Hello - how is your knitting November going? We're entering peak knitting season for most people, so I'm sure there is plenty going on!
My last blog post was about publishing knitting patterns, and it's such a big topic that I decided to split it into two posts. This is the second part (so feel free to look at last month's post for the first!) Last month, I finished at the point where the design is accepted, so I'll pick it up right there for this month.
If your design is accepted, the editor will be in touch with you about the necessary deadlines you will need to meet. Sometimes the pattern must be ready long before the actual knitted item, sometimes they both must be ready in a similar timeframe, and sometimes you will just do the pattern and someone else will knit the sample uwhich will need to be photographed. Most (but not all) pblications will take care of professional photography.
The editor will also provide you with a style sheet - this is the standard way they phrase their knitting patterns, and you must write your pattern to this template (e.g. UK & US publications often describe cables using different terminology).
Most publications provide technical editing too: this is where a tech editor combs through your pattern to make sure that the instructions make sense and that the numbers etc. are all correct. This can be quite a collaborative processs if your pattern has an unusal technique, as you work together to figure out the simplest way to communicate that information. A lot of publications also require the pattern to be charted, and the tech editor will also check that the chart is correct. Some publications also require a schematic, but they might not use this if your design is not a garment.
And of course, if you are the one knitting up the sample, you will - have to knit the sample! Often magazines work with particular yarn companies (who might be launching a new yarn) and might send you the yarn for the pattern. I've also had situations where I arranged the yarn support myself. This was fairly straightforward to organise, as most companies are delighted to have more designs knit in their yarn! If the yarn is left up to me, I am conscious of trying to use an Irish yarn, as the industry here still needs support as it makes a gradual comeback : ) Finally the knit is blocked, and sent to the photographer or editor to be photographed for the issue.
And I'm delighted to tell you of an upcoming special publication which I will be a part of - the special 10th anniversary issue of Knotions online magazine. I am honoured to be included in this issue, as Knotions have been really supportive of me as a designer, and I am a big fan of the other designers featured. The issue will be out at the start of December, so I will include plenty more details in next month's post.
Also next month will be the Local Food & Craft Fair in the Black Box, Galway, where I will have a stand again this year. I'm really looking forward to it, although it is always a bit nerve-wracking not knowing if people will buy my knits or not! I will have my knits kits (pictured) for sale again (unless they sell out online of course!!) As with last year, I will have a special discount code on my knitting patterns too for customers who visit my stand - and for my dear newsletter subscribers too, of course! So if you know anyone who would like such a discount, please encourage them to sign up for the newsletter so that they can take advantage of the discount too.
As I mentioned before, I publish on Ravelry, Etsy, LoveCrafts and Makerist, as well as on my own website, but the discount will only apply to certain websites - more information in December! Looking forward to seeing you then : )