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| http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/golta-jacket |
Once a week I post interviews with interesting people about their insights on their experience of working in the Knitting industry. I’ve noticed that every one of these individuals makes their living in a slightly different manner bringing their own unique presence to the Knitting world.
You can find Elizabeth here and here on Ravelry.
Where do you find inspiration?
Mainly old photos and the catwalks! I spend quite a bit of time researching
Orkney’s knitting history and I have used quite a few stitch patterns etc from
there. I follow the RTW (ready to
wear) catwalk shows and they give me ideas of shape and colour. Ideas are often finalized on walks round
the island with my dog.
What is your favourite knitting
technique?
The one I am doing next!! I like variety and enjoy working with
lace, Fair Isle and Gansey patterns.
How did you determine your size range?
I tend to size female and unisex garments from 24” to
about 68” chests, grouped in three ranges with the different proportions needed
for those sizes. I never use
computer generated figures and I don’t use the Craft Council standards as they
do not correspond to the actual sizes and shapes of modern people. As a big gal, I don’t see why people
should be shut out from good designs just because they are large. Nor do I subscribe to the view that ‘big
people shouldn’t wear this’ - it is up to each knitter whether they want to wear
a style.
Do you look at other designers' work or are you afraid
that you will be influenced by their designs?
I tend not to look at other knitwear designers’ work,
apart from the big Houses. This is
not because of influence, but so that if there is ever any question of a design
of mine being claimed as a copy, I can show my computers, and it can be seen
that I haven’t copied as I haven’t viewed them!
How do you feel about the so called controversy of
"dumbing down" patterns for knitters?
Knitters are coming from a very different place these
days, and have not been taught the construction of clothes as was essential
years ago. This means that one has
to take knitters from where they are.
I do, however, try to educate and give confidence through my patterns -
making suggestions for alterations etc....
How many sample/test knitters do you have working for you
or do you do it all yourself?
I tend to do most things myself as I often find that once
I start on a design I see a better way of doing something, or make small changes
- using a 6 st border rather than 5 st may make a big difference! I do have one sample knitter, though,
for some things. She knows the way
I work and knits beautifully.
Did you do a formal business plan?
Yes and no.
It isn’t written down, but it is complete in my head. I know where I am going and where I want
to be in 5 years time....
Do you have a mentor?
No, I have
been in this game for too long, but I do mentor others on an informal
basis.
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| http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cafe-pansy-tea-cosy |
Do you have a business model that you have
emulated?
Not as such.
I did a business course for freelance photographers which has proved
invaluable. Knitting as a business
is VERY different from knitting as a hobby, and the mind set is totally
different. And I keep up with
business practice through the radio - Radio Scotland has a weekly program
which is excellent.
What impact has the Internet had on your
business?
It has had an enormous effect - about 90% of my business
is done over the net.
Do you use a tech editor?
Yes - I have a very good tech ed who is American. That means that between us we can word
things for both sides of the Pond!
How do you maintain your life/work
balance?
With difficulty!
There is always something which needs doing, and because work is inside
the house, it can be difficult to switch off.
How do you deal with criticism?
It depends on what it is and how it is made. The most vitriolic are the easiest - the
problem is with the person making the allegations, not with my pattern etc. Those I can happily ignore. Constructive criticism is
different. I might not like it, but
I will look at it objectively and see whether I agree or not. But in every case I do try to mollify
the original writer.
How long did it take for you to be able to support
yourself?
Difficult to say as I was freelancing in the writing and
photography fields at the same time.
But probably about 5 years or so.
What advice would you give someone who wants to pursue a
career in knitting?
Take a business course - not a degree, but a short course
to make you think like a business owner not like a hobbyist. For every design you are not thinking
‘What do I want to knit?’ but ‘What do OTHERS want to knit?’. All the time you are out of the house, watch people and note what they wear, their shapes etc etc And be professional
about everything from accounts to your Twitter feed.
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| http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/the-magic-of-shetland-lace-knitting |
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