Fascinating read! Thank-you for sharing a behind the scenes look at having a pattern published. It was interesting to learn about only one size will be test knit because of the cost involved in test knitting multiple sizes. Years ago I heard a knitwear designer give a talk in which she said she no longer enjoyed knitting! I was flabbergasted at her admonition. Do you find you enjoy the pattern design or the knitting of the sample more in this process? I'm curious. Thanks!
I enjoy the creative process of design, though I don't particularly enjoy the technical process of writing the patterns. And I still enjoy the knitting most of the time. Sometimes it can be a slog, especially if the piece is being made in a color I don't find joyful. I recently finished a piece in a light brown that seemed to pull the energy right out of my fingers.
But after all these years, I do love to knit. And it feels like a real treat when I can knit a sweater just for me without writing the pattern. No need to keep notes, or to do the math for nine sizes, or to think about how I will describe what I'm doing so others can replicate it. Bliss!
I've been using Adobe Illustrator for many years, and I like the flexibility that it provides. But it does have a fairly steep learning curve. When I started using Illustrator, I took a class at the local community college on using Illustrator for fashion illustration. If you want to use Illustrator, I highly recommend taking a class. There are on-line classes in Illustrator available through Udemy.com.
There are also several specialized knitting chart software programs you can buy. Stitchmastery is probably the most popular. I don't have experience with any of these, so I can't make a recommendation.
Sandi, once again thank you for your detailed information. Udemy.com is good to know about. Even for the free bite size tutorials! They give you a chance to get to know the tutors. The monthly fees for Illustrator are a bit steep for the likely amount that I would be using it. Still, it would be good to have that skill set. I have used Photoshop .... a long time ago - Like when it was available on disc. Was it really that long ago!!?! 😅
If there is enough leftover yarn to add to stash, the swatches stay with the yarn. Otherwise, they get added to the "swatch basket". When the basket is full (every year or two), I sort through the swatches, save any that have potential to spark future design ideas, and throw the rest away. I am the world's worst archivist.
I love the detail Sandi. I have an even greater appreciation for what it takes for a designer to create a pattern thanks to your posts. Thanks also for the recommendation for The Knitting Pattern Writing Handbook.
Fascinating read! Thank-you for sharing a behind the scenes look at having a pattern published. It was interesting to learn about only one size will be test knit because of the cost involved in test knitting multiple sizes. Years ago I heard a knitwear designer give a talk in which she said she no longer enjoyed knitting! I was flabbergasted at her admonition. Do you find you enjoy the pattern design or the knitting of the sample more in this process? I'm curious. Thanks!
I enjoy the creative process of design, though I don't particularly enjoy the technical process of writing the patterns. And I still enjoy the knitting most of the time. Sometimes it can be a slog, especially if the piece is being made in a color I don't find joyful. I recently finished a piece in a light brown that seemed to pull the energy right out of my fingers.
But after all these years, I do love to knit. And it feels like a real treat when I can knit a sweater just for me without writing the pattern. No need to keep notes, or to do the math for nine sizes, or to think about how I will describe what I'm doing so others can replicate it. Bliss!
Such good info Sandi. Thank you for sharing it all. I have ordered the Handbook. How easy did you find Adobe to work with for your needs?
I've been using Adobe Illustrator for many years, and I like the flexibility that it provides. But it does have a fairly steep learning curve. When I started using Illustrator, I took a class at the local community college on using Illustrator for fashion illustration. If you want to use Illustrator, I highly recommend taking a class. There are on-line classes in Illustrator available through Udemy.com.
There are also several specialized knitting chart software programs you can buy. Stitchmastery is probably the most popular. I don't have experience with any of these, so I can't make a recommendation.
Sandi, once again thank you for your detailed information. Udemy.com is good to know about. Even for the free bite size tutorials! They give you a chance to get to know the tutors. The monthly fees for Illustrator are a bit steep for the likely amount that I would be using it. Still, it would be good to have that skill set. I have used Photoshop .... a long time ago - Like when it was available on disc. Was it really that long ago!!?! 😅
Your posts are not too long. Thanks for the great info and recommendations! Now … what do you do with all those swatches 🤔
If there is enough leftover yarn to add to stash, the swatches stay with the yarn. Otherwise, they get added to the "swatch basket". When the basket is full (every year or two), I sort through the swatches, save any that have potential to spark future design ideas, and throw the rest away. I am the world's worst archivist.
I love the detail Sandi. I have an even greater appreciation for what it takes for a designer to create a pattern thanks to your posts. Thanks also for the recommendation for The Knitting Pattern Writing Handbook.
Thanks, Jodie. And do pick up the book. The authors did a tremendous job.
I love your posts and definitely don’t think they are too long!
😍
Thank you!
Thanks, Sandy. An enlightening read!!
My pleasue!