It makes so much sense to use a knitting machine in design, even if the intent is to knit the patterns by hand. I so appreciate your attention to detail and commitment to making an inclusive size range, and I'm delighted that you're using tools available to you to make your process go more quickly and smoothly!
I think it gives more transparency to the process of knitting quickly rather than giving off an appearance of being a super fast manual knitter and knocking out patterns every other week. Bravo for being honest and transparent. Thank you. I’ve used a flatbed knitting machine some and would like to know how you get the gauge to match up when you switch from the two. I would like to see more of your flatbed to circular needles process. Beautiful work no matter how you got there.
Thank you for sharing your process. As a knitter benefitting from the amazing work of knitwear designers (a mystery to me how you make that happen 😊), I think using a machine to expedite the process is brilliant. Thanks for all the time and effort and care you put into your work - it’s a gift to knitters like me who are happy to have all the design work done for us. And I love the new sweater design!!!
I am very interested to learn more about your design process including the machine knitting parts. Whatever you do to get your samples and prototypes finished is perfect in my books... and entirely your decision. No one else should tell you how to get to your finished projects. I love that you share with us how you come up with designs. I am always awed by the amount of intricate thought that goes into your garments in particular. Well done!
As a designer you are entitled to get to the end result as you choose. As knitters we are entitled to get to the end result as we choose. Thank you for your honesty. Keep on designing your lovely patterns and we'll keep knitting them.
As a pragmatist and a spoonie, using the machine the way you do makes perfect sense. It makes me trust your process more because it tell me you have the brain space to get things perfect rather than deciding to say good enough because of the time invested in samples
How lovely to see you recording again. Regarding your process: do whatever works for you! As long as you don't require me to use a machine, you can get to that finished object however you wish. You are brilliant and I am always happy to see your designs. I have thought of a sock machine to speed up sock knitting, but the actual knitting with my hands is how I save my mental health so I don't ever see giving that up. Thank you for being real and vulnerable in such a public way.
That's what did it for me when I (late to the party) was researching why the Musselburgh hat was popping up everywhere on my feed. When I saw a spreadsheet was included - "Take my money 💸! "
Dear Ysolda, the knitting machine is a piece of technology, just like a telephone, a computer, etc. All technology is valuable because it maximizes efficiency. You are a knitwear artist and using the machine does not take away from that. Don't sweat the small stuff! You're terrific~
I don't have an issue with you designing with a knitting machine--as long as me as hand knitter can knit your patterns, why should it matter? It shouldn't....I do appreciate your honesty in putting it out there and I would hope other designers would be honest about it as well (if asked). Nice to see you back. Looking forward to any new releases you have coming. Happy Knitting.
Hello Ysolda, I think you a wonderful person and designer. I feel you should do what works best for you. Make your life easier. You provide us with such great patterns. The sweater you are wearing is beautiful. I cannot wait until you have it out for us to purchase.
I think many designers use a knitting machine in order to show progress with their designs. I have loved all the patterns I have purchased from you. All the ideas and demonstrations on TH-cam videos you have shared. I appreciate your willingness to share your craft. Thank you 🧶🧶
I think that everything that can help you to design more efficiently can never be a bad thing. I never machine knitted, but my mom knitted for sale and I remember how distressing the process was. She used to hand knit to relax from the machine knitting, which she hated and stoped doing as soon as she could.
I'm a hand knitter myself but I'm thinking future patterns might include ways to use a knitting machine along with hand knitting. At the end of the day we are all creating fabric that we love and are proud of. And the different ways to knit are fascinating to learn about. Diversity allows people to create and learn new skills too and might also help people with physical challenges to enjoy making with yarn!
It was so nice to see you pop up in my YT feed! It makes perfect sense to use whatever tools/methods facilitate your design process. After all, you are a professional knit designer, not a leisure or hobby knitter. I respect and admire your candor and transparency. I always learn something when I watch your podcasts. Keep doing what works for you to produce your excellent patterns.
Hi Ysolda, it’s nice to see you back! I appreciate so much the way you talk about your patterns and especially your process. Machine knitting is a tricky skill that requires a lot of thought and decisions as well. I would love to see more about how you think through and execute designs and swatches on the machine and in combo with hand knitting. I’m sorry you had to feel nervous about talking about it. Thank you for your thoughtfulness!
I’ve been a hand knitter since I was little (now 60!) but I also dabbled in machine knitting back in the 90’s. I loved it! My old second hand knitting machine has long since gone, I just about wore it out! I would love to know which machine you use. I think it makes perfect sense to use hand knitting and machine knitting together and as someone with Rheumatoid arthritis I have to look after my joints! I’m currently knitting a 4ply colour work sweater and coming to the end of the yoke. I’m thinking what a great idea to whizz off the stockinet part on a machine! Thank you for sharing your process, I’m off to research knitting machines 😂
Ysolda, you just said that machine knitting is faster …until something goes wrong. I laughed out loud because I am rehanging a piece on my knitting machine that I messed up! I machine AND hand knit. They are both satisfying!
Using a knitting machine is simply a smart business decision in my opinion. I have 2 and they've been in boxes for years due to lack of space. You make me want to go get them out now!!!
Construction builders don’t always hammer in every nail using a hammer; sometimes they choose to use a nail gun! Knowing when to use a specific tool during the process is part of the “art” of construction. The same is true with knitting! I truly appreciate your transparency in bringing up the subject about how you are using knitting machines in your process, though, because I could see how nervous you were about it. It’s just another tool in your design process, though. You publish lovely patterns, and I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors, Ysolda!
I just recently started using machine knitting. My grandson wanted me to make him a queen size blanket, I just physically can’t hand knit that much. I think using a combo of both hand and machine knitting gives us a great advantage to make more items. I think it is smart and there is no shame in working smarter.
I knit using needles,looms and machines. If love some of your patterns for the machine. I also have the lk150 and a silver Reed standard guage. I have looms for hats socks and what ever you want. Susan guagliami is one of the best known knitwear designers of our time. She uses machines so does Diana sullivan.
I would love to hear more about how you are incorporating a knitting machine. I imagine it makes your design process more efficient. Thanks for sharing.
Watching while I knit the Studio Sweater. I was so excited to see you have tall measurements in this pattern. My long torso enjoys being part of a pattern! ☺️
Absolutely agree with you using a way to expedite your process when the expectation today is a large range of sizes. Love your patterns as there is always so much thought put into them. Would be very interested to see how you integrate the two parts of your process. Looking forward to your new pattern as I love the way you have done the stripes.
Don't worry about machine knitting ... as long as u make sure that those who hand knit have all info who cares how u personally knit. And yes I would love to see how u knit on machine. Very interesting also how u combine machine and part hand knitting etc like tension issues etc. so wonderful to see your knitting works. Cheers!!!
Wow, using a knitting machine for design work makes SO much sense - I had never considered that possibility! What machine do you use and how did you learn to use it? I would be super interested to see an in depth video about machine knitting!
Using all the tools at your disposal in order to make better patterns and meet your design goals just makes sense. I love your patterns and how much care you take to make your designs work so well for so many people. Anything that makes that easier for you is great, because that just means more patterns for us to enjoy!
Using a knitting machine is fine as long as knitters know. The stitches will be more uniform & even & hand-knitters can look at that & feel inadequate because they won't get the same look hand-knitting with the same yarn. I was teaching in a yarn shop where they displayed socks supplied by the yarn company & I was asked why the socks looked so perfect (uniform stitches) & they were surprised when I said the socks were machine knitted. But if the garment looks the same hand-knitted as machine knitted that's fine.
Back in 1981 I helped a friend meet her deadline of knitting 2 dresses for Glamour magazine. She wrote the patterns and did the finishing but I knit the body on my machine. (I am primarily a hand knitter, in fact I no longer have machines). They were on the cover and no one ever questioned it. I don’t know how to add a photo or you could see the cover (Whitney Houston was one of the models!)
I love that you are using time efficient ways to sample and test your designs. Unless a sewist uses only needle and thread as a requirement to call sewing or quilting handmade, a machine for knitting efficiently is no less handmade than using a sewing machine or a spinning machine or a complicated loom. I'm so glad you've found a way to help you create your beautiful designs for us.❤🧶♥️
In my opinion a person who uses a productivity aid to assist them doing their “job” faster should be commended. A designer who incorporates a knitting machine to help them design I appreciate because they would be able to share their designs quicker and that benefits me because I don’t design. So anything you can do to make your move easier and quicker is great. HOWEVER, the garment picture that is posted with the pattern which is sold as “handknitted” should be just that a hand knitted garment. I don’t believe any ethical designer’s would do that and the reason I follow you and find your designs some of my favourite to knit is I feel you are a very ethical knitter. I have been following you for a very long time and have been pleased to see how you continue to grow as a designer and share the knowledge you’ve gained in your journey with the rest of us. I hope you continue for a long time and if you find any aids along the way to help you….good on you.
I think using the knitting machine is so smart! Selfishly, it means there might be more patterns from you to knit, which is always a great thing. I loved the window into your process. I used to handknit socks. Now I use my circular sock machine. If I want colorwork or fancy lace on the leg, I handknit that, then hang the stitches and finish on the machine. Not cheating. Just smart.
Machine knitting is not cheating per se since you are designer and this is your full-time job. Of course you want to make your job more time-efficient. I think it may become a problem if tester knitters for example are expected to deliver the FO in shorter amount of time, impecable stitches, etc. And if we purchase the pattern, knit it but do not see the same stitch quality or get disappointed with our FOs because hand knit is not as consistent as machine knit.
Oh absolutely, I think it’s important for all sorts of reasons to give testers plenty of time & my calculations for that are based more on feedback than how long something took me to knit. Weirdly I often find the machine knit sections aren’t any more perfectly neat than the hand knit ones, there are still things that can affect the tension.
I never thought about designers using a machine to knit part of their work, but that makes so much sense. And honestly, it make me feel a bit better since it takes me weeks to knit one sweater with a pattern in front of me. I think it’s smart and an efficient use of time and resources. Definitely not “cheating”
I love that you shared all this information. I’m such a big fan of yours that I want to see it all, doesn’t matter if machines or hands! Show us your machines and that process when you are able. I like your simple videos like today, meaning less setup and work for you, and often, please. Sending you love and happiness. Cathy
I wouldn’t worry about machine knitting part of your sweater patterns. I’d like to see how it’s done. I think anyone purchasing a pattern will want to be sure it can be replicated with hand knitting so maybe you could partially machine knit for speed but then use test hand knitters to ensure the pattern can be fully replicated by hand. PS love the sweater you’re wearing but I find most hand knit sweaters end up being too boxy and unflattering. Would you consider making a pattern that yields a more fitted sweater? Spreadsheet nerd here do would be interested to see anything you’d like to share. ❤
You might enjoy going through my back catalogue - I’ve been designing for years and definitely have several sweaters from when the trend was for more fitted styles. Although I am starting to see more interest in fitted garments again so we’ll see!
I recently discovered your channel and am so happy I did because I simply cannot get enough of you sharing your design process with us. I doubt I'll ever become a real designer, but I like to modify things and I'm fascinated by the world of grading patterns, knitting maths, tech editing, etc. I like planning and charting my projects in a spreadsheets before getting started, so I just relate to so much of your journey. Unlike software development, which I do by day, it's hard to find resources on how to learn this stuff. Thank you for all you do!
I have zero issue with anyone, including designers, incorporating machine knitting into their projects. After all, the machine is still operated BY HAND. There are only so many hours in a day! Now, off to buy myself a knitting machine... 😇😋
I knit how I knit (and how I do it may change over time!) but I absolutely trust that a designer like you knows what they are doing and can use a different technique, especially when you are cranking out many more dozens of items I ever am. You do you! I appreciate the transparency but it doesn't change my awe for what and how you create.
Thanks, Ysolda, for sharing your process. Hooray for time-saving tools! I'm interested in knowing what kind of knitting machine you are using or would recommend. Thanks.
I find this process fascinating. I do not think it seems as if you are “cheating” at all. It makes complete sense to me. How do you manage tension and gauge when you switch from machine to hand knitting? Perhaps it doesn’t matter to you because the end result is “just” a prototype?
By knitting a lot of large swatches, wet blocking them and meticulously recording the settings or needle sizes. Even how tightly the yarn is wound can make a difference.
I love both hand and machine knitting and am increasingly fascinated by combining the two. Woodturning isn’t thought of as a cheat way to carve wood, not should machine knitting be thought as such. Machine knitting is an art in itself as well as a great tool to speed up certain processes. I suffered a stroke a few weeks back and have for now lost the use of my dominant hand, so I’m doubly grateful to know I will continue knitting, even if far less of it will be possible by hand. Thank you for all you do and produce - I continue to admire your integrity and openness. I’d be very interested in more insight of the pattern writing process as and when you have time!
@hannawoods7600 - I'm so sorry to that you had a stroke recently. I will be 59 years old on July 8th. On June 17, 2024 it will be my 3rd year anniversary of my stroke. My left side was affected but it was my non-dominant side. However, I did all the PT, OT, & Speech Pathology for 30 days (thats all insurance would cover at home & I really couldnt travel) but I continued all the exercises I was taught & worked very hard to regain most function of my left side. Also, my brain (especially memory, I now have a stutter, etc.) has been severely affected more so than the physical problems. When I came home from the hospital I grabbed my knitting & was so upset at how I couldnt keep tension. I also couldnt figure out any cast-ons without a tutorial! But I was persistant & practiced my exercises everyday & practiced knitting on a new project (a hat I think) & tried to let my "muscle memory" take over & one day it happened! I remembered a cast on & I did it physically with no problem! Hopefully you will regain use of your dominant side & will be able to knit again by hand. Maybe a knitting machine will be in your future! A new knitting adventure using your non-dominant hand! That might allow you to keep knitting!! I do wish you all the healing you can possible get & that knitting remains in your life!! Maybe you will invent a tool that disabled people will love to use! Then your a millionaire! Haha! Im sorry but I have to keep a sense of humor along with my knitting so I dont go down a depressing rabbit hole. Best of luck to you! Never give up!!
Hi Karen, your message means such a lot - THANK YOU! You’re the first knitter I’ve come across who’s had a stroke -so all you tell me is hugely encouraging! I refused not to hand knit, despite tension problems and rather messy and exceedingly slow stitch by stitch knitting - in fact I had just bought some rather special yarn and decided on a pattern before the stroke happened, so (perhaps foolishly?)I decided to make a start despite the deficits! I’ve just about done the shoulders now (it’s a top down sweater) lol! When I get to the large section of stocking stitch, I might transfer to the machine…? On the other hand it’s all good therapy! I’ve just spoken to my GP and he is referring me to OT rehab, so I am hopeful that will help also. … and if nothing else, I’ll work on that kack handed knitting tool invention 🤣 (I’m almost 70, so that could take care of a nice little pension top up !!) You are inspiring! I do hope you get further improvements - the brain is so amazingly adaptive! Best wishes, Hanna x
I absolutely see nothing wrong with you using a machine to help in the designing process. It’s no different than a manufacturing company trying to be more efficient with their time. Nothing replaces hand knitting and you are not suggesting that at all. You are a talented designer and know machine knitting helps you to come out with patterns to share faster than if you were to hand knit each sample during the process. ❤
I love that you shared some of your designing process! It absolutely makes sense to integrate machine knitting into your process. Whatever works for you and makes life easier is best!
As someone who tried to use a CSM, I definitely see machine knitting as a skill. It takes a lot of time to figure it out and get used to it, and honestly, I haven't. Engineering Knits has a really great channel, and recommend her to anyone interested in machine knitting garments. It's not cheating at all imo. I think it just makes sense! It's cool that you have that in your arsenal.
There are no businesses or industries that don't take advantage of technology to increase productivity. Why should knitting be any different ?love your patterns no matter how you create them !
I just love that you shared your process. I absolutely enjoy the colorwork and interesting bits but honestly stockinette a body, I can do without. I hope you give us more info on how the process works for combining both hand and machine work. I really hope you give us more on the excel process and formulas. Very best to you on your designing journey.❤
I love that you shared about using the knitting machine in your design process. Designing patterns full time is a whole different ball game than just being a knitter. The machine is a tool just like needles....to make design life better....use all the tools you can! 👏
Thanks so much for sharing! You are an amazing designer and totally understand using a tool to help your process. Would love additional videos about your process creating your lovely designs.
If you'd like to share with us your space & process. In my opinion, how could you not use a knitting machine. Glad to see you smiling in the first part 😊 I've only knit your Musselbourg, however sooo well written. I can't imagine knitting each stitch by hand, by God. You are awesome, be you!
I think it’s brilliant that you are combining the knitting machine and hand knitting techniques. I don’t think it’s cheating at all and makes sense when you are designing lots of items. I own a Bond very basic machine and I must dust it off and use it again. I used to do the straight bits of a garment on it, then knit ribs etc by hand. Then hand finishing. Looking forward to your next Knitworthy collection. ❤
I don’t think that using a knitting machine as part of your design process is cheating at all. Makes perfect sense. You can’t possibly knit samples in all sizes and try all the elements if you’re doing it all by hand. Streamlining your design process and making it more efficient is a positive thing- and I’m sure we’d all be pleased to see more designs from you:) The new design looks awesome and comfy. (I do a very small amount of quilting- but I take my quilt tops to a machine quilter to get the quilting done- otherwise nothing would get finished😂)
Makes perfect sense to me! Ultimately, your goal is to produce patterns for all of us. The produce from that pattern is the afterthought, so seems to me you should do what makes that process most successful.
Thanks for being transparent! I'm all for anything that will give me more patterns sooner! It makes sense to use a knitting machine if it makes the designing process more efficient. You aren't selling garments and saying they were hand knit. I'm a fairly new knitter so I haven't knitted any garments besides shawls. I'm going to attempt my first sweater and I'm trying to find a pattern that has enough interest so I don't fall asleep while knitting. :)
You are so calm and calming to listen to. I love the way you demonstrate a technique...you make it easy....I've watched several of them when I need guidance. No one should judge you for using a knitting machine. You are a designer...it's only for YOU to decide how you do that. I think you're very talented! Just bought the Musselbourgh hat pattern.. watched your bit to get me started, was easy. ❤
I really enjoyed your podcast. No worries about using a knitting machine. I love to knit in the round but can see how working with a knitting machine might make the design process run more smoothly. I like the look of the new sweater and will enjoy trying the pattern when it comes out. More designs for children always welcome.
I’m glad you shared that you sometimes use a machine to help knit and design. At points I have felt like a failure when I see a designer say they designed and knitted a sweater in a weekend when it takes me months . I know we all knit at our own pace but still... so thank you!!!
Thank you for sharing! It's very clever to use machines to help you with your process, so that others can handknit your patterns. Or machine knit! Who cares as long as one has fun and likes the result?
I prefer it when you use the time to concentrate on the design rather than knitting every stitch by hand. And who should have the right to dictate how you work?
Do not over think your process- whether you hand knit or use a machine does not matter to me. When I visited Shetland both hand knitting and machine knitting were used on most gorgeous garments. Ultimately we are lucky to live in a time that allows us choices. So embrace the gift you have and all the beautiful crafts you are sharing with us crafters. The fact that you are also a mathematician using spreadsheets and computers is another awesome gift. I was a math teacher for over 40 years- Every few years our community had long discussions about calculators, graphing calculators, cobalt programming, computers, and now AI.. So again don't sweat the small stuff. Keep doing what's good for you and us receivers of your beautiful patterns.
I think it's great of you to share your process. I would think several designers may use tools end users might not realize or think about. Whether its a knitting machine, software etc really doesn't effect me as long as the finished pattern is thoroughly tested. Creativity is using everything available to you to achieve your desired results. Keep doing what you do. Love your work. Don't be so hard on yourself.
I think so long as the machine knit gauge matches the hand knit swatch (since it will likely be hand knit by the customer) then it's the same. And especially for the purpose of testing patterns many times in many sizes: if it's a time saver for you, we all benefit from your expertise. :) No judgement, no hate, just love. ❤
The most time consuming part might be the level of swatching we do so that the gauge is both achievable and seamless with hand knit sections. It’s a lot of testing!
Not cheating for your purposes 😊 I don’t have an extra space for a machine, and as a hand knitter, I prefer top-down designs that are portable, with minimal seaming. I’m more inclined to have FOs that way.
Ooh yes please, a review of the knitting pattern writing book would be great. I think using a knitting machine is a much more efficient method to knit your garments to make the process quicker for you. I like knitting stockinette, especially when watching television, in waiting rooms, car knitting etc. No need to concentrate on patterns or colour changes. Love your designs and podcasts ❤
Design takes a long time. Especially if you're doing it for an income. If you can speed up some part of the process, I think it's smart and an advantage to you - go for it. I always enjoy hearing the technical side of things and design considerations that you do. It's great to learn.
I have been fascinated by the process of knitting pattern design for a while, mostly the grading aspect. Knitting pattern designers are rather a mystery to me, they must be phenomenally clever folk :). I'm familiar with textile garment pattern making and grading but knitting, with all the stitches involved, is something I can't get my head around. I will be purchasing the book in your podcast just to gain some more insight. Oh, my WIP is my 4th Musselburgh Beanie :):).
Hello Ysolda, this is the first of your videos that I watched (although your name has been familiar for a long time through other podcasters and patterns). I love hearing about the design process and also about the grading and tech editing, as I'm definitely on the nerdy side of knitting (ADHD and probably some autism involved 😄). Also I loved hearing about the Woolly Good Gathering with the focus on accessibility, even though I currently wouldn't have the spoons to travel to Scotland (my favourite country). Looking forward to watching more of your videos and learning about knitware design! Also - using a knitting machine for the straight stockinette portions of samples just makes SO much sense. Those are my least favourite bits, as my brain needs a bit more engangement to kick it in gear 😅
You’re designing! It’s as if you were drawing. It’s not cheating at all!! As long as you know that the final knitter will get the results they want by hand knitting, I don’t see any problem with you using a machine.
I appreciate you sharing your use of a knitting machine….GENIUS! I was writing sweater designs and the process of getting testers who give good feedback and make larger sizes was so daunting, I gave up. You do what you need to do keep your creative juices flowing. Wishing you all the best ❤
A resounding "YES" for using a knitting machine in your process. You're a designer, not someone who is advertising an FO itself as hand-knitted.. It gives you so much more flexibility, and I would think it would be easier on your hands, even if using them in different motions. (Love the sweater!)
Whilst I’m purely a hand knitter, I appreciate your honesty. I’m proud of the skills I’ve mastered, I enjoy adding to and maintaining my skills. I also understand that a person knitting for income would see things differently. ClaudiaSJI
Machine knitting is like machine sewing, you do it because it's practical. No worries! I would love to have one of those machines, the "Engineering Knits' TH-cam channel uses machine knitting a lot in combination with hand knitting. Hugs from USA!
Thanks so much for sharing your process. As a designer, I've used a knitting machine to make samples. It's been a lifesaver when I've had tight deadlines to get samples done, and especially when I needed to get samples done for two different patterns in the same timeframe. Also as a designer and technical editor, I'd love to hear more about how you're creating custom functions in Excel and how you're linking Excel and InDesign. I've only tried linking Word files to InDesign which has thrown off the formatting so I just keep copying and pasting...
Can’t believe it’s anyone’s business whether you machine knit prototypes and samples, what does it matter? The quality of garment I get from an Ysolda pattern is spot on and it makes no difference how you’ve arrived at the final pattern. Do those same people who object to machine knitting also insist on yarns being handspun, I wonder? I’ve just finished a Studio Sweater and want to say thank you for taking the trouble and care over the bust adjustments and proportions. I’m a shortish, curvy person and thanks to your excellent pattern writing, I have a nice, well fitting sweater that doesn’t swamp my shape. Looking forward to casting on a Polwarth next!
I don’t see an issue using knitting machines as part of the process. I love learning how designers design. There should be no shame in how one creates. Thanks for sharing part of your process.❤
As a designer, I really appreciated your peek behind the curtain. I learned to use Excel in a sweater design course and have a bookmarked help page that I reference frequently. I love the idea of eventually creating my own functions for calculations that are unique to sweater design. As for using a knitting machine, I think it makes a lot of sense. At this point, the time it takes to knit samples is a real limiting factor in how many designs I can create.
I love that you are working in such a way that enables you to do things with more efficiently! I totally trust you as a designer and love your patterns! Yay for knitting machines!!! ❤🐑♥️🐑♥️
I have no problem with you using a knitting machine :) Using a knitting machine like you mention, does have it's own learning curve. I would like to see MORE patterns from you so yes to speeding up your process.
I think you should feel comfortable and justified in using a knitting machine! Someone who writes baking recipes likely has access to a commercial kitchen and all of its conveniences. I don’t see how the design industry is different! Do what works for you. Also, very interested in the excel shortcuts you’re using! I’ll look into it myself - even just naming row and stitch gauge would be a win!
Thanks for sharing your processes. I’d love to hear more about what goes into the designing of projects especially the technical and grading parts and tools used. Happy Knitting! 😄
I don't see any problem with you using a knitting machine. You're a knitwear designer, not The Defender of Handknitting. So don't feel like you're cheating, it's just another way to knit and we love to see your designs in different samples. Keep up the great work!
I just have to say. Thanks for letting us know that you use a machine. If I could ask a 1800 ‘s woman what she thought and I believe she would say hell yeah. Bring it on. Not cheating at all. Just another process to help with slow knitting. I’m just learning the machine also. I love your patterns.
It makes so much sense to use a knitting machine in design, even if the intent is to knit the patterns by hand. I so appreciate your attention to detail and commitment to making an inclusive size range, and I'm delighted that you're using tools available to you to make your process go more quickly and smoothly!
I think it gives more transparency to the process of knitting quickly rather than giving off an appearance of being a super fast manual knitter and knocking out patterns every other week. Bravo for being honest and transparent. Thank you.
I’ve used a flatbed knitting machine some and would like to know how you get the gauge to match up when you switch from the two.
I would like to see more of your flatbed to circular needles process.
Beautiful work no matter how you got there.
Thank you for sharing your process. As a knitter benefitting from the amazing work of knitwear designers (a mystery to me how you make that happen 😊), I think using a machine to expedite the process is brilliant. Thanks for all the time and effort and care you put into your work - it’s a gift to knitters like me who are happy to have all the design work done for us. And I love the new sweater design!!!
I am very interested to learn more about your design process including the machine knitting parts. Whatever you do to get your samples and prototypes finished is perfect in my books... and entirely your decision. No one else should tell you how to get to your finished projects. I love that you share with us how you come up with designs. I am always awed by the amount of intricate thought that goes into your garments in particular. Well done!
As a designer you are entitled to get to the end result as you choose. As knitters we are entitled to get to the end result as we choose. Thank you for your honesty. Keep on designing your lovely patterns and we'll keep knitting them.
As a pragmatist and a spoonie, using the machine the way you do makes perfect sense. It makes me trust your process more because it tell me you have the brain space to get things perfect rather than deciding to say good enough because of the time invested in samples
How lovely to see you recording again. Regarding your process: do whatever works for you! As long as you don't require me to use a machine, you can get to that finished object however you wish. You are brilliant and I am always happy to see your designs. I have thought of a sock machine to speed up sock knitting, but the actual knitting with my hands is how I save my mental health so I don't ever see giving that up. Thank you for being real and vulnerable in such a public way.
You had me at “spreadsheet”…. My inner nerd went “👉 SQUIRREL!” …😅
That's what did it for me when I (late to the party) was researching why the Musselburgh hat was popping up everywhere on my feed. When I saw a spreadsheet was included - "Take my money 💸! "
Dear Ysolda, the knitting machine is a piece of technology, just like a telephone, a computer, etc. All technology is valuable because it maximizes efficiency. You are a knitwear artist and using the machine does not take away from that. Don't sweat the small stuff! You're terrific~
I don't have an issue with you designing with a knitting machine--as long as me as hand knitter can knit your patterns, why should it matter? It shouldn't....I do appreciate your honesty in putting it out there and I would hope other designers would be honest about it as well (if asked). Nice to see you back. Looking forward to any new releases you have coming. Happy Knitting.
Hello Ysolda, I think you a wonderful person and designer. I feel you should do what works best for you. Make your life easier. You provide us with such great patterns. The sweater you are wearing is beautiful. I cannot wait until you have it out for us to purchase.
I think many designers use a knitting machine in order to show progress with their designs. I have loved all the patterns I have purchased from you. All the ideas and demonstrations on TH-cam videos you have shared. I appreciate your willingness to share your craft. Thank you 🧶🧶
I think that everything that can help you to design more efficiently can never be a bad thing. I never machine knitted, but my mom knitted for sale and I remember how distressing the process was. She used to hand knit to relax from the machine knitting, which she hated and stoped doing as soon as she could.
I'm a hand knitter myself but I'm thinking future patterns might include ways to use a knitting machine along with hand knitting. At the end of the day we are all creating fabric that we love and are proud of. And the different ways to knit are fascinating to learn about. Diversity allows people to create and learn new skills too and might also help people with physical challenges to enjoy making with yarn!
It was so nice to see you pop up in my YT feed! It makes perfect sense to use whatever tools/methods facilitate your design process. After all, you are a professional knit designer, not a leisure or hobby knitter. I respect and admire your candor and transparency. I always learn something when I watch your podcasts. Keep doing what works for you to produce your excellent patterns.
Hi Ysolda, it’s nice to see you back! I appreciate so much the way you talk about your patterns and especially your process. Machine knitting is a tricky skill that requires a lot of thought and decisions as well. I would love to see more about how you think through and execute designs and swatches on the machine and in combo with hand knitting. I’m sorry you had to feel nervous about talking about it. Thank you for your thoughtfulness!
I’ve been a hand knitter since I was little (now 60!) but I also dabbled in machine knitting back in the 90’s. I loved it! My old second hand knitting machine has long since gone, I just about wore it out! I would love to know which machine you use. I think it makes perfect sense to use hand knitting and machine knitting together and as someone with Rheumatoid arthritis I have to look after my joints! I’m currently knitting a 4ply colour work sweater and coming to the end of the yoke. I’m thinking what a great idea to whizz off the stockinet part on a machine! Thank you for sharing your process, I’m off to research knitting machines 😂
Would just love to see how you incorporate the machine into your work! Such a fine idea.
Ysolda, you just said that machine knitting is faster …until something goes wrong. I laughed out loud because I am rehanging a piece on my knitting machine that I messed up! I machine AND hand knit. They are both satisfying!
Using a knitting machine is simply a smart business decision in my opinion. I have 2 and they've been in boxes for years due to lack of space. You make me want to go get them out now!!!
Construction builders don’t always hammer in every nail using a hammer; sometimes they choose to use a nail gun! Knowing when to use a specific tool during the process is part of the “art” of construction. The same is true with knitting! I truly appreciate your transparency in bringing up the subject about how you are using knitting machines in your process, though, because I could see how nervous you were about it. It’s just another tool in your design process, though. You publish lovely patterns, and I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors, Ysolda!
I just recently started using machine knitting. My grandson wanted me to make him a queen size blanket, I just physically can’t hand knit that much. I think using a combo of both hand and machine knitting gives us a great advantage to make more items. I think it is smart and there is no shame in working smarter.
I knit using needles,looms and machines. If love some of your patterns for the machine. I also have the lk150 and a silver Reed standard guage. I have looms for hats socks and what ever you want. Susan guagliami is one of the best known knitwear designers of our time. She uses machines so does Diana sullivan.
I would love to hear more about how you are incorporating a knitting machine. I imagine it makes your design process more efficient. Thanks for sharing.
I would love to hear more about your knitting machine(s). Thanks for your honesty and insights
Watching while I knit the Studio Sweater. I was so excited to see you have tall measurements in this pattern. My long torso enjoys being part of a pattern! ☺️
Absolutely agree with you using a way to expedite your process when the expectation today is a large range of sizes. Love your patterns as there is always so much thought put into them. Would be very interested to see how you integrate the two parts of your process. Looking forward to your new pattern as I love the way you have done the stripes.
Don't worry about machine knitting ... as long as u make sure that those who hand knit have all info who cares how u personally knit. And yes I would love to see how u knit on machine. Very interesting also how u combine machine and part hand knitting etc like tension issues etc. so wonderful to see your knitting works. Cheers!!!
Wow, using a knitting machine for design work makes SO much sense - I had never considered that possibility! What machine do you use and how did you learn to use it? I would be super interested to see an in depth video about machine knitting!
Using all the tools at your disposal in order to make better patterns and meet your design goals just makes sense. I love your patterns and how much care you take to make your designs work so well for so many people. Anything that makes that easier for you is great, because that just means more patterns for us to enjoy!
Using a knitting machine is fine as long as knitters know. The stitches will be more uniform & even & hand-knitters can look at that & feel inadequate because they won't get the same look hand-knitting with the same yarn. I was teaching in a yarn shop where they displayed socks supplied by the yarn company & I was asked why the socks looked so perfect (uniform stitches) & they were surprised when I said the socks were machine knitted. But if the garment looks the same hand-knitted as machine knitted that's fine.
Back in 1981 I helped a friend meet her deadline of knitting 2 dresses for Glamour magazine. She wrote the patterns and did the finishing but I knit the body on my machine. (I am primarily a hand knitter, in fact I no longer have machines). They were on the cover and no one ever questioned it. I don’t know how to add a photo or you could see the cover (Whitney Houston was one of the models!)
I love that you are using time efficient ways to sample and test your designs. Unless a sewist uses only needle and thread as a requirement to call sewing or quilting handmade, a machine for knitting efficiently is no less handmade than using a sewing machine or a spinning machine or a complicated loom. I'm so glad you've found a way to help you create your beautiful designs for us.❤🧶♥️
In my opinion a person who uses a productivity aid to assist them doing their “job” faster should be commended. A designer who incorporates a knitting machine to help them design I appreciate because they would be able to share their designs quicker and that benefits me because I don’t design. So anything you can do to make your move easier and quicker is great. HOWEVER, the garment picture that is posted with the pattern which is sold as “handknitted” should be just that a hand knitted garment. I don’t believe any ethical designer’s would do that and the reason I follow you and find your designs some of my favourite to knit is I feel you are a very ethical knitter.
I have been following you for a very long time and have been pleased to see how you continue to grow as a designer and share the knowledge you’ve gained in your journey with the rest of us. I hope you continue for a long time and if you find any aids along the way to help you….good on you.
I think using the knitting machine is so smart! Selfishly, it means there might be more patterns from you to knit, which is always a great thing. I loved the window into your process. I used to handknit socks. Now I use my circular sock machine. If I want colorwork or fancy lace on the leg, I handknit that, then hang the stitches and finish on the machine. Not cheating. Just smart.
Machine knitting is not cheating per se since you are designer and this is your full-time job. Of course you want to make your job more time-efficient. I think it may become a problem if tester knitters for example are expected to deliver the FO in shorter amount of time, impecable stitches, etc. And if we purchase the pattern, knit it but do not see the same stitch quality or get disappointed with our FOs because hand knit is not as consistent as machine knit.
Oh absolutely, I think it’s important for all sorts of reasons to give testers plenty of time & my calculations for that are based more on feedback than how long something took me to knit.
Weirdly I often find the machine knit sections aren’t any more perfectly neat than the hand knit ones, there are still things that can affect the tension.
I never thought about designers using a machine to knit part of their work, but that makes so much sense. And honestly, it make me feel a bit better since it takes me weeks to knit one sweater with a pattern in front of me. I think it’s smart and an efficient use of time and resources. Definitely not “cheating”
Facinating in site into your processes I would love to learn more.
I love that you shared all this information. I’m such a big fan of yours that I want to see it all, doesn’t matter if machines or hands! Show us your machines and that process when you are able. I like your simple videos like today, meaning less setup and work for you, and often, please. Sending you love and happiness. Cathy
This might equate to a contractor building a house with an electric drill as opposed to using a hand screwdriver.
I wouldn’t worry about machine knitting part of your sweater patterns. I’d like to see how it’s done. I think anyone purchasing a pattern will want to be sure it can be replicated with hand knitting so maybe you could partially machine knit for speed but then use test hand knitters to ensure the pattern can be fully replicated by hand. PS love the sweater you’re wearing but I find most hand knit sweaters end up being too boxy and unflattering. Would you consider making a pattern that yields a more fitted sweater? Spreadsheet nerd here do would be interested to see anything you’d like to share. ❤
You might enjoy going through my back catalogue - I’ve been designing for years and definitely have several sweaters from when the trend was for more fitted styles. Although I am starting to see more interest in fitted garments again so we’ll see!
I recently discovered your channel and am so happy I did because I simply cannot get enough of you sharing your design process with us. I doubt I'll ever become a real designer, but I like to modify things and I'm fascinated by the world of grading patterns, knitting maths, tech editing, etc. I like planning and charting my projects in a spreadsheets before getting started, so I just relate to so much of your journey. Unlike software development, which I do by day, it's hard to find resources on how to learn this stuff. Thank you for all you do!
I have zero issue with anyone, including designers, incorporating machine knitting into their projects. After all, the machine is still operated BY HAND. There are only so many hours in a day! Now, off to buy myself a knitting machine... 😇😋
I don’t see this as cheating. Machine knitting is also a skill. A friend does all her yolked sweater bodies on her machine
Use the tools available to you. I don't think you need to apologize. 👍
I knit how I knit (and how I do it may change over time!) but I absolutely trust that a designer like you knows what they are doing and can use a different technique, especially when you are cranking out many more dozens of items I ever am. You do you! I appreciate the transparency but it doesn't change my awe for what and how you create.
Thanks, Ysolda, for sharing your process. Hooray for time-saving tools! I'm interested in knowing what kind of knitting machine you are using or would recommend. Thanks.
I find this process fascinating. I do not think it seems as if you are “cheating” at all. It makes complete sense to me. How do you manage tension and gauge when you switch from machine to hand knitting? Perhaps it doesn’t matter to you because the end result is “just” a prototype?
By knitting a lot of large swatches, wet blocking them and meticulously recording the settings or needle sizes. Even how tightly the yarn is wound can make a difference.
I love both hand and machine knitting and am increasingly fascinated by combining the two. Woodturning isn’t thought of as a cheat way to carve wood, not should machine knitting be thought as such. Machine knitting is an art in itself as well as a great tool to speed up certain processes. I suffered a stroke a few weeks back and have for now lost the use of my dominant hand, so I’m doubly grateful to know I will continue knitting, even if far less of it will be possible by hand. Thank you for all you do and produce - I continue to admire your integrity and openness.
I’d be very interested in more insight of the pattern writing process as and when you have time!
That’s great to hear that machine knitting has made it more accessible for you to continue knitting!
@hannawoods7600 - I'm so sorry to that you had a stroke recently. I will be 59 years old on July 8th. On June 17, 2024 it will be my 3rd year anniversary of my stroke. My left side was affected but it was my non-dominant side. However, I did all the PT, OT, & Speech Pathology for 30 days (thats all insurance would cover at home & I really couldnt travel) but I continued all the exercises I was taught & worked very hard to regain most function of my left side. Also, my brain (especially memory, I now have a stutter, etc.) has been severely affected more so than the physical problems. When I came home from the hospital I grabbed my knitting & was so upset at how I couldnt keep tension. I also couldnt figure out any cast-ons without a tutorial! But I was persistant & practiced my exercises everyday & practiced knitting on a new project (a hat I think) & tried to let my "muscle memory" take over & one day it happened! I remembered a cast on & I did it physically with no problem! Hopefully you will regain use of your dominant side & will be able to knit again by hand. Maybe a knitting machine will be in your future! A new knitting adventure using your non-dominant hand! That might allow you to keep knitting!! I do wish you all the healing you can possible get & that knitting remains in your life!! Maybe you will invent a tool that disabled people will love to use! Then your a millionaire! Haha! Im sorry but I have to keep a sense of humor along with my knitting so I dont go down a depressing rabbit hole. Best of luck to you! Never give up!!
Hi Karen, your message means such a lot - THANK YOU! You’re the first knitter I’ve come across who’s had a stroke -so all you tell me is hugely encouraging!
I refused not to hand knit, despite tension problems and rather messy and exceedingly slow stitch by stitch knitting - in fact I had just bought some rather special yarn and decided on a pattern before the stroke happened, so (perhaps foolishly?)I decided to make a start despite the deficits! I’ve just about done the shoulders now (it’s a top down sweater) lol!
When I get to the large section of stocking stitch, I might transfer to the machine…? On the other hand it’s all good therapy!
I’ve just spoken to my GP and he is referring me to OT rehab, so I am hopeful that will help also. … and if nothing else, I’ll work on that kack handed knitting tool invention 🤣 (I’m almost 70, so that could take care of a nice little pension top up !!)
You are inspiring! I do hope you get further improvements - the brain is so amazingly adaptive!
Best wishes, Hanna x
I absolutely see nothing wrong with you using a machine to help in the designing process. It’s no different than a manufacturing company trying to be more efficient with their time. Nothing replaces hand knitting and you are not suggesting that at all. You are a talented designer and know machine knitting helps you to come out with patterns to share faster than if you were to hand knit each sample during the process. ❤
I love that you shared some of your designing process! It absolutely makes sense to integrate machine knitting into your process. Whatever works for you and makes life easier is best!
As someone who tried to use a CSM, I definitely see machine knitting as a skill. It takes a lot of time to figure it out and get used to it, and honestly, I haven't. Engineering Knits has a really great channel, and recommend her to anyone interested in machine knitting garments. It's not cheating at all imo. I think it just makes sense! It's cool that you have that in your arsenal.
There are no businesses or industries that don't take advantage of technology to increase productivity. Why should knitting be any different ?love your patterns no matter how you create them !
I just love that you shared your process. I absolutely enjoy the colorwork and interesting bits but honestly stockinette a body, I can do without. I hope you give us more info on how the process works for combining both hand and machine work. I really hope you give us more on the excel process and formulas. Very best to you on your designing journey.❤
I love that you shared about using the knitting machine in your design process. Designing patterns full time is a whole different ball game than just being a knitter. The machine is a tool just like needles....to make design life better....use all the tools you can! 👏
Thanks so much for sharing! You are an amazing designer and totally understand using a tool to help your process. Would love additional videos about your process creating your lovely designs.
interesting! I have thought about getting a knitting machine as well for yoke sweaters. I don't think it's cheating!
If you'd like to share with us your space & process. In my opinion, how could you not use a knitting machine. Glad to see you smiling in the first part 😊 I've only knit your Musselbourg, however sooo well written. I can't imagine knitting each stitch by hand, by God. You are awesome, be you!
I think it’s brilliant that you are combining the knitting machine and hand knitting techniques. I don’t think it’s cheating at all and makes sense when you are designing lots of items.
I own a Bond very basic machine and I must dust it off and use it again. I used to do the straight bits of a garment on it, then knit ribs etc by hand. Then hand finishing.
Looking forward to your next Knitworthy collection. ❤
I don’t think that using a knitting machine as part of your design process is cheating at all. Makes perfect sense. You can’t possibly knit samples in all sizes and try all the elements if you’re doing it all by hand. Streamlining your design process and making it more efficient is a positive thing- and I’m sure we’d all be pleased to see more designs from you:) The new design looks awesome and comfy. (I do a very small amount of quilting- but I take my quilt tops to a machine quilter to get the quilting done- otherwise nothing would get finished😂)
Makes perfect sense to me! Ultimately, your goal is to produce patterns for all of us. The produce from that pattern is the afterthought, so seems to me you should do what makes that process most successful.
Thanks for being transparent! I'm all for anything that will give me more patterns sooner! It makes sense to use a knitting machine if it makes the designing process more efficient. You aren't selling garments and saying they were hand knit. I'm a fairly new knitter so I haven't knitted any garments besides shawls. I'm going to attempt my first sweater and I'm trying to find a pattern that has enough interest so I don't fall asleep while knitting. :)
You are so calm and calming to listen to. I love the way you demonstrate a technique...you make it easy....I've watched several of them when I need guidance. No one should judge you for using a knitting machine. You are a designer...it's only for YOU to decide how you do that.
I think you're very talented! Just bought the Musselbourgh hat pattern.. watched your bit to get me started, was easy. ❤
Show us more, machines are useful tools.
I really enjoyed your podcast. No worries about using a knitting machine. I love to knit in the round but can see how working with a knitting machine might make the design process run more smoothly. I like the look of the new sweater and will enjoy trying the pattern when it comes out. More designs for children always welcome.
I’m glad you shared that you sometimes use a machine to help knit and design. At points I have felt like a failure when I see a designer say they designed and knitted a sweater in a weekend when it takes me months . I know we all knit at our own pace but still... so thank you!!!
I don't think it's "cheating" at all! :)
Good for you in sharing your process. Knitting machine, no problem.
Thank you for sharing! It's very clever to use machines to help you with your process, so that others can handknit your patterns. Or machine knit! Who cares as long as one has fun and likes the result?
not cheating. wish I has a machine to do it sometimes.
I prefer it when you use the time to concentrate on the design rather than knitting every stitch by hand.
And who should have the right to dictate how you work?
Do not over think your process- whether you hand knit or use a machine does not matter to me. When I visited Shetland both hand knitting and machine knitting were used on most gorgeous garments. Ultimately we are lucky to live in a time that allows us choices. So embrace the gift you have and all the beautiful crafts you are sharing with us crafters. The fact that you are also a mathematician using spreadsheets and computers is another awesome gift. I was a math teacher for over 40 years- Every few years our community had long discussions about calculators, graphing calculators, cobalt programming, computers, and now AI.. So again don't sweat the small stuff. Keep doing what's good for you and us receivers of your beautiful patterns.
I think it's great of you to share your process. I would think several designers may use tools end users might not realize or think about. Whether its a knitting machine, software etc really doesn't effect me as long as the finished pattern is thoroughly tested. Creativity is using everything available to you to achieve your desired results. Keep doing what you do. Love your work. Don't be so hard on yourself.
Thank you for the “ behind the scenes “ details. It’s very interesting. And your sweater is very nice.
I think so long as the machine knit gauge matches the hand knit swatch (since it will likely be hand knit by the customer) then it's the same. And especially for the purpose of testing patterns many times in many sizes: if it's a time saver for you, we all benefit from your expertise. :) No judgement, no hate, just love. ❤
The most time consuming part might be the level of swatching we do so that the gauge is both achievable and seamless with hand knit sections. It’s a lot of testing!
It saves your valuable time and precious hands!!!! Good for your working ingenious brain. Keep thinking outside the box!
Not cheating for your purposes 😊 I don’t have an extra space for a machine, and as a hand knitter, I prefer top-down designs that are portable, with minimal seaming. I’m more inclined to have FOs that way.
Try to let go of what others think and judge. Do YOUR process however it works for you. Clearly you know what you’re doing with excellent results.
I think you are amazing.
Thanks for sharing about your process. Working with a knitting machine makes total sense...plus it probably means more patterns from you for us! :)
Ooh yes please, a review of the knitting pattern writing book would be great.
I think using a knitting machine is a much more efficient method to knit your garments to make the process quicker for you. I like knitting stockinette, especially when watching television, in waiting rooms, car knitting etc. No need to concentrate on patterns or colour changes. Love your designs and podcasts ❤
Design takes a long time. Especially if you're doing it for an income. If you can speed up some part of the process, I think it's smart and an advantage to you - go for it. I always enjoy hearing the technical side of things and design considerations that you do. It's great to learn.
I just bought this book. I feel your critique of The knitting pattern handbook😊 would be welcome.
I have been fascinated by the process of knitting pattern design for a while, mostly the grading aspect. Knitting pattern designers are rather a mystery to me, they must be phenomenally clever folk :). I'm familiar with textile garment pattern making and grading but knitting, with all the stitches involved, is something I can't get my head around. I will be purchasing the book in your podcast just to gain some more insight. Oh, my WIP is my 4th Musselburgh Beanie :):).
Hello Ysolda, this is the first of your videos that I watched (although your name has been familiar for a long time through other podcasters and patterns). I love hearing about the design process and also about the grading and tech editing, as I'm definitely on the nerdy side of knitting (ADHD and probably some autism involved 😄). Also I loved hearing about the Woolly Good Gathering with the focus on accessibility, even though I currently wouldn't have the spoons to travel to Scotland (my favourite country).
Looking forward to watching more of your videos and learning about knitware design!
Also - using a knitting machine for the straight stockinette portions of samples just makes SO much sense. Those are my least favourite bits, as my brain needs a bit more engangement to kick it in gear 😅
You’re designing! It’s as if you were drawing. It’s not cheating at all!! As long as you know that the final knitter will get the results they want by hand knitting, I don’t see any problem with you using a machine.
I appreciate you sharing your use of a knitting machine….GENIUS! I was writing sweater designs and the process of getting testers who give good feedback and make larger sizes was so daunting, I gave up. You do what you need to do keep your creative juices flowing. Wishing you all the best ❤
A resounding "YES" for using a knitting machine in your process. You're a designer, not someone who is advertising an FO itself as hand-knitted.. It gives you so much more flexibility, and I would think it would be easier on your hands, even if using them in different motions. (Love the sweater!)
Whilst I’m purely a hand knitter, I appreciate your honesty. I’m proud of the skills I’ve mastered, I enjoy adding to and maintaining my skills. I also understand that a person knitting for income would see things differently. ClaudiaSJI
Machine knitting is like machine sewing, you do it because it's practical. No worries! I would love to have one of those machines, the "Engineering Knits' TH-cam channel uses machine knitting a lot in combination with hand knitting. Hugs from USA!
Her work is really inspiring (not sure I have the patience for hand manipulating things like cables though!)
Thanks so much for sharing your process. As a designer, I've used a knitting machine to make samples. It's been a lifesaver when I've had tight deadlines to get samples done, and especially when I needed to get samples done for two different patterns in the same timeframe. Also as a designer and technical editor, I'd love to hear more about how you're creating custom functions in Excel and how you're linking Excel and InDesign. I've only tried linking Word files to InDesign which has thrown off the formatting so I just keep copying and pasting...
Can’t believe it’s anyone’s business whether you machine knit prototypes and samples, what does it matter? The quality of garment I get from an Ysolda pattern is spot on and it makes no difference how you’ve arrived at the final pattern. Do those same people who object to machine knitting also insist on yarns being handspun, I wonder? I’ve just finished a Studio Sweater and want to say thank you for taking the trouble and care over the bust adjustments and proportions. I’m a shortish, curvy person and thanks to your excellent pattern writing, I have a nice, well fitting sweater that doesn’t swamp my shape. Looking forward to casting on a Polwarth next!
It’s a tool-like whether you want to knit with DPN’s or magic loop. People shouldn’t be worried since you have your patterns tested anyways. ☺️
I don’t see an issue using knitting machines as part of the process. I love learning how designers design. There should be no shame in how one creates. Thanks for sharing part of your process.❤
As a designer, I really appreciated your peek behind the curtain. I learned to use Excel in a sweater design course and have a bookmarked help page that I reference frequently. I love the idea of eventually creating my own functions for calculations that are unique to sweater design. As for using a knitting machine, I think it makes a lot of sense. At this point, the time it takes to knit samples is a real limiting factor in how many designs I can create.
I love that you are working in such a way that enables you to do things with more efficiently! I totally trust you as a designer and love your patterns! Yay for knitting machines!!! ❤🐑♥️🐑♥️
I have no problem with you using a knitting machine :) Using a knitting machine like you mention, does have it's own learning curve. I would like to see MORE patterns from you so yes to speeding up your process.
I think you should feel comfortable and justified in using a knitting machine! Someone who writes baking recipes likely has access to a commercial kitchen and all of its conveniences. I don’t see how the design industry is different! Do what works for you. Also, very interested in the excel shortcuts you’re using! I’ll look into it myself - even just naming row and stitch gauge would be a win!
Thanks for sharing your processes. I’d love to hear more about what goes into the designing of projects especially the technical and grading parts and tools used. Happy Knitting! 😄
I don't see any problem with you using a knitting machine. You're a knitwear designer, not The Defender of Handknitting. So don't feel like you're cheating, it's just another way to knit and we love to see your designs in different samples. Keep up the great work!
I just have to say. Thanks for letting us know that you use a machine. If I could ask a 1800 ‘s woman what she thought and I believe she would say hell yeah. Bring it on. Not cheating at all. Just another process to help with slow knitting. I’m just learning the machine also. I love your patterns.