I think you hit the nail on the head with so many of your observations. I agree that some of the more popular knitwear designers are selling more than patterns, they are selling a lifestyle and a 'look'. And more of the knitting UA-camrs who constantly talk about those designers are giving them free publicity. Haven't heard anyone else besides you speak about this! Thanks for your honesty. New subscriber here!
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment, and welcome! 😊 I'm really glad my observations resonated with you. I’ve been thinking a lot about whether or not to share my thoughts publicly. It means a lot to hear that you appreciated the honesty. Thanks again for subscribing, and I look forward to sharing more with you! ✨
13:37 $120 Euro Sweater in American $ is approximately $126 and in Canadian $ it's $179. ITS expensive but NOT that bad either. Not every sweater can be this expensive but it's still ok for that once in a while treat.
Sometimes I think that people just buy what they see on IG or TikTok. But being a good knitwear designer doesn't mean you are a great influencer. This is very unfair. Social media simplifies and unifies (in a bad way) our lives, we become all the same. And yes, I do like the pictures of oversized raglans in a minimalistic atmosphere, but there is so much more in the world. We are just slaves of the algorithm.... I love that in this grazy world when you have to appologize for everything and walk on the eggshells to not offend anyone, you have the courage to just say what you think. Good job!
Thank you! 💕 Indeed, social media algorithms might encourage people to create what is popular, regardless of actual personal preferences if one wants to get ahead. And that sucks, really. As for saying what I think, it took me many years to start. I am still very conscious of what I am saying, and I am not saying things here for the sake of offending people, but to try and start a discussion and hopefully get people to think about this craft and what they see a bit differently. Unfortunately, it is not all cozy vibes and awesome yarns.
I have been starting & stopping so many knit podcasts this week. It's refreshing to find yours. Knitting handspun has made me truly appreciate the more streamlined, stands-the-test-of-time designs. I hope you find a sweet spot to make the sales aspect less of a slog.
I’m so glad you’re enjoying my podcast! 🥰 Knitting with handspun really does bring a new level of appreciation for timeless designs, doesn’t it? Indeed, I hope to "hack the system" at some point and have all my patterns selling like hot cakes! ☺😅 Happy knitting! 🧶✨
You popped up on my algo! Yay! From someone who has a pretty intentional approach to craft- and as someone that is very much learning the “perils of” one of the biggest reasons I slowed down and stepped away from beaded jewelry design was learning that I really really dislike Craft but really it’s just a vehicle for commodification and content. It was such a turn off for me. In terms of patterns honestly I use Ravelry a lot and filter by most projects because it’s helpful to learn from others who actually made the pattern up - so I’m sure that reinforces newer designers who may not have as many folks who have used the pattern. What I’m looking for in patterns is something that is well written and finished- I struggled through so many patterns as a beginner crocheter and learned “oh just because they’re charging ten dollars for this that has NOTHING to do with quality of patterns”. Soooo yes I have designers I like but mostly because I found their patterns well made. It’s really frustrating to see so many “viral” content creators for poorly made, poorly shaped (if at all) crochet garments that (not to be cynical) I think were made solely to produce content and take pictures in. That frustrates me :-( I am starting to learn how to knit BECAUSE I feel like there are more creators that do slow down, are tech focused, craft focused. That means a lot to me. Patterns that are super specific (like they talk about fiber, construction, stitch types and history) are super appealing to me. I also really enjoy anytime creators reinterpret vintage knitting and crochet because there aren’t a lot of short cuts to high quality, well designed garments. I wish you luck in your pattern designing! Hopefully I can learn enough knitting skills to try one of your patterns someday :-)
How wonderful that, at least sometimes, the algorithm shows something of interest! 🥰 Thank you for putting a word to what I’ve been experiencing and seeing-commodification. It really is a turn-off. I do see the value of Ravelry, especially for makers and successful designers, but with nearly 700,000 patterns available, it feels almost impossible to make a splash. I think getting attention needs to happen elsewhere first, and then people will look up the patterns there. Pattern writing is both simple and not easy at the same time. It has to make sense, and the crafter should be able to create the intended item from it. That said, it always amazes me how people interpret things differently-and sometimes overcomplicate things when they’re just following the pattern. I used to do that too when knitting other designers’ patterns, I admit! 😅 It’s so great that you’ve found designers with clear patterns. It really is a joy when you succeed in finishing a piece! I’m so glad you’re learning to knit! Do let me know how it goes-I’d love to hear about it. Best of luck, and thank you again for such a thoughtful comment. 😊
"Just a moment. I need to grab my balls" Absolutely lovely! :D Please keep it up! As someone who knits all her sweaters on 2.5mm to 3mm needles with Holst Supersoft held single, none of those "popular" patterns are appealing to me. I have to either design stuff for myself or I don't know. I manage to find good patterns in japanese books, which is a different can of worms: since i started knitting from fully charted patterns, I can no longer bring myself to knit anything from western written patterns. 15 pages of written patterns in many sizes, can be all done with 1 page of a full chart with color lines s separating different sizes + a schematic with number of stitched/cm, no words needed. Thinking of having to work through another written instruction for short rows, instead it just working from a chart, gives me so much dread..
What I want to say is, just chart your patterns, don't "write" them, release them with one size only for reduced price and move on with your art :) Don't spend your time on grading and testknitting, spend your time with your art :)
In my opinion the work of the designer should be presenting a design idea. And it is the knitter's work, to make it fit their body by grading the design to the size they want and create a "pattern" themselves.
I hear you! I hope to dive into the topic of pattern writing in one of my upcoming videos. I lean towards simple patterns myself, but at the moment, the trend seems to be writing everything out in detail, almost to the point where knitters don’t need to think about the why or how. I also understand that knitters from the US often prefer written patterns instead of charts-something I don’t do, which definitely narrows my potential audience. And as for knitting on smaller needles, it’s true that it’s not in fashion these days either (says a person who knits socks on 1.5 & 2 mm needles). Trends come and go, though, and I hope we’ll eventually see a shift back to shorter, more concise patterns. It also sounds like you’re an experienced knitter, so working on your own stuff your own way is awesome. 🤩
@@themonogamousknitter Thank you so much for your reply! I was a bit worried, I came accross too strongly :) Designers like you are definitely much appreciated in the certain niche (that I'm part of), but mainstream popularity is a different story. Even looking at knitwear in stores today, it's all 6sts gauge that will fall apart after a few wears. I will never understand knitters that want things simple and quick without thinking. For me, knitting is a hobby and figuring things out, spending time on it, admiring the work as I go (not just the finished thing), is just part of the enjoyment. I do love tiny stitches and difficult creative constructions :D
@@nadiarogo4511 No worries at all-you didn’t come across too strongly; I actually really appreciated your perspective. 😊 Yes, the mainstream trend right now is definitely big needles and loose gauge, but thankfully, there are still plenty of other options. I do wonder if this preference for simplicity or easy things isn’t just a trend in knitting but in life in general-it seems people often seek out the easiest, most achievable things, the ones that come without any challenge. And yes, I am generalising here. But that might be a topic for another day. In the meantime, I hope you keep knitting what you love, tiny stitches and all. 💕
So glad you popped up in my UA-cam feed! I have watched both of your videos and can’t wait to see more (yes, I hit the subscribe button!). I also took a look at your designs on Ravelry and they are beautiful. I hope to make at least one in the future, but I am also a monogamous knitter, and a slow knitter, so I probably won’t get to it until next year. In answer to your question, I don’t think I have ever bought a pattern for the lifestyle. When I look for patterns I’m usually looking for something specific that I need, or want, in my wardrobe or that I think someone else has mentioned they would like. And it’s not usually an oversized drop shoulder sweater!! I don’t have a favorite designer, but I do tend to lean towards those who emphasize a good fit and I also like to learn something new with everything I knit. I hear that a lot of people check the Hot Right Now patterns on Ravelry, but I usually do an advance search for the features I’m looking for. So please don’t be discouraged. I can’t be the only person who does this. And I do look for fingering weight sweaters knit at a small gauge. I think you starting this UA-cam channel was a good idea. It is bringing you more exposure and seems to be off to a good start.
Glad to hear from another monogamous knitter! 🥰 There’s something satisfying about seeing each project through from start to finish, isn’t there? Thank you for checking out my videos and for your kind words about my designs-it means a lot! 😊 Thank you also for sharing your thoughts on choosing and knitting patterns Focusing on specific wardrobe needs and honing in on good fit and learning opportunities really resonates. It’s reassuring to know others search for those same qualities in patterns. Thanks so much for the encouragement about my channel! Connecting with knitters has been a delight, and I’m excited to keep creating and sharing. 🧶💕
If you only design stuff that are super shaped, with complex stitches, then you will not get all the people that maybe have just started knitting and want to do something with no shape, and only 4 squares to make a jumper. This is why some go viral with super simple things: because ANYONE can do them. A good designer should understand that, and provide patterns for the beginner and for the advanced knitter. If you only focus on one type of thing (like difficult stuff) than you will only have advanced knitters as your customers, cutting out most of the people that are probably beginners, intermediate or just there to make something simple. I don't like things that are not shaped but I understand that this is what most people choose because of the ease of construction. Also, is never good when you look at what other people design, do, ect. It will only be a reason to feel crap and probably not motivated. I'm horrified at what people knit and put out for other people to learn. Ex. see "How to Knit a Sweater: All the Basics!", where the male creator attached a sleeve in the middle of the chest and still, he put out the video and millions of people are learning from this guy!!!!!!! Like.....shocking!!! But people like to see mistakes and floppy things because they relate to it, they know they are starting too and feel OK with someone else being at their same level.
Thanks so much for sharing your perspective! 😊 You bring up some really valid points. It’s true that simple designs often go viral because they appeal to a wider audience, especially those who are just beginning or want something quick and satisfying. However, I don’t necessarily think being a good designer means you have to create simple designs as well. For example, someone mentioned Marie Wallin-she doesn’t design one-color raglan sweaters, yet she’s highly appreciated. It shows that there’s space for all kinds of approaches in the knitwear world. As for comparing myself to others, I agree it’s not always productive. That’s why I’ve stopped following many other designers-not because I don’t value their work, but because I need to stay focused on my own creativity instead of being influenced by what others are doing. When it comes to what is considered ‘difficult,’ I think it’s important to acknowledge that difficulty is subjective. What might appear complex isn’t always challenging once you break it down, and a well-written pattern can make even the most intricate project accessible. I prefer to design pieces that I personally want to wear and knit. Having over 30 years of knitting experience, I find stockinette sweaters boring, so I naturally lean into more intricate designs. But that doesn’t mean simpler projects aren’t valuable; even basic raglans can present challenges when it comes to grading and fit. That said, the swatch I started to knit in the vlog will become a stockinette dress. 😄 Sometimes, even I need a bit of simple, mindless knitting! Regarding the ‘floppy things,’ I see how some people relate to mistakes; it makes the learning process feel less intimidating. However, I believe it’s crucial to have well-made, accurate tutorials available to build confidence and develop proper techniques. Mistakes are part of knitting, but they’re not something to be afraid of-unraveling and re-knitting is simply part of the process, and it’s rarely ever a waste of time; it’s how you learn and grow as a knitter. 😊 I appreciate these discussions-it’s always great to hear different perspectives! 🧶
@themonogamousknitter Thanks for answering. I agree that only skilled people should teach other people. I don't relate to people that makes mistakes and feel I want to learn from these people. I want someone that is better than me to teach me, not someone at my same level. By the way, I love your wallpaper!!!! 😀
@@Dollectable_Dreams 😊 Don't mention it! And I’m so glad you love the wallpaper; it’s one of my favorites too! 😄 Thanks again for watching, and I hope you enjoy the content, now and in the future!
Kiitos mielenkiintoisesta keskustelunavauksesta neulesuunnitteluun. Tässä joitakin ajatuksiani tavallisena neulojana. Enpä ole ennen ajatellut, että neulesuunnittelija myy malliensa ohessa myös tiettyä tyyliä ja elämäntapaa. Mutta niinhän se on, ainakin joidenkin suunnittelijoiden kohdalla, sen tunnistan, nyt kun sitä tarkemmin ajattelee. Itselleni sillä ei ole merkitystä siinä mielessä, että se lisäisi kiinnostustani neulusuunnittelijaa kohtaan. Minulla ei ole tarvetta kopioida kenenkään elämäntyyliä, ehkä joillakin on ja se sallittakoon heille. Arvostan enemmän sitä, että jokin ohje vastaa omia tarpeitani ja ennen kaikkea olen todennut tietyn suunnittelijan ohjeet sellaisiksi, että ne sopivat kropalleni ja ovat hyvin kirjoitetut ja selkeät, helposti seurattavat - no senhän pitäisi ohjeissa olla itsestään selvää, mutta näin ei aina ole. Toinen pointtini: Suunnittelijan voi olla vaikeaa saada mallinsa esille runsaiden mallien virrassa ja siinä some on joillekin isossa roolissa. Mutta, jos somemarkkinointi on liian päällekäyvää ja se näkyy omassa uutisvirrassa jatkuvasti, siitä tuleekin negatiivinen vaikutus: en halua nähdä niitä enää, ne menettävät kiinnostavuutensa, varsinkin jos ne edustavat kiiltokuvamaista elämää. Ei kiitos minulle. Vielä Ravelrystä. Käytän sitä paljon. Haen sieltä vinkkejä, ostan ohjeita, kirjaan sinne projektini ja pidän ostamani ohjeet siellä sähköisessä muodossa tallessa, koska en tulostele niitä paperille. Ravelry co-operoi KnitCompanion'in kanssa ja se on ehdoton etu näin neulojan näkökulmasta. Lopuksi: Hyvää syksyä sinulle ja onnea neulesuunnittelijan urallesi 🍂🍁🌻.
Kiitos paljon ajatuksistasi! Tosi mielenkiintoista kuulla eri näkökulmia. 😊 Ravelry on varmasti monelle neulojalle tosi kätevä työkalu, mutta huomaan, että suunnittelijana siihen liittyy samat ongelmat kuin moneen muuhunkin (some)kanavaan-ne, joilla on jo paljon näkyvyyttä, nousevat usein esiin, ja uusien tekijöiden voi olla hankalaa näkyä. Ehkä siinäkin markkinajohtaja vie suurimman osan kakusta. Ja mitä tulee lifestyle-aspektiin, se on mielestäni kaksipiippuinen juttu. Väitän tosiaan, että osa ihmisistä tykkää seurata suunnittelijoita juuri elämäntapasisällön takia, mutta toisaalta, on tosi hienoa kuulla, että sinä keskityt enemmän siihen, miten mallit sopivat omiin tarpeisiisi. Meitä neulojia löytyy onneksi moneen junaan. Itse lähinnä pohdin kuinka tietoisia itse kukin on omista valinnoista. KnitCompanion kuulostaa tosi hyödylliseltä työkalulta, jos käyttää paljon Ravelryn ohjeita-täytyy ehkä itsekin tutustua siihen tarkemmin! Kiitos siis vinkistä ja hyvästä keskustelusta. 🍁
I buy the patterns for the item I wish to knit. My very first sweater I knit because the model in the catalog seemed to be living the life I dreamed about. It was a burghandy sweater that provided me with hours of daydreams and a warm sweater to wear. I do not need to daydream now... I can live my life as I wish but have no regrets for that first sweater with it's massive 80's shoulders. 😂
Thank you for sharing the story of the burgundy sweater! ☺ I’m glad to hear that knitting it gave you a chance to daydream and took you to other places. It sounds like a lovely memory. 💕
You bring up many interesting points that deserve to be discussed. I personally buy patterns for a multitude of reasons, do I think the pattern will look good on me (being plus size this can be difficult), am I interested in a particular technique that I want to see how it’s being used, did the designer come up with something clever and I think they should be rewarded for it. Designer loyalty is not usually a driving force for me, I might look at favorite designers first but I don’t buy patterns just because so and so wrote it. Now on the marketing side of things what you say about selling the pattern vs selling an aesthetic has merit, we see that all the time on the socials, but it also sounds like for your marketing you might need to take a closer look at the audience you are designing for. Knowing your audience is a foundational part of marketing. What level is your audience, beginner, intermediate or advanced? What age bracket is your targeted audience, a younger audience might be more interested in trendy designs (which could give you the freedom of more artistic expression) while an older audience might be looking for more traditional designs. Knowing this can help you tailor your marketing for different groups. Then there is also the aspect of price, free patterns do better cause well…they are free, yet it is important for designers to price their patterns accordingly, so they can continue use to output proper patterns, test them, and grading them, these are all things that cost the designer money and time. While I get the money is tight for everyone these days I have never understood the mentality that patterns should be just given away. Designers work hard to put out a polished pattern and they deserve fair compensation for it.
Thank you for your well-thought-out comment! ☺️ From what you wrote, I gather-hopefully correctly-that you’ve been knitting for a while. In that case, I totally understand how and why you buy patterns; I think you need to have a certain level of experience to understand what a design is just by looking at it. Yes, indeed, positioning would be wise when it comes to marketing, but for now, I’m not willing to do that. Yes, I know it's stupid. I think it is a way of keeping my options open, even if it’s not. Limitations are actually not a bad thing. I know that most of my followers on Instagram are aged 35-45 and older, with some a bit younger; most come from the Nordics, the US, and Germany. I also know that my Instagram followers are not necessarily the people who buy my patterns-at least not yet. As for the free patterns, I think that needs an entire UA-cam episode or two. 😅 I had one free pattern up on Ravelry. I was testing if the knitters who used that pattern would actually become my customers. The answer is no. Now, I understand that testing it with only one pattern might not give me a wholesome answer. That said, I argue that people looking for free patterns will keep on looking for free patterns in the future. That is what they want: free patterns. I also think that if you are a freelance designer, you should not put out patterns for free. The free patterns out there devalue the work a designer puts into a design. I do get that large yarn brands want to offer free patterns, since their business is selling yarn and not patterns. I am not sure if that is a good way to go. I mean, you might argue that it is awesome because by offering free patterns, you get more people to knit. But the same thing applies here: if you are used to getting patterns for free and there are tons of them, why would you buy any patterns? Even if they are better written, with a possibly better fit, and so on… Thanks again for your insightful comment! 💕
I’m just figuring something out myself in relation to what you talked about. It feels like i have to go viral on another subject then drive people to my writing. Which is screwy but I’m not getting noticed so trying that. I’m doing a post on that today. Btw. I love your knitting!! I can’t follow patterns as I don’t know the lingo but still manage to make clothes.
It's definitely frustrating trying to find ways to get noticed, especially when it seems like going viral is the only way to gain attention. I think it’s great that you’re experimenting with different things, and I sincerely hope it works! 😊 I appreciate your kind words about my knitting! You definitely don’t need a pattern to make your own clothes-that’s exactly how I started too. After all, a sweater is just some tubes! I wish you the best of luck in your creating! 🍀
Sometimes designing seems like a science or a mathematical process. I am not a designer but I do consider myself creative. I've been knitting compassionately for 3 years this time. I'm developing my skills in this new world of knitting . Patterns are so different from what I knit 30 years ago. I'm looking forward to adding my own twist of colour and style as I build my skills this time round. Really appreciate you honest opinion and sense of humour.
Thank you for your kind comment and for sharing your experience! 💕 Patterns have definitely evolved a lot, for better or worse. Designing really is a mix of math and creativity, trying to bring imaginings to life. It’s inspiring to hear how you’re rediscovering knitting and adding your own unique style as you go.😊
I think you make some very valid and interesting points. What does it take to become a top designer? My favourite designer reflects my taste in her knit wear and she models a lot of her own designs. She is a totally different shape from me and I know that her patterns would not look as good on me but I would like to think I could look that good. She sells a life style which I am sure is an illusion but it works. I think she knits for herself, her look is simple, classic but with extremely tasteful colours and always very expensive wool. Having said that, I can't think of any other designer quite like her. She makes it look very easy! By the way I love your design particularly in the sweater.
Thanks so much for watching and for your thoughtful comment! 😊 I love hearing about your favorite designer; it sounds like she’s really mastered the art of making everything look effortless and timeless. It’s amazing how someone can make classic pieces stand out so beautifully. I agree-it’s probably an illusion in some ways, but that’s part of what makes it so captivating, right? As for what it takes to be a top designer, like I mentioned, many knitwear designers, especially those at the top, are selling a lifestyle as much as their patterns. They’ve managed to find a following that connects with that image. Personally, I find that sticking with just one thing can get boring after a while, but that’s just me. Maybe that’s also why I’m not as successful-because I don’t want to limit myself to one style. But that’s a topic for another time. 😉 And thank you so much for the compliment on my sweater design-it means a lot! 💖 Hope you stick around for more conversations.
Really enjoyed your insights and you gave me a few chuckles about the industry. I love finding designers that are working to the beat of their own drummer and after this video I checked out your patterns :) Love the Valtavaara Hat--think I'll knit one up. Thanks! ETA: The slipover is beautiful, as well.
Oh, I’m happy that I made you chuckle, plus it's lovely to hear that you enjoyed my insights! 😊 I’m glad that you liked the Valtavaara Hat! It’s one of my old favorite designs, hope you have fun knitting it. And I’m glad you like the slipover too. Btw, I watch your podcast! 💕
@@themonogamousknitter Oh how nice to hear. I thought we might have corresponded or been in touch before 🙂 I'm totally acting this hat on today, as I need a BREAK from the double mohair sweater and this will be just the thing. Plus, stash busting. So, it's a win-win.
And to help you a little bit more, by leaving another comment 😊: I had a famous designer that was my favorite, and I have bought and used several of her patterns. This year I did a test knit, and the way the testknitters were treated was so unbelievably rude, that I have decided I will not support her anymore, will never buy her patterns again, will be very honost about this pattern (which was a big disappointment). Many of the testknitters have decided the same thing. She still hasn't published this design (was supposed to be released in May), probably fearing bad publicity?
Thank you for sharing your experience. I’m really sorry to hear about how you were treated during the test knit with the other designer-it’s disheartening when efforts aren’t valued and appreciated. I’ve been fortunate to receive positive feedback from my test knitters, and I always strive to create a respectful and supportive environment for them. I appreciate you trusting me enough to share this, and I hope your future experiences with other designers are much better. 🌼
I have just stumbled across your channel (and your Ravelry as a result) - I am very new to knitting and have noticed that searching for patterns on Ravelry often comes up with lots of very similar results. It's kind of boring as I wanted to start knitting so that I could make more unique garments that fit me. But sometimes it feels like I am browsing a fast fashion shop! So I agree with you very much. Your designs are beautiful - I have saved a few to my favourites. I have not tried any colourwork yet, so maybe I will have to wait a while before I try your patterns. Can you suggest which of your designs might be easier to start with maybe (for a beginner)?
So happy that you found my channel and Ravelry page! 😊 I am happy that you like my designs! Browsing Ravelry can feel uninspiring sometimes, as well as Instagram and, for better or worse, UA-cam. It feels indeed like browsing a fast fashion shop at times. As for beginner-friendly patterns, I think my patterns aren’t really beginner-friendly at the moment. Many of them require some prior knowledge of colorwork. However, if you’re still interested in trying one of my designs, the simplest (in my opinion) is the Sands Of Time shawl. It has simple cables and everything is charted (which might also prove a challenge), though it does involve a lot of purling. That said, I’m not sure if it’s the type of project you’d want as your first project. www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sands-of-time-shawl-2 If you want to dive into colorwork, I suggest starting with a simple project like a cowl that uses motifs with no long floats and only two colors per round. I’m soon releasing a pattern like this that incorporates some more advanced techniques like Tubular Cast On and Bind Off, which might be a bit tricky but can be skipped if needed. While you wait for that pattern, I encourage you to start creating your own practice piece!
Hello, I purchase patterns for items I want to make, for myself or gift. I don't have IG, not interested in fake lives. Accessories are my favorite, especially hats. Quick to knit and not a lot of yarn needed. IMO, the price of yarn is outrageous. $50 per skein, no thank you. Yes the colors are great but I'll stick with farm yarn.
Hi there! Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts. 😊 I totally get where you're coming from-accessories are such a great way to make something beautiful and practical without a huge time or yarn commitment. And I hear you on the price of yarn. It can be shocking how much some skeins go for these days! 😅 Farm yarn is a fantastic alternative-so much more affordable and often has that lovely rustic quality. Thanks for bringing that up!
I put two designs out there (about 8 years ago now) and neither sold at all. I also found the testing process very painful. Getting testers as an unknown designer was difficult and when I did finally get someone they dropped out. I’m glad I did it for the experience but won’t be going down that route again. I think having a newsletter is helpful as you get your fan base and tell them when you have a new design and maybe an early bird discount code. They often draw me in to purchasing a pattern (I don’t need 😅). And yes! My swatches are always different to my finished item too!
Thank you for your comment! I’m sorry to hear about the testing part of the designing process-it sounds like such a tough experience. As you said, being a relatively unknown designer makes it so hard to find testers. Sadly, the dropout rate seems to be a common issue, even for well-known designers. Designing takes so much time, and there’s so much more to it than just knitting. I’m glad you gave it a go, though-it’s such a valuable experience. 😊 A newsletter is a great idea, and I’ve been thinking about starting one for a while now. Maybe next year! But, as you said, they definitely make you buy patterns you don’t need (which, from the designer’s point of view, is exactly the goal! 🤩😱). And I’m so glad I’m not alone in the whole “swatches lie” experience-it’s strangely comforting! 💕
While you make some good points here, I think that the other side has some really valuable insights. It’s fun to knit what others are knitting. It creates a sense of community. And especially with knitting many people don’t have a LYS or knitting group. It’s fun and it’s a far better way to spend time than some alternatives. I don’t think I’m alone in that, i do not have time for cables or extensive colour work. I have very young children and creating is an incredibly important way to relieve stress and think. I need simple patterns with good shaping and LOTS stockinette. Some designers these days are clearly lazy that’s true. But a well designed, simple pattern is always going to have a wider audience than something more complicated. A well fitting garment is always timeless if it fits well. I always respect someone willing to speak their mind!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts! I also appreciate your openness to differing opinions. I understand the balance between the desire to create and the limitations of time and energy, especially for those with busy lives. Knitting can be such a wonderful escape. You make a great point about the sense of community that comes from knitting the same patterns as others. I get how following popular trends can foster connections and provide a shared experience. However, that has never been the path for me. I’ve often felt unwelcome in various knitting groups, both online and offline. I've struggled with being a nonconformist trying to fit into current trends, but I hope I’ve finally stopped that. I realize that even with this channel, I’m still seeking validation and trying to fit in. Everyone wants to be seen and not feel alone, so I completely understand the desire to knit what others are knitting. But that’s not the path I want to walk right now. Of course, I can’t predict the future, so my perspective may change as I continue my journey. In the meantime, I hope that no matter what you knit, you find solace and joy in it! 💕
Thanks for your video. As a purchaser of patterns on ravelry, my favourite sweater patterns are boxy with fitted arms and some sort of interest, either colour or cables. If it's very fitted i feel fat and frumpy. I can't afford expensive wools, and avoid like the plague any patterns with two yarns held together. I prefer patterns knitted in pieces as the fit seems better. If i do pick one in the round i go for bottom up as i have found the ones knitted top down end up stretched on the shoulders. Within a short space of time
Thanks for sharing your preferences! ☺️ I get what you mean about avoiding patterns that use yarn held double; they can really stretch the budget. But that’s not the only issue-I’ve also heard from yarn shopkeepers that more knitters are moving away from using mohair. I suppose trends come and go, just like everything else. What you mentioned about shoulder stretching in top-down knits is interesting. I haven’t noticed it myself, but I realize I haven’t tried knitting a yoke sweater from the bottom up. I’ll have to give that a shot! Thank you again for your comment, and happy knitting! 💕
Kun ostan mallin, ostan aina myös tarinan. Haluan tietää, minne voin matkata sen avulla ja kuka siellä olen. Esimerkiksi rakastan kirjaa Salt and Timber, koska kun neulon sen malleja, olen yksin hyytävässä paikassa, jossa on ihan omanlaisensa tunnelma. Rakastan myös esimerkiksi Marie Wallinin malleja, koska ne vievät englantilaiselle maaseudulle. Paikan ei kuitenkaan tarvitse olla aina maaseutu, vaan voi se olla suurkaupungin kahvila tai kirjakauppakin esimerkiksi. Jos suunnittelija ei tiedä, mihin maailmaan, aikaan ja paikkaan neuleet sijoittuvat, hänellä ei mielestäni ole tyyliä. Voi olla, että menen tässä pieleen, mutta minusta sinä voisit tuoda enemmän sporttista puoltasi mallikuvissa ja ylipäätään neuleiden tyylissä, sillä vaikutat tosi sporttiselta elämässäsi. Olis aika ihanaa neuloa vaikka sukat, joilla pääsisi mielikuvissaan lumilautailemaan. Ja näissä videoissasi voisit olla vaikka kuntosalilla tai metsässä. Jukka Pojan Potentiaalii-kappaleen sanoin: ”Jos sä haudot itsesääliä suurina määrinä Niin et sä oot uhri Ja maailma on väärässä Elät vajareilla Sen se susta kertoo” Laitoin tuon, koska itse olen myös luovalla alalla ja työllistän itseni. Ala on hullu, mutta laulun sanat ovat auttaneet minua tsemppaamaan itseäni. Kannattaa lukea/kuunnella ne kokonaan! Tsemppiä!
Kiitos kovasti kommenteista! 😊 Minusta on tosi vaikeaa valita vain yhtä tyyliä tai tunnelmaa, ja huomaan kamppailevani sen kanssa. Tiedän, että esimerkiksi Instagram edelleen suosii tilejä, joilla on yhtenäinen värimaailma tai selkeä estetiikka-ja rehellisesti sanottuna se tuntuu minusta aika tylsältä. Hienoa tietysti, jos suunnittelija oikeasti rakastaa vain beesin sävyjä tai yksinkertaista estetiikkaa, mutta mietin usein, valitaanko se tietoisesti vai sovelluksen ehdoilla. Itse en halua jumiutua siihen muottiin. Hauskaa, että mainitsit sporttisuudesta! Ihmiset tosiaan näkevät asiat niin eri tavalla, ja se on mielenkiintoista. En ole koskaan pitänyt itseäni erityisen sporttisena-ehkä päinvastoin! 😅 Lisäksi olin ajatellut, ettei se puoli kiinnosta ketään neulemaailmassa, mutta ehkä se olisi jotain, mitä kannattaisi kokeilla ja tuoda enemmän esille. Voi olla, että siinä olisi jopa jotain uutta ja raikasta tähän skeneen. Luovalla alalla on tosiaan helppo jäädä kiinni epävarmuuksiin ja itsensä epäilyyn, ja siksi tsemppibiisit ja positiiviset ajatukset ovat aina tervetulleita. Kiitos siis paljon Jukka Pojan biisivinkistä ja kannustavista sanoista!
Hi I'm simply blown away by your sleeveless sweater / jersey / cardigan. It's super & yr simple unaffected discussion is delightful. I'm not much of a knitter as S Africa is a hot climate. Nonetheless I'll be searching u tube for yr designs which r exciting & orjginal. I'm surprised publishers r not clammering for yr designs.
Hi! Thank you so much for your incredibly kind words. I'm so glad you enjoyed my knits and my videos! I can imagine knitting in South Africa's climate is a challenge. I really appreciate your support, and who knows-maybe one day publishers will take notice! 😊 I hope you find some patterns that inspire you, and thank you again for your lovely comment. 💕
Hi there, thank you! 💕 I love it too! The pattern is not yet out. It needs grading and test knitting. I reckon it will be out around end of January or February 2025. If you’d like to test knit it eventually, please subscribe. I will be most likely calling for test knitters here as well as on Instagram. 😊
I don't follow any of the "hip" designers and find all the modern patterns floating around extremely boring and not at all inspiring. I usually buy digital vintage patterns if I buy any. I mostly use a few of my favourite books to knit, or thrift vintage patterns for 50 cents. I buy a pattern based on whether or not I'm excited to make it and wear it! Not because someone wants to sell me the lifestyle. I really don't like their lifestyles anyway, it's either basic, beige, minimalist blah or it's maximalist yarn haul abundance. Neither of these appeal to me. Hope this helps. :)
Thank you for your comment! I’m so happy to hear there are others who go against the grain 😊. Going vintage is such a great way to dodge the sameness and find patterns that truly resonate. I love going to thrift shops and flea markets for old patterns. My most cherished knitting book is one from the 1970s. Those older books and patterns have a charm that’s hard to find today. And please, don’t get me started on beige… 😅
To answer some of your questions, I am not interested in knitting a lifestyle or trends. But I'm an older knitter. I used to knit sweaters from Vogue Knitting at the start of my knitting career, also love Rowan patterns, many of which are classic. I personally don't understand peoples' resistance to "bottom up" knitting; that's what I learned first. For the last many years I've been knitting lace shawls: I love thin luxurious threads and fine needles. I'm a fairly slow knitter. I like classic things and beautiful stitch patterns. I can knit either charted (preferred) or written-out patterns. I use Ravelry more than other social media sources. I find patterns I like by "meandering" through Ravelry, and looking at peoples' projects and notes. I don't need to use the exact colors (or yarn) the designer used. I enjoy your wit, and wish you best of luck! PS love the sock pattern "Nuppu." Have never knit socks. My sister could probably help me sort through any sock-knitting issues.
Oh, I knitted my fair share of Rowan and Vogue patterns too! 😍 Rowan still has a special place in my heart, and Felted Tweed is one of my all-time favorite yarns. I think my aversion to today’s trends partly comes from knitting classic designs way back when, without fully understanding style or design yet. I also learned to knit bottom-up, and honestly, I don’t mind how a sweater or anything else is constructed-sideways is fine too! I had a phase of knitting lace shawls too, but I've found that colorwork is what I love the most. It sounds like you’ve been knitting for quite some time and have a clear sense of what you love. I think speed isn’t everything, but from a designer’s perspective, putting out patterns more frequently can keep you current-and even helps with visibility on Ravelry. Thank you so much for your kind words about the Nuppu Socks! They might look tricky, but in the end, they’re just toe-up socks with a few yarnovers on the leg. I’m sure you could knit them beautifully! 💕
Hello Anika(sorry if mis-spelt, Thank you for your thoughts. I believe most creators, in this case knitters, generally do it for the lifestyle. I mean this in the broadest sense. We like what we see and some will be happy to learn to achieve the result. It may take a week or it may take 1 year. I truly believe there is space for all of us and your style will be suited more to some than others. Also my point is that your talent is one of life’s greatest treasures and as your other talent includes teaching then many of us will buy into that, either emotionally, physically or technically. The fact that you show several styles in the same pattern appeals to me. When you are going through a pattern knitting process many ideas pop up in your mind, never mind about the competition, the collection you made can be created with different yarns simply from you putting the challenge out there. So keep up the wonderful work. I’m subscribing and will keep an eye open for the the dress test… wishing you success😉💕😁
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment! 😊 I really appreciate your kind words and perspective on why people create, especially in the world of knitting. Your comment made me reflect more on the lifestyle aspect. For me, knitting is first and foremost about finding inner peace. It’s a meditative practice, a way to channel creativity, and designing adds another layer-it's a way to keep learning and growing. That said, I can see how not leaning into a specific “knitted lifestyle” could be a challenge when it comes to branding myself (and honestly, the idea of “branding” is something I struggle with!). I do think there are knitters out there who connect with what I’m creating, but like you mentioned, I’m still working on finding them-or them finding me! But I believe there’s space for all of us in this craft, and I’m hopeful. Thank you so much for subscribing-it truly means a lot! I’m excited to keep sharing new projects (including that dress!) and continuing this creative journey with you. 💖 Wishing you all the best and happy knitting! 🧶
Hello Anika, I’m a knitter but not a designer. I noticed that many new patterns are too trendy and they all look alike. I like classic patterns and I like to wear my garments a long time. I’m happy that knitting is trendy but many designs are a bit crazy! 😜
I think the yarn manufacturers should swatch , not leave it up to the thousands of buyers to do it. It makes no sense to me. Anyway, that why I like using the same yarn over and over; I kno w how it will behave.
@@satsumamoon Yarn manufacturers do usually provide suggested gauges with their yarns, but every knitter’s tension is unique, kind of like handwriting. Even with the same yarn, you might use different needle sizes depending on the project, which is why swatching is still important. And yes, swatches can be misleading-my gauge often changes when I move to a larger piece, too! Using yarns you already know well can definitely save a lot of time and frustration. 😊
@@themonogamousknitter I meant they dont give any indication about after washing. They could at least say garment will likely be longer after washing or allow for 5% shrinkage over time . On products like drops belle , I find this inexusable. Theres so much feedback on the internet about shrinkage.
@@satsumamoon It can be frustrating when companies don’t meet our expectations, but they aren’t required to change just because people want them to. If that brand isn’t working for you, there are plenty of other brands out there that might be a better fit.
Hei! Olipa kiva törmätä sun podcastiin. Jotenkin ihanan rehellinen ja erilainen. 💕Upea tuo valkoinen neule! Ps. Tällä hetkellä neulon nilkkapituista mekkoa 3 mm puikoilla. Jään odottamaan testineulontaa sekä neuleeseen että mekkoon!
Kiitos ihanasta kommentista! 😊 Ihana kuulla, että tykkäsit! Ja kiva, että tykkäsit valkoisesta neuleesta! Nilkkapituinen mekko 3 mm puikoilla kuulostaa työvoitolta! 🙌 Mekon testineulonta on tosiaan tulossa, kunhan ensin neulon sen. 😅 Ilmoittelen siitä, kun sen aika koittaa. Ihanaa neulehetkeä sinne! 🧶
@@satsumamoon The link is usually in the description, but I noticed it was missing on this video-it’s there now. That said, it takes 2 seconds to Google, but I know we’re all busy with other important stuff. 😉
I just came across this video, never seen any of your designs, so I went to Ravelry to take a look. I think you have a reasonable price of € 8,00 for your sweaters, which come in 5 or more sizes. But, € 6,00 for socks that have a very simple design (just a little chart on the leg) and that are only available in 1 or 2 sizes, to me that is too much. Because non of your sock patterns will give me fitting socks (unless I would use needle size 0,5 mm?!), this will make me to turn around and never look back. Where if you had lower prices and/or more size-inclusive patterns, I probably would add you to my list of favorite designers (when I want to start a new project, that is one of the ways for me to look for a pattern I want to knit). I hope my comment is useful to you. I don't mean to be unkind, I only want to help you, to get where you want to be. Wishing you all the best!!
Hi! Thank you so much for your comments and for checking out my designs-I really appreciate your honesty and perspective. 😊 I understand your point about the pricing, but I’ll admit it’s a bit frustrating when €6 for a sock pattern feels high, especially when many others on Ravelry are priced higher. Designing, testing, and creating clear instructions takes time, and the reality is that, here in Finland, a latte costs around €5.50 these days, so selling patterns cheaper doesn’t really help cover the costs. If pricing were truly the main issue, I would expect my patterns to be selling like hot cakes, especially with the introductory discounts I've offered, but that mostly hasn't been the case. As for the needle size and gauge, I personally prefer my socks to fit tightly and be knitted at a tighter gauge. This not only gives a snug fit but also improves the durability of the socks. I realize that knitting at a tighter gauge may not work for everyone, but it’s something I stand by for my sock designs. If you typically knit more loosely, I completely understand how my patterns might not provide the fit you’re looking for, and I appreciate you bringing that up. I genuinely appreciate your engagement, and I hope you continue finding joy in knitting. Thanks again for taking the time to connect with me! 💕
Same to everything you say. I figure if I just put enough out there, eventually something has to happen. Goal now is to break even and not hemorrhage money.
Hemorrhaging money-such a great metaphor! 😂 While I get the whole idea of throwing things at a wall until something sticks, I’m still on the fence about how effective it really is. But you’re right-putting out more patterns does increase the chances that something eventually happens. It’s just hard to know how long I can afford to wait for that. I wish I could optimize the outcome faster, but maybe that’s where I need to let go and just keep moving forward without overthinking it. Easier said than done, though! 😅
@@themonogamousknitter At the moment, my thoughts are 'I'm going to do it anyway', so might as well grade and tech edit. Ask me again in a week and see how I feel though.
I echo many of your sentiments and feel for you in your frustrations with the craft. Knitting has become a popularity contest largely marketed to a privileged demographic. I blame UA-cam and Ravelry. Both powerful tools for learning but sadly biased towards profiteering. Why do I knit? For the joy of making something useful and beautiful. I’m a nerd, always seeking knowledge and ways to improve my skills while putting my treasured collection of yarns to work. Hearing Elizabeth Zimmerman’s name excites me. Perhaps the answer in your quest for success is in why YOU are knitting. Find your bliss and keep sharing the awe you find in the journey. I’m interested. Inertia is tough to overcome and by doing these videos you’ve started to move the needle. Thankfully the algorithm fed you to me. I’ve subscribed and look forward to see more of your beautiful sweater. Namaste 🙏
@@PatlLawson Thank you so much for your heartfelt comment. It truly resonates with me, and I appreciate your honesty. I agree-knitting has become a space where popularity can sometimes overshadow the craft itself, and it’s easy to lose sight of why we knit in the first place. For me, it’s also about the joy of creating something both useful and meaningful, and the excitement of learning new things. But it's not just that, it is solace above all. Elizabeth Zimmerman-her approach is such an inspiration and a reminder of the beauty in simplicity. I look forward to sharing more of my journey and hopefully adding some value to yours too. Thank you again for your kind words and support. 💕
I'm definietely buying a pattern and not a lifestyle, but sometimes I buy patterns that are not my style in hopes to become this kind of person who wears it.. iddk if that makes sense. I don't buy blindly, but I have favorite designers whom I trust and I'm thinkng less before buying from them than the others. But it's more about my experience with their patterns than how they present their brand. I relate to your desire to not become a brand and just be a creative, but I'm not sure that this is still possible in today's worlds.
Thank you for sharing your perspective! 😊 I think many of us have been there, imagining ourselves in a different style or vibe. It’s wonderful that you’ve found designers you trust; I completely get what you mean about it being more about the experience with their patterns than their brand. Still, I’m not sure if the two can truly be separated in the end. It’s tricky in today’s world, where so much revolves around branding yourself, regardless of your profession. That said, I still like to hope it’s possible to prioritize creativity first. Thank you again for such a thoughtful comment. 💕
thanks for this, super interesting 💕 i can very much relate about the balance of treating it as an art (more creative and ambitious pieces) and a craft (patterns that appeal to a wider audience). i came out with my first pattern a few months ago which i released for free as it definitely fell into the former category - a pair of knitted lederhosen for a dog 😂 i think people got a kick out of seeing it but realistically very few will actually make it. it’s hard because often what makes one stand out is beautiful patterns that aren’t accessible to everyone’s skill level, so by their very nature they won’t have a lot of interested customers. the alternative is to make very simple patterns but i feel like that’s a saturated market and to be honest if i had to spend all my knitting time making the same plain patterns, i probably would put down my needles altogether 😅😂
Dog lederhosen? I love it! 🤩 I hope it made it into the Hot Right Now section! 💕 I’m still searching for that sweet spot in designing knitwear myself. I wouldn’t say my designs are art-but they could be. If I just sold the finished pieces as one-of-a-kind collectibles for thousands! 😅 Again, just need to find the right customers. Simple...😄🙈 About simple knits, it’s funny (and a bit frustrating!) how many knitters say they prefer simple, top-down projects, yet the moment the “it” designer of the month releases a complex piece, everyone’s suddenly up for the challenge. I guess it’s pretty common to say one thing and do another when it comes to knitting trends! That said, I'm glad there are so many things one can knit and the creativity of the knitters and designers seems to be almost unlimited. Just think about your dog lederhosen! 😊
@ thank you 💕💕 it did have a brief moment in the sun on the hot right now page! that is so true, i’ve seen the same time and time again, it does seem that generally people follow pattern trends and most people knit the same things. it’s balanced in a way because although it’s frustrating for other designers, it means that pattern designing can be a lucrative occupation (in theory) which is quite encouraging. but it’s complicated!
@@issyknits Congratulations on making it into the Hot Right Now section! 🤩💕 I totally understand the desire to fit in and knit the trendy pieces. But I can’t help but feel that many people are trying to be different in the exact same way, which leads to a lack of originality. Maybe there isn’t true originality in knitting after all (or anywhere else either) and I shouldn’t be too bothered with it. It also seems that many new designers are putting out their own versions of raglan sweaters and boxy pieces that look quite similar. I frankly don’t understand this, but maybe it’s not my task to figure it out! 😊 I suppose I'll keep focusing on what feels meaningful to me. And yes, knitwear design can be lucrative!
I am a 50 year old woman, and am not into the latest trend. I know what I like and I look for a pattern that will accomplish that. I am newer to garment knitting. I purchase only a few patterns, and often only to learn a specific technique. I am a little frustrated by the sheer number of patterns out there that you need to sort through. I prefer to find designs by established, experienced designers, rather than from the new knitter who just realized that once you have a base structure you can make a bunch of variations on it. I never intend to become a professional designer myself. But I most certainly modify patterns I have.
Thank you for your comment. I can understand how it might feel overwhelming to navigate through the vast number of patterns available these days, especially when you're seeking specific techniques or designs that align with your personal style. It makes sense to gravitate towards established designers whose work you trust. The knitting community has expanded significantly, and with that growth comes a wide range of styles and skill levels. I hope you continue to find designs that bring you joy. ☺
That's great, and I’m so glad you found me through UA-cam! 😊 I also enjoy watching vlogs, but I’ve noticed that they often showcase the same patterns and projects that are popular everywhere else, with a few exceptions. That’s part of why I like to create my own designs-maybe I’ll be the dark horse bringing something a little different to the table! 😄 Thanks for watching, and I hope you enjoy my content!
Thank you so much for your kind comment! 😊 You can find me on Ravelry here: www.ravelry.com/designers/eniko-balogh. I appreciate your interest and hope you find something you like!
I buy patterns for the pattern. I may not buy from a single designer but i do at least look at the other designs by the designers i have enjoyed patterns from before.
I think you hit the nail on the head with so many of your observations. I agree that some of the more popular knitwear designers are selling more than patterns, they are selling a lifestyle and a 'look'. And more of the knitting UA-camrs who constantly talk about those designers are giving them free publicity. Haven't heard anyone else besides you speak about this! Thanks for your honesty. New subscriber here!
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment, and welcome! 😊 I'm really glad my observations resonated with you. I’ve been thinking a lot about whether or not to share my thoughts publicly. It means a lot to hear that you appreciated the honesty.
Thanks again for subscribing, and I look forward to sharing more with you! ✨
13:37 $120 Euro Sweater in American $ is approximately $126 and in Canadian $ it's $179. ITS expensive but NOT that bad either. Not every sweater can be this expensive but it's still ok for that once in a while treat.
Indeed. 😊
Sometimes I think that people just buy what they see on IG or TikTok. But being a good knitwear designer doesn't mean you are a great influencer. This is very unfair. Social media simplifies and unifies (in a bad way) our lives, we become all the same. And yes, I do like the pictures of oversized raglans in a minimalistic atmosphere, but there is so much more in the world. We are just slaves of the algorithm.... I love that in this grazy world when you have to appologize for everything and walk on the eggshells to not offend anyone, you have the courage to just say what you think. Good job!
Thank you! 💕 Indeed, social media algorithms might encourage people to create what is popular, regardless of actual personal preferences if one wants to get ahead. And that sucks, really.
As for saying what I think, it took me many years to start. I am still very conscious of what I am saying, and I am not saying things here for the sake of offending people, but to try and start a discussion and hopefully get people to think about this craft and what they see a bit differently. Unfortunately, it is not all cozy vibes and awesome yarns.
I have been starting & stopping so many knit podcasts this week. It's refreshing to find yours. Knitting handspun has made me truly appreciate the more streamlined, stands-the-test-of-time designs. I hope you find a sweet spot to make the sales aspect less of a slog.
I’m so glad you’re enjoying my podcast! 🥰
Knitting with handspun really does bring a new level of appreciation for timeless designs, doesn’t it? Indeed, I hope to "hack the system" at some point and have all my patterns selling like hot cakes! ☺😅
Happy knitting! 🧶✨
You popped up on my algo! Yay! From someone who has a pretty intentional approach to craft- and as someone that is very much learning the “perils of” one of the biggest reasons I slowed down and stepped away from beaded jewelry design was learning that I really really dislike Craft but really it’s just a vehicle for commodification and content. It was such a turn off for me.
In terms of patterns honestly I use Ravelry a lot and filter by most projects because it’s helpful to learn from others who actually made the pattern up - so I’m sure that reinforces newer designers who may not have as many folks who have used the pattern.
What I’m looking for in patterns is something that is well written and finished- I struggled through so many patterns as a beginner crocheter and learned “oh just because they’re charging ten dollars for this that has NOTHING to do with quality of patterns”. Soooo yes I have designers I like but mostly because I found their patterns well made. It’s really frustrating to see so many “viral” content creators for poorly made, poorly shaped (if at all) crochet garments that (not to be cynical) I think were made solely to produce content and take pictures in. That frustrates me :-(
I am starting to learn how to knit BECAUSE I feel like there are more creators that do slow down, are tech focused, craft focused. That means a lot to me. Patterns that are super specific (like they talk about fiber, construction, stitch types and history) are super appealing to me. I also really enjoy anytime creators reinterpret vintage knitting and crochet because there aren’t a lot of short cuts to high quality, well designed garments. I wish you luck in your pattern designing! Hopefully I can learn enough knitting skills to try one of your patterns someday :-)
How wonderful that, at least sometimes, the algorithm shows something of interest! 🥰 Thank you for putting a word to what I’ve been experiencing and seeing-commodification. It really is a turn-off. I do see the value of Ravelry, especially for makers and successful designers, but with nearly 700,000 patterns available, it feels almost impossible to make a splash. I think getting attention needs to happen elsewhere first, and then people will look up the patterns there.
Pattern writing is both simple and not easy at the same time. It has to make sense, and the crafter should be able to create the intended item from it. That said, it always amazes me how people interpret things differently-and sometimes overcomplicate things when they’re just following the pattern. I used to do that too when knitting other designers’ patterns, I admit! 😅 It’s so great that you’ve found designers with clear patterns. It really is a joy when you succeed in finishing a piece!
I’m so glad you’re learning to knit! Do let me know how it goes-I’d love to hear about it. Best of luck, and thank you again for such a thoughtful comment. 😊
"Just a moment. I need to grab my balls"
Absolutely lovely! :D Please keep it up!
As someone who knits all her sweaters on 2.5mm to 3mm needles with Holst Supersoft held single, none of those "popular" patterns are appealing to me. I have to either design stuff for myself or I don't know. I manage to find good patterns in japanese books, which is a different can of worms: since i started knitting from fully charted patterns, I can no longer bring myself to knit anything from western written patterns. 15 pages of written patterns in many sizes, can be all done with 1 page of a full chart with color lines s separating different sizes + a schematic with number of stitched/cm, no words needed. Thinking of having to work through another written instruction for short rows, instead it just working from a chart, gives me so much dread..
What I want to say is, just chart your patterns, don't "write" them, release them with one size only for reduced price and move on with your art :) Don't spend your time on grading and testknitting, spend your time with your art :)
In my opinion the work of the designer should be presenting a design idea. And it is the knitter's work, to make it fit their body by grading the design to the size they want and create a "pattern" themselves.
I hear you! I hope to dive into the topic of pattern writing in one of my upcoming videos. I lean towards simple patterns myself, but at the moment, the trend seems to be writing everything out in detail, almost to the point where knitters don’t need to think about the why or how.
I also understand that knitters from the US often prefer written patterns instead of charts-something I don’t do, which definitely narrows my potential audience.
And as for knitting on smaller needles, it’s true that it’s not in fashion these days either (says a person who knits socks on 1.5 & 2 mm needles). Trends come and go, though, and I hope we’ll eventually see a shift back to shorter, more concise patterns. It also sounds like you’re an experienced knitter, so working on your own stuff your own way is awesome. 🤩
@@themonogamousknitter Thank you so much for your reply! I was a bit worried, I came accross too strongly :) Designers like you are definitely much appreciated in the certain niche (that I'm part of), but mainstream popularity is a different story. Even looking at knitwear in stores today, it's all 6sts gauge that will fall apart after a few wears. I will never understand knitters that want things simple and quick without thinking. For me, knitting is a hobby and figuring things out, spending time on it, admiring the work as I go (not just the finished thing), is just part of the enjoyment. I do love tiny stitches and difficult creative constructions :D
@@nadiarogo4511 No worries at all-you didn’t come across too strongly; I actually really appreciated your perspective. 😊 Yes, the mainstream trend right now is definitely big needles and loose gauge, but thankfully, there are still plenty of other options. I do wonder if this preference for simplicity or easy things isn’t just a trend in knitting but in life in general-it seems people often seek out the easiest, most achievable things, the ones that come without any challenge. And yes, I am generalising here. But that might be a topic for another day.
In the meantime, I hope you keep knitting what you love, tiny stitches and all. 💕
So glad you popped up in my UA-cam feed! I have watched both of your videos and can’t wait to see more (yes, I hit the subscribe button!). I also took a look at your designs on Ravelry and they are beautiful. I hope to make at least one in the future, but I am also a monogamous knitter, and a slow knitter, so I probably won’t get to it until next year.
In answer to your question, I don’t think I have ever bought a pattern for the lifestyle. When I look for patterns I’m usually looking for something specific that I need, or want, in my wardrobe or that I think someone else has mentioned they would like. And it’s not usually an oversized drop shoulder sweater!! I don’t have a favorite designer, but I do tend to lean towards those who emphasize a good fit and I also like to learn something new with everything I knit. I hear that a lot of people check the Hot Right Now patterns on Ravelry, but I usually do an advance search for the features I’m looking for. So please don’t be discouraged. I can’t be the only person who does this. And I do look for fingering weight sweaters knit at a small gauge. I think you starting this UA-cam channel was a good idea. It is bringing you more exposure and seems to be off to a good start.
Glad to hear from another monogamous knitter! 🥰 There’s something satisfying about seeing each project through from start to finish, isn’t there? Thank you for checking out my videos and for your kind words about my designs-it means a lot! 😊
Thank you also for sharing your thoughts on choosing and knitting patterns Focusing on specific wardrobe needs and honing in on good fit and learning opportunities really resonates. It’s reassuring to know others search for those same qualities in patterns.
Thanks so much for the encouragement about my channel! Connecting with knitters has been a delight, and I’m excited to keep creating and sharing. 🧶💕
If you only design stuff that are super shaped, with complex stitches, then you will not get all the people that maybe have just started knitting and want to do something with no shape, and only 4 squares to make a jumper. This is why some go viral with super simple things: because ANYONE can do them. A good designer should understand that, and provide patterns for the beginner and for the advanced knitter. If you only focus on one type of thing (like difficult stuff) than you will only have advanced knitters as your customers, cutting out most of the people that are probably beginners, intermediate or just there to make something simple. I don't like things that are not shaped but I understand that this is what most people choose because of the ease of construction. Also, is never good when you look at what other people design, do, ect. It will only be a reason to feel crap and probably not motivated. I'm horrified at what people knit and put out for other people to learn. Ex. see "How to Knit a Sweater: All the Basics!", where the male creator attached a sleeve in the middle of the chest and still, he put out the video and millions of people are learning from this guy!!!!!!! Like.....shocking!!! But people like to see mistakes and floppy things because they relate to it, they know they are starting too and feel OK with someone else being at their same level.
Thanks so much for sharing your perspective! 😊 You bring up some really valid points. It’s true that simple designs often go viral because they appeal to a wider audience, especially those who are just beginning or want something quick and satisfying. However, I don’t necessarily think being a good designer means you have to create simple designs as well. For example, someone mentioned Marie Wallin-she doesn’t design one-color raglan sweaters, yet she’s highly appreciated. It shows that there’s space for all kinds of approaches in the knitwear world.
As for comparing myself to others, I agree it’s not always productive. That’s why I’ve stopped following many other designers-not because I don’t value their work, but because I need to stay focused on my own creativity instead of being influenced by what others are doing.
When it comes to what is considered ‘difficult,’ I think it’s important to acknowledge that difficulty is subjective. What might appear complex isn’t always challenging once you break it down, and a well-written pattern can make even the most intricate project accessible. I prefer to design pieces that I personally want to wear and knit. Having over 30 years of knitting experience, I find stockinette sweaters boring, so I naturally lean into more intricate designs. But that doesn’t mean simpler projects aren’t valuable; even basic raglans can present challenges when it comes to grading and fit. That said, the swatch I started to knit in the vlog will become a stockinette dress. 😄 Sometimes, even I need a bit of simple, mindless knitting!
Regarding the ‘floppy things,’ I see how some people relate to mistakes; it makes the learning process feel less intimidating. However, I believe it’s crucial to have well-made, accurate tutorials available to build confidence and develop proper techniques. Mistakes are part of knitting, but they’re not something to be afraid of-unraveling and re-knitting is simply part of the process, and it’s rarely ever a waste of time; it’s how you learn and grow as a knitter. 😊
I appreciate these discussions-it’s always great to hear different perspectives! 🧶
@themonogamousknitter Thanks for answering. I agree that only skilled people should teach other people. I don't relate to people that makes mistakes and feel I want to learn from these people. I want someone that is better than me to teach me, not someone at my same level. By the way, I love your wallpaper!!!! 😀
@@Dollectable_Dreams 😊 Don't mention it! And I’m so glad you love the wallpaper; it’s one of my favorites too! 😄 Thanks again for watching, and I hope you enjoy the content, now and in the future!
Kiitos mielenkiintoisesta keskustelunavauksesta neulesuunnitteluun.
Tässä joitakin ajatuksiani tavallisena neulojana.
Enpä ole ennen ajatellut, että neulesuunnittelija myy malliensa ohessa myös tiettyä tyyliä ja elämäntapaa. Mutta niinhän se on, ainakin joidenkin suunnittelijoiden kohdalla, sen tunnistan, nyt kun sitä tarkemmin ajattelee.
Itselleni sillä ei ole merkitystä siinä mielessä, että se lisäisi kiinnostustani neulusuunnittelijaa kohtaan. Minulla ei ole tarvetta kopioida kenenkään elämäntyyliä, ehkä joillakin on ja se sallittakoon heille.
Arvostan enemmän sitä, että jokin ohje vastaa omia tarpeitani ja ennen kaikkea olen todennut tietyn suunnittelijan ohjeet sellaisiksi, että ne sopivat kropalleni ja ovat hyvin kirjoitetut ja selkeät, helposti seurattavat - no senhän pitäisi ohjeissa olla itsestään selvää, mutta näin ei aina ole.
Toinen pointtini: Suunnittelijan voi olla vaikeaa saada mallinsa esille runsaiden mallien virrassa ja siinä some on joillekin isossa roolissa. Mutta, jos somemarkkinointi on liian päällekäyvää ja se näkyy omassa uutisvirrassa jatkuvasti, siitä tuleekin negatiivinen vaikutus: en halua nähdä niitä enää, ne menettävät kiinnostavuutensa, varsinkin jos ne edustavat kiiltokuvamaista elämää. Ei kiitos minulle.
Vielä Ravelrystä. Käytän sitä paljon. Haen sieltä vinkkejä, ostan ohjeita, kirjaan sinne projektini ja pidän ostamani ohjeet siellä sähköisessä muodossa tallessa, koska en tulostele niitä paperille. Ravelry co-operoi KnitCompanion'in kanssa ja se on ehdoton etu näin neulojan näkökulmasta.
Lopuksi: Hyvää syksyä sinulle ja onnea neulesuunnittelijan urallesi 🍂🍁🌻.
Kiitos paljon ajatuksistasi! Tosi mielenkiintoista kuulla eri näkökulmia. 😊
Ravelry on varmasti monelle neulojalle tosi kätevä työkalu, mutta huomaan, että suunnittelijana siihen liittyy samat ongelmat kuin moneen muuhunkin (some)kanavaan-ne, joilla on jo paljon näkyvyyttä, nousevat usein esiin, ja uusien tekijöiden voi olla hankalaa näkyä. Ehkä siinäkin markkinajohtaja vie suurimman osan kakusta.
Ja mitä tulee lifestyle-aspektiin, se on mielestäni kaksipiippuinen juttu. Väitän tosiaan, että osa ihmisistä tykkää seurata suunnittelijoita juuri elämäntapasisällön takia, mutta toisaalta, on tosi hienoa kuulla, että sinä keskityt enemmän siihen, miten mallit sopivat omiin tarpeisiisi. Meitä neulojia löytyy onneksi moneen junaan. Itse lähinnä pohdin kuinka tietoisia itse kukin on omista valinnoista.
KnitCompanion kuulostaa tosi hyödylliseltä työkalulta, jos käyttää paljon Ravelryn ohjeita-täytyy ehkä itsekin tutustua siihen tarkemmin! Kiitos siis vinkistä ja hyvästä keskustelusta. 🍁
I buy the patterns for the item I wish to knit. My very first sweater I knit because the model in the catalog seemed to be living the life I dreamed about. It was a burghandy sweater that provided me with hours of daydreams and a warm sweater to wear. I do not need to daydream now... I can live my life as I wish but have no regrets for that first sweater with it's massive 80's shoulders. 😂
Thank you for sharing the story of the burgundy sweater! ☺ I’m glad to hear that knitting it gave you a chance to daydream and took you to other places. It sounds like a lovely memory. 💕
You bring up many interesting points that deserve to be discussed. I personally buy patterns for a multitude of reasons, do I think the pattern will look good on me (being plus size this can be difficult), am I interested in a particular technique that I want to see how it’s being used, did the designer come up with something clever and I think they should be rewarded for it. Designer loyalty is not usually a driving force for me, I might look at favorite designers first but I don’t buy patterns just because so and so wrote it. Now on the marketing side of things what you say about selling the pattern vs selling an aesthetic has merit, we see that all the time on the socials, but it also sounds like for your marketing you might need to take a closer look at the audience you are designing for. Knowing your audience is a foundational part of marketing. What level is your audience, beginner, intermediate or advanced? What age bracket is your targeted audience, a younger audience might be more interested in trendy designs (which could give you the freedom of more artistic expression) while an older audience might be looking for more traditional designs. Knowing this can help you tailor your marketing for different groups. Then there is also the aspect of price, free patterns do better cause well…they are free, yet it is important for designers to price their patterns accordingly, so they can continue use to output proper patterns, test them, and grading them, these are all things that cost the designer money and time. While I get the money is tight for everyone these days I have never understood the mentality that patterns should be just given away. Designers work hard to put out a polished pattern and they deserve fair compensation for it.
Thank you for your well-thought-out comment! ☺️
From what you wrote, I gather-hopefully correctly-that you’ve been knitting for a while. In that case, I totally understand how and why you buy patterns; I think you need to have a certain level of experience to understand what a design is just by looking at it.
Yes, indeed, positioning would be wise when it comes to marketing, but for now, I’m not willing to do that. Yes, I know it's stupid. I think it is a way of keeping my options open, even if it’s not. Limitations are actually not a bad thing.
I know that most of my followers on Instagram are aged 35-45 and older, with some a bit younger; most come from the Nordics, the US, and Germany. I also know that my Instagram followers are not necessarily the people who buy my patterns-at least not yet.
As for the free patterns, I think that needs an entire UA-cam episode or two. 😅 I had one free pattern up on Ravelry. I was testing if the knitters who used that pattern would actually become my customers. The answer is no. Now, I understand that testing it with only one pattern might not give me a wholesome answer. That said, I argue that people looking for free patterns will keep on looking for free patterns in the future. That is what they want: free patterns. I also think that if you are a freelance designer, you should not put out patterns for free. The free patterns out there devalue the work a designer puts into a design.
I do get that large yarn brands want to offer free patterns, since their business is selling yarn and not patterns. I am not sure if that is a good way to go. I mean, you might argue that it is awesome because by offering free patterns, you get more people to knit. But the same thing applies here: if you are used to getting patterns for free and there are tons of them, why would you buy any patterns? Even if they are better written, with a possibly better fit, and so on…
Thanks again for your insightful comment! 💕
I’m just figuring something out myself in relation to what you talked about. It feels like i have to go viral on another subject then drive people to my writing. Which is screwy but I’m not getting noticed so trying that. I’m doing a post on that today.
Btw. I love your knitting!! I can’t follow patterns as I don’t know the lingo but still manage to make clothes.
It's definitely frustrating trying to find ways to get noticed, especially when it seems like going viral is the only way to gain attention. I think it’s great that you’re experimenting with different things, and I sincerely hope it works! 😊
I appreciate your kind words about my knitting! You definitely don’t need a pattern to make your own clothes-that’s exactly how I started too. After all, a sweater is just some tubes! I wish you the best of luck in your creating! 🍀
Sometimes designing seems like a science or a mathematical process. I am not a designer but I do consider myself creative. I've been knitting compassionately for 3 years this time. I'm developing my skills in this new world of knitting . Patterns are so different from what I knit 30 years ago. I'm looking forward to adding my own twist of colour and style as I build my skills this time round. Really appreciate you honest opinion and sense of humour.
Thank you for your kind comment and for sharing your experience! 💕
Patterns have definitely evolved a lot, for better or worse. Designing really is a mix of math and creativity, trying to bring imaginings to life. It’s inspiring to hear how you’re rediscovering knitting and adding your own unique style as you go.😊
I think you make some very valid and interesting points. What does it take to become a top designer? My favourite designer reflects my taste in her knit wear and she models a lot of her own designs. She is a totally different shape from me and I know that her patterns would not look as good on me but I would like to think I could look that good. She sells a life style which I am sure is an illusion but it works. I think she knits for herself, her look is simple, classic but with extremely tasteful colours and always very expensive wool. Having said that, I can't think of any other designer quite like her. She makes it look very easy! By the way I love your design particularly in the sweater.
Thanks so much for watching and for your thoughtful comment! 😊 I love hearing about your favorite designer; it sounds like she’s really mastered the art of making everything look effortless and timeless. It’s amazing how someone can make classic pieces stand out so beautifully. I agree-it’s probably an illusion in some ways, but that’s part of what makes it so captivating, right?
As for what it takes to be a top designer, like I mentioned, many knitwear designers, especially those at the top, are selling a lifestyle as much as their patterns. They’ve managed to find a following that connects with that image. Personally, I find that sticking with just one thing can get boring after a while, but that’s just me. Maybe that’s also why I’m not as successful-because I don’t want to limit myself to one style. But that’s a topic for another time. 😉
And thank you so much for the compliment on my sweater design-it means a lot! 💖 Hope you stick around for more conversations.
Really enjoyed your insights and you gave me a few chuckles about the industry. I love finding designers that are working to the beat of their own drummer and after this video I checked out your patterns :) Love the Valtavaara Hat--think I'll knit one up. Thanks! ETA: The slipover is beautiful, as well.
Oh, I’m happy that I made you chuckle, plus it's lovely to hear that you enjoyed my insights! 😊
I’m glad that you liked the Valtavaara Hat! It’s one of my old favorite designs, hope you have fun knitting it. And I’m glad you like the slipover too.
Btw, I watch your podcast! 💕
@@themonogamousknitter Oh how nice to hear. I thought we might have corresponded or been in touch before 🙂 I'm totally acting this hat on today, as I need a BREAK from the double mohair sweater and this will be just the thing. Plus, stash busting. So, it's a win-win.
@@knittingthestash
Hope you’ll have fun with the hat! Stash-busting sounds awesome, too! 🥰💕
And to help you a little bit more, by leaving another comment 😊: I had a famous designer that was my favorite, and I have bought and used several of her patterns. This year I did a test knit, and the way the testknitters were treated was so unbelievably rude, that I have decided I will not support her anymore, will never buy her patterns again, will be very honost about this pattern (which was a big disappointment). Many of the testknitters have decided the same thing. She still hasn't published this design (was supposed to be released in May), probably fearing bad publicity?
Thank you for sharing your experience. I’m really sorry to hear about how you were treated during the test knit with the other designer-it’s disheartening when efforts aren’t valued and appreciated. I’ve been fortunate to receive positive feedback from my test knitters, and I always strive to create a respectful and supportive environment for them.
I appreciate you trusting me enough to share this, and I hope your future experiences with other designers are much better. 🌼
I have just stumbled across your channel (and your Ravelry as a result) - I am very new to knitting and have noticed that searching for patterns on Ravelry often comes up with lots of very similar results. It's kind of boring as I wanted to start knitting so that I could make more unique garments that fit me. But sometimes it feels like I am browsing a fast fashion shop! So I agree with you very much. Your designs are beautiful - I have saved a few to my favourites. I have not tried any colourwork yet, so maybe I will have to wait a while before I try your patterns. Can you suggest which of your designs might be easier to start with maybe (for a beginner)?
So happy that you found my channel and Ravelry page! 😊 I am happy that you like my designs!
Browsing Ravelry can feel uninspiring sometimes, as well as Instagram and, for better or worse, UA-cam. It feels indeed like browsing a fast fashion shop at times.
As for beginner-friendly patterns, I think my patterns aren’t really beginner-friendly at the moment. Many of them require some prior knowledge of colorwork. However, if you’re still interested in trying one of my designs, the simplest (in my opinion) is the Sands Of Time shawl. It has simple cables and everything is charted (which might also prove a challenge), though it does involve a lot of purling. That said, I’m not sure if it’s the type of project you’d want as your first project. www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sands-of-time-shawl-2
If you want to dive into colorwork, I suggest starting with a simple project like a cowl that uses motifs with no long floats and only two colors per round. I’m soon releasing a pattern like this that incorporates some more advanced techniques like Tubular Cast On and Bind Off, which might be a bit tricky but can be skipped if needed. While you wait for that pattern, I encourage you to start creating your own practice piece!
Hello, I purchase patterns for items I want to make, for myself or gift. I don't have IG, not interested in fake lives. Accessories are my favorite, especially hats. Quick to knit and not a lot of yarn needed. IMO, the price of yarn is outrageous. $50 per skein, no thank you. Yes the colors are great but I'll stick with farm yarn.
Hi there! Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts. 😊 I totally get where you're coming from-accessories are such a great way to make something beautiful and practical without a huge time or yarn commitment.
And I hear you on the price of yarn. It can be shocking how much some skeins go for these days! 😅 Farm yarn is a fantastic alternative-so much more affordable and often has that lovely rustic quality. Thanks for bringing that up!
I put two designs out there (about 8 years ago now) and neither sold at all. I also found the testing process very painful. Getting testers as an unknown designer was difficult and when I did finally get someone they dropped out. I’m glad I did it for the experience but won’t be going down that route again. I think having a newsletter is helpful as you get your fan base and tell them when you have a new design and maybe an early bird discount code. They often draw me in to purchasing a pattern (I don’t need 😅). And yes! My swatches are always different to my finished item too!
Thank you for your comment! I’m sorry to hear about the testing part of the designing process-it sounds like such a tough experience. As you said, being a relatively unknown designer makes it so hard to find testers. Sadly, the dropout rate seems to be a common issue, even for well-known designers. Designing takes so much time, and there’s so much more to it than just knitting. I’m glad you gave it a go, though-it’s such a valuable experience. 😊
A newsletter is a great idea, and I’ve been thinking about starting one for a while now. Maybe next year! But, as you said, they definitely make you buy patterns you don’t need (which, from the designer’s point of view, is exactly the goal! 🤩😱). And I’m so glad I’m not alone in the whole “swatches lie” experience-it’s strangely comforting! 💕
While you make some good points here, I think that the other side has some really valuable insights.
It’s fun to knit what others are knitting. It creates a sense of community. And especially with knitting many people don’t have a LYS or knitting group. It’s fun and it’s a far better way to spend time than some alternatives.
I don’t think I’m alone in that, i do not have time for cables or extensive colour work. I have very young children and creating is an incredibly important way to relieve stress and think. I need simple patterns with good shaping and LOTS stockinette. Some designers these days are clearly lazy that’s true. But a well designed, simple pattern is always going to have a wider audience than something more complicated. A well fitting garment is always timeless if it fits well.
I always respect someone willing to speak their mind!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts! I also appreciate your openness to differing opinions. I understand the balance between the desire to create and the limitations of time and energy, especially for those with busy lives. Knitting can be such a wonderful escape.
You make a great point about the sense of community that comes from knitting the same patterns as others. I get how following popular trends can foster connections and provide a shared experience.
However, that has never been the path for me. I’ve often felt unwelcome in various knitting groups, both online and offline. I've struggled with being a nonconformist trying to fit into current trends, but I hope I’ve finally stopped that. I realize that even with this channel, I’m still seeking validation and trying to fit in. Everyone wants to be seen and not feel alone, so I completely understand the desire to knit what others are knitting. But that’s not the path I want to walk right now. Of course, I can’t predict the future, so my perspective may change as I continue my journey.
In the meantime, I hope that no matter what you knit, you find solace and joy in it! 💕
I do not want to look like others si I look for something unique and different
Thanks for your video. As a purchaser of patterns on ravelry, my favourite sweater patterns are boxy with fitted arms and some sort of interest, either colour or cables. If it's very fitted i feel fat and frumpy. I can't afford expensive wools, and avoid like the plague any patterns with two yarns held together. I prefer patterns knitted in pieces as the fit seems better. If i do pick one in the round i go for bottom up as i have found the ones knitted top down end up stretched on the shoulders. Within a short space of time
Thanks for sharing your preferences! ☺️ I get what you mean about avoiding patterns that use yarn held double; they can really stretch the budget. But that’s not the only issue-I’ve also heard from yarn shopkeepers that more knitters are moving away from using mohair. I suppose trends come and go, just like everything else.
What you mentioned about shoulder stretching in top-down knits is interesting. I haven’t noticed it myself, but I realize I haven’t tried knitting a yoke sweater from the bottom up. I’ll have to give that a shot!
Thank you again for your comment, and happy knitting! 💕
Kun ostan mallin, ostan aina myös tarinan. Haluan tietää, minne voin matkata sen avulla ja kuka siellä olen. Esimerkiksi rakastan kirjaa Salt and Timber, koska kun neulon sen malleja, olen yksin hyytävässä paikassa, jossa on ihan omanlaisensa tunnelma. Rakastan myös esimerkiksi Marie Wallinin malleja, koska ne vievät englantilaiselle maaseudulle. Paikan ei kuitenkaan tarvitse olla aina maaseutu, vaan voi se olla suurkaupungin kahvila tai kirjakauppakin esimerkiksi.
Jos suunnittelija ei tiedä, mihin maailmaan, aikaan ja paikkaan neuleet sijoittuvat, hänellä ei mielestäni ole tyyliä. Voi olla, että menen tässä pieleen, mutta minusta sinä voisit tuoda enemmän sporttista puoltasi mallikuvissa ja ylipäätään neuleiden tyylissä, sillä vaikutat tosi sporttiselta elämässäsi. Olis aika ihanaa neuloa vaikka sukat, joilla pääsisi mielikuvissaan lumilautailemaan. Ja näissä videoissasi voisit olla vaikka kuntosalilla tai metsässä. Jukka Pojan Potentiaalii-kappaleen sanoin: ”Jos sä haudot itsesääliä suurina määrinä Niin et sä oot uhri Ja maailma on väärässä Elät vajareilla Sen se susta kertoo”
Laitoin tuon, koska itse olen myös luovalla alalla ja työllistän itseni. Ala on hullu, mutta laulun sanat ovat auttaneet minua tsemppaamaan itseäni. Kannattaa lukea/kuunnella ne kokonaan! Tsemppiä!
Kiitos kovasti kommenteista! 😊
Minusta on tosi vaikeaa valita vain yhtä tyyliä tai tunnelmaa, ja huomaan kamppailevani sen kanssa. Tiedän, että esimerkiksi Instagram edelleen suosii tilejä, joilla on yhtenäinen värimaailma tai selkeä estetiikka-ja rehellisesti sanottuna se tuntuu minusta aika tylsältä. Hienoa tietysti, jos suunnittelija oikeasti rakastaa vain beesin sävyjä tai yksinkertaista estetiikkaa, mutta mietin usein, valitaanko se tietoisesti vai sovelluksen ehdoilla. Itse en halua jumiutua siihen muottiin.
Hauskaa, että mainitsit sporttisuudesta! Ihmiset tosiaan näkevät asiat niin eri tavalla, ja se on mielenkiintoista. En ole koskaan pitänyt itseäni erityisen sporttisena-ehkä päinvastoin! 😅 Lisäksi olin ajatellut, ettei se puoli kiinnosta ketään neulemaailmassa, mutta ehkä se olisi jotain, mitä kannattaisi kokeilla ja tuoda enemmän esille. Voi olla, että siinä olisi jopa jotain uutta ja raikasta tähän skeneen.
Luovalla alalla on tosiaan helppo jäädä kiinni epävarmuuksiin ja itsensä epäilyyn, ja siksi tsemppibiisit ja positiiviset ajatukset ovat aina tervetulleita. Kiitos siis paljon Jukka Pojan biisivinkistä ja kannustavista sanoista!
Hi I'm simply blown away by your sleeveless sweater / jersey / cardigan. It's super & yr simple unaffected discussion is delightful. I'm not much of a knitter as S Africa is a hot climate. Nonetheless I'll be searching u tube for yr designs which r exciting & orjginal. I'm surprised publishers r not clammering for yr designs.
Hi! Thank you so much for your incredibly kind words. I'm so glad you enjoyed my knits and my videos! I can imagine knitting in South Africa's climate is a challenge. I really appreciate your support, and who knows-maybe one day publishers will take notice! 😊 I hope you find some patterns that inspire you, and thank you again for your lovely comment. 💕
Hi! I can’t seem to find the sweater pattern. Can you please point me in the right direction? I LOVE it!!! Thank you! 💕
Hi there, thank you! 💕 I love it too!
The pattern is not yet out. It needs grading and test knitting. I reckon it will be out around end of January or February 2025. If you’d like to test knit it eventually, please subscribe. I will be most likely calling for test knitters here as well as on Instagram. 😊
I don't follow any of the "hip" designers and find all the modern patterns floating around extremely boring and not at all inspiring.
I usually buy digital vintage patterns if I buy any. I mostly use a few of my favourite books to knit, or thrift vintage patterns for 50 cents.
I buy a pattern based on whether or not I'm excited to make it and wear it! Not because someone wants to sell me the lifestyle. I really don't like their lifestyles anyway, it's either basic, beige, minimalist blah or it's maximalist yarn haul abundance. Neither of these appeal to me. Hope this helps. :)
Thank you for your comment! I’m so happy to hear there are others who go against the grain 😊.
Going vintage is such a great way to dodge the sameness and find patterns that truly resonate. I love going to thrift shops and flea markets for old patterns. My most cherished knitting book is one from the 1970s. Those older books and patterns have a charm that’s hard to find today.
And please, don’t get me started on beige… 😅
To answer some of your questions, I am not interested in knitting a lifestyle or trends. But I'm an older knitter. I used to knit sweaters from Vogue Knitting at the start of my knitting career, also love Rowan patterns, many of which are classic. I personally don't understand peoples' resistance to "bottom up" knitting; that's what I learned first. For the last many years I've been knitting lace shawls: I love thin luxurious threads and fine needles. I'm a fairly slow knitter. I like classic things and beautiful stitch patterns. I can knit either charted (preferred) or written-out patterns. I use Ravelry more than other social media sources. I find patterns I like by "meandering" through Ravelry, and looking at peoples' projects and notes. I don't need to use the exact colors (or yarn) the designer used. I enjoy your wit, and wish you best of luck! PS love the sock pattern "Nuppu." Have never knit socks. My sister could probably help me sort through any sock-knitting issues.
Oh, I knitted my fair share of Rowan and Vogue patterns too! 😍 Rowan still has a special place in my heart, and Felted Tweed is one of my all-time favorite yarns. I think my aversion to today’s trends partly comes from knitting classic designs way back when, without fully understanding style or design yet. I also learned to knit bottom-up, and honestly, I don’t mind how a sweater or anything else is constructed-sideways is fine too! I had a phase of knitting lace shawls too, but I've found that colorwork is what I love the most.
It sounds like you’ve been knitting for quite some time and have a clear sense of what you love. I think speed isn’t everything, but from a designer’s perspective, putting out patterns more frequently can keep you current-and even helps with visibility on Ravelry.
Thank you so much for your kind words about the Nuppu Socks! They might look tricky, but in the end, they’re just toe-up socks with a few yarnovers on the leg. I’m sure you could knit them beautifully! 💕
Hello Anika(sorry if mis-spelt, Thank you for your thoughts. I believe most creators, in this case knitters, generally do it for the lifestyle. I mean this in the broadest sense. We like what we see and some will be happy to learn to achieve the result. It may take a week or it may take 1 year. I truly believe there is space for all of us and your style will be suited more to some than others. Also my point is that your talent is one of life’s greatest treasures and as your other talent includes teaching then many of us will buy into that, either emotionally, physically or technically. The fact that you show several styles in the same pattern appeals to me. When you are going through a pattern knitting process many ideas pop up in your mind, never mind about the competition, the collection you made can be created with different yarns simply from you putting the challenge out there. So keep up the wonderful work. I’m subscribing and will keep an eye open for the the dress test… wishing you success😉💕😁
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment! 😊 I really appreciate your kind words and perspective on why people create, especially in the world of knitting. Your comment made me reflect more on the lifestyle aspect. For me, knitting is first and foremost about finding inner peace. It’s a meditative practice, a way to channel creativity, and designing adds another layer-it's a way to keep learning and growing.
That said, I can see how not leaning into a specific “knitted lifestyle” could be a challenge when it comes to branding myself (and honestly, the idea of “branding” is something I struggle with!). I do think there are knitters out there who connect with what I’m creating, but like you mentioned, I’m still working on finding them-or them finding me! But I believe there’s space for all of us in this craft, and I’m hopeful.
Thank you so much for subscribing-it truly means a lot! I’m excited to keep sharing new projects (including that dress!) and continuing this creative journey with you. 💖 Wishing you all the best and happy knitting! 🧶
Hello Anika, I’m a knitter but not a designer. I noticed that many new patterns are too trendy and they all look alike. I like classic patterns and I like to wear my garments a long time. I’m happy that knitting is trendy but many designs are a bit crazy! 😜
Indeed, how many oversized raglan or boxy sweaters does one really need? 😅
My swatches lie tooooooooooo
😅🥰
I think the yarn manufacturers should swatch , not leave it up to the thousands of buyers to do it. It makes no sense to me.
Anyway, that why I like using the same yarn over and over; I kno w how it will behave.
@@satsumamoon Yarn manufacturers do usually provide suggested gauges with their yarns, but every knitter’s tension is unique, kind of like handwriting. Even with the same yarn, you might use different needle sizes depending on the project, which is why swatching is still important. And yes, swatches can be misleading-my gauge often changes when I move to a larger piece, too!
Using yarns you already know well can definitely save a lot of time and frustration. 😊
@@themonogamousknitter I meant they dont give any indication about after washing. They could at least say garment will likely be longer after washing or allow for 5% shrinkage over time . On products like drops belle , I find this inexusable. Theres so much feedback on the internet about shrinkage.
@@satsumamoon It can be frustrating when companies don’t meet our expectations, but they aren’t required to change just because people want them to. If that brand isn’t working for you, there are plenty of other brands out there that might be a better fit.
Hei! Olipa kiva törmätä sun podcastiin. Jotenkin ihanan rehellinen ja erilainen. 💕Upea tuo valkoinen neule! Ps. Tällä hetkellä neulon nilkkapituista mekkoa 3 mm puikoilla. Jään odottamaan testineulontaa sekä neuleeseen että mekkoon!
Kiitos ihanasta kommentista! 😊 Ihana kuulla, että tykkäsit! Ja kiva, että tykkäsit valkoisesta neuleesta!
Nilkkapituinen mekko 3 mm puikoilla kuulostaa työvoitolta! 🙌 Mekon testineulonta on tosiaan tulossa, kunhan ensin neulon sen. 😅 Ilmoittelen siitä, kun sen aika koittaa. Ihanaa neulehetkeä sinne! 🧶
Where is the link to your ravelry patterns?
You can find the link the channel description or here 😊: www.ravelry.com/designers/eniko-balogh
@@themonogamousknitter Right. So dont waste your resources by not providing easy links whilst whining about people not finding your patterns .
@@satsumamoon The link is usually in the description, but I noticed it was missing on this video-it’s there now. That said, it takes 2 seconds to Google, but I know we’re all busy with other important stuff. 😉
I just came across this video, never seen any of your designs, so I went to Ravelry to take a look. I think you have a reasonable price of € 8,00 for your sweaters, which come in 5 or more sizes. But, € 6,00 for socks that have a very simple design (just a little chart on the leg) and that are only available in 1 or 2 sizes, to me that is too much. Because non of your sock patterns will give me fitting socks (unless I would use needle size 0,5 mm?!), this will make me to turn around and never look back. Where if you had lower prices and/or more size-inclusive patterns, I probably would add you to my list of favorite designers (when I want to start a new project, that is one of the ways for me to look for a pattern I want to knit). I hope my comment is useful to you. I don't mean to be unkind, I only want to help you, to get where you want to be. Wishing you all the best!!
Hi! Thank you so much for your comments and for checking out my designs-I really appreciate your honesty and perspective. 😊
I understand your point about the pricing, but I’ll admit it’s a bit frustrating when €6 for a sock pattern feels high, especially when many others on Ravelry are priced higher. Designing, testing, and creating clear instructions takes time, and the reality is that, here in Finland, a latte costs around €5.50 these days, so selling patterns cheaper doesn’t really help cover the costs. If pricing were truly the main issue, I would expect my patterns to be selling like hot cakes, especially with the introductory discounts I've offered, but that mostly hasn't been the case.
As for the needle size and gauge, I personally prefer my socks to fit tightly and be knitted at a tighter gauge. This not only gives a snug fit but also improves the durability of the socks. I realize that knitting at a tighter gauge may not work for everyone, but it’s something I stand by for my sock designs. If you typically knit more loosely, I completely understand how my patterns might not provide the fit you’re looking for, and I appreciate you bringing that up.
I genuinely appreciate your engagement, and I hope you continue finding joy in knitting. Thanks again for taking the time to connect with me! 💕
Same to everything you say. I figure if I just put enough out there, eventually something has to happen. Goal now is to break even and not hemorrhage money.
Hemorrhaging money-such a great metaphor! 😂 While I get the whole idea of throwing things at a wall until something sticks, I’m still on the fence about how effective it really is. But you’re right-putting out more patterns does increase the chances that something eventually happens. It’s just hard to know how long I can afford to wait for that. I wish I could optimize the outcome faster, but maybe that’s where I need to let go and just keep moving forward without overthinking it. Easier said than done, though! 😅
@@themonogamousknitter At the moment, my thoughts are 'I'm going to do it anyway', so might as well grade and tech edit. Ask me again in a week and see how I feel though.
@@jimmydoesknitting Fingers crossed itwill be a success! 🤞
I echo many of your sentiments and feel for you in your frustrations with the craft. Knitting has become a popularity contest largely marketed to a privileged demographic. I blame UA-cam and Ravelry. Both powerful tools for learning but sadly biased towards profiteering. Why do I knit? For the joy of making something useful and beautiful. I’m a nerd, always seeking knowledge and ways to improve my skills while putting my treasured collection of yarns to work. Hearing Elizabeth Zimmerman’s name excites me. Perhaps the answer in your quest for success is in why YOU are knitting. Find your bliss and keep sharing the awe you find in the journey. I’m interested. Inertia is tough to overcome and by doing these videos you’ve started to move the needle. Thankfully the algorithm fed you to me. I’ve subscribed and look forward to see more of your beautiful sweater. Namaste 🙏
@@PatlLawson Thank you so much for your heartfelt comment. It truly resonates with me, and I appreciate your honesty. I agree-knitting has become a space where popularity can sometimes overshadow the craft itself, and it’s easy to lose sight of why we knit in the first place. For me, it’s also about the joy of creating something both useful and meaningful, and the excitement of learning new things. But it's not just that, it is solace above all.
Elizabeth Zimmerman-her approach is such an inspiration and a reminder of the beauty in simplicity.
I look forward to sharing more of my journey and hopefully adding some value to yours too. Thank you again for your kind words and support. 💕
I'm definietely buying a pattern and not a lifestyle, but sometimes I buy patterns that are not my style in hopes to become this kind of person who wears it.. iddk if that makes sense. I don't buy blindly, but I have favorite designers whom I trust and I'm thinkng less before buying from them than the others. But it's more about my experience with their patterns than how they present their brand. I relate to your desire to not become a brand and just be a creative, but I'm not sure that this is still possible in today's worlds.
Thank you for sharing your perspective! 😊 I think many of us have been there, imagining ourselves in a different style or vibe. It’s wonderful that you’ve found designers you trust; I completely get what you mean about it being more about the experience with their patterns than their brand. Still, I’m not sure if the two can truly be separated in the end. It’s tricky in today’s world, where so much revolves around branding yourself, regardless of your profession. That said, I still like to hope it’s possible to prioritize creativity first. Thank you again for such a thoughtful comment. 💕
thanks for this, super interesting 💕 i can very much relate about the balance of treating it as an art (more creative and ambitious pieces) and a craft (patterns that appeal to a wider audience). i came out with my first pattern a few months ago which i released for free as it definitely fell into the former category - a pair of knitted lederhosen for a dog 😂 i think people got a kick out of seeing it but realistically very few will actually make it. it’s hard because often what makes one stand out is beautiful patterns that aren’t accessible to everyone’s skill level, so by their very nature they won’t have a lot of interested customers. the alternative is to make very simple patterns but i feel like that’s a saturated market and to be honest if i had to spend all my knitting time making the same plain patterns, i probably would put down my needles altogether 😅😂
Dog lederhosen? I love it! 🤩 I hope it made it into the Hot Right Now section! 💕
I’m still searching for that sweet spot in designing knitwear myself. I wouldn’t say my designs are art-but they could be. If I just sold the finished pieces as one-of-a-kind collectibles for thousands! 😅 Again, just need to find the right customers. Simple...😄🙈
About simple knits, it’s funny (and a bit frustrating!) how many knitters say they prefer simple, top-down projects, yet the moment the “it” designer of the month releases a complex piece, everyone’s suddenly up for the challenge. I guess it’s pretty common to say one thing and do another when it comes to knitting trends! That said, I'm glad there are so many things one can knit and the creativity of the knitters and designers seems to be almost unlimited. Just think about your dog lederhosen! 😊
@ thank you 💕💕 it did have a brief moment in the sun on the hot right now page! that is so true, i’ve seen the same time and time again, it does seem that generally people follow pattern trends and most people knit the same things. it’s balanced in a way because although it’s frustrating for other designers, it means that pattern designing can be a lucrative occupation (in theory) which is quite encouraging. but it’s complicated!
@@issyknits Congratulations on making it into the Hot Right Now section! 🤩💕
I totally understand the desire to fit in and knit the trendy pieces. But I can’t help but feel that many people are trying to be different in the exact same way, which leads to a lack of originality. Maybe there isn’t true originality in knitting after all (or anywhere else either) and I shouldn’t be too bothered with it.
It also seems that many new designers are putting out their own versions of raglan sweaters and boxy pieces that look quite similar. I frankly don’t understand this, but maybe it’s not my task to figure it out! 😊 I suppose I'll keep focusing on what feels meaningful to me. And yes, knitwear design can be lucrative!
I am a 50 year old woman, and am not into the latest trend. I know what I like and I look for a pattern that will accomplish that. I am newer to garment knitting. I purchase only a few patterns, and often only to learn a specific technique. I am a little frustrated by the sheer number of patterns out there that you need to sort through. I prefer to find designs by established, experienced designers, rather than from the new knitter who just realized that once you have a base structure you can make a bunch of variations on it. I never intend to become a professional designer myself. But I most certainly modify patterns I have.
Thank you for your comment. I can understand how it might feel overwhelming to navigate through the vast number of patterns available these days, especially when you're seeking specific techniques or designs that align with your personal style. It makes sense to gravitate towards established designers whose work you trust. The knitting community has expanded significantly, and with that growth comes a wide range of styles and skill levels. I hope you continue to find designs that bring you joy. ☺
I find the vast majority of my patterns by watching UA-cam podcasts.
That's great, and I’m so glad you found me through UA-cam! 😊 I also enjoy watching vlogs, but I’ve noticed that they often showcase the same patterns and projects that are popular everywhere else, with a few exceptions. That’s part of why I like to create my own designs-maybe I’ll be the dark horse bringing something a little different to the table! 😄 Thanks for watching, and I hope you enjoy my content!
Your cream cable sweater is gorgeous. I am interested! New sub.
Thank you! 🙏
What is your page as a knitwear designer on ravelry? I like your honesty !
Thank you so much for your kind comment! 😊 You can find me on Ravelry here: www.ravelry.com/designers/eniko-balogh.
I appreciate your interest and hope you find something you like!
Wait did you say a dress for ice swimming? 🤷🏻♀️
Yes, I did. 😅 To be more precise, I meant that you put it on before and after. Not actually swimming in it. 😄
@@themonogamousknitter Aha that makes sense ;) Hope it's cozy!
@@LizCraigMyers Hope so too! 😊
I buy patterns for the pattern. I may not buy from a single designer but i do at least look at the other designs by the designers i have enjoyed patterns from before.
It sounds like you really know what you’re looking for and have a clear style you enjoy. 😊
🔥🔥🔥 rehellinen podi, tykkään!
Kiitos! 💕☺
Enikö, it's so true, what you say!
Thank you! 😊💕
❤🌈🧶