Once a week I
post interviews with interesting designers about their insights
on their experience of working in the Knitting industry. I’ve
noticed that every designer makes their living in a slightly
different manner bringing their own unique presence to the
Knitting world.
You can find Ann here and here on Ravelry.
Where
do you find inspiration?
Creativity
is among the very most interesting things in life to me. I feel inspiration is pretty much everywhere,
when we’re open to experiencing it.
Consistent sources for me include, but are not limited to – yarn, color,
texture or stitch patterns with their endless possibilities of combinations;
line and shape; or becoming very quiet and still, going within – any of these
elements can be the inspiration point. I believe the creative process can be
highly variable. At times, I have had that flash when I may see every detail of
a new design. And I’ve also experienced
painstakingly swatching to the length of a scarf, but it’s a jumble of stitches
without finished order that I have to see and allow to inform me. I greatly
enjoy watching a design evolve. Often that initial inspiration or direction is
followed by research or experimentation. It’s a very visual process that leads
to the very technical process of writing and sizing the pattern.
What
is your favorite knitting technique?
My
niche as a knitter is primarily women’s sweaters worked in smooth yarn, solid
color and texture with an occasional skirt, dress or tunic thrown in. I love the invisible seaming from the right
side of a garment. Seams give
definition, structural integrity, body and fit to a garment. I know of no reason to avoid them. Look at the fine dress makers. Look at
couture clothing.
How
did you determine your size range?
Usually, it is 4 – 7 sizes, determined by
where a design is published.
Do
you look at other designers' work or are you afraid that you will be influenced
by their designs?
I
look at fashion magazines to be aware of trends. I look at designs online only as time
permits.
How
do you feel about the so called controversy of "dumbing down"
patterns for knitters?
I
think we’re in the information age. I
think online publishing of patterns allows for more explanation than print
does. If a pattern gives more
information than a knitter needs, an experienced knitter will jump past
information they already know. If a
pattern gives information that a less experienced knitter needs, chances are
they are going to learn something and have a better experience and result. Let’s face it, knitting patterns have been
written in some cryptic or general styles in past eras. I have some knitting publications from each
decade back to the 1900’s and it’s hard to believe how recently patterns were
published without schematics. I like
being able to include information in a pattern that helps to ensure a better
result and if that means explaining a blocking detail that enhances the
finished garment, for example, then that’s something I want those making it to
know.
How
many sample/test knitters do you have working for you or do you do it all
yourself?
I
do it all myself. It’s one of my
favorite parts and I love process. I
feel I can make better decisions as a designer if I knit a piece myself. Possibilities occur that I may not have been
able to see otherwise.
Did
you do a formal business plan?
Honestly,
no. Although I do ask myself quite
frequently, what’s next? It was a
surprise to me to become a knitting author.
I had been designing the sweaters that I wanted to wear. I have no formal training in this field, I
had never written a book, and I submitted to one publisher. I studied knitting books and magazines. I had an internal sense that I would write a
book one day, but did not know what type of book.
Do
you have a mentor?
I
feel that Barbara Walker is my mentor in the knitting world. Without her stitch collections, I don’t know
that I would have started to design sweaters.
I love her respect of history and use of original names of stitch
patterns. It is unusual for me to have a
mentor I have never met, spent time with, studied with, etc.
Do
you have a business model that you have emulated?
No
again, one thing has led to another and I have followed what it’s led to. For example, Martingale & Company sent my
first book, The Pleasures of Knitting: Timeless Feminine Sweaters, to Knitty
Gritty and that led to me filming Delightful Details for them. After doing a second book, Together
or Separate: Knitting the New Twinset, with Martingale, I realized that
I needed to focus on single designs for awhile.
Two years ago, I met Jared Flood when we were both teaching at Yarnover
in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area which led to having designs in his Wool
People Collections.
What
impact has the Internet had on your business?
I
think the Internet is changing the knitting world daily in ways we are still
discovering. Look how quickly Craftsy
has altered the accessibility of knitting classes. It’s been a huge door opener for independents
in the field.
Do
you use a tech editor?
Oh yes!
There are a very few exceptions when something is of an extremely simple
nature.
How
do you maintain your life/work balance?
Eat
well, sleep well, listen to the body, exercise, remembering to live in the
present.
How
do you deal with criticism?
Listen,
reflect, respond. Ask questions.
How
long did it take for you to be able to support yourself?
I
like variety in my work life so knitting is not my sole support. I enjoy a blend of working at home and away
from home.
What
advice would you give someone who wants to pursue a career in knitting?
It’s the same advice I would give to someone in any
career – do what you love.
