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| https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/altostratus-2 |
You can find Alla here on Ravelry.
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| https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/beach-peas-tam |
Where
do you find inspiration?
My
inspiration mostly comes from yarns. If the yarn attracts me in some
way, I immediately think what can I knit out of it. I often buy a
skein or two just to try the new to me yarn out. Design ideas may
come while I am playing with the yarn, trying different stitch
patterns and observing how the stitch pattern and the yarn interact,
or how two colours look next to each other.
What
is your favourite knitting technique?
My
most recent favourite knitting techniques are magic loop for knitting
in the round, and Italian cast on to start the ribbing in bottom up
hats or cowls. Usually I don't bother with fancy techniques, my motto
is the simpler the better, but there are a few ones I just cannot
live without.
Do
you look at other designers’ work or are you afraid that you will
be influenced by their designs?
I
had a fear before that seeing the other designers' works will
interfere with my own creativity, and for years I've been simply
refusing to look at other designs just for the sake of keeping my
mind clear. On the other hand, I realized that I cannot isolate
myself totally from what is going on around me. You need to know what
is trendy and what is popular with other knitters, that you can offer
what the average knitter is looking for. By saying this I don't mean
a designer needs to copy others to fit in the market, but observing
others' works rather helps to stay up to date with hand knitting
trends.
How
many sample/test knitters do you have working for you or do you do it
all yourself?
All
my samples I knit by myself since it is necessary for me to check and
tune up the pattern before I will hand it to the test knitters or a
tech editor. I wish, I had someone close to me to knit a sample, but
it has to be someone who can understand and feel my way of thinking
while I've been creating a particular design, or at least be able to
communicate in real life. If it's a simple design, like a hat or a
scarf, I can ask someone to check the pattern for spelling and typos,
with more complex shawl designs I would call for test knitters.
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| https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/turquoise-lagoon |
Did
you do a formal business plan?
I
don't have a business plan, as I still consider my designing work as
a hobby. Putting myself in a fixed time frame or loading myself with
obligations, like achieving a certain set of goals, doesn't give me a
freedom to create.
Do
you have a business model that you have emulated?
I
can say, that my current business model is very simple - to publish
patterns and run promotions regularly. It keeps me busy enough at the
moment. My current goal is to master pattern writing skills to such a
level that I would have more time to invest into the creative and
technical sides of the design process.
Do
you use a tech editor?
Even
the best test knitters cannot replace a tech editor's work. When I
feel, my pattern needs professional attention, I use a tech
editor's services.
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| https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/petal-showers-hat |
How
do you maintain your life/work balance?
Maintaining
the balance sometimes is not an easy task. I do not consider my
designing work as a work, it is rather the most enjoyable and
satisfying hobby for me. Whenever I have a spare minute, I would
rather spend it knitting or sketching a new design. This is how I
relax.
How
do you deal with criticism?
Living
in Canada I discovered that Canadians are the most polite people in
the world, and very generous with giving compliments. When it comes to
my main hobby, they make me feel like I am a knitting queen. And
while I really appreciate such a kindness, I am longing for healthy
constructive criticism. There is always room for improvement.
What
advice would you give someone who wants to pursue a career in
knitting?
Even
though it becomes a career to you at some point, it is still an art,
and you are an artist who is trying to express yourself through it.
Make sure you continue to enjoy the process. First of all you do it
for yourself, and when someone else appreciates your work, that's a
bonus! Remain true and genuine, and people somehow catch that vibe
through your designs.
