An interview with...Anne Carroll Gilmour

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/aotearoa-tai-huri-huri-hat

 

 

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 Anne here and here on Ravelry. 
 

 

Where do you find inspiration?

 

It is everywhere I look, of course nature is a big influence and I live in stunningly beautiful surroundings but I have also been inspired by the way shadows fall, architecture, visual art, science and so much more, once I designed a series of knits that were inspired by a vintage barbed wire collection from a cowboy museum in Wyoming. If your eyes are wide open to possibility, inspiration is all around you.

 

What is your favourite knitting technique?

 

That's a toughie, I really love texture (Cables, knotwork, Gansey type knit/purl relief etc.) but I also love color, especially in classic Fair Isle style stranded knitting. Lace is a big fave too so it's hard to choose just one that tops the list..

 

How did you determine your size range?

 

That's something that varies with each design, I try to include as many sizes as the design elements allow, but for some really complex cable designs and charted lace or color work you need to work within set repeats and what reads well and will resolve without a whole lot of hassle or awkward spaces. Sometimes that dictates where sizing can stop & start and limit how wide a range you can include.

 

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/seaside-cottages-stole

 

 

Do you look at other designers' work or are you afraid that you will be influenced by their designs?

 

I try really hard not to be too influenced by other knitters work, to that end I work in a sort of backward fashion. When I get an idea, it usually presents itself fully formed in my head. I'll do some sketches and swatching first and only then take a look (Ravelry makes this really easy) to make certain there isn't anything too similar already out there. If there is, I'll scrap the idea and come up with something different.

 

How do you feel about the so called controversy of "dumbing down" patterns for knitters?

 

I didn't know there was such a controversy. I write some patterns that are really simple and some that are extremely complex, and others that fall somewhere in between. I always try to make it clear what skill level is necessary for any particular design. Of course there are always knitters that try something that may be a bit more advanced than what they are ready for but that's how we learn and grow, right? (Also a good reason to take a few classes before getting mad at the designer for creating something that might be a little beyond one's current skill level ;-). It happens - but only very rarely thank goodness!

 

How many sample/test knitters do you have working for you or do you do it all yourself?

 

It varies for each design, I usually put out open calls for testers. I don't have what you would call 'regular' test knitters who always do this for me (I WISH!) But I have been fortunate to have really great testers who see my notices in the Wildwest Woolies group on Ravelry and they have done a fabulous job (many thanks to any of you who might see this interview!)

 

Did you do a formal business plan?

 

That's another I WISH, but I am just not that linear. My life as a designer, indeed as a human in general, has been pretty random 'seat of your pants flying' you might say.

 

Do you have a mentor?

 

Probably my biggest influence in the textile world has been a wonderful Scottish gentleman named Norman Kennedy. He was the Master Weaver/Spinner/Dyer at Colonial Williamsburg (a living history community in Virginia) in the late 60s-early 70s when I was growing up there. I hung around quietly and learned so much just watching and listening- he is an incredible knitter too. He's also a great traditional singer and story teller. It's been a real treat to have him as a life-long mentor.

 

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/enchanting--magical-witch-hat

 

 

Do you have a business model that you have emulated?

 

I would answer this question the same way I answered the business plan question above- maybe you could call it the 'barely controlled chaos' business model?

 

What impact has the Internet had on your business?

 

Pretty huge, it has just made everything a whole lot easier as far as getting my proposals out, getting text and graphics to testers and editors not to mention saving lots of trees! I admit to having a somewhat love/hate relationship with technology but when it's working well I am very grateful for it.

 

Do you use a tech editor?

 

Every chance I get!

 

How do you maintain your life/work balance?

 

Just a sec - gotta get the door . . . er, what was the question?  Oh yeah - that, well, it's a challenge, sometimes it doesn't get maintained at all! I am very lucky to have loved ones that put up with me and a pretty flexible schedule most of the time, and technology helps a great deal here too!

 

http://www.interweavestore.com/knitting-traditions-spring-2014-group

 

 

How do you deal with criticism?

 

I try to take it with grace, fix and improve what I can (but it depends on the nature of the criticism) It's important not to take it too personally and be objective.

 

 

How long did it take for you to be able to support yourself?

 

I'll let you know . . .

 

What advice would you give someone who wants to pursue a career in knitting?

 

I think it's important to really get lots of skill under your belt. I was lucky because I started when I was 8 years old and have been in love with knitting ever since (that's well over 40 years ago but who's counting?) When you are truly comfortable with a wide range of techniques, that's when you can really play and let your imagination run amok. One of the hardest things is just believing in your ideas and seeing them through - then the really tough work starts when you attempt to write them down for other knitters to follow - this is where having a deep skill set is most valuable, at least in my experience. The best advice of all though, is JUST DO IT and HAVE FUN!

 

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/tantric-puzzle-top

 

You are Smaller than You Think!

http://babydustdiaries.com/2012/02/15-tips-for-raising-kids-with-a-positive-body-image/

One of the best part of being one of the organizers of our own retreat is that we get to take each other`s classes. Typically teachers are themselves life long learners and we don't always have time at teaching events to take classes. 

Last year at YarnOver SleepOver I took Elizabeth Fallone's class:

Knit to Fit  

Has this happened to you? You find a pattern you love, yarn’s that perfect, make a swatch to gauge like a good knitter, spend hours knitting, block to perfection, then – it doesn’t fit.

With Knit to Fit, you’ll learn how to customize your favourite sweater pattern or ensure a new one fits your body the just the way you want it to. We will dissect both bottoms up and top down sweaters.

Bring tape measure, coloured pencils, calculator, and your favourite sweater or top.
Wear a T-shirt or fitted top so you can be easily measured.

Elizabeth had us pair up and have everyone's partner draw our outline around our body on large pieces of paper hug against the wall. The idea was to be able to judge our proportions more accurately.

The big surprise for me! While I do have a clear understanding about my own proportions, I am smaller than I thought.

Do you like Wool and Wine?

I've been booked to teach at a brand new retreat in a beautiful little inn in Prince Edward County. You can see a 3 minute video of Jackson's Falls Country Inn below.

This will be an intimate gathering so please book soon to reserve your spot. The retreat is being run by Lesley Snyder of the Rosehaven Yarn shop. I'll be sharing the teaching with Elizabeth McCarten The details are online here.

An Interview with...Alicia Plummer

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ease-2

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 Alicia here and here on Ravelry. 

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/woodstove-season

Where do you find inspiration?
Hmm. A mix of places--typically the biggest factors are wearability, color, and flattery. It has to be casual because I live in the sticks, but clean enough for a trip to the city. It has to be superwash in most cases because I have small children. I'm a very emotional person, so colors usually remind me of feelings or even memories I've had. One pattern I'm working on now is called Briquette--it's in honor of our camp and my husband's triumph over learning how to work the charcoal grill! (no more lighter fluid flavor--yup, that happened once!)

What is your favourite knitting technique?
I'd have to say the Tubular Sewn Bind off is tops in my book. I'll do it on an entire hem. You just can't beat the clean edge. And half twist stockinette-so fun!

How did you determine your size range?
Honestly, it ranges from pattern to pattern. Some patterns are going to flatter more body styles, and I'll do a wide range. Sometimes it's the opposite.

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/oaked

Do you look at other designers’ work or are you afraid that you will be influenced by their designs?
I love to browse Ravelry and look at everyone's work! I think that everyone has such a clear brand in most cases. Being influenced by someone doesn't necessarily mean copying them, though. I was inspired by Bristol Ivy with her unique constructions and Stephen West for his out of the box thinking when I wrote Gale, but it still looks like my work. It's still me and not them. There's a difference between inspiration and copying!!!

How do you feel about the so called controversy of “dumbing down” patterns for knitters?
Hmm. Well, I think that there needs to be a level of clarity to a pattern but I also think a level of intuition is helpful. As knitters grow, they gain that guidance slowly. Until then, we're here to answer questions, and so are LYSs. I jumped right in, so I remember the frustration of being stuck, but I also remember the excitement of gaining a new skill!!! Knitters are not dumb people--but sometimes too much handholding in a pattern can end up making it more tedious and confusing.

How many sample/test knitters do you have working for you or do you do it all yourself?
I don't have any sample knitters. I use testers because I love to see people's interpretations prior to release, as well as how a garment might drape on various bodies. My testers keep their samples, I just see their pictures and use it as an extra round of pattern proofing. The best is when it looks good on everyone--Ease, Bulky Ease, & Birchbark, I am yet to see those look bad on anyone! It gives me joy to think that people can be so happy with something I wrote in my living room!

Did you do a formal business plan?
No, I probably should though! I am so disorganized.

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/downeast

Do you have a mentor?
I have a lot of people who have helped me and encouraged me along the way, and without them I'd be lost! Melissa (Schaschwary) was the first one to encourage me, as well as the January Mommies group on Ravelry. An amazing bunch of women!
As far as others in the industry, Antonio,  Julia Trice, Thea Colman, Amy Christopphers and Bristol Ivy, Elena Nodel, Monika Smirna, Isabell Kramer--they've all helped me at some point or another and to have their encouragement is mind blowing. They're all so amazing on their own!
When I worked with Pam Allen for the Scarves Etc shoot, I learned a TON. I mean a TON.

Do you have a business model that you have emulated?
No, I should really make one! Knit, photograph, test, tech edit, format, release, typically! My brain gets new ideas fast so I try to keep up with it. Which I can't. Not enough time in the day!!! My family comes first!

Do you use a tech editor?
Yes, absolutely!

How do you maintain your life/work balance?
I don't get much sleep! hahahaha...honestly. I typically work from 8-11 when the kids are in bed.

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/abate

How do you deal with criticism?
This is a great question, because in the beginning it would bring me to tears. I would actually believe things that were said to me. I've had people name call me and chew me out over patterns that I spent hours on. That being said, I prayed about it and I felt like over time God has just blessed me with a bit more of a level head!!!!

How long did it take for you to be able to support yourself?
About half a year, give or take?

What advice would you give someone who wants to pursue a career in knitting?
Jump right in!!! And get a good camera. If you are proud of what you make, even if it doesn't do well, then that is still a success in my eyes. It's never too late to learn something new! That, and there will be mistakes on the way. DO NOT EXPECT PERFECTION FROM YOURSELF EVERY TIME.
 (This year, I'm learning acoustic guitar!)

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/falmouth-scarf

Wanna play with colour?

If you do go here.

It's a cool site where you can choose various colour schemes, monochromatic, complements, triads etc. Play with all of the buttons and you'll learn about combining colours or see some fresh new combinations.

How Facebook Decides What You See

I’ve been noticing my Facebook feed keeps showing me the same postings everyday and I often don’t see things that friends mention to me. A week ago I went searching for background on how the news-feed works. I found this interesting article. I changed my feed to most recent from top stories. Then I reviewed the feed. I’m not interested in the posts about games and it turns out you can click on those and unfollow only the game related posts of your friends. I scanned the last 24 hours and saw lots of posts that I was interested in that I definitely did not see. Over the past 4 days I continued to check my feed and everyday they changed it back to top stories from most recent. Humm... Next I went to the pages for friends who appear to be absent from my feed and did a like on one of their posts and now I'm starting to see what they post in my feed.

I'm realizing that we can have an active influence on what turns up on the feed in a way that I'm sure most of us don't know about. 

An Interview with ...Maureen Foulds

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/swirl-socks-3

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 Maureen's blog here. She is here on Ravelry.

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/and-then-there-were-mitts

Where do you find inspiration?
Inspiration tends to sneak up on me. It could be a photo, a comment from a fellow knitter, a colorful skein of yarn that knows what it wants to be. With my Agatha Christie collections, it's a book title or plot element which magically aligns with a stitch pattern.

What is your favourite knitting technique?
I love the beauty and magic of lace. The fact that one can create such beauty with sticks and string? Lovely!

You specialize in accessory patterns. do you have any future plans for garments?
Garments are part of my long range plan. While I've knit many cardigans and sweaters, I wear very few of them because they're either the wrong fit or I don't like the resulting fabric. Until I master the technique myself and produce garments I will wear, I don't feel like I can design for others.

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/joanna-lymstock-shawl

Do you look at other designers’ work or are you afraid that you will be influenced by their designs?
I believe that as a designer you have to look at other people's work - how else can you continue to grow? Does an artist stop looking at other art, or a writer not ready anyone else's writing? I get inspired by other designers' creativity, which usually results in my thoughts spiraling off in its own direction.

How do you feel about the so called controversy of “dumbing down” patterns for knitters?
I prefer to focus on clarity. I try to make my patterns as clear and comprehensible as possible. I'm a technical writer by trade, so precise language is key. Whether I'm documenting how to use software or writing a pattern, I don't want my reader to be unsure of what to do next.
I also try to be cognizant of the fact that people of varying skill levels may be using my patterns. It's a tricky thing to find the balance between over-explaining or assuming too much. 

How many sample/test knitters do you have working for you or do you do it all yourself?
I always knit the first sample myself to work out the precise details. I'm a very visual person, so I find I need to knit it myself to see how the 2 dimensional chart translates into a 3 dimensional object.
I'm very lucky to have a large pool of test knitters to draw on for my designs. Many of them have test knit for me multiple times. Anyone can request to be added to my list of test knitters. When I have a design ready, I'll post a call for testers in my Ravelry forum, ear burn the list and see who is available.

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/captain-hastings

Did you do a formal business plan?
Not a formal plan, no. But I know where I'd like to get to and the steps I need to get there. I've been a project manager in the software industry, so I apply those skills to planning out each phase of my design endeavors. 
Every once in a while I pause to evaluate where I am in my plan and whether I'm ready to add in the next step. 

Do you have a mentor?
No, but I've been looking for a suitable mentor. I have a few people in mind as potential candidates. But it's a big step which requires a lot of thought. The fit has to be right in terms of personality, skills and career goals.

Do you have a business model that you have emulated?
There are elements of different designers which I would like to emulate. I admire the way Amy Herzog balanced her daytime career with her design career and family, eventually being able to make designing her full-time profession. 
I also admire Kate Atherley's knitting knowledge, especially when it comes to socks! And the way she has been able to build up a full teaching schedule. That's something to which I aspire.

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/wrought-iron-socks

What impact has the Internet had on your business?
My business wouldn't exist without the Internet. I rely on sites like Ravelry, Patternfish and Craftsy for making my patterns available and growing my audience. I use social media to maintain a presence and build awareness. 
And more basically - I use the Internet to stay connected to the vast breadth and depth of knowledge that is out there about knitting, design, techniques, running a business. I spend a lot of time reading various Ravelry forums, fibre-related blogs, online classes, and so on. That's how I gain insight into what other knitters think, what they like to knit, what they don't like in a pattern. It's how I find new opportunities for my designs. And it's how I meet a lot of talented people.

Do you use a tech editor?
Absolutely! I think it's a necessity for anyone who wants to be a professional.

How do you maintain your life/work balance?
It's difficult. I work full-time and have a family. I'm fortunate that I am able to work from home several days a week, which really helps me reclaim several hours back to the "life" portion of the equation. 

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/interrupted-swirl-hat

How do you deal with criticism?
Chocolate! Actually, I welcome constructive criticism because I want to put out the best pattern I can. I know I'm not perfect and I know my weak areas. So when testers, editors or knitters point out errors or other issues, I'm grateful. I'd rather hear about any errors before I publish a pattern than after. 
My toughest test came back in May when Kate Atherley tech edited one of my patterns. She warned me upfront that she was blunt and honest in her edits and not to take it personally. I was nervous! But everything she pointed out - I was nodding my head and agreeing. Every point she made resulted in a better, clearer pattern.

How long did it take for you to be able to support yourself?
I'll let you know if/when that happens! I've been very fortunate to build a fan base after only 18 months of designing. But I'm nowhere near supporting myself yet.

What advice would you give someone who wants to pursue a career in knitting?
Don't do it to get rich. Do it because you have a passion for it. But also realize it's a business. You need to be professional. You need to figure out what makes your offerings unique. You need to figure out what image you want to project, how you'll market yourself, how you'll advertise and build your brand. 
Most important - approach it like a business not a hobby. Don't be afraid to charge for your time and skills. 

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dowagers-prize-diamonds