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 Nancy here and here on Ravelry.
Nancy has also generously offered to let me run a pattern contest. She will donate two individual patterns or one eBook to each of
three winners. To win you will need to name your favorite
pattern of Nancy's in the comments. I will use a random number generator to choose 3 winners. Contest closes April 16th 8 AM. I'll notify the winners with an announcement on the blog. They will need to get in touch with Nancy via email.
ETA: Contest closed, the winners are Lori, Tobie and TrishD. I'll be notifying them and Nancy as to the results.
Where do you find inspiration?
Inspiration is everywhere and is always changing. Sometimes it’s
as straightforward as a stitch dictionary and sometimes it’s inspired by
another art form that I translate into knitting. Lately I have been inspired by
stained glass – works by others as well as some pieces I made many years ago.
You can see this in Eden Prairie, High Street
Shawl and my most recently released pattern, Whitman Sampler.
What is your favourite knitting technique?
It’s tough to pick one, but I love any technique that eliminates
grafting. On top down socks, I carefully turn the toe inside out and use a
three-needle bind off. Talk about dislike, I have never grafted anything! I am
also very drawn to mosaic stitches.
Do you look at other designers’ work or are you afraid that you
will be influenced by their designs?
I don’t typically look at another designer’s work exactly for the
reason you say. I was once accused of copying a design from a very popular and
prolific designer. The two designs were remarkably alike although constructed
quite differently. That was the point at which I almost completely stopped
looking at other people’s work. It’s impossible to know if something influences
me unconsciously so I take precautions to eliminate the chances as much as I
can.
Could you tell us a little about your design focus on accessories?
I have been knitting and designing for more than four decades,
spent a lot of time making intricate and complicated sweaters, cardigans and
skirts. Now I am really enjoying the faster turnaround time of accessories plus
it allows me to focus exclusively on design elements and not more complicated
shaping. That being said, I recently started sketching some garment designs so
one may be on the way.
You also run an online yarn shop, how do the two aspects of your
business work together?
One complements the other. I always have a broad selection of yarn
and colors to pick from when I plan a new design and patterns do sell yarn.
Both aspects dovetail nicely.
How do you feel about the so called controversy of “dumbing down”
patterns for knitters?
I don’t use the words dumbing down because of the negative
connotation. There is a market for all types of patterns because there are
knitters who revel in precision details and those who don’t. About 20 years
ago, a neighbor asked me to teach her how to quilt. No pun intended, but during
the making of her first quilt, she kept cutting corners and it was evident in
her work. When I gently suggested she could get a better result if she took
more time with this or that, she joyfully replied that doing what I suggested
“sounded too much like work!” What I thought of as the proper approach to
quilting was miserable for her. I think we are fortunate to have various kinds
of patterns, complicated and easy, to appeal to the range of knitters.
How many sample/test knitters do you have working for you or do
you do it all yourself?
Did you do a formal business plan?
No – that sounds too much like work, lol!
Do you have a mentor?
No.
Do you have a business model that you have emulated?
No. I’m a build it and they will come person.
What impact has the Internet had on your business?
The Internet makes my business possible both as a designer and as
a yarn shop owner.
Do you use a tech editor?
I used a tech editor for Eden Prairie. I
learned a lot and have been able to apply it to later patterns. It was a
worthwhile experience and I would definitely consider using one again.
How do you maintain your life/work balance?
I’m not sure I do. You should probably ask my family that
question!
How do you deal with criticism?
I am always polite and respectful even if I think the criticism
isn’t. The Internet is a funny place. Too many people seem to think they should
always express their opinion and will post things I would like to believe they
wouldn’t say face to face. It’s that gratuitous kind of criticism that I don’t
like, but I love constructive criticism. It makes me better.
What advice would you give someone who wants to pursue a career in
knitting?
Go for it with the understanding that it’s no longer a hobby. Now
it’s work.
