When do you buy?

Dear users, dear authors,
when do you absolutely have to have / buy / download a pattern?
Tell me about it. :-)

First and foremost, the product clearly has to appeal to me. It has to spark a joyful feeling in me, that “I absolutely have to have this” feeling.

Then I check whether the designer has a free pattern so I can get an impression of whether I like the style of the pattern.

If they don’t, I look at the reviews to see how others got on with this or other products by the designer. 

If I already know the patterns by that designer, then it goes straight into the cart, just like that. 😁

I do it pretty much the same way as Diana. A certain “cuteness factor” also plays a small role in my decision to buy.
But with so many cute characters out there, it’s really hard to decide.

I always get the newsletter, and then I like to browse around here. Of course, it has to catch my eye right away, and then I check the reviews to see if the patterns are easy to follow, etc. And if I already know the designer, I’ll add it to my wish list or straight to my cart.

Every now and then, new products come out, and I just fall head over heels in love with them and buy them right away. :-)

Otherwise, I look for things I’d like for myself, or see what someone else has asked for, or what I can use as a gift.
Sometimes a friend who doesn’t own a computer (yes, they still exist...) comes over, picks something out, gets the yarn, and I make it for her.

I’ve also downloaded a lot of patterns, and I’m still waiting to find the right project for them.

It’s great when the product photos include a close-up of the pattern. I’ve bought patterns before that ended up disappointing me because they looked better in the full-view photo.
I also enjoy looking at the customer photos that are posted.

The free patterns are great—they let you see if you like the designer’s style. I’ve often discovered a designer through a free pattern and then gone on to buy more items from their shop.
A big THANK YOU to all the designers for these free patterns!

I do it like most people here: I have to like it first, then read the reviews, and then buy it.

I already have a few patterns waiting to be made :-)

Who else would like to add something?