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| http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sa-06-sampler-aran-afghan |
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 Tammy here and here on Ravelry.
Where do you find inspiration?
From my surroundings, I live in Montana near
Glacier National Park. I am surrounded by beauty; it is hard not to be
inspired. I also draw inspiration from clothing from the 1700 and 1800
hundreds
What is your favorite knitting technique?
I think my favorite technique would have to be
steeking. If I can steek something and continue to work in the round I’ll
do it, I love working in the round.
How did you determine your size range?
Size range usually depends on the style of the
garment as well as the motif that I use in the sweater.
Do you look at other designers’ work or are you
afraid that you will be influenced by their designs?
I look at everything. I watch runway
fashion shows on You Tube to see what trends are current. Are fashion
styles going long or short, loose or tight fitting? I don’t think that their
designs influence what I am doing, rather, they give me an idea what way
fashion is going, what colors are popular, etc.
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| http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cs-05-thistle-christmas-stocking |
How do you feel about the so called controversy
of “dumbing down” patterns for knitters?
Knitters are all at different skill levels, but
if we over simplify a pattern, it just becomes confusing. I believe the
best thing for a new knitter to invest in would be the Readers Digest,
Knitter’s Handbook, or the Vogue Knitting hand book all excellent resources.
How many sample/test knitters do you have working
for you or do you do it all yourself?
I do everything myself. When I start a new
project I start with needles, yarn and a notebook. The idea usually goes
through many changes and modifications before it becomes a finished project. It
would be very difficult for me to employ a sample knitter for this reason.
It is really the process of design, and seeing it manifested that I enjoy the
most.
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| http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/lg-96-solus-sweater |
Do you have a mentor?
Not really, I have many people that I admire in
the field but no real mentor.
Do you use a tech editor?
Yes.
How do you maintain your life/work balance?
Knitting is my life and I do little else.
My day starts at 4:00 am in the morning when I take care of computer
work. At 5:00 am I go to the gym for about an hour. I come home and
walk for an hour to get the ideas flowing. The rest of the day is taken
up with knitting and running my yarn store. I enjoy my day that way.
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| http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bitteroot-tam-and-mittens |
How do you deal with criticism?
Constructive criticism can be beneficial and I
will take it into consideration. If I think a change needs to be made I will
make it. As for mean spirited criticism, I ignore it; it is not worth my
consideration.
What advice would you give someone who wants to
pursue a career in knitting?
Perseverance, you have to have a real love of
your craft or it is not going to work for you.
What’s next for you?
I am looking to do a children’s collection of
knitwear.
Also, I will continue to do the square of the
month a knit along that is on my website and Ravelry. I give a free
pattern of a different cable square away every month for twelve months.
At the end of the year the knitter has enough squares to create a throw.
I do take the patterns down after that time frame and sell all the squares in
their entirety as a sampler afghan.
Right now I am very inspired with Fair Isle and
color stranding, so look for more pattern in that style. Cable designs
will not be left out. I am also working on cable sweater designs.
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| http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/nuada-sweater |
