In the Studio : Designing and Business Plans

I've been working like a mad woman trying to get some designs out for my local summer markets.  As a last minute decision, I decided to join the local Artisan's Market.  It's a once a month market as opposed to the weekly market I've done in the past.  I thought this would give me time to keep up with stock and personal knitting/crafting as well.

Lately my days have been full of scribbling rough sketches, swatching up yarns, and tons of number crunching.  Each time I sit down to start a new design, I can't help but think of every math teacher I've ever had.  All those hours of time I spent doing equations, percentages, etc, well they actually WERE in preparation for my future. Oh and those funny looking charts...who knew that there was a legitimate real life use for those? I sure didn't, but I do now.  Gotta say I have a new-found respect for those teachers and there work.   

Lately I've been working on lace shawls.  I'm happy to report that I finished one this week. It's the largest thing I've designed to date and also my first time knitting with beads.  There were times during the design that I wanted to rip it out because it was not turning out how I expected.  But oh I'm so glad I didn't because once I bound it off and pulled it off the needles I absolutely LOVED it.  It was one of those *gasp* I made that? kinda moments.  I actually gasped outloud and it was even better after I blocked it.  This design will hopefully be a published pattern.

In the next few weeks, I'll be looking for some test knitters.  Most of the information will be posted on the Ravelry group (which will be linked here on the blog soon).  Basically a test knitter is someone who gets a copy of the pattern before its officially published.  The test knitter will choose a suitable yarn from their stash and knit up the pattern.  While going through the pattern, the test knitter will note any errors they find and point out any areas that may not be clearly stated.  Basically a test knitter does the job of a tech editor. Compensation for the test knitter is the completed error free pattern and their sample knit.  I will only ask for a photo of the sample knit from my pattern and that the knitting be kept completely secret until the pattern is published.  If you are interested in being a test knitter, please leave a comment below with your email address.  I'll send you a short questionnaire and address any questions you might have.  

As you can imagine, until I get this pattern officially published I'll be keeping it a secret too.  I may post a little teaser picture when it gets close to being published.  Sorry everyone, that's just the nature of this kind of business.  However, if you are a local resident, my first sample knit of this shawl will be on display and for sale at the August Artisan's Market.

As I make samples and write up all the pattern notes, I'm putting them up for sale so I can afford to keep designing. As the business evolves, I'll be gravitating more towards selling printed patterns and kits at these local shows and markets.  As part of my business plan, I'm aiming towards being a vendor at knitting shows/conferences/festivals within 100 miles of home.  Right now being a vendor is a dream, but I believe in dreaming and setting your goals high. 

Now I'll get back to work....
~*Melody*~