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| http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/see-the-rhythm |
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 Jana here and here on Ravelry.
Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration in many things. When you are knitting a lot, it´s just
always in the back of your mind, almost everything can lead to knitting idea.
Sometimes it´s as simple and obvious as someone wearing an intriguing piece of
clothing or accessory, maybe hand-knitted even, and sometimes it´s something as
unsuspected as the shape of a leaf on a tree, a colourful berry, or the paper-craft of origami.
Also, the yarn itself can inspire a design idea. When I see a skein of yarn,
sometimes I instantly know what it is supposed to be. Then again, the creative
process may take time, and while I am working on other projects those
completely untouched skeins that are full of so many possibilities will make
suggestions and arguments for this and that in my head, and in the end I find
just the perfect project for them.
And finally there is the graphic designer M. C. Escher, some of whose
symmetry drawings I translated into knitting, of course.
What is your favourite knitting technique?
That´s definitely short rows! They open up whole new territories for the
world of knitting, especially for shawl construction and garment shaping, much more
than any other technique. Knitting just wouldn't be the same without them.
How did you determine your size range?
I try to cover as many sizes as I can, so most of my patterns have a range
from 32 to 54 inches. All calculations are made based on CYC standards. It is
important to me that the designs I make look well in every size. Test knits are
really helpful in making sure of it.
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| http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/tsuru |
Do you look at other designers’ work or are you afraid that you will be influenced by their designs?
Of course I look at other designers´ work! There are many designers whose
work I admire a lot. I learn from them what looks good in a design and
sometimes what doesn't. Every designer has her or his own unique style, and it
is really very much fun to see and study the "essence" of their work. But it´s more
than that. Seeing other designers´ work on Ravelry does not only tell me what I
like in a design, but also which kind of designs appeal to the general knitter.
And while I always make designs that I love myself, I want to make designs that
knitters enjoy as well. So of the many ideas in my head I will pick those that
both I, and other knitters will appreciate. Sometimes I´ll sneak in a design
that I am making just for myself, because I simply cannot resist the
temptation. And some of these "selfish"
patterns are very popular, so you never know really.
At the same time, it is important to me to make designs that are different
and new. There´s no need to be redundant, life is too short for that. However,
you can never totally exclude the possibility that a design that you thought was
originally yours already exists. That is why I browse the pattern data base on
Ravelry before I start working on a design.
How do you feel about the so called controversy of “dumbing down” patterns for knitters?
Writing patterns is a way of communication between a designer and a knitter.
I´ll write a pattern in a way so that knitters understand what I mean. I don´t
know that this would be "dumbing down" patterns. The knitters I know are smart.
My test knitters, for example, help me to ensure that my language is easy to
understand . And since we knitters today don´t have to worry about the costs of
printing so much anymore, for example you can read the pattern from an
electronic device or just print out the pattern you want instead of having to
buy a whole magazine or book as you used to, why not take advantage of that
freedom and be more elaborate, or add a photo tutorial here and there? And why
not listen to knitters who say "I don´t get it, what am I supposed to do?" It´s
great that designers now hear back from their customers, we write better
patterns for it.
Generally speaking, people like to hold on to the old way of doing things and
think that the new advancements are making life too easy and too accommodating.
It always happens when there´s a change. Don´t buy into it. Television did not
lead to a downfall of society and computers and the Internet don´t dumb people
down either. Write patterns the way you like, the way you feel will be best for
explaining your design. Too long directions can be confusing and knitters can
get lost in them. So find a middle ground, a language that both, you and other
knitters, are happy with. Maybe place photo tutorials on an extra page so that
they don´t need to be printed out, which saves ink. Again, asking your test
knitters is the best way to make sure you've hit the right balance.
How many sample/test knitters do you have working for you or do you do it all yourself?
All my patterns are test knitted. There are many test knitters who test knit
regularly, others do it only once, or just a few times. So I cannot give a
precise number. Also, I announce most of the test knits in my Ravelry-group
(janukke Strickdesign), so you don´t have to be on my mailing list to join in.
Occasionally, I will have samples knit for yarn companies if they ask for
it.
Yes, I do use a tech editor. I find that this is – other than test knitting
– the best way to ensure that the directions are clear and error-free.
How do you maintain your life/work balance?
That´s always a challenge when you are working for yourself. There are no
fixed business hours. But on the other hand you are free to plan your days as
you please, you can take breaks any time you like and schedule your work around
your life rather than the other way around. I enjoy that freedom a lot.
How do you deal with criticism?
Knitters overall are very friendly folks. Even if someone spots a mistake in
one of my patterns – which happily doesn't happen a lot – it´s usually an
amicable exchange. I feel that when I get criticism the intent is almost always
to make me aware of an issue. So I appreciate it a lot – I learn from that.
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| http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/north-sea-mist |
What advice would you give someone who wants to pursue a career in knitting?
I've read this somewhere and really like it: "Do what you love, and fortune
will follow." So don´t be afraid, jump right into it. Talk to other designers,
look at their work and learn from them and the amazing community of knitters. You will find that Ravelry is a great source
of information and designers as well as knitters are very ready to help out if
you have any questions.
Of course, there´s no guaranty of even a low income right from the start. So
plan ahead for that as well. Maybe start the career as a side job and build it
up from that. But after taking these security measures, just get started! It´s the
best way to find out if writing knitting patterns is for you.
What’s next for you?
So many things. I am working on some commissions by Ito –Fine Yarn from Japan and a few indie-dyers. I have the whole year mapped out,
but also left some empty slots so that I can be spontaneous if inspiration
hits, which I enjoy immensely. That freedom is one of the huge advantages of
being a knitting designer.
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