When I make a new design I always try to test it before I start selling it. At times this can be a bit haphazard in my eagerness to get new work out there, but I think it is very important and my aim is to be more consistent in this. Looking at a piece and trying it on momentarily only can tell you so much. Testing new jewellery designs really just involves me wearing a piece for a week or two. In this time I can learn so much about what is possibly wrong with a piece and hopefully so much about what is right.
Having another person to test pieces would also be a good idea and a different perspective always helps (maybe Flo could volunteer for this?). I am so often surprised how people wear pieces as they are not how I designed them, such as wearing a catch to the side as a feature when I imagined it at the back as merely a functional element.
Currently I'm testing the Knitwit ring. So far I have confirmed the things I'd hoped, such as it is comfortable and keeps it's shape + it's fun to play with. I was also surprised to find that it has six different look (button at top, bottom, to the side, face up etc) because by looking at it I had only imagined one.
I'd be interested to hear what sort of testing others do or don't do. Do you use the ceramic cup, carry the bag around or cuddle that toy?
5 comments:
should you ever need a guinea pig, please...don't hesitate.
If they can survive a week with me, they can do anything.
:)
I made my first few bags for friends and asked for feedback (which cased the straps to be lengthened and the pocket made bigger to fit an iPod compartment).
I'm currently carrying my "I'm a knitaholic" bag round as much as possible to test it before I launch the range next month (gosh I love saying that!) and am also washing the heck out of a test print to see how long it lasts before it looks like crap.
Next step is to throw the whole bag in the machine and see how it looks when it comes out. I'm hoping fine as I prewash all my fabric before I begin a bag.
Well, I love testing your jewellery. You know what happened to my knitting needle braclet, well I fully stress tested that! So, bring it on :D
My ExplorAnauts for the State Library and Education Queenland were tested by being hawled around the botanic gardens by some very enthusiastic childern and then being cuddled with in bed for about a week. It helped discover where the weak points were and I also got feed back on what the kids liked to do with them. I take a lot of care with my toys everything is doubled stitched and reinforced, and pressed at each stage for a tayored finish, you can see it in the quality of the finished item...even though it takes me a lot of time I can't bear to see one of my peices look shabby. I want to know it will last. I know you feel that way about your work too.
xx
I too would love to volunteer as a tester- any time!
My testing methods are much the same. I wear the jewellery as much as possible for as long as possible.
Sometimes I also test it a bit more 'rigorously'. For resin pieces I test them by throwing them against the wall or ground to check their sturdiness. My goal was to find a resin that bounced and was unmarked.
For metal it really just requires wearing 'normally' without the needs for 'throw tests'.
I justify keeping most of the jewellry I produce by telling myself I am "just testing it" it is a terrible trap. That combined with my craft ADD adds up to very little end product in my shop! arggg. I give bags to my sister to use because she is as rough as all hell and so if it survives her it will survive anyone! :-)
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