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! ;)
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.