Those who know me well as a stitcher are well aware that more often than not, I design my own patterns. Despite having hundreds of books and magazines full of items to choose from, when it comes to non-sweater items, I am more likely to put together my own vision culled from my stable of stitch dictionaries. I mix and match components until I get what I want. Though it can be intensely frustrating at times, I really enjoy the process. My library is a source of inspiration and knowledge. The rest of the time my library serves as a welcome refuge for those times when I fall in love with a design, or my needs leave me wanting something ready at the get go.
My craft book library. The magazines will go on the opposite facing case.
I have declared 2010 is the year of the pattern. I already have a pattern template made up, and have since ‘08. While I released a couple of patterns in ’09, I’m not going to hold anything back this year. I worried for a long time about accuracy, and appearing self-important. The first part is more easily solved than I could have imagined. Not only do I have a few readers who love to do that kind of thing, but I also found a group on Ravelry for just this very purpose. The rules are clear, the group is very active, and it specifically states that there is to be no compensation other than honest appreciation. It’s 100% volunteer, and I believe it to be priceless resource to budding designers. As to having the temerity to self-publish? If I put my best out there, and keep up my professionalism, that’s all any reasonable person can ask.
So… would anyone like to test knit a scarf pattern? This is the one I’m considering submitting to Spin Off. Amy Clark Moore spoke to me about it at SOAR ’08 and said I should submit it for publication to the magazine. I can do that right now since the pattern is already written, but just in case I don’t go that route (or get rejected), I’d like to have a couple of test knitters already working on it. The pattern calls for a smooth, non-fuzzy, worsted weight yarn, but it doesn’t have to be exact. Something in the range of DK to Aran would be fine, and the pattern is easily adjustable. I need at least one person who’s willing to do it in a nice, busy handspun, and another who’s willing to knit it in a commercial yarn like Noro Boku, Cascade 200 Paints, or Knit Picks Shamrock. A yarn with multiple colors in the ply, or busy variegation is recommended.
A leafy start to the Modern Mob Cap.
Coming very soon will be a hat pattern I’m 2/3 done with. Assuming the decrease aesthetics don’t do me in, it should be ready for test knitters in 7-10 days. I’ve been photographing and formatting the pattern on the fly so this one should fairly fly out the door. It called the Modern Mob Cap, features a double thick, toasty warm brim, and calls for two contrasting colors of worsted weight wool, 50g of the accent color and 100g for the main body. I can’t wait to wear it!
Happily, there are at least three more patterns in my head just waiting to come out. It’s going to be an exciting year.
January 28th, 2010 11:30 am
I would LOVE to test-knit for you!
Ramona´s last blog ..
January 28th, 2010 12:02 pm
Congratulations! I’m sure both patterns (and those swimming around in your head) are going to be awesome!
I have released a few patterns through my Etsy shop, just did a new one yesterday and its already sold twice! I say go for it, at least with patterns you get to keep the finished result and others get to enjoy your creative mind and make their own
sillylittlelady´s last blog ..Wise Wednesday – Taking Better Product Photos
January 28th, 2010 12:12 pm
I have some handspun (my first skein) that I have no clue what to do with. It’s not super busy, but has dimension to it. It’s aran-ish weight. Would love to test-knit for you if you need me!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/enchantedhues/2743481961/in/set-72157606611323865/ (if you want to check the yarn.
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January 28th, 2010 1:43 pm
I have some rainbow variegated yarn, very busy, that I could test knit with, contrasting with a dark brown or black for the second color. It’s a challenging yarn to find projects for, since most of the variegation is really short, interspersed with longer sections of pink. Anyway, I’ll test knit for you if you like! It’ll be crazy!!!
January 28th, 2010 2:05 pm
Me, please–I’d love to test knit for you.
January 28th, 2010 5:53 pm
Dude … sign me up! I’m always happy to test knit!
Amy Darsie´s last blog ..FO: Adaptation
January 29th, 2010 8:34 am
Having finally written up my basic sock pattern I can say that pattern writing is hard! Good luck to you in this new venture and keep me in mind if you need a test knitter.
Carole´s last blog ..Tulips
January 29th, 2010 9:47 am
I can test knit too. I have tons of handspun, though the multi-colored stuff I have is mostly heavier guage. And I have a bin full of many colors of Cascade if you would like me to do the hat.
January 31st, 2010 11:03 am
I can test-knit both or either too. What kind of yardage is needed for the scarf?
January 31st, 2010 12:15 pm
Looks lovely so far! Sadly I haven’t got the time for a test knit. I’m over committed to other things
Carol´s last blog ..I Iz Fierce Beast!