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 Amanda here and here on Ravelry.
Where do you find inspiration?
I
get knitting inspiration from a variety of sources. Sometimes it is a
nice yarn or color way that gets me thinking. Other times it is shapes
and forms I see around me. Sometimes one design just flows into the next
with some variation or another. It isn't always easy though, there are
times when it is difficult to become inspired, and the design process is
long, frustrating and drawn out. I have probably frogged just as much
as I have actually knitted!
What is your favourite knitting technique?
This
may sound very strange to some, but I really enjoy playing around with
short rows. Why are short rows so great? I enjoy exploring form and
shape. Short rows are the tool to work form and shape on a vertical
plane of knitted fabric, just as increases and decreases allow for form
and shape on a horizontal plane. I use short rows in various ways to
make things even more interesting.
Actually,
a few years ago, I was someone who absolutely hated short rows. I
didn't like how they made my knitting look messy. Then I discovered the
shadow wrap method. It is my absolute favorite. I have published a photo tutorial on the shadow wrap method on my blog to help those who may be still afraid of the process.
How many sample/test knitters do you have working for you or do you do it all yourself?
I
have a long list of returning testers, whom I can trust. I also welcome
new testers, should they be interested. I know that I would not be able
to do what I do, without great testers. I hope that if I do become
successful, I would be able to offer some sort of compensation to my
testers for their hard work and dedication, even if it is only the yarn
for their tests.
When
designing something new, I do work a sample in my own size. I can use
the model to take photos of my work and to ensure that my pattern is
well written. I usually write a pattern and knit it simultaneously.
With a garment I need multiple testers to confirm that the fit is good
for each size in the pattern. It would be impossible for me to do this
all on my own.
Did you do a formal business plan?
No,
the business grew organically and started with just one simple pattern
in 2012. I didn't know I would come this far, and have no idea where my
knitting is taking me. I just know I enjoy the process and want to keep
working hard at creating innovative designs and writing great patterns.
Do you have a mentor?
I
wouldn't say I have a mentor, but I do admire Joji. She is an
independent designer who has made her own name through Ravelry. I
respect that and believe that she has put in a lot of hard work to get
to where she is now.
Do you have a business model that you have emulated?
Not
particularly. My business model is to write good patterns and create
interesting designs. It is a passion for me first, business is
secondary.
Do you use a tech editor?
My
testers are my tech editors. I am bilingual and write most of my
patterns in both English and German. I have my German versions edited to
ensure they are grammatically correct.
How do you maintain your life/work balance?
This
is, at times, difficult for me. I am a mom of 3 kids, so most of my
work time is when they are at school. I struggle with not having enough
time to dedicate to the business. However, I also wonder if I spend too
much time on it, because the reward (pay) is so small.
Also,
I tend to be a fall/winter knitter and designer. I do know that I
should be working harder in the spring and summer to become more
successful. Balancing knitting in the summer with other activities
(sailing) is a challenge.
How do you deal with criticism?
I
love criticism, so long as it is well intended and polite. I find it
very helpful to get feedback from testers and knitters. I like to hear
what they think of my designs. I realize that I am only human, and do
make mistakes. It is great to have people who actually tell you what
they think, so that I am able to grow in the process!
How long did it take for you to be able to support yourself?
I
am not (yet?) able to support myself. I would be making more money
working part time in a fast food restaurant than I would knitting, and
the hours would be much better!
Recently
I have decided I needed to make a concerted effort to become a more
successful designer. The kids are old enough for me to go back to a
"real job". Making knitwear design my career would be a dream come
true! I am hoping that through dedication and hard work in the coming
months, I will be able to come closer to achieving my goal of being able
to support myself, but I also know it will take time.
What advice would you give someone who wants to pursue a career in knitting?
Be
patient and don't give up! Don't expect anything to go viral over
night. This happens only for the very lucky few. I have been hoping for
this to happen for years, it hasn't. Growth is gradual and building a
following over time is essential for a successful career.
What’s next for you?
At
the moment, I plan to continue to concentrate on designing great
patterns. I have also been in contact with some local independent yarn
dyers and will be working together with them. I'm also excited to be
exploring the "real" knitting world as opposed to the online "virtual"
world. I have been meeting new people and making new friends. I hope to
build my circle of real-world knitting friends even further.
