As a designer, what I find hard is writing the instructions. SURE I can make anything you want... but I may do it in a way that would be utterly confusing to try to write out. You all would sure hate me when my pattern read - 'just knit til it looks right'. haha!
I know that a lot of designers have 'stock' patterns that they design off of. Such as all their cardigans are constructed the same and they just design new stitch patterns on it. I've seen it a lot. And they sell well! Completely cool with all that... but I design each garment from the ground up. Now I'm not saying in 10 years I won't be designing off of a previous construction. But for now all garments are uniquely their own. Which happens to take a HECK of a lot longer to do. It's kinda like re-inventing the wheel each and every time! So maybe I'm just not smart? Distinct possibility! ;)
I know that a lot of designers have 'stock' patterns that they design off of. Such as all their cardigans are constructed the same and they just design new stitch patterns on it. I've seen it a lot. And they sell well! Completely cool with all that... but I design each garment from the ground up. Now I'm not saying in 10 years I won't be designing off of a previous construction. But for now all garments are uniquely their own. Which happens to take a HECK of a lot longer to do. It's kinda like re-inventing the wheel each and every time! So maybe I'm just not smart? Distinct possibility! ;)
So back to the writing of patterns... it's hard people! Just look at that mess in the photos! Much writing/rewriting/rewriting. I started using different colored pens! And then there are so many variables of how you all like to read patterns. I am a written out type girl - but lots of you like to work from charts. I might too... but honestly have never tried! I should probably do that. Maybe I would be a convert? It sure would make writing the patterns A LOT easier in some instances. So, to chart or not to chart? Or do both? If you have never written a pattern before you should know that it is time intensive! Especially if you have multiple sizes! *GASP* MATH! Not even close to my strong suit!
And then of course as soon as you get all of the hours done to put the pattern together, someone finds something wrong with it. (hopefully only one something!) And then you feel like an idiot for missing it. And they typically think you are an idiot for making a mistake! I have to tell you one of my greatest joys in this business is reading a well written, POLITE email from someone who found a mistake. THANK YOU!!!! I'm human. It happens. So all you lovely knitters and crocheters out there, just remember - we love what we do as designers and we try really, really hard to do it well. But mistakes happen. Be nice! :)
I have to admit that I always have a little lump in my throat when I publish a pattern. There's always that little thought in the back of your head saying 'is there something wrong with it?' and of course the rational side says 'we checked it a gazillion times chill out woman!' But it's all so worth it when people like your designs. To see hearts go up for it! To get purchases! What a thrill! I truly LOVE what I do. I feel like the luckiest person in the whole world to get to live my life. It's not fancy, but it's fun and I love it.
And then of course as soon as you get all of the hours done to put the pattern together, someone finds something wrong with it. (hopefully only one something!) And then you feel like an idiot for missing it. And they typically think you are an idiot for making a mistake! I have to tell you one of my greatest joys in this business is reading a well written, POLITE email from someone who found a mistake. THANK YOU!!!! I'm human. It happens. So all you lovely knitters and crocheters out there, just remember - we love what we do as designers and we try really, really hard to do it well. But mistakes happen. Be nice! :)
I have to admit that I always have a little lump in my throat when I publish a pattern. There's always that little thought in the back of your head saying 'is there something wrong with it?' and of course the rational side says 'we checked it a gazillion times chill out woman!' But it's all so worth it when people like your designs. To see hearts go up for it! To get purchases! What a thrill! I truly LOVE what I do. I feel like the luckiest person in the whole world to get to live my life. It's not fancy, but it's fun and I love it.
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