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| http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/everyday-shawl |
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 Jenny here and here on Ravelry. She can be found on Instagram as @sweaterfreakknits
Where do you find inspiration?
I
find it everywhere but two sources really jump out: fashion mags and
shows and my own love for math and geometry. There is a also a huge
factor of wearability - first and foremost the knitted garment or
accessory has to be wearable. I generally do not design what I wouldn't
wear myself.
What is your favourite knitting technique?
I have two! Kitchener grafting and knitting on the bias.
Do you look at other designers’ work or are you afraid that you will be influenced by their designs?
We
all are influenced by other designers' work. I think in today's knitting
community where everyone is out on display, it's hard to not notice
what others are doing. But every single designer, myself included,
always puts their own layer onto an existing idea and so on so forth.
It's all part of the creative process!
How many sample/test knitters do you have working for you or do you do it all yourself?
I
knit my own samples and then I generally have 6-10 test knitters
depending on the test. I feel that testing is an absolute must because
it really gives me the opportunity to see whether my pattern is
knittable or not. I do the rest myself!
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| http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hot-oatmeal |
Did you do a formal business plan?
No, not really. I just knit what I feel like knitting and sometimes it works out!
Do you have a mentor?
I
have two close knitting friends that are also designers and we all
mentor each other and bounce off ideas. It's actually one of the best
part of it all!
Do you have a business model that you have emulated?
No. I do what feels right, but that doesn't quite qualify as a business model, does it?
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| http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/holiday-swag |
Do you use a tech editor?
Sometimes.
How do you maintain your life/work balance?
Family
comes first. I have a 4 year old that is that awesome stage where they
learn a ton and that obviously takes priority especially because I have a
day job. Knitting is my part time gig - I am a software developer
during the day and have no intention of leaving this path for various
reasons. I like to have options! I try to approach this
endeavor organically where I don't have a strict list of what to do.
Because this is a part time gig, I have quite a bit of flexibility as
far as how much effort and time I am putting into it at any given time.
Some days I will just knit things for myself and some days it's all
about design and deadlines. I always have a project with me or sometimes
two! That way I am able to complete them faster. But yes, it is a
constant struggle to juggle it all but I wouldn't change anything about
it - I like being busy!
How do you deal with criticism?
I
like constructive criticism rather than serving the purpose of a punching
bag for someone who had a bad day. Most people are very nice and
understanding, but there is this little percent that just wants to get
under your skin. Lucky for me, it hasn't happened much.
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| http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pralines |
How long did it take for you to be able to support yourself?
I am nowhere near being able to do that but that was never the goal to begin with anyway!
What advice would you give someone who wants to pursue a career in knitting?
Review
the real reasons you're doing it for, whether it's a side income, being
able to fully support yourself or just to be recognized and go from
there. Your approach will depend on this. If I wanted to support myself,
my path would have been very different!
What’s next for you?
I
recently started a podcast called TricitiesKnit with my friend who also
knits and designs and it has been a great fun! We run KALs, giveaways,
and so on and I love interacting with people who knit! (You can get more info here.)
As
far as knitting goes, I am making this a year of a sweater! We are
currently running a KnitCity Sweater KAL in our group and anyone can
join! KnitCity is our local fiber and yarn fest and we love it!
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| http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/tweedy-fog |
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