Today on the podcast I’m talking with Deepika Prakash, the founder and owner of PatternReview.com. Deepika started PatternReview 14 years ago, in the early days of the modern web. She had a background in technology and had just learned to sew. After connecting with people on an internet message board, and checking out another review-based site called Epinions, Deepika realized that she could create a website for people to review sewing patterns. The first incarnation of PattternReview was very bare-bones, but today PatternReview includes forums, online classes, a PDF and print pattern shop, and in-person gatherings. With over 350,000 users currently, Deepika met her goal of connecting online with people who sew.
A few months ago, Deepika completed a site redesign which was three years in the works. The new look aims to be cleaner, with larger pictures, while remaining focused on the wealth of user-generated content that is at the heart of PatternReview. Deepika talks about how important it is to her to remain respectful to long-time users of the site by not making drastic changes that could lead to frustration.
Deepika is also the author of 1,000 Clever Sewing Shortcuts & Tips which was published by Creative Publishing int’l in 2010. This book was truly a community effort. Each tip comes from a PatternReview user and Deepika shared her advance among every tip contributor.
It’s challenging to survive online for 14 years and remain relevant. Deepika reflects on how the online sewing community has changed over that time and what her big goals are for the site going forward.
And, of course, I asked Deepika to recommend something she’s enjoying right now. She chose:
I invited Deepika to be on the show because although I’ve known about PatternReview for years, I’ve never heard her story. I hope you find it as interesting as I did.
Listen to the show right here by clicking on the arrow below. Subscribe in iTunes or Stitcher (perfect for Android users). And if you enjoy the show, tell a friend about it! Thank you so much.
Great interview! As someone who visited Pattern Review quite a bit in the past and who occasionally goes there now to search for pattern reviews I found it really interesting to hear how Pattern Review has developed over the years. It was great to hear that Deepika really cares about the members who made Pattern Review what is is and a lot of what is done to the site is done with them in mind.
Love your podcasts Abby, I always learn so much listening to them and that is due to your research of the subject and ability to ask interesting questions.
Thank you so much.
Abby I just discovered your podcast. I love where you are going with it! Can’t wait to listen to your other episodes since the two most recent episodes provided me with valuable information. As an added note about Deepika, Deepika’s Facebook friends saw a lovely picture f her dressed up as Rosie the Riveter for Halloween. It was such a great picture and so appropriate for her that I felt compelled to re-post it on my Facebook business page with the following words:
“Couldn’t help but share this lovely picture of my friend Deepika Prakash seen here dressed for Halloween as Rosie the Riveter. The image is so appropriate for her! For the sewing and design industry unaware, Deepika started the Pattern Review community many years ago long before all those marketers realized the benefits of community building on the Internet. I don’t have a clue how she knew this was the thing to do, but somehow she did! She is one powerful lady with a non-stop can-do attitude. The Rosie’s out there during WWII would be proud to call her their sister.” Here’s the direct link to the page: https://www.facebook.com/JSMTailoringTools/posts/582810568485614
Love this. It was very interesting to hear about the background of PatternReview. Deepika seems to be a really nice and resourceful person.
Thank you for listening, Sabine.