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.
Where do you find inspiration?
I get ideas from
street fashion and the images I see on Instagram, Pinterest, and my
favorite blogs. I’m also always on the lookout for interesting textures
and patterns in nature and in constructed spaces. The yarn itself has a
big impact on what I make out of it, and I love looking through stitch
pattern books. I pretty much always have knitting on the brain, so most
things inspire me to design something.
What is your favourite knitting technique?
I
can’t say I have one favourite, but I love the techniques that seem
magical - mattress stitch, turning the heel on a sock, duplicate stitch -
and the mathematically beautiful ones like lace and cables.
Do you look at other designers’ work or are you afraid that you will be influenced by their designs?
We’re
all standing on the shoulders of giants and owe a whole lot to the
designers who came before us, both within the knitting and fashion
industries, and more generally, in the design and art worlds. Being
aware of the incredible work that has already been done expands my set
of ideas. I consume a lot of design through Pinterest, Instagram and
blog-reading, and consider it creative development. I also knit from
other designers’ patterns as much as I can - it’s a vital part of my
professional development. I always have more to learn and love the
experience of relaxing with a knitting project I don’t have to think too
much about.
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| http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dutch-2 |
How many sample/test knitters do you have working for you or do you do it all yourself?
I
knit all my samples myself. I love to knit and wouldn’t want to give it
up! It’s also a part of my design process - I usually find ways to
improve the design as I knit it.
Did you do a formal business plan?
I
have a business plan, but I’ve found that my business is constantly
changing in ways I didn’t anticipate, so I have to be very flexible and
look more at big-picture goals rather than specific targets.
Do you have a mentor?
No,
but I do have groups of independent professionals (both in the knitting
industry and in other creative industries) whom I check in with
regularly. We celebrate our accomplishments together, plan our goals,
help each other out, and have really productive discussions. I
appreciate them immensely!
 |
| http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sentiment |
Do you have a business model that you have emulated?
I
don’t exactly emulate any business model, but there are brands that I
admire greatly. I definitely take time to consider what makes them work
so well to see if I can apply any of those principles to my own
business. I’m thinking specifically of Brooklyn Tweed, Tolt Yarn and
Wool, and Fringe Association.
How are you using social media to grow your business?
I’m
really loving Instagram. It’s a medium that works better for me than
anything else I’ve tried and I enjoy using it. My work is so visual and
posting photos allows me to connect with knitters (and other folks!)
around the world. I also blog and use Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter,
and I have a group on Ravelry where I hold knit-alongs, pattern tests,
and generally answer pattern questions.
Do you use a tech editor?
I
use both a tech editor and a copy editor for all of my
independently-published designs. I also very much appreciate the
feedback I get from my test knitters. All those eyes and opinions help
me to publish accurate, user-friendly patterns.
 |
| http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/picea |
How do you maintain your life/work balance?
My
life is pretty much all designing all the time. But I completely love
it and wouldn’t trade my lifestyle for anything. I do take time off - I
enjoy riding my bike and my husband and I spent a month cycling through
the Netherlands last summer. My balance comes from the ability to simply
decide when I’m taking time off.
How do you deal with criticism?
I’ve
been fortunate in that I haven’t received any really mean feedback.
Most of what I get are just questions, and I’m usually able to clarify
whatever the knitter was having trouble with. I really appreciate when
knitters contact me - it’s a great opportunity for me to have a positive
interaction and sometimes it gives me an idea for updating a pattern or
writing a blog post or tutorial if a lot of knitters have the same
question.
What advice would you give someone who wants to pursue a career in knitting?
Use
a tech editor for every single pattern you publish so that you can
build your brand right from the start. Knit a lot from patterns and
designers you admire to help expand your skills, technical expertise,
and familiarity with sizing. And don’t get discouraged if it takes a
long time to gain traction. Perseverance does pay off!
What’s next for you?
A
book! I’m working with Interweave to create a book full of woolly
sweaters and accessories for women and men. It’s scheduled to be
published the summer of 2016.
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| http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/kalaloch |
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