But is it fun to knit?
This question seems to be becoming my new pattern writing + designing mantra, which is probably a very good thing for you. It’s the main reason I’m currently re-working both my Cloud Bolero and Posie designs and although the situations aren’t totally the same, the Cloud Bolero does exist as a pattern after all, my motivation for re-visiting these designs is the same.
When I designed the cloud bolero I was certainly less experienced in pattern writing, and I was also expecting the pattern to be edited more than it was in terms of layout and the combination of these things has accounted for most of the problems that people have encountered with the pattern. There is nothing actually wrong with the pattern, but the fact that the same issues keep coming up has been niggling at me for a while and I’ve been wondering what to do about it. I’ve turned some of my free patterns into pdfs already and I did consider just re-doing the layout so it was clearer (if you’re wondering I do own the copyright although the pattern is hosted on Yarn Forward’s site) but I wasn’t sure that would really be enough and I had a hard time justifying spending a lot of time working on something I wasn’t going to be paid for.
The big thing that makes the cloud bolero less fun to knit than it could be is that there are so many different markers and stitch counts to keep track of and the yos keep jumping over the markers which means you really have to pay attention to avoid things getting off track. Although it sounds more complex I realised that it would totally simplify things if I incorporated the yoke increases into the feather and fan pattern. Which means that there are no markers on the yoke and every row is a simple repeat that’s repeated straight across the row with no counting. That’s the big difference between the Cloud Bolero pattern and this new one, which I’m calling Liesl, after Liesl in The Book Thief which I was listening to while knitting the first one. This simple change from a raglan to a round yoke is the thing that I think will make the new pattern much more fun to knit than the old one, it will also have a clearer layout and charts.
I’ve also added a bunch of different options so you can vary the pattern to suit your style and worked it in a variety of yarns to show the effect that choice can have. I’m totally not taking credit for the options though - take a look through the finished objects for the Cloud Bolero on Ravelry and you’ll see why, thank you to everyone who made that pattern your own! The options included in the Liesl pattern will be -
two neckline depth options that can be further varied depending on how tightly you cast on - the version above has the higher neckline, the other two have the wider one
buttonholes or not, with directions on how to work as many as you like, Amy’s doing buttonholes all the way down because she feels that will flatter her shape more than the ones at the yoke I seem to be somewhat obsessed with.
picot or regular bind off
cap sleeves bound off when you join the body stitches or sleeves as long as you like
the body length which is really just a case of continuing until you have the length you like / you run out of yarn
The pattern will be for sale and I totally understand that some people will prefer to use the cloud bolero pattern which will remain free, but I think that the new pattern will be worth the money and I hope those of you who choose to buy it do too.
In the case of Posie I never got as far as releasing a pattern in the first place because I wasn’t happy with it. I like the finished object but it wasn’t that fun for me to knit and the pattern was turning into a nightmare to write, mainly because I was trying to write a clear fun to knit pattern for something that just didn’t want to end up that way. The original was knit in pieces from the bottom up with some very finickey details and I knew that there had to be a way to keep the essence of the design but make it more fun to actually make.
I also had some concerns about the yarn I used, Rowan 4ply cotton. I’ve become increasingly aware that the yarns I choose to use in my designs aren’t simply what I happened to use, but are read by so many as recommendations and sometimes I’m not comfortable promoting something. This is one of the reasons there were also two versions of Coraline (sense a pattern developing?) and in this case I was also not happy recommending the yarn based on my concerns about its environmental impact, cotton is a very high impact crop. You may have noticed that I used a lot of Rowan yarn in my earlier designs + projects, mainly because it was the brand that included natural fibre yarns that was easily available to me, but it’s this very reason - their market dominance in the UK - that’s led me to decide to avoid using them in my patterns.
So now I’m re-working Posie in a yarn I feel happier recommending to create a pattern that I think will be a lot of fun to knit. I’m certainly enjoying it so far. I love the gathers at the top of the puffy sleeves.
Wow, I didn’t intend for that to become so long but I wanted to explain why I’m doing what I’m doing and give you some insight into the things I think about in relation to designing. Did anyone read it all? I’d love to know your thoughts, I feel like this has touched a lot of issues that have been floating around on blogs and ravelry recently.
Posted: May 26th, 2008 under knitting.
Comments: 56
Comments
Comment from Kate
Time: May 26, 2008, 8:58 pm
I’m so excited to hear of the rework for the cloud bolero. I made one for my little sis who adores it. I’ve been meaning to make one for myself, but it’s current state requires more concentration than my nursing school brain can handle right now. I’m very excited. I love your designs.
Comment from C.G
Time: May 26, 2008, 9:05 pm
You need to do what is right for you.
So many of us out here love your designs and are just glad to be able to buy them :-)
Pleased, in an entirely selfish way, that the Liesl is coming along (I have just the right yarn for it for me)!
Comment from Hanna
Time: May 26, 2008, 9:10 pm
I am checking in every day for the new patterns. They will definitely be worth the money! Think of all the work you’ve put into making them. Liesl will be the next thing on my needles, for sure. I am also hoping you’re still considering including kid’s sizes for the Posie, because it would be perfect on my four year old. It’s adorable and classic.
Comment from bellamoden
Time: May 26, 2008, 9:20 pm
Personally? I’m very happy you are rewriting cloud bolero into Liesl, and happier yet that you’re going to be paid for it.
And the thought you put into it? Very much appreciated.
Comment from Alice from france
Time: May 26, 2008, 9:21 pm
Well, what rebuted me to knit cloud bolero was the plenty of characters seperate by a coma ext… i’m defenitely a chart person but the pattern looked a bit confuse so i passed on…until you come back with this new version! Don’t know if i will buy it because since the beginning of the years i can’t stop buying your pattern and knit them and i still haven’t finish Coraline, that’s a shame…
But i encourage you to write it up and publish it anyway.
For posie, cute design, but i don’t know if i could wear it. But, publish and write pattern Ysolda i’m really enjoing and loving your design touch and i’m a big fan of it so i will follow your creation!
PS: my sister and my mum want to pick my gretel and verity beret! Aww i should knit again one of those! Too beautiful!
Comment from Nielsdottir
Time: May 26, 2008, 9:51 pm
Thanks for the explanation! I sometimes wonder why designers take down their previously free patterns and then offer them for sale, however, I really love that you explain all the extra work you are putting into it - it makes it so much clearer that it isn’t the same pattern you are republishing with a few minor details changed, it is actually a new one. So very fitting with a new name! So thank you for the great pattern, and the great care you take to make them fun for us to make. I’ll look forward to seeing Liesl published :)
Comment from Birgitte
Time: May 26, 2008, 9:51 pm
I made it all the way through - and I really do appreciate your thoughts. You couldn’t be more right that things should be fun to knit! We do not knit for getting clothes on our body, now do we? :)
I also really like the yoke on Liesl and especially the sleeve gatherings on Posie - looking forward to seeing how they turn out; both designs seem more appealing to me in these revised versions. You should know that your work is indeed appreciated :)
Comment from sarah
Time: May 26, 2008, 9:54 pm
I love that you are thinking so much about the knit-ability of your designs; as a novice knitter I’m so put off my complications, and I’m certainly not up to huge alterations, so giving a variety of options within a pattern is certainly something I look for.
Speaking of which, I’d love to see long-sleeve instructions on Posie (maybe gathered cuffs?) Short-sleeves may be pretty, but I find there’s never the right weather for short-sleeve cardigans - 98% of the year is too cold and 2% too hot!
Glad to see you’re revisiting old designs.
ps like Alice I’m definitely pro-charts wherever possible too…
Comment from Cat
Time: May 26, 2008, 10:01 pm
Ysolda, I think you must have read my mind! It looks like all of the things you are tweaking with Liesel are the things that meant I kept not-quite-getting-around-to the Cloud Bolero, despite coming back to it repeatedly. I’ll definitely be buying :)
I’m really interested to see the yarns you use in future - Rowan is the easy option because it’s so accessible, but there’s so much more out there and it’s really great to see someone working with yarns which are accessible on this side of the pond without necessarily being the obvious choice.
Comment from wazz
Time: May 26, 2008, 10:02 pm
The new posie looks especially lovely. I know exactly what you mean about Rowan’s UK market dominance and the conundrum of seeming to ally oneself with, or recommend ‘em. This must be a really difficult thing for a designer - and particularly tricky, as they do have some great yarns.
But how satisfying it must be to support smaller producers, lower impact products, and good labour practices by showcasing such yarns in a lovely new design. Bravo. And all that. Looking forward to the new Posie. . .
Comment from emily
Time: May 26, 2008, 10:07 pm
thanks ysolda! I love Liesl, especially the green version you were sporting in Canada, and am seriously looking forward to Posie (the BSA skinny cotton looks awesome, though I’ve not knit with it yet). Thank you for using your chosen pattern distribution format so well and taking the time to make patterns that really do stand out.
Comment from merel
Time: May 26, 2008, 10:16 pm
A very interesting and insightful blog post! I think the cloud bolero looks much more sophisticated in its round yoke Liesl reincarnation. And I particularly like the idea of having the option to knit a different, lower neckline. I love, love, love most of your designs, but as I have a rather full figure, all those cute high necklines make me look huge, like my boobs are a second chin or something. Therefore, I much like the idea of different options in a design to suit different body shapes (and/or tastes).
Comment from Kassandra
Time: May 26, 2008, 10:28 pm
So many thanks, Ysolda, for actually caring about the product you sell. You take so much time to make sure everything is perfectly clear and accessable to everyone who uses your patterns. This is why we all are so devoted… well, that and your totally cute fashion sense:)
I am personally thrilled that you are going to release the Liesl pattern. It is definitely worth buying; it’s going to be so versatile! I’d like to see more patterns like that; short/long sleeve mods, neckline changes, etc. laid out so that even a novice will be able to customize their garment to their liking. I’d even pay more for a pattern having options laid out for me like that.
Comment from Gudrun
Time: May 26, 2008, 10:48 pm
This was really interesting to read about Ysolda. I think it’s fantastic that you put so much thought into making the instructions easy to follow and the design ultimately fun to knit. I aspire to do the same…thanks for sharing..can’t wait until I finally meet you and get to blab about this stuff for longer!
Comment from Debbie
Time: May 26, 2008, 11:18 pm
Thanks for caring about the environment. We all need to do what we can. I love that you have named the new pattern Liesel, after the main character in the Book Thief. This book was one of my favorites last year. Have you finished it? I hope you do!
Comment from Saralyn
Time: May 26, 2008, 11:27 pm
Thanks for sharing your process. It sounds like you’re doing some great work, and I certainly appreciate the thought you’re putting into the patterns in order to make them more fun to knit. The new designs both look like things I’d like to knit at some point.
Comment from Lien
Time: May 26, 2008, 11:29 pm
It would be interesting to see your yarn substitutes. Whilst I adore Rowan, it’s pretty expensive here in Aus and not easily available. What would be good is if you tell us what yarn weight and recommended fibre blends? Eg, DK alpaca (for drape), etc?
Comment from Kat
Time: May 26, 2008, 11:37 pm
I like hearing about why a designer chooses a specific yarn for their pattern. I know that for magazines often the magazine chooses the yarn for whatever reason. But I would love in self published patterns if the designer included in the design some discussion of what makes the yarn they used good / why they chose the yarn they did. One of the most freeing experiences at a knit shop was when they told me they did not carry any Rowan but discussed the attributes of the yarn called for and helped teach me how to substitute. I still don’t substitute as much as I ought, but I enjoy when a designer helps to tell me how.
Comment from claudine
Time: May 26, 2008, 11:45 pm
I’m a big fan of your patterns, Ysolda. Thanks for making them fun for us to knit!
Comment from Angela
Time: May 26, 2008, 11:57 pm
It’s great to hear things from the designer’s perspective - and don’t worry about charging people. The amount of time and effort you put into it, you deserve to be paid! I will certainly be investing in both of your new patterns.
Also REALLY glad someone has brought up the environmental impact of cotton. I’m with you on that one.
Comment from B.
Time: May 27, 2008, 12:56 am
I was wondering if you hadn’t put thought into funness of knitting — I’m currently working on your “Rose Red” hat and can barely put it down. Like, it’s not repetitive enough that I can memorise the pattern so I’m tied to the chart, but the wavy bits with purls between are entertaining enough that I really don’t mind and the chart is big and clear besides, and the I-cord beginning is clever, and the cabled instead of plain ribbed band is cleverer and lovely, and I’m already hashing out plans for making more. What I mean to say is I really admire your attention to those sorts of details, and hooray for more patterns in the same vein!
Comment from Taryn
Time: May 27, 2008, 1:01 am
Liesl looks lovely and I’m sure will be worth the money!
Comment from Keely
Time: May 27, 2008, 2:56 am
I am so excited about both of these patterns coming out, I think you are entirely justified in charging for Liesl considering all the extra work you’re putting into it, it may be based on the original Cloud, but from the sounds of it will actually be quite a different pattern, with lot’s of options, which is fantastic cos you’re doing all the thinking for us! I already have my yarn planned and set aside and am just eagerly waiting for the pattern to be released…. my finger is already twitching to hit that Buy Now button!
And I’m actually really liking the look of Posie too, the puffed sleeves look really cute, and I kinda want to make this for my daughter, but I also want to make it for me!! A bit too Stepford Wives to wear matching cardigan as my 1 & 1/2 year old daughter, so I’ll just have to make sure we don’t wear it at the same time!
Comment from soknitpicky
Time: May 27, 2008, 3:02 am
Yes, I read it all. And I appreciate you sharing your insights and thought processes. I love the way you are thinking through these designs so thoroughly
Comment from Shannon
Time: May 27, 2008, 6:55 am
I like that you knit your patterns in so many variations and yarns. I am always surprised at how many knitters do actually always knit in the yarn used in a pattern although maybe Ravelry has helped open doors there. I was going to knit the Cloud Bolero at some point, but haven’t done so. I will wait now until you release this new version as I saw the one from your trip to Toronto and thought it was so cute and suited me better (I had planned to lengthen it).
I really like the new sleeve on Posie, it makes it more fun looking. =)
Can’t wait for these to be released! No pressure. ;)
Comment from Amber
Time: May 27, 2008, 8:09 am
I really love the way the Cloud Bolero looks, but when I knitted it I found it really confusingly laid out. I thought, at the time (having made Elijah and Gretel) that this was uncharacteristic of you, as your patterns are mind-blowingly easy to follow! I think it will definitely be worth paying for something which is that much easier to knit (and fun!). I certainly will, as I was thinking of knitting a cloud bolero for my sister, but it would be nice to have something the same-but-a-little-different for her.
Thanks for putting so much effort into your patterns, Ysolda! It really makes them fun to knit ^_^
Comment from Cazzie
Time: May 27, 2008, 12:00 pm
Oooo - I’m another one who was going to knit Cloud but havent got round to it - definitely going to wait for Liesl now - especially after seeing it with sleeves on cosmicpluto knits blog :D
Comment from Rachael
Time: May 27, 2008, 12:59 pm
its great that we can support an independent designer!
Classic designs that are beautifully photographed.
I look forward to knitting them all.
Comment from Joanna Kostrzewa
Time: May 27, 2008, 2:03 pm
I read it all! *^v^*
I’m sooooooo waiting for the Posie pattern!
Comment from Christina
Time: May 27, 2008, 2:29 pm
Great post. I made a cloud bolero a while back and also had some problems with the YO’s jumping, and not being able to keep count of the stitches so I’m delighted you’re making an updated easier version and have no problem paying for it. Of course you should get paid for the extra time and effort you’ve put in.
I love the yoke of Liesl, it looks really great and look forward to knitting a long sleeved version.
I’ve been contemplating knitting another cloud bolero with long sleeves (inspired by some who’ve done so on Rav.) but hesitated because of the problems I had with the first one so I’ll be one of your first customers to buy Liesl!
Full credit to you for thinking of the environmental impact of conventionally grown cotton, look forward to seeing what you use in place of Rowan.
Comment from Marie
Time: May 27, 2008, 2:38 pm
I dream of a day when all manufacturers are legislated to mark lables with information on the product’s environmental impact. Currently, highlighting organic or fair trade etc. encourages purchase by responsible consumers but the corrollory of discouraging purchase of products with a negative impact is not being addressed. Thank you for highlighting just this kind of pit fall with Rowan - we all need to be very aware of what we are supporting with every product we buy!
Comment from Emilie
Time: May 27, 2008, 4:04 pm
I did read to the end (as I do with all your posts, though I rarely comment) and I would like to share my thoughts.
1) I’d not only be happy to pay for a new/revised version of the Cloud Bolero (now named Liesel) but I expect I’d be chomping at the bit to do so. I do wear short sleeved sweaters, but I’m a bit top-heavy (read: busty) and I don’t think boleros flatter much. A version like the one you wear a few posts ago in your visit to Cosmic Pluto would be way more my style and I’d love it. So I’m extremely keen for this pattern release. (I know I was frothing at the mouth for Coraline too, but I’m still waiting for my yarn to arrive on that one!)
2) I fully support your desire to redo patterns and sample knits with a yarn you feel more comfortable recommending. For the most part I feel like the instructions in your pattern are good enough that I am comfortable substituting my own yarn (or would be, I haven’t yet made any of your sweaters. I’m a bad knitter.) than I tend to be with other patterns. I don’t know why this is but I think the step by step instructions help. Say in IK the patterns are very bare bones (for the most part) and I often feel like they’re more rigid as a result. They feel more “if you do this, with this yarn, you get this garment”. Though I can’t put my finger on why. I will say though that Rowan, while expensive, IS easy to get in the UK. I’d rather not use Rowan all the time if I can help it, but at the same time I’d hope that the yarns you choose for your patterns/samples aren’t TOO obscure. Sometimes (like with Briar Rose) I want the EXACT same garment as I see in the photo (the green one) and I can’t find that particular shade of Louisa Harding anywhere…if it’s a very easily found yarn it’s slightly easier. But as I said, I do find your patterns more amenable to yarn subs than other patterns so it’s not a huge issue.
Perhaps I feel it’s easier to sub yarn in your patterns because you give metreage/yardage for each size and (where applicable) each yarn weight. Other patterns tend to say “Buy 12 balls of XXX yarn” and you never know just how much they’re using so you either buy the equivalent of 12 balls of XXX in another brand or you buy exactly what they recommend.
Hmm….I’m extremely tired and stressed (it was moving day on Saturday) and I doubt I’m making much sense…This is probably the reason I don’t comment much. I either spout absolute rubbish or gush. Seriously, it’s embarassing. I despair of ever meeting you at an event or while I’m on holiday in Edinburgh or something because I think I’d horrify you with my idiocy. You should hear me at home “Oh, my gosh! Ysolda is SO clever! Just look at this pattern! You pick up stitches and knit down to attach the body parts! There’s nothing for babies to choke on! And no ends to weave in! Ysolda is SUCH my favourite designer” I practically had a Victorian swooning spell.
But seriously, knitting Sophie and Elijah have really helped calm me down during the move. So um…I really appreciate that you put the time and effort and creative energy into designing these patterns because they really are great. And I’d buy any pattern you made. I have that much confidence that they’ll be good. :) (Also I guess it doesn’t hurt that I like your fashion. ;))
Um…ok. Bye now!
Comment from knitting nix
Time: May 27, 2008, 5:38 pm
I am really excited for them to be available - I just bought a dress (not exactly a wow statement but I am not a dress kinda girl) and I want something to go over the top…..looking forward to it!!
Comment from Emma In France
Time: May 27, 2008, 8:59 pm
A very thoughtful post. I agree with what everyone else has said.
The Rowan and Debbie Bliss dominance of the higher end of the UK market bugged me for ages, especially when I looked at online shops and they were basically all offering the same products for the same price.
Now the various online shops seem to have a bit more variety but still not as much as I like.
Posie-in-progress looks very bat like in the first picture.
Comment from jess
Time: May 27, 2008, 9:02 pm
I have to mention that I thought Elijah was one of the best designed pattern PDFs/written patterns I have seen in a long time. I was very impressed!
I really love the yoke on Liesl and look forward to being able to purchase the pattern.
I constantly substitute when it comes to yarn in patterns, but I do appreciate it when a designer mentions why they selected a yarn and what qualities I should look for in a substitute yarn.
Comment from Lizbon
Time: May 27, 2008, 9:50 pm
I found this really interesting. The thought process made a lot of sense to me, and I like it that you’re consciously choosing your yarns. I personally hardly ever work a pattern in the same yarn the designer used (because I am cheap and bullheaded and like to go my own way), but I think a lot of times it does seem like the yarn is recommended, so it’s great to choose one that you want to recommend.
Comment from m.k.
Time: May 27, 2008, 10:05 pm
One more reader happily looking forward to Liesl! I was able to knit the Cloud Bolero up pretty quickly, and wanted to make another one in a lighter weight yarn, but just never got around to doing the work of charting, etc. myself. I know that a lot of work goes into writing up a pattern, and I’m happy to buy a pattern and help support an independent designer.
Comment from Margaret
Time: May 27, 2008, 11:03 pm
I am havong trouble in finding the pattern for the cloud bolero .Can you help?
I love it and am anxious to knit it
Thanks Margaret
Comment from Ria
Time: May 28, 2008, 1:29 am
Of course I made it to the end! I am always really excited to hear that you are going to publish a new pattern. Two is even better.
And you know, I hope you won’t take offense, but i’ve never actually been all that fond of the Cloud Bolero; it’s probably the only one of your patterns I’m not completely 100% in love with. Lies! on the other hand looks like perfection! Maybe it’s simply that I like the longer length or the three buttons or the lighter weight yarn or the colours but I cannot wait for you to finish it so I can buy it and make it for myself! And posey also looks like it’s during out beautifully too.
Thanks for your beautiful work.
Comment from Genuine
Time: May 28, 2008, 1:53 am
The Bolero looks very cute. I’m knitting with cotton currently, but the fact that it’s organic has helped to ease my eco-guilt, ha. I can’t wait to see how everything comes out. I should do a short project for once; I’m embroiled in a sweater AND a t-shirt right now.
Comment from Sarah
Time: May 28, 2008, 6:48 am
I love the insight into your thought process and am so glad that you are releasing Liesl - I’ve been meaning to do CB for ages but get slightly put off by the concentration required so this sounds perfect - I’ve also always wanted one with arms so it’s a delight to me that you’ve worked that out for us - that’s exactly what I’m happy to pay for in a pattern :o)
Comment from Vanessa
Time: May 28, 2008, 8:49 am
I just finished making your Cloud Bolero a week ago. I had planned to make it ages ago when I first started knitting but never got around to it. When I picked it up again this week however, I found that my skill levels had developed so that I found it to be a really quick (only took 2 days) and very easy. I am always impressed and very grateful that you put so much time and effort and creativity into your designs. I know that it means a lot to me and so I always look at and knit your designs with a lot of appreciation!
I’m glad that you have reworked the Cloud Bolero - it looks a little different and I would definitely consider buying the pattern to re-make again.
In regards to Posie - I have been looking forward to seeing the pattern for ages and read with eagerness every time you mentioned or photographed it in your posts. I am a little sad to see that the original design has not made it into final pattern form, since I really love the structured features of the original. However, Liesl looks lovely and I would definitely purchase that pattern! Thanks Ysolda! :-)
Comment from Cassie
Time: May 28, 2008, 1:51 pm
Ysolda, I love your patterns and have made the Cloud Bolero, so I will definitely purchase the Liesl and Posie patterns. Thanks for taking the time for all the details.
Comment from megan
Time: May 28, 2008, 5:10 pm
I can’t wait for Liesl! Usually I feel pretty meh about feather and fan, but your green version has totally changed my mind. And the reworking of Posie looks so pretty, from what you’ve shown anyway. I like the sleeve a lot more.
I almost never knit a pattern with the recommended yarn, but I like to hear that you are really thinking about your choices and your impact as a designer on what others will choose to knit with.
Comment from stina
Time: May 28, 2008, 8:00 pm
i can’t wait for you to release the new patterns! i love the cloud bolero and have had it on my to do list for the longest time but was a bit afraid of the mentionned eventually problematic yos and markers.
Comment from Saskia
Time: May 28, 2008, 8:43 pm
I have a lot of respect for the way you communicate with your costumers (followers ;-) You really design for people and that is great. Super goed, in Dutch! I hope to become as good and as considerate a designer as you are some day!
Comment from jane
Time: May 28, 2008, 8:52 pm
Thank you so much for sharing all of this with us! I remember you mentioning your thoughts about the ubiquity of Rowan yarns when you were in London at the Socktopus gathering. It really made me think about how, as knitters, we are also consumers, and we choose where to spend our (sadly!) limited resources, and who will profit from them. I really think it’s good that this is something you are conscious of. It’s also good to think about where the yarn comes from in the first place, and the impact our knitting has on the environment. Your patterns are so widely knit that you can, do, and will have a huge impact!
Anyway. Yarn. What a subject! I often choose my own yarn for a pattern anyway, but I don’t always, and I know that some people do this very rarely, and would always prefer to follow the pattern like a recipe. (Come to think of it, I alter recipes within an inch of their lives too, but anyway…!) When making my choices, I love trying new yarns, but I also appreciate having some options which are readily and locally available. I guess it’s also a toss up, because if I buy Rowan yarn, it tends to enable me to support a local yarn shop. I like doing this, but I also like supporting smaller yarn producers and indie dyers. Ideally I would do both!
Also, as I’m sure you know, it can sometimes be frustrating when a recommended yarn is something very expensive or difficult to obtain. This mainly happens with patterns from American writers or magazines though. And fortunately nowadays Ravelry is around, so it’s much much easier to see what others have substituted, or to find people to chat to about what might work. It makes a huge difference to have people to bounce ideas off!
Liesl looks beautiful and so does Posie. I love hearing about all the hard work and imagination that goes into your patterns! Happy pattern writing :)
Comment from Vanessa
Time: May 28, 2008, 9:34 pm
Sorry Ysolda! I meant to say that the new Posie pattern also looks great and that I would be looking forward to purchase the pattern :-)
Comment from Jessica
Time: May 29, 2008, 1:38 am
Comment from Rachel
Time: May 29, 2008, 11:58 am
You’re a very thoughtful knitwear designer.
It’s refreshing :)
Comment from weeza
Time: May 29, 2008, 3:26 pm
Looking forward to buying the Liesl pattern - I’ve had the Cloud bolero on my list for a while but I really like the round yoke version.
Comment from marissa
Time: May 31, 2008, 1:41 am
I appreciate your process, and I’m looking forward to purchasing your revised pattern. The Cloud is on my to-do list, so I’ll jump to Liesl instead! Thank you Ysolda.
Comment from antonia
Time: May 31, 2008, 3:50 pm
I will definitely buy the new patterns because I really love your work, and your way to work on it.
Comment from Felix
Time: June 2, 2008, 12:25 pm
I very much enjoyed reading this post and thinking about the points you raise in it.
Very tricky with Rowan and other big yarn brands… as you say one doesn’t want to be too much aligned with, or seen to be promoting, big brands. On the other hand, how reassuring for a newbie knitter to be able to go and buy the yarn in person from most places, and know it will come out as pictured in the pattern.
I am more and more enjoying knitting with yarn from small, local yarn producers. I find the quality and character of the yarn becomes part of the finished garment’s appeal and maybe even part of its story. Prick Your Finger in London sell a lot of UK Produced yarn, and they often feature the actual sheep from whom the wool has come, on their blog. I really enjoy having that kind of connection to the wool that I am knitting with, though it does work out more expensive to do it that way.
…but then, it’s like the organic and slow-food movements; quality and process are valued above homogeneity and affordability.
And in this vein I like very much how, here, you are discussing the process (and the value) behind your own products; the patterns you make and sell. It is good to have open discussion on issues of production, quality etc.
I look forward to buying more patterns from you in the future…
Comment from the Lady
Time: June 3, 2008, 2:26 pm
I definitely appreciate the time you put into your work, and Posie is looking cute, I can’t wait to see the finished product.
Comment from still-learning Jill
Time: June 10, 2008, 12:13 am
Have you considered a version of Posie that places the pleats about waist-high? I’m thinking more of a peblum effect, really, which would be more flattering to my figure (a US 6-8). The higher-waisted version would suit those smaller (and younger). And do I see correctly that it will be top-down? That’s my favorite construction - so easy to get a correct fit. I’m looking forward to knitting a bolero (already planned for a niece for Christmas) and I’m sure more of your designs. Also, I really enjoy your blog and the glimpses into Edinburgh, which I enjoyed visiting two years ago. Keep up the good work!
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