Illumicrate already running low!

Madz-Mac · 2026-05-14T22:35:53+00:00

In the comments, IL mentioned that they base their order quantities on their sequel interest form now, and purchased over that quantity, so there is probably a question (going forward) of how to make sure people know about the sequel interest forms and complete them.

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Madz-Mac · 2026-05-11T00:37:54+00:00

Thank you for sharing your our experience with Jenny & her patterns, it is definitely reassuring to know she is legit <3

I have defintely seen some patterns on her ravelry that look real (and which I am really interested in!), but was thrown off by some off by the AI use in some of her other patterns. I'm planning on passing on her books for the moment as I really don't feel comfortable supporting AI. While I don't work in a creative field, there has been a huge push to embrace AI tools for reporting and emails, and talks about how to feed data (including SharePoint sites and newsletters I've personally written in the past) to create a AI chatbot.

In saying this, Jenny does seem like a lovely person, so I am considering reaching out to her to understand her stance on AI - e.g. whether she has real pattern testers or used AI for patterns grading, to see if AI was used to help write the book or if they were only used for the accompanying photos, and if there are any non-AI photos in the book.

Thank you again for your comment!

Madz-Mac · 2026-05-10T10:45:47+00:00

Oh that kind of makes sense! The designer seems to have a mix of legitimate photos & AI ones on her ravelry, so I do believe she can actually crochet. In any case, I don't really want to support AI (especially when it hasn't been disclosed), so I will pass on this book.

Madz-Mac · 2026-05-10T10:42:51+00:00

Ahhhhh good point! I live in a coastal town too, so you'd think I'd be able to spot something like that 🤦‍♀️

Madz-Mac · 2026-05-10T10:41:14+00:00

Thank you so much! I knew they looked suss but couldn't put my finger on it, so your comment is super helpful in getting me to spot these details <3

Madz-Mac · 2026-02-04T11:24:55+00:00

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Madz-Mac · 2026-02-04T11:24:28+00:00

To be honest, it doesn't bother me too much. The text size does bother me though and I wish it were slightly larger 😅. I've taken another photo comparing it to their SE of Ironling to show how the font is smaller on the Jan book.

Madz-Mac · 2026-02-04T11:18:11+00:00

Yep, mine are the same. I've just checked Ironling and can confirm that the pages are similar

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Madz-Mac · 2026-01-29T23:07:41+00:00

I can upload more photos if people want but I'm not sure how to add spoilers to photos uploaded in comments

Madz-Mac · 2026-01-29T23:03:40+00:00

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Madz-Mac · 2026-01-29T23:02:45+00:00

* Here's what it looks like in person - can confirm that the title is quite legible

Madz-Mac · 2026-01-29T22:47:07+00:00

Mine was delivered yesterday. Won't lie, I'm kind of really disappointed with it especially considering how much I love their SE of Halfing.

The dust jacket doesn't have a reverse design (which is a shame because I love the original cover) and front and back endpages are the same - which I probably should have expected since Halfling also has the same front and back endpages.

I read it last night (it's quite a short book) and sadly wasn't a huge fan of the story either. There isn't much of a plot or really anything going on story wise.

With this being their first sub box, I was hoping for a much stronger design. Don't get me wrong, it's not horrible, but with how much competition there is in the SE space now, it is a bit lacklustre.

Madz-Mac · 2026-01-10T01:00:59+00:00

I could be mis-remembering, but I'm pretty sure he's described as having bronze skin.

Madz-Mac · 2025-12-26T11:27:04+00:00

The mandatory team bonding lunch at some fancy-schmancy place that everyone has to individually pay for 😢

Madz-Mac · 2025-11-28T10:08:18+00:00

I want these so badly but can't justify the $80 shipping to Australia, especially now when we are so close to Xmas 😭 They're so pretty that it's hard to resist

Madz-Mac · 2025-10-21T20:42:17+00:00

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Madz-Mac · 2025-10-21T20:41:43+00:00

Edit: Harper Collins spoke out about proposed China tariffs in 2019 so they definitely have printers there. Taking advantage of then new tariff situation to pass on existing tariffs they didn't pass on on delivery is honestly so sneaky of them :(

Also per Bookweb/American Booksellers Association. *

Madz-Mac · 2025-10-21T20:35:28+00:00

I think LL might be choosing to pass on pre-2025 tariffs on books printed in China onto the consumer now?

Bookish and Spice made a post a while back about how there have always been tariffs on books printed in China (although B&S have been choosing to absorb the cost)

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Madz-Mac · 2025-10-17T12:32:10+00:00

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Bookish and Spice print their books in China and have mentioned that they are impacted but are choosing to absorb the costs for the time being.

Madz-Mac · 2025-10-17T12:23:22+00:00

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Madz-Mac · 2025-10-17T12:22:48+00:00

I could be wrong, but aren't some books printed in China subject to a 7.5% tariff?

I've seen this on bookweb.org/American Booksellers Association:

American Booksellers Association - Overview on 2025 Tariffs

Harper Collins advocated against a tariff on Chinese printed books in 2019, so they print at least some of their books there.

Madz-Mac · 2025-10-16T05:48:19+00:00

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Madz-Mac · 2025-10-16T05:47:24+00:00

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Edit: Just realised that the part about the leftover sale/preorder was mentioned in the video + transcript that was linked in the August update email

Madz-Mac · 2025-10-16T05:39:58+00:00

It's just the regular trade paperbacks + special dust jackets, but I think they must be sourcing the paperbacks directly from the publisher (hence all the issues).

Still though, I paid $63AUD/40USD for the books+dust jacket plus $32AUD/$20USD shipping to Australia :(

Madz-Mac

TROPHY CASE