Why am I doing this?

http://www.ravelry.com/designers/robin-hunter

One of my non-knitting friends recently asked me why am I so interested in making clothing.

I've been sewing and knitting since I was in my teens. I was heavily influenced by my mother who sewed, knit and crocheted. People become garment makers for many different reasons. Some of us want unique garments, some have special fitting problems, others just have a need to know how the magic of garment creation works and love to learn all of the techniques required. We have a need as humans to adorn ourselves, it's a form of artistic expression for many of us even when we don't make the clothes. Just check out the outfit pages in Pinterest to see how people are using clothing as self-expression.

Some garment makers have very little interest in current fashion and take a more historical approach to their learning path. You see this with knitters too. We keep Fair Isle designs and specific lace traditions (Orenburg and Estonian) alive when they would otherwise disappear. 

Why am I doing this? I can't not do it!

An Interview with...Jimenez Joseph

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ceri-beret

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 Jimi here and here on Ravelry.

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

Where do you find inspiration?

I get inspiration from everywhere! Never a day goes by when something catches my eye and I don't think, "hey, that would look so cool knitted up", or "I wonder if I can make a stitch pattern look like that!".

What is your favourite knitting technique?

I'm still exploring this... but right now, 'top-down seamless, set-in sleeve' is looking favourite. I like this because with my broad sloping shoulders I need something a little more structured. Anything that doesn't require seaming is always a winner! 

How did you determine your size range?

The size range was based on my very first commissioned sweater design, where the range was set at XS to 3XL. Ever since then, I've stayed with this sizing structure, purely because I felt that I was supposed to. The larger sizes don't always work for some of my designs, but the majority of them go up to 3XL. It's nice to see my designs knitted up on the larger sizes - it makes me feel proud. 

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

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

When I create a design, I (perhaps foolishly) think that I've created something new that no-one has done before. To be absolutely sure, I would then trawl the entire Ravelry database for anything similar. If my design resembles something already out there, then I would either change it, or reject the design altogether. So in answer to this question, yes I do end up looking at other designers' work, because I am careful about mimicking knitting trends or other designs. My aim is to bring 'something different' to the table and I think that is what people who like my work are looking for. Particularly in an industry where nothing is new under the sun!

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

In this technological age, it's no longer necessary to teach knitters to suck eggs since we have access to YouTube and Ravelry. But I always make sure that any techniques that are required in my patterns are aided by a link to a video tutorial, or such like. Any assistance I can offer the knitter is always a good thing.

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/leaps-and-bounds

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

All the samples are knitted by myself. In many cases, twice! I have volunteer test knitters who test the pattern before its release. It's a fun time for us, almost like a mini KAL!

Did you do a formal business plan?

If you call breaking my leg in a sporting accident, then learning how to knit while I convalesced, a business plan... then yes! ;-)

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/lucky-star-jumper

Do you have a mentor?

I wish I did! All that I have learned was through Ravelry and YouTube. However, I do have Ysolda Teague to thank for her work that inspired me to focus on designing and writing patterns.

Do you have a business model that you have emulated?

Not really, no. It doesn't interest me to enter design submissions for magazines. If I am asked to, then I will seriously consider it. I like to challenge myself based on yarn that I already own, so the only restriction is the yarn and nothing else. I can take my time with my work, but ultimately, the intention is to enjoy what I do.

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/massive-attack

Do you use a tech editor?

Yes, mostly for garments, where size grading needs a second pair of eyes. Steph Boardman (www.stephboardman.co.uk) is a great tech editor!

How do you maintain your life/work balance?

There is no balance, they just inter-mingle! I knit while waiting in the car on the school run! As you can imagine it's hard, but I do try to book myself a slot so that I can work on knitting maths for my patterns. I need these hours of uninterrupted time to do this - not easy with a needy teenager... not to mention a needy husband! LOL!

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/polesden-lacy

How do you deal with criticism?

I'm still waiting for someone to test me on this one, but this is what is amazing about our community, everybody is helpful and supportive. Any feedback that I have encountered has only been there to help me improve. So I've never really seen it as criticism. The knitting industry is great because although we are armed with sharp sticks, nobody wants to stab you in the back! 

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

Hahahahaha....!!!! What I earn keeps me in yarn, I suppose! :-)

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

I was once told, "If you love what you do, then do it, irrespective of monetary gain. Once people can see that you have a passion for your craft, then they will get behind you and the rest will follow". I think this is true.

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/refraction-shawl

What’s next for you?

I'd love to publish a book, but I want it to be a book that not only showcases some of my designs, but also my sense of fun! How about a pop-up knitting book? Hmmm! ;-)

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/tower-of-strength

A Pattern Promotion and Project Numbers in Ravelry

http://www.ravelry.com/designers/robin-hunter

Here's some "inside the designer world" discussion. I've been told there are knitters who won’t buy a pattern that has a low number of projects or good project photos, as they don’t trust the pattern. They say the more popular a pattern is, the more people who want to knit it. Popularity on Ravelry is measured by project numbers, photos, comments and forum discussions. Another designer recently told me she overheard a yarn shop owner tell a customer not to buy one of her new patterns because Ravelry isn't showing any projects. She was pretty upset about it and so am I. 

I'm always encouraging people to "please, please, please post photos in Ravelry". 

Here's what my numbers tell me. I used five of my patterns in the shawl and garment categories based on sales in Ravelry and Patternfish. The range of projects to pattern sales is .02 to 2.8. I know when I ask, knitters they tell me they would rather be knitting than spending time on Ravelry.

Last summer I offered a free pattern to any one who created a finished project page. I only had a few people take me up on the offer. I'm going to make the same offer again this year.

I'm running it as a special promotion. From now until August 31 2016, if you post a project page with a photo of any of my patterns shown with a completed project, I'll give you a promo code for a free pattern. You can choose any of my patterns that are available on Ravelry. Just email me (my contact info is at the top of this page) give me the project page link or the details, your Ravelry name etc. I'll send the promo code to your email. Happy Knitting!

Barbe's Gift - New Pattern

My newest pattern is named for a member of my monthly knitting group. Barbe recently passed away after a long illness. She asked our group to come visit and go through her yarn, notions and books. When we asked what she wanted us to do, she said she wanted us all to pick yarns for ourselves and knit some things to remember her by. I knit these two samples from her yarn. 

We asked if donating some things would be in alignment with her wishes and it was, so many of the books, needles and yarn have been donated to various groups here in Ontario. Barbe worked for many years as a volunteer at a program for the homeless called Out of the Cold. I was able to send many of her things to a YMCA program for homeless women. I also gave all of the pink yarn to my guild for Knit for the Cure. 

Today, I'm sharing the wonderful photos taken by my friend Flora. This is the first time I've used mixed mannequin and modeled shots for one of my designs. I'd love to hear what you think about this. I've had many requests for modeled photos but I'm not convinced that I can do this effectively myself. Unfortunately a professional model is too expensive for me at this point in time. You can read more of my thoughts on this topic of model versus mannequin here. Be sure to read the comments for opposing views. You can go to the the Ravelry pattern page to see all of the photos and detail shots of the stitch.

An Interview with...Lorraine Pistorio

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 Lorraine here and here on Ravelry.

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/plain--fancy-knit-bunny-family

Where do you find inspiration?

My inspiration for a pattern design comes from everywhere around me. My little grandchild inspires me, as well. Since I design toy animals, sometimes, I want to find a unique way to accomplish something, so that will be my inspiration for a new design. Sometimes, a thought just pops into my head or I’ll get an inspiration while I’m sleeping.  I’m a very visual person, so I have to be able to “see” the finished product of what I plan to design, in my head. If I can’t envision it, I can’t write a pattern for it. I spend a LOT of time thinking…working it out in my head…how I will proceed…different ways to accomplish the look I’m after…searching for the easiest way for the knitter, who will follow my directions, to achieve success and enjoyment from the pattern. I’m inspired by the challenge of placing something on the earth that I’m proud of, that others can learn to do and the desire to create something that will bring enjoyment to a child.

What is your favourite knitting technique?

I enjoy knitting in-the-round using the Magic Loop method. This creates toy animals without all the seaming of body parts later. Magic Loop also makes it easy to knit any number of stitches to be knit on the same needles.

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mini-lovey-blankie-menagerie

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

I enjoy seeing the lovely toy animal designs of others. There are so many different ways to interpret the look of an animal. I design mine to look different from others, to create my own signature look.

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

I’m not sure there is a controversy. I do feel that everyone learns in different ways, so patterns should offer adequate information so knitters will be successful in knitting the pattern. Having been a school teacher, I know the importance of writing directions clearly, so someone else can follow them. Much time is spent typing these initial directions into a format that is visually pleasing and orderly, and in an understandable jargon. I also rate my patterns at the “intermediate” level, since there is a lot of shaping involved. Today, through the Internet, there is easy access to information. So if there is something in the pattern that the knitter may need help with, help is not far away. I include a lot of information, both written and with pictures, and I also include my email address at the bottom of all my patterns, in case a knitter should still have a question.

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/baby-elephant-8

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

Test knitting is valuable. But I don’t want to rely only on test knitters. In the end, it’s still my responsibility to put out a finished product that is as error-free and understandable as possible. When I first design a pattern, I do so using a “work yarn”, not the yarn I intend for the actual finished design. Using this work yarn, I write down my pattern directions as I go, using pencil and paper. When I feel it is written correctly, I type the pattern directions into my computer and print out a copy. I use this computer copy and the intended yarn to create the design again. I read and follow my directions as printed, looking for anything that may seem awkward or incorrect. Then I leave the pattern alone for a couple of weeks and go back to it with fresh eyes, proof-reading again.

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/little-piggy-8

Did you do a formal business plan?

No. Actually, this is just a hobby that happened to turn into a small business. I retired from my educator’s position and finally had time to get back into knitting. I enjoyed creating these toy animals and started writing up the pattern directions. Before long, I was selling the patterns on the Internet. So there’s no formal business plan. I do try to create some goals for myself, but I keep it fun and pressure-free.

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/christmas-elf-9

How do you maintain your life/work balance?

Since I’m retired now, I make my own schedule and it’s very flexible.

What’s next for you?

I’ve always got lots of ideas for new designs floating about in my head. I keep a list, so I don’t forget them. I’ve got two new designs ready to go, but I like to allow time in between putting patterns out. I don’t feel rushed to get them out. I remind myself that I’m retired from the scheduled life that I had for so many years. Like I said, I keep it fun and pressure-free. This is just a creative outlet I enjoy as a hobby. I continue to challenge myself to grow and learn and find new ways to achieve shape in knitting in a simple and enjoyable way. I try to create products that have a certain sweetness to them…that will bring enjoyment to those who receive them.

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/baby-lamb-4

It's my Seven Year Anniversary

It's my Seven Year Anniversary for the blog, WOW!

I have learned a lot over the past years. 

I've written over 1000 posts, the first one is here.

I've done around 350 interviews on the blog.

I've made more knitting friends.

I joined a photography group for knitters. 

I made a top 100 list this year.  I'm way down at the bottom but I'm very happy to be on the list considering the company I'm in.

As a result, I had over 20,000 page views of the blog in the last month. 

I see a lot of traffic going to my topic index and I love knowing many knitters see me as a resource.

I'm selling more patterns. Of course there are more to sell now. 

Here's hoping the next seven years will be as much fun.

Read more Blogs!

I occasionally get someone telling me blogs are dead while pushing video and image only social media. If that’s what you prefer that’s your choice. I however love blogs! I’m a fast reader and I enjoy reading a variety of blogs everyday. I follow fashion, knitting,photography and development and some of my friends through blogs. I can see on my blogger stats page that I continue to attract new readers so I know some people feel the same as I do. 

This is from Seth Godin (entrepreneur and  marketer) and I agree.

”Good blogs aren’t focused on the vapid race for clicks that other forms of social media encourage. Instead, they patiently inform and challenge, using your time with respect.
 
Here’s the thing: Google doesn’t want you to read blogs. They shut down their RSS reader and they’re dumping many blog subscriptions into the gmail promo folder, where they languish unread.
And Facebook doesn’t want you to read blogs either. They have cut back the organic sharing some blogs benefited from so that those bloggers will pay to ‘boost’ their traffic to what it used to be.
BUT!
RSS still works. It’s still free. It’s still unfiltered, uncensored and spam-free.”

I use Feedly to organize my blogs. Just google it and you will be able to set up your own feed. 

You can read his whole post here.