys who follow me are quite excellent, intelligent people, and I feel honored that you've found my patterns to be useful and enjoyable. (And I do love to see what you've made!) I never expected to get as much attention as I have with these patterns, as they got a rather horrid reception when I first started showing them to people on another website (a long time ago).

So anyway, I guess my point is, if you need a pattern for something, for heaven's sake at least try to find one elsewhere before asking me to do work for you. I'm sorry if you don't want to pay for a pattern, but that's life. I've had PLENTY of people tell me I should sell my patterns, and I'm sure I could get money from them, but nevertheless, I have generously continued to offer them for free. Don't be selfish and demand more.