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| http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/glenora-hat |
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 Kelly here and here on Ravelry.
Where do you find inspiration?
I love to get outside when I'm not knitting. We recently purchased a ten
acre homestead and I feel so fortunate to be able to go out for a hike
on our trails every single day. The beauty of this place never ceases to
overwhelm me! The patterns and elements
that I see in nature undeniably end up in my designs.
What is your favourite knitting technique?
I have to confess that I LOVE grafting/Kitchener Stitch even though many
knitters despise it. I find that I use it often, not just on sock toes,
but to complete the top of a hat or to join two ends of a cowl. I get
so much pleasure from seeing the "perfect"
result.
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| http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hodgepodge-earflap-hat |
Do you look at other designers’ work or are you afraid that you will be influenced by their designs?
I absolutely check out other designers' work! There is so much wonderful
inspiration out there that I would be crazy to ignore it, although I
get a special pleasure from coming up with an idea that is 100%
original.
Once
I have an idea in mind, I always do a thorough search to make sure that
I'm doing my due diligence to ensure that I'm not inadvertently
"copying" or creating something similar to
another person's idea, even if mine is a free pattern. My aim is to always contribute something brand new to the common tapestry.
How many sample/test knitters do you have working for you or do you do it all yourself?
It really depends on the pattern. I try to make sure every design is
test knit at least once and I'm lucky to have many volunteers. My
favourite test knitter is my mom. Even the simplest ideas need another
set of eyes. If the pattern is a bit more complicated,
I try to have it tech edited as well.
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| http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/levity-shawl |
Did you do a formal business plan?
Not originally since I was just selling knits at markets and on Etsy,
but once I started designing professionally and dyeing yarn for sale, I
did do one...I can't say that I've followed it very closely, though...
Do you have a mentor?
Actually, I don't think I really do, although there are lots of talented
and incredible women who have supported me over the years and who
currently support me. I'm very lucky to live in a community that loves
fibre!
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| http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mudita-shrug |
Do you have a business model that you have emulated?
Not really, but I'm always squirreling away ideas.
How do you maintain your life/work balance?
It's very easy to let knitting
become a huge part of your identity (and it's so darn popular right now - how are we expected to resist?). I consider myself
extremely lucky to be a full-time knitter. My job is not 9-5...it's more like 8 am to 11 pm. But it doesn't always feel
like "work" when I'm at home in my pyjamas with Netflix on doing something I love!
Sometimes it's really hard to tear myself away from a juicy project, but
I have a new puppy, Lois, who needs lots of attention and exercise, so
she motivates me to put down my needles and go on an adventure.
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| http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/orbitus-hat |
How do you deal with criticism?
Sometimes it's difficult to receive criticism when you've worked so hard
on a pattern and have watched it come together over many months. I'm
very stubborn and I'm pretty sure I'm always right. Criticism helps me
to consider other perspectives and remember
that, in fact, I'm not always right. Luckily, most people in the
knitting community are very kind and largely the feedback I get is about
minor errors.
How long did it take for you to be able to support yourself?
I often have a part-time job in an unrelated industry and then delve
back into knitting full-time. I would say Bohoknits was around part-time
for about 4 years before I started designing hats for a professional
company (Ambler Apparel) and that made a huge
difference for me.
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| http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pioneer-gloves |
What advice would you give someone who wants to pursue a career in knitting?
Learn all you can and always challenge yourself by learning new
techniques. Knitting has experienced a major Renaissance in the last ten
years, so take advantage of that. Pay attention to what is going on out
there and listen to the pulse of the knitting community.
They will never steer you wrong!
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| http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sockhead-slouch-hat |
What’s next for you?
I am planning to release a new eBook of five or six shawl patterns in
the next month or two! I would also like to continue dyeing yarn and
fibre, however, my studio is a bit defunct until we renovate the space
at our new house.
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| http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sockhead-cowl |
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