Where did I acquire my knowledge on this topic?
My career in knitwear design began in August 2002 and concluded in January 2011. During this time, I was a member of the Knitwear Designer Association and the Canadian Knitwear Designers and Artisans. My collection consists of 25 designs, and I have sold patterns to knitters in Canada, the USA, the UK, Japan, Israel, and Australia.. My designs have been featured in the magazines A Needle Pulling Thread and Knit Together, as well as in knitting calendars published by Accord Publishing.
Some tips for beginning a career in knitwear design
think of yourself as an apprentice
-learn as much as you can about the craft from a variety of sources
online
workshops
one-on-one from other knitters/knitwear designers/yarn producers
-develop a system for recording and collecting your design ideas
-gleam inspiration from a variety of needlecrafts
-assemble resources (books, websites)
as you attend workshops
-network with knitters/knitwear designers/yarn producers/magazine publishers
-have a 'community building' or win-win mindset
-take note of the most popular workshops
file this information away for the future when you will be offering your own workshops
When you begin to write your patterns seek the assistance of knitters. They are invaluable resources to proofread your patterns.
