Thank you, as a quiet knitter on social media and a non-knitwear designer/ I have no desire for it, I think you made some great points. I too have so much respect for all designers, small and large, but at the same time, as you said, there is a lot of pressure nowadays to monetise your hobbies. And I think we should all encourage each other in this community to follow what we want to do whatever that may be. Such a fan of your podcasts, I always look forward to them ☺️
I agree with you. I love knitting and sewing and have been making 99% of my clothing for the past 20 years. I am also getting better at crochet. Nevertheless, getting enjoyment from creating garments and being good at it does not mean you should (or must) become a designer. I can design for myself alone or not at all. I can see that there is pressure to publish garments for others (I post on Instagram and get tons comments) but makers should not put the expectation on other makers to become a designer. Additionally, some designers are AWESOME and put in a lot of work to release a pattern. I dont want to do that kind of work and I want to pay THEM for the work that they do.
Thank you for your thoughtful comments on this topic. I enjoy knitting garments (for adults and children), socks and shawls as a hobby. I watch knitting podcasts and like the most those where knitters discuss their projects and provide helpful information about sizing, fit, yarn and techniques. I don’t enjoy podcasts devoted to discussing podcaster’s designs, paid advertising, and giveaways. But that seems to be the trend. I wish it were not so. Best wishes from Melbourne, Australia.
The publicity/popularity phenomenon must be frustrating for designers who are not skilled in this area but make wonderful patterns. Three of my very favorite sweaters (multiple versions of 2) had few or NO projects on Ravelry. I know not every project knit gets posted, but to have none on a pattern that has been out for a year or more must be so discouraging. I participated in a KAL called Give it a Boost with Frivolous and Frugal podcast, and people entered their favorite, little know designs- very interesting.
I really resonate with reason #10... as an art student who eventually became an engineer, I found that the joy I found in creativity was completely stifled by the need to create for others or for external feedback (ie. commissions, sales, etc.). It's nice to engage in social media to have a community, but I feel especially with an Instagram-based community that promotes ad-like content and voices that are generating commerce off of the platform, we have to be intentional about seeking out knitting content that is for the enjoyment of knitting and not the profitability of knitting as a side hustle. Sure it's passive income, but you gotta be very active to make selling patterns viable as a source of passive income (ie. points 1-9). Anyway! Enjoyed the video. 🥰
I am definitely guilty of what at times feel like too ad heavy content with the sponsored yarn I’ve had for testknits and other projects - also something to reflect on!
Thank you for this-I feel like there is an expectation for makers/crafters once they’ve reached a certain threshold to “level up” and become designers. I’ve never had the urge, for many of the reasons that you’ve described, and don’t think that this lack of desire should affect one’s legitimacy as a maker.
I am a designer, and all your reasons for not designing are spot on. It is a ton of work to run the business end of things. I spend more time working in the business than I do knitting. It’s not just pattern support emails and test knitters. It’s also doing your bookkeeping, filing tax returns, making sure your website is working, paying all your invoices on time, and on and on. In the end though, I can’t not design. There is a constant flow of ideas in my brain that cannot be resisted. Its just part of who I am. And as a former accountant, I am perhaps less intimidated by the inner workings of a business than most people are so I don’t see all that work as a deterrent. It’s just a necessary part of bringing my designs to life.
At the end of the day I’m obviously appreciative anyone cares to do all of it - and if I also just couldn’t help it maybe I’d be willing to do it all too ❤️
I agree 100% with you. I’ve never had the desire to design. My main reasons are #1 #7 with a dash of #10. Goodness me there are thousands of patterns/designs out there that I already want to knit. Ive not found a gap yet!!!!
Thank you for this video. A quiet clear reasoned deliberation on why a hobby can just be that. Additionally, sharing our hobby publicly is not an invitation to monetisation. I have just one thing to say, your pup is adorable and we want her more. Fila Fila ! (I hope the spellings right).
I really enjoyed this episode!! I agree with your reasoning. I have been knitting for approximately 50 years and have never published a pattern. I have designed a few pieces here and there, for myself, but I never felt compelled to knit them again and take notes and and and! I applaud those who do design so I can buy and knit their patterns! I absolutely love watching your podcasts! I love the pieces you choose to knit and like your aesthetic.
I love knitting have modified one jumper into a cardigan but no desire to design. I like to see what other people come up with that I might like to make. Plenty of room for everyone if they want to do it. I'm 💯 a knitter. Good podcast Caroline.x
I don't think your comments are controversial. We can't all take up designing after all. From my POV, knitting is just a hobby. I don't even do much gift knitting, because I want the freedom to pick up and drop a project whenever I feel like it. Not so long ago I had a hiatus for the best part of a year (& the one before that must've been 10 years - most of the 90s in fact!) I think you do an excellent job here of explaining exactly how much work designing is, and I'm just grateful some people do want to do it. I will continue as a customer.
I was so happy to hear your thoughts on why you don’t want to be a designer. I have thought about it , wondered if I could do it. Didn’t know what was involved in being a designer. Because I don’t have anyone to discuss things with, it was so great to hear all you thought about and all the knowledge you have about the job. I now for sure know I can not do it. I also have so much more respect for designers.
I think that everyone who loves to knit - but doesn't want to monetize it - can relate to many of these reasons. Being an independent knitwear designer (full time or "for fun") takes a tremendous amount of work that I would much rather spend researching yarns and compulsively modifying pre-existing patterns. I still do a lot of math but I feel that working from a "professional" design gives me a great starting off point. Hell - I'll even design something if I need to. But to turn it into my job would suck the fun out of it for me.
Hi Caroline, I agree with all your points and knitting for me is also a stress reliever. I have a pretty intense job at times and I don't want to make my hobby a source of stress or anxiety too, so I like to keep it simple. Even gift knitting can be stressful if i take too much on. Also I find joy and creativity in modifying knits and designing for myself. Every knit can be unique because of the colours, yarn type, etc you use, so for me I get that feeling of satisfaction and pride everytime I finish an object, i don't want to end up hating my knitting because I have frogged it 4 times already. Money was never the object for me when i took up this hobby again, it was all about enjoying the process and learning new things along the way.
This was so good, Karoline! I think all the points you make are very well explained and, yeah, totally reasonable. I love your comments on gatekeeping in the community which I think is a really big issue. On the pro-design side of things... Yes, it's a lot of admin and work and expense and stress and risky. But running test knits is also a great way to get to know other knitters and build community. Working with tech editors and *cough* GOOD graders (because some of them aren't very good! Be careful out there, folks) is great for networking, leaning new skills, and supporting other (usually female-owned) small businesses. Releasing patterns can teach you great marketing, administrative, and technical skills that are surprisingly transferrable. Above all, though, it's a lot of fun. It's quite hard to express how it feels to see something that once just existed in your head out there in the world. I think it's really important that people go into it with their eyes open. Not everyone will like it. But you never know! Great video, as always xxx
I was also going to say this - my one thought was that test knitters are a pro, not a con 🤩. There are definitely some bad apples, but 95% of the people I deal with in this business are an absolute joy!
I completely agree with ALL of your points Karoline, especially the last one! Knitting is my hobby, not my side-hustle, and I won't enjoy it if it becomes another job to be done instead of something I do on my own time to relax. I get stressed enough when a project doesn't go right or if I'm on a deadline, I can't imagine how much more stressed I would be if I had so many people out there expecting something from me. I forget who said it, but I recently saw a knitwear designer or knitting podcaster say that there is a difference between designing a pattern and self-drafting an idea, and not every idea has to become a design. I totally agree that there's this side-hustle culture that says we need to find ways to monetize our hobbies, but there's nothing wrong with just enjoying the hobby and not trying to make money from it. Just because you came up with a cool idea, you can just make it for yourself, you don't have to develop it into a full-fledged design to then try and sell. Just do it for you.
Yes I vaguely remember hearing some say that thing about self drafting and it’s absolutely true. I think then you’re not doing anything “wrong” if you take design elements from different designs to suit you and there’s some freedom in that.
Thank you for you insight and I agree with your reasons to not be a knitwear designer. I will say that I design my own knits, but I don't want the hassle of writing the pattern nor of grading. Making something in one size is plenty for my creativity. Love you podcasts. 😄
Bravo Karoline! Well said on all 10 points although, like many others here already, your number 10 is my number 1 swiftly followed by the fact that I rapidly lose interest in podcasts as soon as people start to push their own designs too hard. Keep doing what you’re doing and enjoy your knitting!
I agree with every one of your points. I am not willing to rip back regularly and I don't want to deal with the admin at all! I do think it would steal my joy and like you I knit to finish. I enjoy the process but I love holding up a finished object and seeing what my hands have made.
Karoline, thank you for this podcast. I’ve been waiting to watch and thinking about the topic. I have to admit that I’ve wondered about the pressure people put on themselves. I value the knitting community in all its shapes and expressions appreciating that what’s a fit for some may not be the right thing for others. That awareness and acceptance brings a joy of its own. At the same time the reality of social media and how some may feel pressured to create in particular ways to fit in they way the think they need to is quite sad actually. You’ve spoken heart-felt truths. Again, thank you. I’d like to protect and honor those spaces we create to simply be in the world, to embrace and to dive deeply into those spaces where our creative expression is free to breathe for the pure joy of it all. Cultivating joy within surely will help us look to each other and see more joy around us. Thanks again.
This is a beautiful comment with lots of good points Julie! I completely agree that cultivating joy within the knitting community is the most important thing ❤️
Great episode! Thank you for articulating what it takes to become a designer. You had so many valid points. You in no way bashed designers. If anything you have given a new respect for all that becoming a designer entails. I often think that patterns are underpriced considering the time and effort involved. Thank you for sharing. ❤
Thank you for discussing this. All your points are the same reasons I haven’t tried to monetize my knitting. I love to knit what I want and I generally don’t knit something more than once. Great to hear from you!
Really great and refreshing video 😊 now I can redirect all these people who ask why don’t make money of knitting and don’t design a sweater to your video 🙈 also I love knitting as a counterpart to my full-time job since it’s quite head heavy, so making knitting a job and taking the mental energy for designing would kind of take away from its actual purpose for me which is creative work with my hands to help me relax
A very well presented video. I agree with all your points, but especially no .3! I cannot imagine frogging and reknitting to get perfection! Life's too short.
Don’t apologize for your pup, or re-recording… you are sharing yourself and your life, and your kind of people won’t mind any of it. (And if they do, they can skip ahead!)
Thank you for putting your thoughts and feelings out there so clearly. I agree (10 times) with what you said. I am a hobby knitter and have been for almost 70 years and have no desire, or motivation, to “grow” into designing or, honestly, even test knitting. I have the utmost respect and admiration for designers and am grateful for all their hard work and energy the designers put into their patterns. I have often just bought a pattern to support a designer knowing that, realistically, I’ll never knit the project. Thank YOU for sharing your thoughts and opinions with us. Until the next time. Salam wa sa’aadah
I totally and wholeheartedly agree with you. I think I’d like to attempt my own design (just to see if I can) but it will be just for me. Thanks for sharing your opinions.😉
Thank you for that truly it’s become such a fad for people to think they can become designers and I just really appreciate all of the points that you just made so thank you
My hobbies are for my mental health and that's where the line is drawn. You have made 10 excellent points and I totally agree with them all Karoline. I wouldn't have the finances behind me (nor the head for business) to rely on selling either my crafted items or my ideas. I have left fibre arts groups on FB due to the back stabbing and open verbal that people dish out there. I much prefer the interaction we get on Insta and TH-cam. It feels more like a community but I know that some folks are the same on here too. Kudos to those who do get out there with their initial (and subsequent) patterns, it's just not everyone's idea of a fun time.
I agree with everything you've said. I think you came across as very balanced and thoughtful in your reasons. I think one of my reasons for not designing would be I'm just too lazy 🤣, I'm far happier for others to go through all the issues that come with designing a pattern and for me to enjoy the fruits of their labour. Like the wonderful Hive knits and Creabea 🥰
thanks for sharing your thoughts, i 100% agree. knitting is my hobby and trying to monetize it would completely take the joy out of it for me. i will share your video in the future when non-knitting friends keep on asking why i just don't design my own things and sell them in order to make "easy" money 😆
This was such a thoughtful video and I agree with all of your points. I think a lot of knitters can relate. From a podcast viewer point of view, I love watching people share the design process, but I also started watching knitting podcasts for people to see people share their knits. Every thing from from color choice to modifying the pattern to fit their body is making the choice of that knitter, and it gets me inspired to see those art choices. And from a knitter point of view, knitting is how I express myself and maintain my mental health. Even thinking about designing sounds so stressful. But I love enjoying the designs others make!
I agree with all of your points. In the past, I was persuaded to sell some of my creations from a different craft. It definitely took the pleasure out of my beloved hobby. That would be the main reason to never monetize any of my hobbies again.
so many excellent points ~ and number 10 is my top reason! thanks for sharing! and your colourwork sweater is gorgeous! I bought yarn to make the same pattern this winter
Very Interesting remarks! The one about pressure to monetise a hobby struck me the most - it is so common! For me, putting a deadline on my knitting, or any other sort of obligation or constraint, would jeopardise the reason why I’m doing it - to unwind and process emotions at the end of the day (being a mom of 3, there is a lot to process 😂). I recently started podcasting myself, but I see it as a way of learning and growing in aspects not connected to motherhood, which I need for sanity 🙃 and it is a lot of fun! Thank you for bringing up the subject 🥳
I agree with everything you said! I greatly admire people who design but for me there’s too many designs I love and want to knit anyway that I will never get to knit 😅
Great content, I appreciate all the information that you have shared with us. Some of the reasons were on the “tip of my tongue” but you have expressed them so eloquently. Another personal reason I would add is, If I knit just for myself, I don’t have to worry about “popularity of social media response”, I have greater range of colours in my projects. I love neutrals but I also love to add colours, however I have noticed that most popular patterns and designers stay in the more neutral zone, as this is more adaptable to wide range of personal estethics.
You make some very interesting points and I agree with a lot of them! Having been a podcaster and on-the-side designer, I feel like - especially now - there is SUCH a big pressure for people to podcast, then to have sponsored content, giveaways and designs. I guess it's part of a general "higher, better, bigger...." mentality in our generation? I feel like the pattern market generally speaking is extremely saturated and in a lot of ways there often is no need to slap yet another cable pattern on a basic sock. As someone who knits purely for fun, I just don't want to buy yet another oversized raglan sweater. I have a lot of respect for designers who really come up with new and out-there ideas that haven't been done before (think Ziggurat method, unusual constructions, ....) and I feel like I would design again if I felt like I had something truly different to offer? That's obviously extremely difficult though, so...yeah... :D Thanks for the food for thought!
All of those are good points! I think saturation and higher, better, bigger mentality at times can go hand in hand too - it creates a lot of pressure! And as I said; most of us will hit some kind of equilibrium that we probably won’t move past. I agree with you when it comes to new ideas; I respect people who have that level of creativity! I’m not one of them 😂 Do let me know if you ever think of a new way to do something 🥰
Hi Karoline! I so agree with all your points! Especially with the originality, it almost seems like everything has been created already, and it's all just variations of the same thing. I really appreciate Lily Kate Makes though, she does seem to have more originality than most others.
loved this take! I feel I've seen so many folks turn into designers recently (which is great for them, kudos!) it is just not something I think I'd ever want to dive into for a lot of the reasons you mentioned! I've also seen how difficult it is for small designers to get the same level of interest for both test knitting and sales, it feels like a popularity contest sometimes...! I much prefer to freestyle and not document what I do and tailor my makes for myself if I'm feeling extra creative 🙂
I agree that I want knitting to be my hobby and not to earn money or let it be a ´must´. I do however want to learn how a sweater is ´made´ so that I can for myself and my husband adapt a basic pattern to any gauge and shape I want. But just for the pleasure of knowing that
I get really turned off of TH-camrs that have turned designer. While they might be great designs, I subscribe to channels to see others knitting others patterns not to turn to promote their own.
I do think that is becoming more common that your audience changes/evolves/disappears if you start designing. For me I do like watching designers who’s designs I like (I’ve watched Sari Nordlund’s for ages for example) but I do see your point that sometimes it feels very self promotional. Someone else mentioned it as a reason she doesn’t want to be a designer.
I get what you're saying. I'm the same way when watching a channel that I think I might like until the TH-camr mentions they have a course for sale on the subject matter. All of a sudden I question everything they've just said. Knitting, on the other hand, is not a scam. However, I don't want that "Buy buy buy" vibe. I would still want the designer to keep the same organic vibe that pulled me in to begin with. I won't abandon them just because they've gone the pro route IF they are still just as interesting as they always were.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts 🥰 I really enjoyed this video. In my opinion you brought up many relatable points. I am currently thinking about if i should get into designing myself. I am very hesitant though because i know me and i know i will probably put a lot of pressure on myself because of my tendency to perfectionism. I fear it'll take away the fun and the relaxing effect i have from knitting.
I TOTALLY get what you mean by #10. I have made the error of monetizing a hobby before and it ruined the hobby for me for almost a decade!! i am keenly aware of that pitfall now
@@KarolinesKnits It REALLY was, and it was a hobby I had been really prolific in and enjoyed for years (photography). Thankfully I have recently been able to get back into it, but I did think I had ruined it forever, it was not worth the money I made off of it and it really influences my choices anytime I consider moving a hobby to a JOB now. If I am not entirely willing to give it up as a hobby it's a no.
I really enjoy speaking about knitting and yarn - I wanted to start my own after watching lots of other podcasts. It’s gives me a great outlet and I do enjoy the whole process around it. Would recommend!
The whole “inclusive” thing is ridiculous. Designers should not feel like they must take their vision/design and “grade” it to meet everyone’s idea about what inclusive means. Perhaps the design is meant to “include” these sizes….and that pattern is for those sizes. In conclusion…if a pattern does not come in my size…I move on and explore some more. Period. ♥️
I have had the same thoughts and felt weird about boycotting designers or designs that are not size inclusive. I understand the point of everyone being able to wear anything no matter the size of the body they live in, but grading can be hard work.
@@annikak.837 just seems like designers, artists etc shouldn’t be expected to produce something outside their initial vision. I make bags and wallets and one of the suppliers I use….who was loved and promoted by many TH-camrs for years…..was “cancelled” when a competitor shared a screenshot from 2017 where the owner liked a political post suggesting who she voted for in 2016. The community turned on her and told all their viewers to STOP BUYING from her. What?!?!? Ridiculous. Cancel culture from well meaning people who call for “inclusivity” and “tolerance” can turn into bullies. Definitely not saying that about this channel. I love her sweet spirit & videos and was just wondering her thoughts. With that being said….thank you for your dialogue and happy knitting. Xoxox
Inclusivity is part of a larger discussion about body size/shaming/fat acceptance which has been going on in the fashion industry for at least the past 20 years. If you easily move on from a pattern that 's not designed for your body to another pattern, it is because you CAN. Your body is enough within the usual range. My experience is that unless the garment is oversized, and unstructured, or a made with spandex as in leggings, I can't wear it. Unfortunately knitwear designers are getting the fallout from consumers who have been vocal about this problem in the larger, more lucrative fashion world for DECADES, with only some limited response. I'm tired of looking at thin women modeling clothing for which a thin body is unecessary. I just bought a book of knit sock patterns. All of the models were thin and appeared to be under 30. Really?? Do fat middle aged women not wear socks? I am the demographic for handknit sock patterns, so why do I rarely see myself? My fat middle aged body paid for that book, so why don't I get the satisfaction of an achievable fantasy by seeing a woman who looks like me luxuriating in a pair of handmade socks?
Thank you, as a quiet knitter on social media and a non-knitwear designer/ I have no desire for it, I think you made some great points. I too have so much respect for all designers, small and large, but at the same time, as you said, there is a lot of pressure nowadays to monetise your hobbies. And I think we should all encourage each other in this community to follow what we want to do whatever that may be. Such a fan of your podcasts, I always look forward to them ☺️
Thank you for your lovely comment Amelia ❤️ I agree about us encouraging each other to do exactly what we like 🥰
I agree with you. I love knitting and sewing and have been making 99% of my clothing for the past 20 years. I am also getting better at crochet. Nevertheless, getting enjoyment from creating garments and being good at it does not mean you should (or must) become a designer. I can design for myself alone or not at all. I can see that there is pressure to publish garments for others (I post on Instagram and get tons comments) but makers should not put the expectation on other makers to become a designer. Additionally, some designers are AWESOME and put in a lot of work to release a pattern. I dont want to do that kind of work and I want to pay THEM for the work that they do.
Thank you for your thoughtful comments on this topic. I enjoy knitting garments (for adults and children), socks and shawls as a hobby. I watch knitting podcasts and like the most those where knitters discuss their projects and provide helpful information about sizing, fit, yarn and techniques. I don’t enjoy podcasts devoted to discussing podcaster’s designs, paid advertising, and giveaways. But that seems to be the trend. I wish it were not so. Best wishes from Melbourne, Australia.
You’re not the only one who’s commented not enjoying that trend. Thank you for your comment 🥰
I second that comment and am too from Melbourne 😊
The publicity/popularity phenomenon must be frustrating for designers who are not skilled in this area but make wonderful patterns. Three of my very favorite sweaters (multiple versions of 2) had few or NO projects on Ravelry. I know not every project knit gets posted, but to have none on a pattern that has been out for a year or more must be so discouraging. I participated in a KAL called Give it a Boost with Frivolous and Frugal podcast, and people entered their favorite, little know designs- very interesting.
I really resonate with reason #10... as an art student who eventually became an engineer, I found that the joy I found in creativity was completely stifled by the need to create for others or for external feedback (ie. commissions, sales, etc.). It's nice to engage in social media to have a community, but I feel especially with an Instagram-based community that promotes ad-like content and voices that are generating commerce off of the platform, we have to be intentional about seeking out knitting content that is for the enjoyment of knitting and not the profitability of knitting as a side hustle. Sure it's passive income, but you gotta be very active to make selling patterns viable as a source of passive income (ie. points 1-9). Anyway! Enjoyed the video. 🥰
I am definitely guilty of what at times feel like too ad heavy content with the sponsored yarn I’ve had for testknits and other projects - also something to reflect on!
Thank you for this-I feel like there is an expectation for makers/crafters once they’ve reached a certain threshold to “level up” and become designers. I’ve never had the urge, for many of the reasons that you’ve described, and don’t think that this lack of desire should affect one’s legitimacy as a maker.
You are right that it almost feels like the next level up
I am a designer, and all your reasons for not designing are spot on. It is a ton of work to run the business end of things. I spend more time working in the business than I do knitting. It’s not just pattern support emails and test knitters. It’s also doing your bookkeeping, filing tax returns, making sure your website is working, paying all your invoices on time, and on and on. In the end though, I can’t not design. There is a constant flow of ideas in my brain that cannot be resisted. Its just part of who I am. And as a former accountant, I am perhaps less intimidated by the inner workings of a business than most people are so I don’t see all that work as a deterrent. It’s just a necessary part of bringing my designs to life.
At the end of the day I’m obviously appreciative anyone cares to do all of it - and if I also just couldn’t help it maybe I’d be willing to do it all too ❤️
I agree 100% with you. I’ve never had the desire to design. My main reasons are #1 #7 with a dash of #10. Goodness me there are thousands of patterns/designs out there that I already want to knit. Ive not found a gap yet!!!!
Thank you for this video. A quiet clear reasoned deliberation on why a hobby can just be that. Additionally, sharing our hobby publicly is not an invitation to monetisation. I have just one thing to say, your pup is adorable and we want her more. Fila Fila ! (I hope the spellings right).
I’ll make sure to add more Fayla segments in the future ❤️
I really enjoyed this episode!! I agree with your reasoning. I have been knitting for approximately 50 years and have never published a pattern. I have designed a few pieces here and there, for myself, but I never felt compelled to knit them again and take notes and and and! I applaud those who do design so I can buy and knit their patterns! I absolutely love watching your podcasts! I love the pieces you choose to knit and like your aesthetic.
Awww thank you so much Kristin - what a sweet, lovely comment ❤️
I love knitting have modified one jumper into a cardigan but no desire to design. I like to see what other people come up with that I might like to make. Plenty of room for everyone if they want to do it. I'm 💯 a knitter. Good podcast Caroline.x
I don't think your comments are controversial. We can't all take up designing after all. From my POV, knitting is just a hobby. I don't even do much gift knitting, because I want the freedom to pick up and drop a project whenever I feel like it. Not so long ago I had a hiatus for the best part of a year (& the one before that must've been 10 years - most of the 90s in fact!) I think you do an excellent job here of explaining exactly how much work designing is, and I'm just grateful some people do want to do it. I will continue as a customer.
I was so happy to hear your thoughts on why you don’t want to be a designer. I have thought about it , wondered if I could do it. Didn’t know what was involved in being a designer. Because I don’t have anyone to discuss things with, it was so great to hear all you thought about and all the knowledge you have about the job. I now for sure know I can not do it. I also have so much more respect for designers.
Awww thank you Sandra that’s a lovely comment ❤️
I think that everyone who loves to knit - but doesn't want to monetize it - can relate to many of these reasons. Being an independent knitwear designer (full time or "for fun") takes a tremendous amount of work that I would much rather spend researching yarns and compulsively modifying pre-existing patterns. I still do a lot of math but I feel that working from a "professional" design gives me a great starting off point. Hell - I'll even design something if I need to. But to turn it into my job would suck the fun out of it for me.
I do spend a lot of time researching yarns and patterns - I love it! But absolutely monetising it would suck the fun out of it for me.
Hi Caroline, I agree with all your points and knitting for me is also a stress reliever. I have a pretty intense job at times and I don't want to make my hobby a source of stress or anxiety too, so I like to keep it simple. Even gift knitting can be stressful if i take too much on. Also I find joy and creativity in modifying knits and designing for myself. Every knit can be unique because of the colours, yarn type, etc you use, so for me I get that feeling of satisfaction and pride everytime I finish an object, i don't want to end up hating my knitting because I have frogged it 4 times already. Money was never the object for me when i took up this hobby again, it was all about enjoying the process and learning new things along the way.
This was so good, Karoline! I think all the points you make are very well explained and, yeah, totally reasonable. I love your comments on gatekeeping in the community which I think is a really big issue.
On the pro-design side of things... Yes, it's a lot of admin and work and expense and stress and risky.
But running test knits is also a great way to get to know other knitters and build community. Working with tech editors and *cough* GOOD graders (because some of them aren't very good! Be careful out there, folks) is great for networking, leaning new skills, and supporting other (usually female-owned) small businesses. Releasing patterns can teach you great marketing, administrative, and technical skills that are surprisingly transferrable.
Above all, though, it's a lot of fun. It's quite hard to express how it feels to see something that once just existed in your head out there in the world.
I think it's really important that people go into it with their eyes open. Not everyone will like it. But you never know!
Great video, as always xxx
I was also going to say this - my one thought was that test knitters are a pro, not a con 🤩. There are definitely some bad apples, but 95% of the people I deal with in this business are an absolute joy!
Some wonderful reasons to design ❤️
I completely agree with ALL of your points Karoline, especially the last one! Knitting is my hobby, not my side-hustle, and I won't enjoy it if it becomes another job to be done instead of something I do on my own time to relax. I get stressed enough when a project doesn't go right or if I'm on a deadline, I can't imagine how much more stressed I would be if I had so many people out there expecting something from me.
I forget who said it, but I recently saw a knitwear designer or knitting podcaster say that there is a difference between designing a pattern and self-drafting an idea, and not every idea has to become a design. I totally agree that there's this side-hustle culture that says we need to find ways to monetize our hobbies, but there's nothing wrong with just enjoying the hobby and not trying to make money from it. Just because you came up with a cool idea, you can just make it for yourself, you don't have to develop it into a full-fledged design to then try and sell. Just do it for you.
Yes I vaguely remember hearing some say that thing about self drafting and it’s absolutely true. I think then you’re not doing anything “wrong” if you take design elements from different designs to suit you and there’s some freedom in that.
Thank you for you insight and I agree with your reasons to not be a knitwear designer. I will say that I design my own knits, but I don't want the hassle of writing the pattern nor of grading. Making something in one size is plenty for my creativity. Love you podcasts. 😄
Bravo Karoline! Well said on all 10 points although, like many others here already, your number 10 is my number 1 swiftly followed by the fact that I rapidly lose interest in podcasts as soon as people start to push their own designs too hard. Keep doing what you’re doing and enjoy your knitting!
Thank you Jo ❤️
I would also add that some knitting patterns (socks, mittens) used to be passed down for free. I think it’s good to keep that kind of sharing going.
I agree with every one of your points. I am not willing to rip back regularly and I don't want to deal with the admin at all! I do think it would steal my joy and like you I knit to finish. I enjoy the process but I love holding up a finished object and seeing what my hands have made.
Karoline, thank you for this podcast. I’ve been waiting to watch and thinking about the topic. I have to admit that I’ve wondered about the pressure people put on themselves. I value the knitting community in all its shapes and expressions appreciating that what’s a fit for some may not be the right thing for others. That awareness and acceptance brings a joy of its own. At the same time the reality of social media and how some may feel pressured to create in particular ways to fit in they way the think they need to is quite sad actually. You’ve spoken heart-felt truths. Again, thank you. I’d like to protect and honor those spaces we create to simply be in the world, to embrace and to dive deeply into those spaces where our creative expression is free to breathe for the pure joy of it all. Cultivating joy within surely will help us look to each other and see more joy around us. Thanks again.
This is a beautiful comment with lots of good points Julie! I completely agree that cultivating joy within the knitting community is the most important thing ❤️
Great episode! Thank you for articulating what it takes to become a designer. You had so many valid points. You in no way bashed designers. If anything you have given a new respect for all that becoming a designer entails. I often think that patterns are underpriced considering the time and effort involved. Thank you for sharing. ❤
Well said! I really agree that when you think about how much work it goes into it, it really is incredible that patterns don't cost more.
You made some good points here. I’ve wanted to design but haven’t made the leap yet.
Thank you for discussing this. All your points are the same reasons I haven’t tried to monetize my knitting. I love to knit what I want and I generally don’t knit something more than once. Great to hear from you!
Really great and refreshing video 😊 now I can redirect all these people who ask why don’t make money of knitting and don’t design a sweater to your video 🙈 also I love knitting as a counterpart to my full-time job since it’s quite head heavy, so making knitting a job and taking the mental energy for designing would kind of take away from its actual purpose for me which is creative work with my hands to help me relax
Completely agree that I like a hobby that requires less headspace - I don’t want a second job when my work day is over, I want to switch off
A very well presented video. I agree with all your points, but especially no .3! I cannot imagine frogging and reknitting to get perfection! Life's too short.
I know - I hate frogging 🫣
i appreciate you sharing this!
some of these reasons are actually why i don´t post videos here super often / more than i do
Good point! I also take time off podcasting when life gets really busy.
Totally agree with your comments! I just want to knit knit knit ❤
Don’t apologize for your pup, or re-recording… you are sharing yourself and your life, and your kind of people won’t mind any of it. (And if they do, they can skip ahead!)
There’s a cute level of pup and then there was the little monster that morning 😂 But thank you, I do appreciate you saying so ☺️
I so agree with you! I'm more than happy to knit other people's designs, but I just don't want to make my own. And that's okay!
Thank you for putting your thoughts and feelings out there so clearly. I agree (10 times) with what you said. I am a hobby knitter and have been for almost 70 years and have no desire, or motivation, to “grow” into designing or, honestly, even test knitting. I have the utmost respect and admiration for designers and am grateful for all their hard work and energy the designers put into their patterns. I have often just bought a pattern to support a designer knowing that, realistically, I’ll never knit the project. Thank YOU for sharing your thoughts and opinions with us. Until the next time. Salam wa sa’aadah
Thank you as always for a lovely comment Linda ❤️
I totally and wholeheartedly agree with you. I think I’d like to attempt my own design (just to see if I can) but it will be just for me. Thanks for sharing your opinions.😉
Thank you for that truly it’s become such a fad for people to think they can become designers and I just really appreciate all of the points that you just made so thank you
I agree wholeheartedly! Good job as always!
Oh my gosh yes! You do you and knitting and any craft can just be for the joy of it!
My hobbies are for my mental health and that's where the line is drawn. You have made 10 excellent points and I totally agree with them all Karoline. I wouldn't have the finances behind me (nor the head for business) to rely on selling either my crafted items or my ideas. I have left fibre arts groups on FB due to the back stabbing and open verbal that people dish out there. I much prefer the interaction we get on Insta and TH-cam. It feels more like a community but I know that some folks are the same on here too.
Kudos to those who do get out there with their initial (and subsequent) patterns, it's just not everyone's idea of a fun time.
All really good points Jan! I have also been in Facebook groups especially where the tone can be quite nasty.
Excellent points on why not to be a designer!
What a great podcast- I agree with all your points- knitting for me is a way to relax. I have no desire to design- my brain doesn’t work that way.
I agree with everything you've said. I think you came across as very balanced and thoughtful in your reasons. I think one of my reasons for not designing would be I'm just too lazy 🤣, I'm far happier for others to go through all the issues that come with designing a pattern and for me to enjoy the fruits of their labour. Like the wonderful Hive knits and Creabea 🥰
I am definitely also too lazy 😂😂😂😂
Such great points Karoline! Thank you for sharing these so eloquently 💗
thanks for sharing your thoughts, i 100% agree. knitting is my hobby and trying to monetize it would completely take the joy out of it for me. i will share your video in the future when non-knitting friends keep on asking why i just don't design my own things and sell them in order to make "easy" money 😆
You know I might also share this video with anyone who asks me that question in the future 😂😂😂😂
This was such a thoughtful video and I agree with all of your points. I think a lot of knitters can relate. From a podcast viewer point of view, I love watching people share the design process, but I also started watching knitting podcasts for people to see people share their knits. Every thing from from color choice to modifying the pattern to fit their body is making the choice of that knitter, and it gets me inspired to see those art choices. And from a knitter point of view, knitting is how I express myself and maintain my mental health. Even thinking about designing sounds so stressful. But I love enjoying the designs others make!
It took some time for me to get into podcasts but I completely agree with you now - I love the extra detail they provide!
I agree with all of your points. In the past, I was persuaded to sell some of my creations from a different craft. It definitely took the pleasure out of my beloved hobby. That would be the main reason to never monetize any of my hobbies again.
That’s interesting Caroline - and probably an important lesson too.
Your so inspirational I love crochet wear but you knowledge is greatful thanks for sharing 💫
Thank you ❤️
so many excellent points ~ and number 10 is my top reason! thanks for sharing! and your colourwork sweater is gorgeous! I bought yarn to make the same pattern this winter
Awww Jocelyn that’s a big compliment. I love this sweater!!! Have worn it SO MUCH.
Very Interesting remarks! The one about pressure to monetise a hobby struck me the most - it is so common! For me, putting a deadline on my knitting, or any other sort of obligation or constraint, would jeopardise the reason why I’m doing it - to unwind and process emotions at the end of the day (being a mom of 3, there is a lot to process 😂). I recently started podcasting myself, but I see it as a way of learning and growing in aspects not connected to motherhood, which I need for sanity 🙃 and it is a lot of fun! Thank you for bringing up the subject 🥳
Impressed you can find time with *3* kids, sometimes I struggle even only having Fayla 🫣😂😂😂
I agree with everything you said! I greatly admire people who design but for me there’s too many designs I love and want to knit anyway that I will never get to knit 😅
Oh yes my to knit list only ever grows 😂
Great content, I appreciate all the information that you have shared with us. Some of the reasons were on the “tip of my tongue” but you have expressed them so eloquently. Another personal reason I would add is, If I knit just for myself, I don’t have to worry about “popularity of social media response”, I have greater range of colours in my projects. I love neutrals but I also love to add colours, however I have noticed that most popular patterns and designers stay in the more neutral zone, as this is more adaptable to wide range of personal estethics.
Popularity of social media response is a great one! Definitely true that social media prefers neutral (and pinks in my experience)
You make some very interesting points and I agree with a lot of them! Having been a podcaster and on-the-side designer, I feel like - especially now - there is SUCH a big pressure for people to podcast, then to have sponsored content, giveaways and designs. I guess it's part of a general "higher, better, bigger...." mentality in our generation?
I feel like the pattern market generally speaking is extremely saturated and in a lot of ways there often is no need to slap yet another cable pattern on a basic sock. As someone who knits purely for fun, I just don't want to buy yet another oversized raglan sweater.
I have a lot of respect for designers who really come up with new and out-there ideas that haven't been done before (think Ziggurat method, unusual constructions, ....) and I feel like I would design again if I felt like I had something truly different to offer? That's obviously extremely difficult though, so...yeah...
:D
Thanks for the food for thought!
All of those are good points! I think saturation and higher, better, bigger mentality at times can go hand in hand too - it creates a lot of pressure! And as I said; most of us will hit some kind of equilibrium that we probably won’t move past.
I agree with you when it comes to new ideas; I respect people who have that level of creativity! I’m not one of them 😂 Do let me know if you ever think of a new way to do something 🥰
Hi Karoline! I so agree with all your points! Especially with the originality, it almost seems like everything has been created already, and it's all just variations of the same thing. I really appreciate Lily Kate Makes though, she does seem to have more originality than most others.
Lily Kate really does! She always puts her own spin on everything, her designs are lovely ☺️
Excellent and thoughtful list...I agree with every point. Especially the whole social media aspect. Respect for all the wonderful designers out there!
Thank you Joanne! I can’t imagine how big a pressure the social media can be at times 😳
loved this take! I feel I've seen so many folks turn into designers recently (which is great for them, kudos!) it is just not something I think I'd ever want to dive into for a lot of the reasons you mentioned! I've also seen how difficult it is for small designers to get the same level of interest for both test knitting and sales, it feels like a popularity contest sometimes...! I much prefer to freestyle and not document what I do and tailor my makes for myself if I'm feeling extra creative 🙂
It is definitely a popularity contest a lot of the time and my heart breaks for the designers where that’s not a positive!
Very well said!
I agree that I want knitting to be my hobby and not to earn money or let it be a ´must´. I do however want to learn how a sweater is ´made´ so that I can for myself and my husband adapt a basic pattern to any gauge and shape I want. But just for the pleasure of knowing that
Always good to have skills to modify patterns!
I get really turned off of TH-camrs that have turned designer. While they might be great designs, I subscribe to channels to see others knitting others patterns not to turn to promote their own.
I do think that is becoming more common that your audience changes/evolves/disappears if you start designing.
For me I do like watching designers who’s designs I like (I’ve watched Sari Nordlund’s for ages for example) but I do see your point that sometimes it feels very self promotional. Someone else mentioned it as a reason she doesn’t want to be a designer.
I get what you're saying. I'm the same way when watching a channel that I think I might like until the TH-camr mentions they have a course for sale on the subject matter. All of a sudden I question everything they've just said.
Knitting, on the other hand, is not a scam. However, I don't want that "Buy buy buy" vibe. I would still want the designer to keep the same organic vibe that pulled me in to begin with. I won't abandon them just because they've gone the pro route IF they are still just as interesting as they always were.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts 🥰
I really enjoyed this video. In my opinion you brought up many relatable points.
I am currently thinking about if i should get into designing myself. I am very hesitant though because i know me and i know i will probably put a lot of pressure on myself because of my tendency to perfectionism. I fear it'll take away the fun and the relaxing effect i have from knitting.
You can always start with just one pattern and see how you get on!
Thanks for this good motivation why not to be a designer. Let we help the designers there are. It is much work to design.
feel the same
I TOTALLY get what you mean by #10. I have made the error of monetizing a hobby before and it ruined the hobby for me for almost a decade!! i am keenly aware of that pitfall now
Wow that is a long time to ruin a hobby!!!
@@KarolinesKnits It REALLY was, and it was a hobby I had been really prolific in and enjoyed for years (photography). Thankfully I have recently been able to get back into it, but I did think I had ruined it forever, it was not worth the money I made off of it and it really influences my choices anytime I consider moving a hobby to a JOB now. If I am not entirely willing to give it up as a hobby it's a no.
Hi! I found your podcast by accident and was intrigued by your reasons not to design. It made my wonder why you decided to be a youtuber?
I really enjoy speaking about knitting and yarn - I wanted to start my own after watching lots of other podcasts. It’s gives me a great outlet and I do enjoy the whole process around it. Would recommend!
This is what I think every time someone suggests I should make my knitting my job. Nope, it’s just for fun 🤣
I really want it to be just for fun! And just for me 😂
The whole “inclusive” thing is ridiculous. Designers should not feel like they must take their vision/design and “grade” it to meet everyone’s idea about what inclusive means.
Perhaps the design is meant to “include” these sizes….and that pattern is for those sizes.
In conclusion…if a pattern does not come in my size…I move on and explore some more.
Period.
♥️
I have had the same thoughts and felt weird about boycotting designers or designs that are not size inclusive. I understand the point of everyone being able to wear anything no matter the size of the body they live in, but grading can be hard work.
@@annikak.837 just seems like designers, artists etc shouldn’t be expected to produce something outside their initial vision. I make bags and wallets and one of the suppliers I use….who was loved and promoted by many TH-camrs for years…..was “cancelled” when a competitor shared a screenshot from 2017 where the owner liked a political post suggesting who she voted for in 2016.
The community turned on her and told all their viewers to STOP BUYING from her.
What?!?!? Ridiculous.
Cancel culture from well meaning people who call for “inclusivity” and “tolerance” can turn into bullies.
Definitely not saying that about this channel. I love her sweet spirit & videos and was just wondering her thoughts.
With that being said….thank you for your dialogue and happy knitting. Xoxox
Inclusivity is part of a larger discussion about body size/shaming/fat acceptance which has been going on in the fashion industry for at least the past 20 years. If you easily move on from a pattern that 's not designed for your body to another pattern, it is because you CAN. Your body is enough within the usual range. My experience is that unless the garment is oversized, and unstructured, or a made with spandex as in leggings, I can't wear it. Unfortunately knitwear designers are getting the fallout from consumers who have been vocal about this problem in the larger, more lucrative fashion world for DECADES, with only some limited response. I'm tired of looking at thin women modeling clothing for which a thin body is unecessary. I just bought a book of knit sock patterns. All of the models were thin and appeared to be under 30. Really?? Do fat middle aged women not wear socks? I am the demographic for handknit sock patterns, so why do I rarely see myself? My fat middle aged body paid for that book, so why don't I get the satisfaction of an achievable fantasy by seeing a woman who looks like me luxuriating in a pair of handmade socks?
@@EmergingNow577 well said. 🙏
You said everything I’ve thought about designing! I’m so grateful for designers, but it’s just not for me.
Aww thank you! I love your podcast
#3 Boy is this the truth!