Hello, loyal readers! I know it’s been a while since I last shared on the blog, but I’ve been booked and busy. I look forward to sharing what’s going on, but today, I wanted to talk about my journey into designing.
I know I’ve mentioned it, and the store on the site should also be an indication, but I decided last year to actively pursue the role of a knitwear pattern designer. A decision mainly motivated a lack of options in my closet and my absolute aversion to shopping at the mall.
And for anyone who’s about to talk my ear off about the benefits of online shopping. I’m just going to stop your right there. I know my body and myself well enough that it’s just not a risk I feel comfortable taking, and I am honest enough to say I don’t want the hassle of sending things back that don’t fit or trying to sell them on the marketplace. So, designing seemed like the best option for me, and if people like what I’m putting out there, that’s just the cherry on top.
Take, for example, my newest design, the Ribbed For Your Pleasure pullover. This design was realized out of my need for an oversized, comfortable ribbed sweater that feels like a snuggly cocoon when I put it on. Do you know what I mean? The type of sweater that looks like it was made for cool wintery or summer nights in front of a fire that feels like you’re being hugged warmly the moment you put it on. I was missing this type of sweater from my collection, so with the guidance of my knitting coach and my fibre friends, I designed one for myself.
I wholeheartedly love the ideation phase when it comes to the design process. It brings me such joy to grab my sketchbook and spend time visually manifesting my inspiration into designs that I’d like to put out there. Next up, I’m choosing my needle and yarn, swatching to see if everything works, working out the math and writing up the pattern. In all transparency, I decided a long time ago to outsource my grading and tech editing because I knew it wasn’t going to be something I would thoroughly enjoy and that it would be best left to a professional.
So now, here are the parts that I also like but don’t necessarily LOVE doing: the testing calls, the social media posts, the organization of pattern launches, etc. Basically, any of the necessary administrative activities that are crucial to the successful release of a pattern. As someone who considers themselves pretty organized, I’ve already noticed that this is where I tend to lag behind and am working towards tightening it up to ensure that everything flows smoothly. Especially since one of my main goals is to be able to release patterns seasonally. This entire design journey has been a tremendous learning experience for me, and I’m working on seeing what works best for how I want to work.
While I would still consider myself an amateur designer, I’m having so much fun at the moment, and it’s been a great creative outlet for me.
My sketchbook is filled with ideas, and even just the thought of seeing them become actual tangible garments and accessories makes me excited. I can’t wait to see what my brain comes up with next.
