Once a week I post interviews with interesting designers about their insights on their experience of working in the Knitting industry. I’ve noticed that every designer makes their living in a slightly different manner bringing their own unique presence to the Knitting world.
You can find Nancy here http://www.woolywest.com/
Where do you find inspiration?
I like to build my designs around something meaningful to me. Thinking about a tradition, my travels or an experience gives me a way of focusing on the task at hand and also allows me to set some type of boundary to the project. I like to look to my experiences as inspiration, in the context of the tradition I am focusing on.
What is your favorite knitting technique?
It depends on what I am working on at the time. I think I am most interested in knitting lace at the moment.
How did you determine your size range?
It has been a long time since I designed a sweater, but when I was, I usually made the sample in a medium size and went up or down from there. When I design socks, they are usually a ladies medium, sometimes a man’s medium. I have not done very many children’s garments.
Do you look at other designers work or are you afraid that you will be influenced by their designs?
Sometimes, just to see what is happening outside my own little world. I don’t think it is a bad thing to be influenced by another’s work, as long at that influence is recognized. I am very inspired by traditional knitting, where the designer is usually anonymous.
How do you feel about the so called controversy of "dumbing down" patterns for knitters?
I believe patterns should be clearly written and well explained.
How many sample/test knitters do you have working for you or do you do it all yourself?
I do most of my knitting myself. On a few occasions I have help from friends, to knit a second sock or another version of a shawl and to test the patterns.
Did you do a formal business plan?
No. I started working in the fiber world in my 20’s and it just evolved. I didn’t have a plan at all.
Do you have a mentor?
In terms of a mentor being a trusted advisor, certainly. I have a number of close friends that I can call on for advice, can consult with and get help with solidifying my thoughts. One such friend is Jeane Hutchins, the editor at PieceWork Magazine. She has been a great help to me, not only for my work with PieceWork, but my work in general.
Do you have a business model that you have emulated?
No.
What impact has the Internet had on your business?
Probably more than I realize. I don’t have much time to spend with Internet searches. I hear about groups who are knitting all the socks in Knitting on the Road, for instance and it makes me so happy that folks like my work, but I can’t follow it all, or I wouldn’t get the designs and articles done that they are enjoying.
Do you use a Tech Editor?
Absolutely! I am fortunate to work with the tech editors at Interweave Press for most of my designing and they are fabulous. I think a tech editor is a necessary part of the designing process.
How do you maintain your life/work balance?
This is very hard to do, for me. I try to take time away from work, but the work is always there. I am trying to step away more, to walk the dog more, but sometimes work just takes over.
How do you deal with criticism?
Try to learn from it and to find a way to use it in a positive way.
How long did it take for you to be able to support yourself?
I started out running a yarn store (in 1980) and it seemed like a long time before I could say I was ‘supporting’ myself with it. It was only when I started teaching and designing as well, that I felt I was truly able to support myself..
What advice would you give someone who wants to pursue a career in knitting?
I have always believed that in order to know something well, ones needs to look to its history. This is true for knitting. I would advise anyone thinking to pursue a career in knitting to learn as much a possible about the traditions the the ‘tried and true’ techniques that have been part of those traditions.
I like to build my designs around something meaningful to me. Thinking about a tradition, my travels or an experience gives me a way of focusing on the task at hand and also allows me to set some type of boundary to the project. I like to look to my experiences as inspiration, in the context of the tradition I am focusing on.
What is your favorite knitting technique?
It depends on what I am working on at the time. I think I am most interested in knitting lace at the moment.
How did you determine your size range?
It has been a long time since I designed a sweater, but when I was, I usually made the sample in a medium size and went up or down from there. When I design socks, they are usually a ladies medium, sometimes a man’s medium. I have not done very many children’s garments.
Do you look at other designers work or are you afraid that you will be influenced by their designs?
Sometimes, just to see what is happening outside my own little world. I don’t think it is a bad thing to be influenced by another’s work, as long at that influence is recognized. I am very inspired by traditional knitting, where the designer is usually anonymous.
How do you feel about the so called controversy of "dumbing down" patterns for knitters?
I believe patterns should be clearly written and well explained.
How many sample/test knitters do you have working for you or do you do it all yourself?
I do most of my knitting myself. On a few occasions I have help from friends, to knit a second sock or another version of a shawl and to test the patterns.
Did you do a formal business plan?
No. I started working in the fiber world in my 20’s and it just evolved. I didn’t have a plan at all.
Do you have a mentor?
In terms of a mentor being a trusted advisor, certainly. I have a number of close friends that I can call on for advice, can consult with and get help with solidifying my thoughts. One such friend is Jeane Hutchins, the editor at PieceWork Magazine. She has been a great help to me, not only for my work with PieceWork, but my work in general.
Do you have a business model that you have emulated?
No.
What impact has the Internet had on your business?
Probably more than I realize. I don’t have much time to spend with Internet searches. I hear about groups who are knitting all the socks in Knitting on the Road, for instance and it makes me so happy that folks like my work, but I can’t follow it all, or I wouldn’t get the designs and articles done that they are enjoying.
Do you use a Tech Editor?
Absolutely! I am fortunate to work with the tech editors at Interweave Press for most of my designing and they are fabulous. I think a tech editor is a necessary part of the designing process.
How do you maintain your life/work balance?
This is very hard to do, for me. I try to take time away from work, but the work is always there. I am trying to step away more, to walk the dog more, but sometimes work just takes over.
How do you deal with criticism?
Try to learn from it and to find a way to use it in a positive way.
How long did it take for you to be able to support yourself?
I started out running a yarn store (in 1980) and it seemed like a long time before I could say I was ‘supporting’ myself with it. It was only when I started teaching and designing as well, that I felt I was truly able to support myself..
What advice would you give someone who wants to pursue a career in knitting?
I have always believed that in order to know something well, ones needs to look to its history. This is true for knitting. I would advise anyone thinking to pursue a career in knitting to learn as much a possible about the traditions the the ‘tried and true’ techniques that have been part of those traditions.
