The Collection

The whole collection is available via Ravelry as an e-book for $17 or as individual patterns. This collection includes Circuitous, a lacy shrug, Sweet Retreat, a ruffle edged shawl, Suburbanite, a slouch hat, and Wave Runner, a lace edged tank top. Each pattern uses the 100% linen yarn called Flax by Fibra Natura.

Circuitous

Sweet Retreat

Suburbanite

Wave Runner

These patterns and e-book are now available in my Ravelry store as well as here on my blog (click SHOP).

The first step for me is the sketch. I have so many ideas bouncing around, it helps to get them out onto paper (or screen). Depending on where I am, I either sketch in a notebook or on my laptop. My notebooks of choice are the Maruman Mnemosyne A4 5mm square ruled. As suggested by the name, these are filled with graph paper. The sheets are perforated and the paper is very smooth. The paper is actually gridded on one side (great for charts) and plain on the other (perfect for sketches). I love this A4 size, but I also have some A5′s which are more portable.

When I sketch on the computer I prefer to use SketchBookPro. This software works well with my Wacom Graphire, is lightweight, and quite affordable. I find it easy to sketch with natural looking tools (pencil, pen, watercolor, etc.) without having to play with a bunch of settings like in Photoshop.

The next phase of my design process is usually charting. I like to layout my stitches with charts whenever possible. As a visual learner, I like being able to see what a stitch pattern looks like as it helps me plan for shaping and grading. For charts I love Illustrator. I use this exclusively for all my charting needs. I have most all of my commonly used symbols created and saved for easy reusability. The program makes it easy to shift whole groups of symbols around, duplicate, reflect, etc. It took a little time to get used to, but now it’s truly a time saver.

After charting, designing becomes a numbers game. What better way to keep track of numbers than with a spreadsheet? I use Excel for everything from keeping track of grading, stitch counts, and gauge calculations. I also use it for making lists – so many many lists. I make lists to :

• organize outstanding submissions
• maintain business expenses
• track sales
• (see what I did there? made a list about making lists)

Once I have my pattern worked out I move it to InDesign (for self-published works) or to Word (for contract works). InDesign is one of those programs that I find incredibly useful even though I only know how to use 5% of the features. I use it to layout my pattern in multiple pages to be exported to PDF.

Other than that, my most valuable knitwear design tool is my computer, which obviously is needed to run all of the helpful software discussed above. I love my MacBookPro and carry it with me almost everywhere.

She replied, “2013? What about 2012?”

To which I said, “Oh no, I have too much already lined up for 2012.”

Seriously, I already have 2012 packed with planned designs. It’s crazy, but oh so fun! Sometimes I do wish I had more time to knit for myself. So many beautiful patterns and projects I would like to work on. Although I’m always knitting, I usually send my projects away, never to be seen again. My knits drawer is woefully light on knitted objects. Will I keep my word and spend all of 2013 on personal knitting? Probably not. I just have too many ideas waiting to become new patterns!

Samples Returned

Heel Knitted

Snacks Burnt

Wall Climbed

Design Started

Fiber Spun

Would you be interested? Should I pursue this? What type of project would you be most interested in?

• B-Side Cardigan by Laura Chau – I’ve loved this cardigan since it came out. It has just enough interest without being overly busy. Ultimately very wearable.
• Austin Hoodie by Connie Chang Chinchio – I love all of Connie’s designs, but this one really speaks to me. I could see it as my go-to sweater.
• Dollar and a Half Cardigan by Veronik Avery – I’ve had this queued for a long time and love the way it looks. Can you spot a trend here?
• Autumn Rose Pullover by Eunny Jang – For not being a cardigan, this is something I feel like I must knit. I even have the kit for this, I just haven’t gotten around to it…for years. I ordered the kit when I was a 38″ bust, and now…that would be too small…

Clearly I’m in the mood (mostly) for cardigans. I have several pullover sweaters, and I hardly ever wear them. Mainly because I’m usually hot, and so something that I can easily remove is a must. I’ve been dreaming of cardigans and dreaming of designing cardigans and…well you get the idea – I have cardigans on the brain. Dahlia was a big hit; maybe I should design another cardigan here in the near future…

Individual Images (c) Interweave Press

I hope to work with them more in the future, and I cannot wait to see what they will be up to next.

The Scarlet Capelet features my classic round hood and an almost seamless top down construction.

(c) Interweave Press

(c) Interweave Press

This Modern Reticule is the perfect size for a small knitting project or for holding your phone and a few essentials.

(c) Interweave Press

(c) Interweave Press

If you are a Jane fan, you will enjoy this issue. There are many (over 35!) lovely designs as well as articles included. Word is there is a Jane Austen Knits 2012 issue planned as well!

I have many favorites this week, but my most favorit-est of all is my friend Tina. Tina is the nicest and most generous person I think I have ever known. Her up-beat nature and genuine caring for others makes her someone that I aspire to be like. No matter what’s going on in her life, she always makes the time for others. Tina has been going through a rough patch lately, battling cancer. I was devastated to learn that this horrible thing could happen to such a wonderful lady. What can I do in the face of something so evil, so unprejudiced?

I did what I do best, designed. I created this pattern: Tina’s Hope. Something to give her some warmth and comfort, and also something to give to others. I’ve pledged to donate 50% of the sales of this pattern to cancer research.

Tina's Hope

$5 USD

As always this pattern came together with the help of wonderful friends. Irina Lawrence, the beautiful model, and my test knitters, Teri and Lynda. Thank you all!