Knitting Socks and Designing
These socks were inspired by a free MagKnits pattern.
What do you think of them?
I’m teaching a sock knitting class primarily focusing on shot-rowed heels and toes. So, I decided to make a simple toe-up sock with a short-rowed toe and heel, for demonstration purposes.
Well what I ended up with was far from a simple sock. I got so carried away, I even short-rowed the ribbing!
When I showed it to Svetlana (the owner of my LYS), she was shocked. I was told, and rightly so, that if I showed these socks, I would have to provide a pattern.
Her comment made me stop and think. Should I have to provide patterns for my original work, simply because I show my work? In a class setting it makes sense to not show items without providing instructions on how to make them. However should this be a general rule?
I love to knit. This past year I’ve been experimenting a lot with designing and have concluded that I also love to design. My head is constantly filled with ideas of things I’d like to make and techniques I’d like to experiment with. I’m just not sure how much pattern writing and publishing of my patterns I want to do. I suppose it's something to think about.
Anyway, for now, I’ve taken the first steps toward pattern writing and provided the Fundamentals of Lace Scarf as a free pattern.
Thanks everyone for the kind comments on my sweater. Who knows, I might just write up this pattern also.
Happy knitting everyone.
8 comments:
Hi Knitsanity, I taught knitting, crochet, embroidery, and a knitting finishing class in which I demonstrated many techniques that I 'invented' myself. Many times people have asked me for my notes or my written instructions but I have never given them to anyone - mostly because I never took the time to write them down in detail but most importantly,because they belong to me. On the net, I often come across sites (embroidery mostly) where bloggers have shared their patterns free of charge only to find them on another site where that blogger claims the pattern as his or her own invention. You have to be really careful with such things these days - it does however, make me feel horrible to think that this is the way it has to be but similar things have happened to me and I didn't like that feeling either. Just my humble opinion... good luck teaching. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Giovanna Clementi
giovannaclementi@hotmail.com
I've taken many classes, where the instructor showed us various items, and did not supply patterns. The class is for a specific thing - short row technique on socks. You have a perfect example of this. No pattern is necessary, just the instructions for the heel(s) and toe(s) you are teaching.
Have fun.
love the socks.... I think you only need provide a basic sock pattern with your heel and toe method in as thats what you're teaching... you can show your socks off as what else you can go on to do with SRS.....
Hi Giovanna,
I know I wouldn’t like someone passing my work/ideas as their own. It’s fun to share tips and techniques. This is how we learn and improve. However I really don’t think a written pattern is always required. I spend a lot of time figuring out how to do things as I’m sure you do. Thanks for checking in on my blog and commenting. Yes, I’m really enjoying teaching.
Hi Icoller,
Thanks for commenting. I will show my example. I really wanted another perspective.
Thanks Littleberry,
The sock was fun to make but a pattern would not be fun to write! I’ve made the simple sock I’d initially intended to make and will show both. Hopefully it will get their creative juices flowing.
Those socks are gorgeous - but they are also YOURS and if you don't want to do the pattern side of things then there is no pressure to do so. As you say - you like to experiment and figure out how things work. That's about you and what you get out of knitting and your creativity.
I'm sure loads of people would love that pattern - but then your class and showing the sock might inspire many to go off and extend their creativity - not just copy it. It's completely up to you - don't let anyone pressure you.
By the way - did I say how great they are:)
Sue
short row heel secret? the stitches are soo nice!
my right side of the heel is always fine, but the left side not so much...
help?
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