 |
| http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/4ply-baby-hunter-hat-by-little-cupcakes |
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.
 |
| http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/anna-rose-hat-and-leggings---bc34 |
Where do you find inspiration?
We live in the outskirts of Auckland City, New Zealand near the village of Clevedon. Here
we live in the country on a hill and our view is farmland, the river
and the sea. With the ever changing weather and seasons, the inspiring
landscape with tides coming in and out and interesting bird life I'm
inspired by all that is around me. Just living in a creative spot you
have the space to dream.
 |
| http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/baby-bunting-blanket-by-little-cupcakes---bc41 |
What is your favourite knitting technique?
I love lace and the challenge of making a new design work.
How did you determine your size range?
I
started designing for my children when they were little because I
couldn't find patterns that were quite what I wanted to knit. So I came up with Baby Cakes 0 - 18 months, Little Cupcakes 1 - 10 years and woman's accessories Honey Cakes
 |
| http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/harper-hoodie---bc52 |
Do you look at other designers’ work or are you afraid that you will be influenced by their designs?
I
like to look and see what other designers are doing. I especially like looking
at books or magazines that I'm also published in, to see other designer's
interpretation of the same design brief.
How many sample/test knitters do you have working for you or do you do it all yourself?
I
do a lot myself, my mother knitted a lot for me before she passed
away. I do have a group of knitters lined up for a new project I'm
working on in the new year.
Did you do a formal business plan? |
| http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/tessa-hat-by-little-cupcakes---lc04 |
I have no formal business plan, the business has morphed and grown to what it is today.
Do you have a business model that you have emulated?
I'm
too creative to focus on a business model, my husband and I bounce
ideas off each other and get tips from our business minded friends.
How are you using social media to grow your business? |
| http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/lolly-pop-cardi---lf24 |
I do use Facebook, I show new patterns and talk about what we are doing. I also use
Pinterest and next year I'm starting a blog which will be mostly
photographic inspiration. And Instagram too.
Do you use a tech editor?
How do you maintain your life/work balance?
My
husband and I both run our own businesses, we work together a lot. Our
children model the Little Cupcake range, my husband does the photography, because we work from home, work fits in around our family life
How do you deal with criticism?
I
receive so many compliments with my design work that it outweighs the
odd criticism, I find that any criticism is that person's
own interpretation, so I'm not bothered by it.
How long did it take for you to be able to support yourself? |
| http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/honey-star-hat---hc03 |
 |
| http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/rosalind-hat---hc07 |
I studied Textile Design and then worked for a yarn company designing, so I've supported myself right from the beginning.
What advice would you give someone who wants to pursue a career in knitting?
Always pursue something you love and that gives you the passion and drive to succeed.
 |
| http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/noughts-and-crosses-hoodie---lf11 |
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