New Margo Anderson Italian gown patterns (news)

[gem]

For those who don't follow the MA Yahoo group or her blog, she just posted news about her new Italian gown patterns (squee!). She's asked to spread the word, so I hope it's OK if I just repost this verbatim!

Basically, the short version is this: There will be an Italian gown pattern (Venetian and Florentine) and an underpinnings pattern. She's doing pre-sales through Kickstarter in order to raise the funds to print the patterns. This should be a faster method than regular pre-sales (patterns should be ready in April). See the message for details!

I have news about the Italian patterns. I regret to say that they aren't going to be ready in January, as I previously hoped. Due to some financial setbacks, we just don't have the capital to print and package them at present.

so I need to raise some money.

In the past, I've funded new releases by doing pre-sales. The drawback to pre sales it that sometimes it takes a long time to get enough of them, and people who've ordered get frustrated, as do I. So this time, I'm trying something different. I'm doing a Kickstarter project.

Kickstarter is a funding platform for creative projects. Creators like me present their projects, with a specific financial goal, and people like you back them by pledging funds. If I don't raise the entire amount I ask for, I get nothing, and you don't get charged. for more information, go to http://www.kickstarter.com/help/faq/kickstarter%20basics?ref=nav

If I do make the goal, you get "rewards" of different types for different levels. I'll have a range of goodies at all levels, but the most popular reward level will undoubtedly be for the patterns themselves, at the same price for which they'll retail.

I've decided that this Kickstarter will cover the first two Italian patterns: The late 16th century Italian Lady's Underpinnings, and the late 16th century lady's Dresses and Gown, which will include a Venetian dress with two styles of ladder laced bodice, a Florentine "Eleanora de Toledo" dress, and a doublet-style bodice with attached skirt, forming a gown. If we receive more than our asked for amount, we'll put those funds toward a loose gown or coat, as well as other pieces.

After careful review, we've determined that we need $7500.

I know, that's a LOT of money. But that's what it takes to produce the best patterns in the world. It covers printing
the tissue sheets, the paper and other supplies for the manuals, the cost of shipping the Rewards, and the 10% in fees to Kickstarter and Amazon. I'm not asking you to support me while I work on the patterns: they're nearly done. I just need help turning them into tangible products for you.

And I know we can do it, because we've done it before. Way back in 2001, I had a pre sale for the Elizabethan Lady's Ensemble, and you came through. In two short weeks, we made over $10,000, and it made Historic Costume Patterns possible, which, in turn, raised the bar for Elizabethan costuming all over the world.

I know times are hard, and money is tight, but I'm asking you to come through once again. We'll launch the campaign in late February, and it'll run for 30 days. If the campaign is successful, a week or so later I'll have the money, and we'll send the underpinnings to the printers and get back to work on the Dresses. The Underpinnings should ship to you in late April, and the Dresses and Gown a month or two later.

If we don't make the goal, we don't have the money to print the patterns, and it will take a long long time for us to save enough to do so, time that I would much rather use to create new patterns. It's a vicious circle: sales have been light because I don't have new products, but I can't get new products without sales to pay for them. I can't think of anything more frustrating than having these beautiful patterns ready to go, and not being able to get them printed. Please don't let that happen!

What can you do now to help? Mark the campaign launch date (tentatively, February 21) on your calendar, and in your budget. E-file your taxes now so you can use your refund money for your pledge. Tell everyone you know. Keep watch here for further news.

Help us help you to make beautiful things!

In hope and gratitude,

Margo

[Cilean]

 



Hey Gem,

I will be chatting with Margo this weekend I hope to get information on the Kick Starter issue and when we can join this! I personally am very excited to be part of the whole thing! 

I should have some more news for you all Saturday Night!

Cilean

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

The Venitian Gown I did for Lady Kett last year was mostly hand drawn as far as the pattern for the Bodice, Sleeves, and Partlet was concerned. A Corset Generator was used for the bodice. The skirt is 3-54"  panels with a small slit where it Vs in the front. The inside of the Bodice has Ladder lacing. The Chemise(Camicia) was based on Jen THompson's pattern idea.





But Italian patterns from Margo would make a fine addition to her line. As much as some do not care for Reconstructing History patterns, they carry some Italian/Venitian patterns as well.

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

The inside of the  Venetian Bodice showing the Ladder lacing. All hand sewn.

[Kate XXXXXX]

That looks great.

I shall look forward with interest to the Venetian pattern.

[Cilean]

Okay just got back from our GBACG Open House! Had the chance to chat with Margo, who is hoping to get the information for the Kickstarter Project as soon as next week! So excited, this is really for pre-sales and as soon as she makes it known, either Gem or myself can send information to you all!



Cilean

[NicoleBridget]

I'm definitely going to do what I can to help support this new project and keep my fingers crossed that it comes to fruition.  Thanks Gem for sharing the info, I don't usually log into the Yahoo group so I would've been out of the loop.

[gem]

She posted a list of the kickstarter contributions/"rewards" this week. There are some interesting things in there (like favors, or the chance to have your face drawn on the model/cover), but what I *didn't* see was just the patterns, for the list price--which is what she indicated in the above message. Did I miss it? There are things like "underpinnings pattern + favor + personal instruction from Margo," but I personally don't want/need those extras. I would be TOTALLY on board for just pre-ordering the two patterns--but as of right now it doesn't look like that's an option.   

[Cilean]

I am trying to talk my Hubby into allowing us to contribute $500 for the cause, being a woman of color it would be fun to have my image on the cover of the Italian Set of Patterns!! LOL

If not I will send in $100 so we can get them done!

Cilean

[DonaCatalina]

I would like the Italian / Venetian patterns. Is there a link for the kick starter program?

[gem]

Dona C, it looks like it will go live next month. As soon as I see the link, I'll post it here!

[gem]

Margo Anderson's Kickstarter pre-order program has launched.
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/margospatterns/margo-andersons-italian-renaissance-ladys-patterns

Price for pre-order of the two patterns (and a couple other small tokens) is $80.



The sneak peek is awfully tempting! But I'm not sure $80 is in my pattern budget (or a Venetian gown in my plans!) ATM, alas. (Visions of Chronic German Gowns are still teasing at me, and I haven't used a single one of the other Margo patterns--and I have them all.)

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

This pattern set is bound to be a  big seller.

Way to go, Margo!

[gem]

Well, after just a few hours, all the necessary funding has been raised! Huzzah--that's great news even if you're not in the market for the patterns right now.

The Italian Underpinnings pattern will ship in late April.

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

Margo's Partlet pattern looks simliar  to  the one I drew out last year on a  paper bag. It was not hard really. but I am glad that Margo now has an actual pattern for one.

THe Pattern folded.