When I see a knitting pattern that also shows successfully completed project photos, in most if not all sizes, from all the test knitters, and the pattern fits well on all those different body types, then the designer can charge whatever they want. That's a fair price! 12 euros is not too much. I have been knitting a long time and remember (before Ravelry) when photos of knitting patterns were more like studies in making a paper bag look glamourous. They had tricks to hide all the flaws. I had to buy a whole book or magazine for one pattern! I still don't trust any knitting pattern with photos that look stylized - I don't care how famous the designer is. I appreciate you because you are concerned about value and doing the right thing. You are obviously a talented designer. Happy Holidays!!
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! 💕
The sweater design is beautiful! Congrats on so many "firsts"--it's really impressive :) And I love the sweater you're wearing--that color is amazing! Hope you had a nice sauna. As for the pattern costs . . . I think they should be more expensive for sure, but I have heard the complaints as well. As someone who has also designed a few tings and is now beginning to work in the tech editing portion of the industry, I can totally attest to the amount of work that goes into even a simple pattern, much less a sweater.
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! 😊
Thank you :) Indeed, here in Germany it is way too warm in winter. I knit everything with Holst Garn Supersoft held single on 3mm needles to make it as thin and light as possible. Anything thicker would be unbearable to wear due to overheating. But I don't mind knitting with pure linen, so will be starting on my summer knitting in a couple of months. My opinion on patterns will get cancelled the same way it was in your previous video (not by you of course, your comment was kind and lovely as always!), but I do feel that designers should do the designing and the knitters should do the knitting. By that I mean that the designer presents a design idea with schematics and charts, one-size only, no test-knit - very low-effort on the technical side and therefore cheaper. It is not the job of the designer to hand-hold the knitter through the process or teach them *how* to knit. Then, it is the job of the knitter to grade the pattern, adjust it to their size and preference, convert cm into inches, test it out with whatever yarn they want to use and figure it out for themselves all in all. I would recommend you to try knitting a pattern from a Japanese knitting magazine. When you do it once, you will never go back to the English patterns. Speaking as an advanced knitter, English pattern writing feels insulting to my intelligence, in all honesty. I saw patterns where short rows were described stitch by stitch over 3 pages!!! Instead of simply saying "make 8 short rows in pattern with 6 sts apart starting from 10th st" or something like this. You can find a lot of Japanese magazines as pdf downloads on Etsy (whole magazines full of patterns for a couple of euros only). You don't need to speak Japanese to knit from them, but you can also check out the videos of 'Mel makes stuff' youtube channel for her take on it.
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
I am a relatively new knitter and worry that I am not experienced enough to risk buying a fairly expensive pattern that I might not understand. My first few patterns were free ones that came with tutorials for the trickier parts. These gave me confidence, and I have now purchased several patterns from the same designer, in part as a 'thank you' for the free versions but also because I am more confident I won't waste the £8/£9 I spend. A few cheaper patterns (accessories maybe?) for older designs that have earned you enough might help people to feel confident in your patterns and purchase the more fairly priced ones? I agree that patterns need to be priced to reflect the effort. However, lots of businesses use the idea of a few lower prices to help boost their customer base. I find your videos really interesting and thought-provoking. Thank you for taking the time to make them ❤
The pattern pricing is an interesting conversation! I rarely buy patterns because I test knit a lot, which often comes with a complimentary additional pattern from the designer. Since it’s not a super frequent expense for me, when I do purchase a pattern, I rarely even consider the price. I understand the privilege in that, but also believe designers deserve to be paid well for their work.
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 think for patterns that are well tested and written, your pricing makes sense! If I paid 6-8USD for a pattern that had lots of errors and was poorly graded, I would find that steep. I'm even willing to spend up to 10-12USD for good sweater patterns now. I understand the work that goes into them, especially for graded patterns. It's definitely a balancing act of keeping things affordable but also making it reasonable so that people are paid for their work and skills!
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!
Glad you figured out the crown shaping! The cardigan looks awesome, congratulations for having it published! If you need a template/starting point for the testing form, I can send you one of mine. I usually just duplicate them, customize with the new info, and then use the generated sheet to keep track of the testing process. It's much easier than doing it manually. Then when the test is done you can gift the pattern in Ravelry by copying the emails from the sheet and pasting the list into the gifting dialog (click on "add multiple recipients") to get that. As for the pricing discussion, the people who love your designs will pay the price you set, which is reasonable. Everyone else doesn't matter. The key is reaching those people who love your designs and your writing style.
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.
I like your chatting, i knit while listening to you, and it is all good, i like your opinions and experiences, keep posting....have a awesome holidays and more snow....
Hi, I think pattern pricing is a very difficult thing because online patterns are for everybody around the world. 10 euros is a very different price in Norway and in Romania and we didn’t even left the continent. I personally like when there are some kind of discount if I buy a pattern directly from the designer instead of etsy or even ravelry. It makes me do the extra step to get to know the designer, get more familiar with their work and that makes me more motivated to return to their patterns.
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. 💕
The price of patterns is indeed a complex thing when you think about it. I fully understand the work that goes into creating a pattern so I am happy to pay for that work to get a well written pattern. In the end, when I see a pattern I really want to make I will pay whatever the designer is asking for it as I will be eager to start knitting :) Thinking about the patterns I purchased, I don't think I ever paid more than 8 euros with the standard being anything between 5-8 euros. That is a beautiful cardigan by the way, you should absolutely be proud!
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!
I knit, quilt and cross stitch and find that the most expensive patterns are cross stitch. I'd pay 10 or 12 us for a sweater but a cross stitch pattern can be 25 us or even more. I bought one cross stitch pattern that cost 40 euros which for me was 56 Canadian. I would think a hat or cowl about 6 or 8 US is about right. You aren't ever going to be able to charge for all of the work that goes into development and marketing of an object.
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.
I don't know if there is a sweet spot for pricing patterns. The high volume sellers likely can price their patterns lower and still recoup their cost of design, etc. just from selling many more patterns that beginning or less known designers. There is a very popular designer of small knitting motifs who seems to have started pricing herself out of the market, plus saturation is definitely an issue with her patterns, too. Unique designs or projects are what I look for and am willing to pay for, but I am discerning with my purchases. One thing that makes it really hard for buyers is that Ravelry is basically overstocked. Even with their filters it can be really difficult to find a pattern for a specific project. I have bought patterns that looked great and that testers and early buyers raved about in their project pages and then I found the patterns to be junk. And that's the other thing. Buyers have varied tastes and needs. Some want super simple instructions. Some want every single detail. My fave designer that I have tested for is Jeny Staimen, (yes that Jeny). She really listens to her testers and she tests right along with them, having conversations throughout the process. The last test I did with her only had 3 testers and it was absolutely perfect. I have been in test knits with DOZENS of testers and found them to just be a crazy cacophony. Additionally, Jeny doesn't believe in hand-holding her pattern buyers. Her philosophy seems to be that hand-holding is overkill and leads to having the knitters asking for more and more and more which a designer just can't give without burning out. Her patterns are detailed and clear, but not overly wordy. I was testing and tech editing with another designer and pricing was really one of the most complicated parts of the process. You just don't know what the market will bear.
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!
I once paid a lot (maybe it was more than 15 €) of a knitting pattern, that was Jared Flood pattern which had very clear instructions and different options to choose in the pattern and also spots were you could make calculations or fill your measurements and stitch amounts in. I think it was a bit more than a regular pattern so I think the price was ok. Usually I do think that over 10 € is a bit pricy. As it is said here already, when you want to knit something that really appeals to you and you know the patterns are well written it´s not so important is it 8 or 10. Petiteknits has translations to many languages and the patterns are also sold as paper copies in yarnshops all over the world. The patterns are mostly simple and appeal also to young knitters. I´ve knitted only one of her patterns and I didn´t like the way it was written and I would have been annoyed it had been pricier. I think your knits are beautiful and the cardigan is very well done. Baseball jackets were also in in the seventies and also on the previous decades and probably all the time. Also bomber jackets and garments based on bombers have also been very popular for the past decade.
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.
I love your videos and would encourage you to charge what your worth and comfortable charging… someone is always going to “comment” good bad or not nice! I think folxs that’s genuinely like the craft and value your time and energy they will respectfully pay, even if it means they save to do so and use financially accessible yarn! I think we’re also reminding people these are lost culturally relevant arts you don’t have to bend on that’s for capitalism Same with your timeline of production like stay human 💚. I hope you have a wonderful Winter Solstice and get to snowboarding 🏂 soon
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! 🏂❄
Upea toi villatakki! Mulla on myös sellainen näkökulma ohjeiden hintoihin, että itse neulon mielelläni ostetusta ohjeesta useamman neuleen. Näin isompikaan hinta ei haittaa, jos voin ajatella hyödyntäväni ohjetta useamman kerran. Toki olen ostanut myös sellaisia ohjeita, joita en ole neulonut kertaakaan. Lisäksi en ole ennen omia ohjeita tullut ajatelleeksi, että neuleohjeesta ei jää suunnittelijalle läheskään koko summaa, vaikka kyse on "vain" pdf-tiedostosta, eikä tilavuokraa ja muita vastaavia kuluja ole (vrt lankakauppa).
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 ❤️
I must say, your videos always give a me a lot to think about. You have a very interesting personality, and I keep wondering what have shaped you into a woman you are today. How did you get this a bit of dry high-horse cynical/sarcastic humor? Regarding the pricing: well, unless you are in top of the top tier of designers, it is hard to get paid enough. And it is not just quality and long term dedication, often besides marketing tricks one simple needs luck with a breakthrough. I have seen simple rectangular shawls in garter stitch for a shocking high price, and lovely intricate designs completely for free. I do not know your situation and ambitions, but I would suggest you charging "pay as much as you want". Your designs are lovely, and your videos are different enough for you to stand out. Would help for sure if you'd be streaming more regularly, like at least every week diligently and on the schedule, imho. I have one question: once you mentioned, people should not knit toooo tightly - can you expand and elaborate on that? In any case, don't change if you are happy as you are now. Cheering for you sincerely
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
@@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!
When I see a knitting pattern that also shows successfully completed project photos, in most if not all sizes, from all the test knitters, and the pattern fits well on all those different body types, then the designer can charge whatever they want. That's a fair price! 12 euros is not too much.
I have been knitting a long time and remember (before Ravelry) when photos of knitting patterns were more like studies in making a paper bag look glamourous. They had tricks to hide all the flaws. I had to buy a whole book or magazine for one pattern! I still don't trust any knitting pattern with photos that look stylized - I don't care how famous the designer is. I appreciate you because you are concerned about value and doing the right thing. You are obviously a talented designer. Happy Holidays!!
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! 💕
The sweater design is beautiful! Congrats on so many "firsts"--it's really impressive :) And I love the sweater you're wearing--that color is amazing! Hope you had a nice sauna. As for the pattern costs . . . I think they should be more expensive for sure, but I have heard the complaints as well. As someone who has also designed a few tings and is now beginning to work in the tech editing portion of the industry, I can totally attest to the amount of work that goes into even a simple pattern, much less a sweater.
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! 😊
Thank you :) Indeed, here in Germany it is way too warm in winter. I knit everything with Holst Garn Supersoft held single on 3mm needles to make it as thin and light as possible. Anything thicker would be unbearable to wear due to overheating. But I don't mind knitting with pure linen, so will be starting on my summer knitting in a couple of months.
My opinion on patterns will get cancelled the same way it was in your previous video (not by you of course, your comment was kind and lovely as always!), but I do feel that designers should do the designing and the knitters should do the knitting. By that I mean that the designer presents a design idea with schematics and charts, one-size only, no test-knit - very low-effort on the technical side and therefore cheaper. It is not the job of the designer to hand-hold the knitter through the process or teach them *how* to knit. Then, it is the job of the knitter to grade the pattern, adjust it to their size and preference, convert cm into inches, test it out with whatever yarn they want to use and figure it out for themselves all in all.
I would recommend you to try knitting a pattern from a Japanese knitting magazine. When you do it once, you will never go back to the English patterns. Speaking as an advanced knitter, English pattern writing feels insulting to my intelligence, in all honesty. I saw patterns where short rows were described stitch by stitch over 3 pages!!! Instead of simply saying "make 8 short rows in pattern with 6 sts apart starting from 10th st" or something like this.
You can find a lot of Japanese magazines as pdf downloads on Etsy (whole magazines full of patterns for a couple of euros only). You don't need to speak Japanese to knit from them, but you can also check out the videos of 'Mel makes stuff' youtube channel for her take on it.
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
I am a relatively new knitter and worry that I am not experienced enough to risk buying a fairly expensive pattern that I might not understand. My first few patterns were free ones that came with tutorials for the trickier parts. These gave me confidence, and I have now purchased several patterns from the same designer, in part as a 'thank you' for the free versions but also because I am more confident I won't waste the £8/£9 I spend. A few cheaper patterns (accessories maybe?) for older designs that have earned you enough might help people to feel confident in your patterns and purchase the more fairly priced ones? I agree that patterns need to be priced to reflect the effort. However, lots of businesses use the idea of a few lower prices to help boost their customer base.
I find your videos really interesting and thought-provoking. Thank you for taking the time to make them ❤
The pattern pricing is an interesting conversation! I rarely buy patterns because I test knit a lot, which often comes with a complimentary additional pattern from the designer. Since it’s not a super frequent expense for me, when I do purchase a pattern, I rarely even consider the price. I understand the privilege in that, but also believe designers deserve to be paid well for their work.
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 think for patterns that are well tested and written, your pricing makes sense! If I paid 6-8USD for a pattern that had lots of errors and was poorly graded, I would find that steep. I'm even willing to spend up to 10-12USD for good sweater patterns now. I understand the work that goes into them, especially for graded patterns. It's definitely a balancing act of keeping things affordable but also making it reasonable so that people are paid for their work and skills!
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!
Glad you figured out the crown shaping! The cardigan looks awesome, congratulations for having it published!
If you need a template/starting point for the testing form, I can send you one of mine. I usually just duplicate them, customize with the new info, and then use the generated sheet to keep track of the testing process. It's much easier than doing it manually.
Then when the test is done you can gift the pattern in Ravelry by copying the emails from the sheet and pasting the list into the gifting dialog (click on "add multiple recipients") to get that.
As for the pricing discussion, the people who love your designs will pay the price you set, which is reasonable. Everyone else doesn't matter. The key is reaching those people who love your designs and your writing style.
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.
I like your chatting, i knit while listening to you, and it is all good, i like your opinions and experiences, keep posting....have a awesome holidays and more snow....
Thank you! 😊 Happy holidays to you too!
Hi, I think pattern pricing is a very difficult thing because online patterns are for everybody around the world. 10 euros is a very different price in Norway and in Romania and we didn’t even left the continent. I personally like when there are some kind of discount if I buy a pattern directly from the designer instead of etsy or even ravelry. It makes me do the extra step to get to know the designer, get more familiar with their work and that makes me more motivated to return to their patterns.
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. 💕
For the testers you could give a single use code for the specific pattern. Idk if that would open up to sharing more than you have testers but maybe
Oh, right, not sure if that is doable over on Ravelry. Will check-thanks for the suggestion! 😊
The price of patterns is indeed a complex thing when you think about it. I fully understand the work that goes into creating a pattern so I am happy to pay for that work to get a well written pattern. In the end, when I see a pattern I really want to make I will pay whatever the designer is asking for it as I will be eager to start knitting :) Thinking about the patterns I purchased, I don't think I ever paid more than 8 euros with the standard being anything between 5-8 euros.
That is a beautiful cardigan by the way, you should absolutely be proud!
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!
I knit, quilt and cross stitch and find that the most expensive patterns are cross stitch. I'd pay 10 or 12 us for a sweater but a cross stitch pattern can be 25 us or even more. I bought one cross stitch pattern that cost 40 euros which for me was 56 Canadian.
I would think a hat or cowl about 6 or 8 US is about right. You aren't ever going to be able to charge for all of the work that goes into development and marketing of an object.
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.
I don't know if there is a sweet spot for pricing patterns. The high volume sellers likely can price their patterns lower and still recoup their cost of design, etc. just from selling many more patterns that beginning or less known designers. There is a very popular designer of small knitting motifs who seems to have started pricing herself out of the market, plus saturation is definitely an issue with her patterns, too. Unique designs or projects are what I look for and am willing to pay for, but I am discerning with my purchases. One thing that makes it really hard for buyers is that Ravelry is basically overstocked. Even with their filters it can be really difficult to find a pattern for a specific project. I have bought patterns that looked great and that testers and early buyers raved about in their project pages and then I found the patterns to be junk. And that's the other thing. Buyers have varied tastes and needs. Some want super simple instructions. Some want every single detail. My fave designer that I have tested for is Jeny Staimen, (yes that Jeny). She really listens to her testers and she tests right along with them, having conversations throughout the process. The last test I did with her only had 3 testers and it was absolutely perfect. I have been in test knits with DOZENS of testers and found them to just be a crazy cacophony. Additionally, Jeny doesn't believe in hand-holding her pattern buyers. Her philosophy seems to be that hand-holding is overkill and leads to having the knitters asking for more and more and more which a designer just can't give without burning out. Her patterns are detailed and clear, but not overly wordy. I was testing and tech editing with another designer and pricing was really one of the most complicated parts of the process. You just don't know what the market will bear.
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!
I once paid a lot (maybe it was more than 15 €) of a knitting pattern, that was Jared Flood pattern which had very clear instructions and different options to choose in the pattern and also spots were you could make calculations or fill your measurements and stitch amounts in. I think it was a bit more than a regular pattern so I think the price was ok. Usually I do think that over 10 € is a bit pricy. As it is said here already, when you want to knit something that really appeals to you and you know the patterns are well written it´s not so important is it 8 or 10. Petiteknits has translations to many languages and the patterns are also sold as paper copies in yarnshops all over the world. The patterns are mostly simple and appeal also to young knitters. I´ve knitted only one of her patterns and I didn´t like the way it was written and I would have been annoyed it had been pricier.
I think your knits are beautiful and the cardigan is very well done. Baseball jackets were also in in the seventies and also on the previous decades and probably all the time. Also bomber jackets and garments based on bombers have also been very popular for the past decade.
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.
I love your videos and would encourage you to charge what your worth and comfortable charging… someone is always going to “comment” good bad or not nice! I think folxs that’s genuinely like the craft and value your time and energy they will respectfully pay, even if it means they save to do so and use financially accessible yarn! I think we’re also reminding people these are lost culturally relevant arts you don’t have to bend on that’s for capitalism
Same with your timeline of production like stay human 💚. I hope you have a wonderful Winter Solstice and get to snowboarding 🏂 soon
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! 🏂❄
Upea toi villatakki! Mulla on myös sellainen näkökulma ohjeiden hintoihin, että itse neulon mielelläni ostetusta ohjeesta useamman neuleen. Näin isompikaan hinta ei haittaa, jos voin ajatella hyödyntäväni ohjetta useamman kerran.
Toki olen ostanut myös sellaisia ohjeita, joita en ole neulonut kertaakaan.
Lisäksi en ole ennen omia ohjeita tullut ajatelleeksi, että neuleohjeesta ei jää suunnittelijalle läheskään koko summaa, vaikka kyse on "vain" pdf-tiedostosta, eikä tilavuokraa ja muita vastaavia kuluja ole (vrt lankakauppa).
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! ❤☺
I must say, your videos always give a me a lot to think about. You have a very interesting personality, and I keep wondering what have shaped you into a woman you are today. How did you get this a bit of dry high-horse cynical/sarcastic humor?
Regarding the pricing: well, unless you are in top of the top tier of designers, it is hard to get paid enough. And it is not just quality and long term dedication, often besides marketing tricks one simple needs luck with a breakthrough. I have seen simple rectangular shawls in garter stitch for a shocking high price, and lovely intricate designs completely for free. I do not know your situation and ambitions, but I would suggest you charging "pay as much as you want".
Your designs are lovely, and your videos are different enough for you to stand out. Would help for sure if you'd be streaming more regularly, like at least every week diligently and on the schedule, imho.
I have one question: once you mentioned, people should not knit toooo tightly - can you expand and elaborate on that?
In any case, don't change if you are happy as you are now. Cheering for you sincerely
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
@@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!
❤🌈🧶