Відео

Thank you so much for your thoughtful feedback! 😊💕 You’ve brought up a great point about free or lower-priced patterns helping new knitters build trust in a designer. And as you mentioned, it works well for other businesses, like offering very low priced coffee to draw people in and encourage purchases of things we don’t really need! 😅 In my experience, though, free patterns haven’t really led to paying customers, so I’ve moved away from offering them. Instead, I focus on creating patterns that feel accessible and truly worth the investment. Of course, it’s hard to know this for sure beforehand, especially since there’s no way to fully assess how a pattern is written until you try it. I’m not sure if Ravelry stars truly help in that regard either. I really appreciate your insight, though, and it’s definitely something I’ll keep in mind as I plan future offerings!

Thank you for sharing your perspective! It’s wonderful to hear that you’re so involved in test knitting-it truly helps bring patterns to life. 😊 I also thank my test knitters with a complimentary pattern. It’s true that not everyone is in a position to pay for patterns, but as you said, valuing the work that goes into them is something we should consider more actively (that goes for many jobs and professions, not just knitwear design). Striking a balance when it comes to pricing is definitely a challenge.

I’m so sorry to hear about your experience. Living as a foreigner and navigating cultural differences can be so challenging. I agree-we shouldn’t excuse rude behavior. I hope you’ve also found spaces where you feel valued and included. 💕 Sending you lots of warmth!

Thank you so much for your kind words and for sharing your perspective! 🌟 It would be wonderful to have every size test knitted, but the reality is (and I’ve heard this from even well-known designers) that it’s often difficult to find testers for the smallest and largest sizes. Even when testers are found, fit can still be a challenge. The math might work, but achieving a great fit is another story! For a sweater to fit well across standard sizes, it’s almost like designing 12 different garments-it’s a complex process. I’ve seen issues like armholes sitting too low on larger sizes or necklines that end up way too wide. Fit is so important but definitely tricky! Unfortunately the 'making a paper bag glamorous' approach is still alive, especially on social media. That said, also professional models can make anything look good-it’s their job, and I sometimes envy their talent! 😄 Wishing you happy holidays and cozy knitting! 💕

Thank you so much for your kind words! 🌟 It really means a lot to me, especially coming from someone who’s part of the design and tech editing world! 💕 The sweater I’m wearing is definitely a favorite-I sometimes wish I’d written up the pattern for it back then. But hey, not everything needs to become a pattern, right? I love the color too! I think I’ve been influenced by all the Instagram color analysis trends-it’s fun to explore shades that work better for me. The sauna was wonderful, after 30+ years in Finland, I've grown to like it. 😅 Pattern pricing is definitely a tricky topic. I’m not even thinking about being fully compensated for all the work that goes into it, but just trying to figure out what’s fair-and that can vary so much depending on perspective. Wishing you all the best with your tech editing journey-maybe at some point we'll get to work together! 😊

Oh, right, not sure if that is doable over on Ravelry. Will check-thanks for the suggestion! 😊

Thank you for sharing your thoughts! 🌟 Indeed pricing patterns can be tricky, especially with such a wide range of economic realities across the world. I really appreciate hearing your perspective and the importance you place on supporting designers directly. 💕

Kiitos Anni! 😊 Totta, ohjeen hyödyntäminen useampaan otteeseen on relevantti huomio. Varmaankin asusteissa ja sukissa tämä tapahtuu useammin, mutta villapaidoissa ja takeissa ehkä harvemmin, elleivät ne ole täysin perussileää neuletta. 😅 Ravelry ottaa ohjemyynnistä alvin riippumatta siitä, oletko alvin piirissä vai et. Etsy ottaa myös osan myynnistä, oisko ollut 15 %? Osalla suunnittelijoista on lisäksi muita kuluja, kuten tilavuokria(työhuone), materiaalikuluja ja markkinointikuluja. Kaikki kulut eivät ole täysin vähennyskelpoisia verotuksessa. Eli suunnitteluun menee paljon enemmän kuin pelkät työtunnit. Monia näkymättömiä osia.

@themonogamousknitter Olet oikeassa, osalla suunnittelijoista on vielä noita laajempiakin kuluja :) Itselleni tuli myös uutena asiana syksyllä, että kuinka paljon yksittäisestä verkkomaksukerrasta veloitetaan. Toki sekin pitää sisällyttää ohjeen hintaan. Ihanaa joulun aikaa sinulle Enikö ❤️

@@ajatuksianni Ihanaa joulun aikaa Anni! ❤☺

Thank you for your comment! :) I'm glad you like my jacket! I believe bomber jackets have never truly gone out of fashion since their first appearance-over a hundred years ago. The same goes for baseball jackets-styles tend to cycle. I was fortunate to design three hat patterns for Brooklyn Tweed back in the day. The level of precision required was truly remarkable, and I learned so much from that experience. So I think that their patterns are fairly prices, but of course might seem steep.

Thanks for your comment-it’s given me a lot to think about! 😊 It’s funny what UA-cam can amplify or how people online might perceive me. I’m somewhat aware of it, but not entirely-it’s hard to really see yourself through someone else’s lens. To answer your question, it’s obviously a mix of many things: nature and nurture, living in different countries, traveling a lot at one point, and meeting all kinds of people. Life experiences, both good and awful, have shaped me. About humor-honestly, I think I’m much less sarcastic than I used to be. While it might come across as cynical, it’s really more about constantly analyzing and trying to understand things. I am curious about the world, and I tend not to shy away from seeing problems. Of course, that might lead into seeing only problems, but frankly, the trend of toxic positivity just makes me mad. I do not think we can fix anything by deliberately burying our head in the sand and thinking positively. Could I sugarcoat my observations more? Sure. But the truth is, I’m tired of trying to be something I’m not. You’d think being a white woman in a Nordic country (Finland, the “happiest country” no less) would make it easier to just be yourself. But nope. There’s still pressure here, especially for women, to fit in and behave a certain way. And funny enough, that pressure doesn’t come from the patriarchy-it’s women doing it to themselves. It’s woven into the culture. Women are still expected to be kind, not heard or seen too much. And no, I do not think there is anything wrong with kindness, on the contrary. But if it only means you should be kind and invisible, then it’s not okay. What you describe as high-horse or cynical would probably be interpreted differently if I were a man. That’s not just my opinion; there are studies backing it up. For years, I tried to fit in, to make myself smaller so I wouldn’t offend anyone. It didn’t work, and in the end, it felt wrong.
I’m not saying I’m always right or perfect-far from it. But I do have integrity and values that aren’t exactly trendy these days, like honesty and fairness (which might be up for debate, depending on how you see it). Those values have cost me. Still, I’ve reached a point where I’m not willing to change who I am just to fit in or make people like me (although I still feel the pressure). As for how much is the fish and what should or could be done, I agree. More videos, more patterns! 😊 I know that overnight success takes years. 💕

@@themonogamousknitter Thanks for the sincere answer. And especially thanks for not getting offended by my comment. In many ways I understand you well or even totally. And I am the last one to give you advice, I've failed tooo many times in my life and failed my best plans and intentions. Being kind and understanding to yourself and people around you , even if they are dumb and bigots, actually especially when they are dumb and bigots - while still trying to stand for your values and your truth - this the art and wisdom and happiness, imho. I remember you telling how once you went for a knitting night in your local yarn shop and you felt ignored and hurt - look, from what you said about it: you gave up too quickly and jumped to too many conclusions. Some people are just not easily approachable and some people are uneasy with unapproachable individuals, some people have a bad day or a bad life. You never know what shaped people into what they are and what they know and what they believe and how they behave and act in general and on a specific occasion. Ideally, you would not be offended so quickly, and go there 10s times and make some effort for personal contacts - or not make any effort, just be there quietly and observantly present... One more thought regarding pricing your designs: what is more important to you, getting paid a fair price or seeing many people knitting your designs and individuals wearing "your" stuff all over the world? Getting paid fairly and making a living from it is not very likely, unfortunately, even with your lovely designs. You should only make it if publishing design fulfills you personally, and if it warms your heart knowing that someone might have made your cowl for a loved one on the other sided of the planet, even if they do not publish their project on Ravelry or Instagram. Cheering for you wholeheartedly <3

@@anciify It’s true that human connection can be complex, and we often interpret situations through our own filters. I agree-people may not always be as approachable as they seem, and we might never fully understand what’s happening in someone else’s life that shapes their behavior. That said, I don’t believe I gave up too quickly. If someone isn’t acknowledging your presence-by saying hello or goodbye-within the 1.5 hours we’re sharing the same space (with a relatively small crowd), I won’t spend time trying to connect or convince them to be my friend in the future. And yes, I tried from my part to connect, say hello and be genuinely interested in the people there. Human connection matters, and if it’s not reciprocated, there’s no point in forcing it. Regarding pricing my designs, you’ve raised an important point. While it would be wonderful to be compensated fairly for the time and effort that goes into creating designs, I do find fulfillment in knowing my work might inspire others, even if they don’t engage with me online. Ideally, both would be the best outcome-doing what you love and being fairly compensated. Unfortunately, I feel like this mindset is sometimes used to justify lower pay for roles traditionally seen as “callings,” like nursing, where the argument often is, “It’s your passion, so why would we pay you more (or anything)?” I appreciate when people share their creations made from my patterns, it is lovely to see! I’m grateful for that, but I don’t want people to make my designs solely for the sake of showcasing them on Instagram. I recognize the challenges of making a living from this, but I believe it’s achievable. I missed your question about knitting too tight, didn't I? This happens when you have to use force to insert your needle into the stitch. The stitches feel overly tight, making them harder to move freely on your needles, requiring extra effort. That is one definition of too tight. Thanks again for your support! <3

Thank you for your comment! 😊 It’s fascinating how different crafts seem to have such varied expectations for pricing. I’m not advocating for everything to be priced the same across different crafts, but I do think the pricing gap is quite noticeable. Unless you’re selling a significant volume of knitting patterns, it’s challenging to fully recoup the work that goes into developing and marketing them. There are always unseen costs-time, resources, effort, and even space-that add up. My hope is to at least break even at some point, which would already feel like progress.

Thank you so much for your kind words and support-it means a lot to me! 💕 You’re absolutely right; there’s always going to be a mix of feedback, but hearing encouragement like this reminds me why I love what I do. It’s such a good reminder to stay true to myself. I have thought about worth a lot, and that is a topic that will need a complete new episode or two. I really appreciate you reminding me to value the craft and recognizing the cultural significance of these skills. I wish more people and none crafters would understand what it means to create with your bare hands. Wishing you a wonderful Winter Solstice as well! 🌟 And yes, I can’t wait to hit the slopes soon-thank you for the good vibes! 🏂❄

Thank you for your comment and sharing your pattern purchase habits as well as your expectations regarding patterns! 😊💕 I'm glad you like the cardigan!

Thank you for your comment! 😊 Unfortunately there’s no clear way to know if a pattern will suit each individual preferences before purchasing, especially on platforms like Ravelry. What one person considers “good” or “bad” may vary greatly from another. I think that’s why people often lean towards designers they know already-they’ve built a level of familiarity with what to expect from them. I hope to reach that level at some point. It’s definitely a challenge to strike the right balance, and I appreciate you sharing your perspective!

Thank you! 💕 I’d love to have the template, could you please send me the link via Ravelry? You can find me here: www.ravelry.com/people/Enique I’ve seen a few test knit templates, but I really appreciate your help. Can’t believe I missed the "Add multiple recipients" feature! I think I definitely need new glasses…😅 I agree, those who love my patterns will buy them, unless I’m asking for the moon. And yes, the key is reaching them-slowly, slowly, cathy monkey.

Thank you for your comment! 😊 You’ve raised a lot of important points, so let me try to unpack some of them. The pricing sweet spot is incredibly hard to find-maybe it doesn’t even exist. It’s such a fine line between making patterns accessible and ensuring that the time, effort, and skills involved are fairly compensated. To be honest, they’re not fully compensated at the moment, but I’m hopeful it’ll get there slowly. The saturation on Ravelry is definitely a real issue. With nearly 700,000 patterns on the platform, even with filters, finding something that truly fits your needs can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Add to that the variability in pattern quality, and it becomes even harder for buyers to feel confident in their purchases. That’s one reason I don’t rely solely on Ravelry. I try to be active here and on Instagram, and I’m considering branching out to other platforms for selling digital patterns. I love that you highlighted Jeny Staiman’s approach. As you pointed out, too much hand-holding can lead to an expectation of even more, which can be draining for designers. I think I fall somewhere in the middle-I’m naturally more of a “just the facts” person, but I also recognize that different knitters have different needs. Some want simplicity, while others prefer ultra-detailed instructions, and today’s pattern writing standards are definitely different from what they used to be. The market is so unpredictable, and what works for one designer or type of pattern might not work for another. It’s a constant process of trial and error, but honestly, I’m loving the journey!

Thank you! 😊 Happy holidays to you too!

I hear you, the approach you describe-one-size patterns with minimal instructions is how it used to be. I have knitting magazines from the 50s and 70s that are exactly like that. That’s how I learned to knit, actually without patterns and later on from those kind of patterns (for better or worse). They taught me how to modify patterns to fit me. There was a certain freedom in those designs-they felt more like suggestions than rules, and you could truly make them your own. But things have changed. Pattern writing today is about more than just inclusivity; I'm sorry to say, it’s also about convenience. Convenience has crept into our culture-and into knitting. People want detailed, hand-holding patterns because it’s easier. In a world where we’re constantly overwhelmed with information and decisions, following a pattern that’s been pre-chewed feels comforting. The downside, though, is that people stop thinking for themselves. Maybe I'm generalizing, but I've seen it so many times. Knitters follow patterns to the letter, even when the finished project doesn’t fit. They’re hesitant to make modifications or step outside the lines. I’ve seen knitters with decades of experience buy a pattern for the simplest 1x1 ribbed beanie. When I asked why, the answer was, “I didn’t feel like counting (thinking).” The truth is, the market drives the standard. If a designer doesn’t hold hands in their pattern, it often doesn’t sell. That doesn’t mean it’s the best way, but it’s the reality we’re in. I don’t have all the answers-how do you “educate” knitters without alienating them? How do you make patterns both empowering and accessible? I haven’t explored Japanese patterns deeply yet. The ones I’ve seen are often one-size-fits-all with instructions that feel unfamiliar, they flow differently. I understand they’re heavily chart-based with no written chart explanation (correct me if I’m wrong). Personally I do not care for written out lace or cable patterns, but people are different. But I’d love to dive into Japanese patterns at some point (and visit Japan again!) and to better understand the approach. I might check out what you suggested! At the end of the day, it’s a mess. We’re stuck between the creativity of the past and the convenience of today, leading to patterns that sometimes read like novels. Maybe there’s room for both approaches, but striking the right balance is tricky.

@@themonogamousknitter Thank you so much for sharing your view!! I understand better now the struggles of the designer as seen from the marketing point of view and the delicate balance that needs to be done in order to 'sell', not just share ideas. Thank you very much for contemplating this balance. Even if as a designer you just entertain the thought of a balanced pattern writing instead of viewing the modern western pattern writing as a default - this is already much appreciated and shows a well rounded view on things! :) I feel you and I definitely appreciate you and your journey to find your voice as a designer. Lately i have been struggling a bit with our hobby, finding patterns that don't bore me is difficult. Knitting sweaters and cardigans flat in pieces seems to help a bit against it and hold my interest, but who knows how long it will last. I started to deliberately adjust patterns to be knitted flat just to make them more 'difficult' (it's not). Feels like while making patterns with more and more beginner inclusivity, there is less and less 'bored' advanced knitters inclusivity lol Maybe there should be a better beginner to advance rating on ravelry? I think the way it's currently done depends on how many techniques are used in a pattern (while still being hand-holdy), but it could be the level of hand-holdy-ness that would identify a pattern as advanced. Just wondering :)

Very interesting thoughts…will check out the UA-cam channel. However, your perspective is as an advanced knitter. We would leave the not so advanced knitter ”outside” if patterns were done as you describe? And to be fair, you could easily create patterns yourself? A newbie could not. As women still struggle to get equal salaries as men, for the same job, maybe we could encourage our fellow sisters to get a decent price for their designs?

@@ChristinaLjungsvik Oh I am absolutely for reasonable pricing and even for closing the pricing gap between knitting and sewing patterns! :) Designers and creatives in general should get all the recognition (including monetary). Especially in these KI flooded days people-made things should be cherished even more. But I don't think the beginner knitters are in any danger of being left outside, as literally 90% of modern patterns are already catering to beginners... I rather feel left out as an advanced knitter XD Who is catering to me? XD jk

Thank you for your comment! 😊 Overconsumption is definitely something we see in the knitting (and crafting) community also. I understand your point, though there’s also a psychological side to it-like loss aversion and the sunk cost fallacy-that makes it tricky to let go of things we’ve already invested in. Right now, I’m focusing on making better decisions for the present and the future. Good luck with your destash-it sounds like you’re taking a thoughtful approach to your stash! 💕

Congratulations on starting your own podcast-that’s such an exciting journey! I understand the intrigue about seeing my stash, but I don’t think I’ll ever share it online. I’ll be keeping this channel more or less focused on knitting, but if you’re curious about ice swimming or other things I’m up to, you can find more over on Instagram. Thanks again for reaching out, and best of luck with your podcast! 🎉

Ja sitten mä kommentoin vanhalta kanavalta 🫣 uusi on siis @mydiversetapestry

Eli tämä on uusi kanavani 😁

Ihana kuulla, että olet löytänyt koiraharrastusporukan, jossa tunnet kuuluvasi joukkoon.💕 Neulemaailmassa ryhmiin pääseminen tuntuu olevan välillä tosi haastavaa, vaikka kuinka yrittäisi. En siis enää yritä. 😅 Onnea uudelle kanavalle! Käyn ehdottomasti kurkkaamassa. 👏😊

Thank you for sharing! 😊 I'm happy that you've found welcoming people in the knitting communities. 💕

Thank you for your kind words and for tuning in all the way from Wyoming! 🤠 It sounds like you have such a beautiful and inspiring setting to live and knit in! Indeed it’s such a shame when people try to fit others into boxes. I wish more of us embraced curiosity about different ways of doing and being. I’m glad you’ve found a great knitting community here on UA-cam! 😊 💕

Thank you for sharing! It’s wonderful to hear that you’re staying true to your own knitting journey! 💕😊

Indeed. 😊

You're absolutely right-those cliques can show up anywhere, which is always a bit baffling to me when we're supposed to be grown-ups! Sometimes it really does feel like 'middle school mean girls' all over again. And yes, the wallpaper is fabulous, isn’t it? 😊

Thank you for your kind comment! 😊 I’m glad my thoughts and approach to making resonate with you. 💕

Thank you for your insights on shaping the crown! I actually went back and tried pretty much what you suggested. 😊 Sometimes I do get carried away or feel indecisive about how or when to shape the crown-whether I want a snug fit or something with a bit of “air” at the top. It still doesn’t quite work, but I can always unravel and fix it. And yes, embracing more creative perspectives is definitely the way forward!

Thank you for sharing your perspective and for your kind words! 💕 I understand how expectations around buying supplies from a specific place could lead to misunderstandings, but it’s disheartening when basic human decency, like a simple greeting, is overlooked, especially in smaller gatherings. It’s clear that this isn’t an isolated experience-many have shared similar stories of feeling excluded, which is disappointing. I hope we can work towards a craft community that’s genuinely inclusive and celebrates all the different ways we create. Happy stitching to you too! 😊

Thank you for sharing your story. 💕It’s heartwarming to hear how knitting brought you and your sisters together during such a difficult time. It really shows how comforting and meaningful the craft can be and how it can bring us sometimes much needed solace. 😊

Thank you for sharing your thoughts! 😊 It’s wonderful to hear from someone with so much knitting experience. Knitting should indeed be about joy, creativity, and individuality-not conformity. And yes, it really would be boring if we all knitted the same thing in the same way!

Thank you for your comment! 😊 I’d also like to believe there’s more support than not, but it’s a shame when signs of the opposite still show up. I’m so glad you like my designs-fingers crossed for more snow this season! And just for the record, I’ll be wearing the beanie off-slope-better to wear a helmet while on it! 😄

Thank you for sharing your thoughts! I’m glad the online community has been a positive space for you; it’s important to find supportive people no matter where you are. 💕

Thank you for your comment! It’s great to hear that the crochet community is thriving, but it seems there’s definitely room for improvement in the knitting world. It’s surprising how, despite the rich history of men knitting and creating amazing pieces, it’s nowadays seen as unusual or out of the ordinary. And in my humble opinion, it should be the craft that brings us together, regardless of gender or background.

Thank you for your kind words! 😊💕 It sounds like you’ve found a wonderful way to knit and design that suits you perfectly. Your sweaters and other knits actually sound cozy and practical, and tailored to meet your and your family’s needs. I’m so glad you don’t find me grumpy! 😄 I’m looking forward to sharing more of my thoughts and projects with you.

Thank you four your kind words! 😊💕

Thank you for sharing your perspective! 😊 It’s so nice to hear from a former shop owner. It sounds like your shop and group were truly special! 💕

Thank you for your comment! 😊 I'm so glad to hear about your spinning journey and that you found a welcoming group to share your passion with. It’s true, creativity at its best really does have a way of bringing us all together and making us feel connected. 💕

@@ajatuksianni Kiitos Anni! ☺️💕 On tärkeä pystyä puhumaan itselle tärkeistä asioista, mutta ymmärrän myös turhautumisen. 🤗

@@pial7805 Thank you! 🥰💕

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences! 😊 I’m glad you’ve found friends who share your passion and inspire you.

Thank you so much for your kind words and for subscribing! 💕 It’s wonderful to hear from someone who also notices these dynamics firsthand. It’s unfortunate, but I hope that change is coming. 😊

Indeed, wise words! 💕😊

@@themonogamousknitter Thank you! You are so kind! If I am recollecting correctly, you have said, or at least, hinted as much, yourself, in your own words of wisdom. I enjoy hearing you voice your thought processes and point of view.

Thank you for your comment! 😊 You’ve made some really interesting points. It’s true that yarn shop knit nights can sometimes feel more like marketing events. I understand that, but what often seems to be missing is the idea that people will choose to support you if they genuinely like you and feel positive about their experience, not because you try to show them how superior you are. Your comment has inspired me to think about starting my own knitting night at the local library. Thanks for the idea! 💕

Thank you! 😊 I hope you'll find something more you like. 💕

PS … forgot to mention why am i different… I’m a 55+ years long knitter, but also learned spinning in 2021 (COVID activity) developed the passion for Handspun yarn and face changes that Handspun provides… learned SO MUCH about yarns from knitting books, breed specific etc. So I can call myself a YarnDesigner Also spent up to $100 on almost every visit at the store with knitting group, so my absence also means that my craft dollars will go somewhere else. If I had my designing/spinning/knitting channel it would be called „Solitary Fiber Crafters” or something Ps in my area at similar distance there are about 8 other yarn/fiber stores … with crafting groups [haha let’s see how many others will reject a diverse person? Just because I’m lefthrnded, knitting eastern Continental and have passion for fiber/yarns not gossips

Hi there, thank you for your comments and sharing your experiences! 💕 I will reply to your Ravelry message in a minute.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts! 😊 Indeed, it’s great to connect with like-minded people, but I also appreciate other perspectives and love being challenged-even when it hurts. 😅 It’s unfortunate how the culture of outrage has spread so widely, and it’s disheartening that so many creators, myself included, feel the need to preface their content with disclaimers to avoid backlash (I might just stop doing that). It’s a shame that people can’t appreciate diverse perspectives and experiences without jumping to judgment so quickly. I’ve been wondering what caused this phenomenon, but I haven’t found any clear answers. I understand the need for change, but as I mentioned in the vlog, when we only allow one way of being or thinking, our lives start to lose color.

😄🥰

Thank you! 😊💕 I think it’s helpful to show a bit of the behind-the-scenes process and share what works and what doesn’t.

@themonogamousknitter absolutely! So many times I've said to myself, God I'd love if they showed us more of the processes...I wanna learn 😂