Do you have any stitch dictionaries in your knitting library? I am somewhat of a stitch dictionary junky. I think I have most of them. I always have grand illusions of designing, and then I get bogged down with too many wonderful choices to play with. That didn’t stop me from being really excited when designer Debbie O’Neill told me that she was working on a new book – a stitch dictionary. I have always loved Debbie’s designs and knew the book would be great. (One of my very favorite Debbie designs is Celebratory Chevrons – free here on my blog. It’s one of the few sock patterns that I’ve chosen to knit more than once.) Last week, her publisher kindly sent me a copy of the new book – The Stitch Collection – and I dove in. Actually, it’s a slipcase with 5 smaller volumes tucked inside – Knit & Purl, Rib, Lace, Cables, and Specialty. 225 patterns in all. There are several things that make this one of my new favorites, and one that I will use frequently.
– I love the smaller sized books. Most stitch dictionaries are filled with every possible combination and they are big and heavy. Not something I would tuck into my project bag or take along on a trip. And a bit overwhelming to leaf through.
– I love that each page gives you a skill level and a drape level. Sometimes you don’t know how it will work from the photo, and I haven’t seen these ratings in other stitch dictionaries.
– Also different (and a real benefit), I like that each stitch is explained, along with particular characteristics: “It pulls in dramatically, but is very elastic. It will lie flat along the cast-on edge, but will tend to curl along the side edges.”
– I also appreciate the suggestions for use: “… can be used as an edge stitch for sweaters, hats, mittens or gloves, or as a panel or an overall pattern in an elaborate sweater.”
– And a few warnings on some, like: “This stitch pattern comes off the needles looking slanted, and a good blocking evens it out nicely. However, you may want to avoid using it across large areas because the larger the area, the harder it is to block out the slant.”
My only wish? I wish these were spiral bound. I think I will pop by Office Max and have mine done. (Do you do that with your favorite knitting books? I think it’s so handy to be able to open books all the way and have them lie flat when in use.) Also, there are no charts. But as someone who seldom knits from charts, that wasn’t a big deal for me. When I want to take written directions and turn them into charts, I’ve been using this program. Very easy to use, with great tutorials.
So all of this (stitch dictionaries, designing software) leads to the contest question of the month – have you ever tried to design something of your own to knit or crochet? Does the thought of it sound interesting, intimidating, or invigorating? Leave your answer in the comments and we’ll use the random generator to draw winners for $30 Gift Certificates to The Loopy Ewe next week!
Sheri whothinkssomeofyouaredesignersandyoudon’tevenknowityet!
I’m currently trying out designs for small items, but would love to have the time for larger endeavors! There’s always hoping, right?
Those books would be great. I love the notes about drape and edging.
It always sounds terrifying but I want to have a go anyway at some point when I’m feeling braver. I’ve made myself not buy stitch dictionaries but they always look really cool in the shops.
I’ll wing simple stuff on my own but prefer to leave the designing to others.
I have modified patterns, changed needle size to match yarn thickness, and added a smaller size to match a baby! I think I could do socks easily, just changing the regular stitch patterns in an 8-stitch repeat. That’s it! 🙂
I’ve designed exactly one scarf I made for my latin tutor last winter. 🙂 I’d like to design more but it seems a bit intimidating and math is not my strongest skill by any means.
I’ve only “designed” by using beads to pump up a piece, or making small changes. I used to design beadwork and jewelry all the time. I just don’t seem to have the same “vision” when it comes to fiber. Pretty weird, huh?
I’ve done some pretty basic designing. I occasionally get inspired but lack the patience to work them out.
I’ve done some pretty basic designing. I occasionally get inspired but lack the patience to work them out.
I find stitch dictionaries so full of inspiration. Maybe I feel a pattern coming on…
I haven’t really designed something from scratch. I have done a few modifications, for example I have a specific sock recipe that I love to use and add a 3 by 1 rib through the entire sock. Works great for me.
My grandmother, who taught me to knit, actually created a new crochet stitch before I was born. Her sister in Denmark created a great coin purse for her, and my grandmother tried to copy it and created something new. She has had it published in magazines for afghans. Then it was published in a whole collection of crocheted dishcloths, still out there being printed today.
Here is a photo of the pattern:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/21150936@N08/4815703715/
I crocheted this last time I was with her. What is nice is that she crocheted this pattern into blankets for all her 11 grandchildren. I love mine and hope to crochet this for our local fair one year.
So I have yet to really design my own stitch pattern… if anything I have a lot to live up to for my grandmother. ;D Even though she thinks I should… so maybe.
I do a lot of improvising, but I have also designed a sock pattern Misfit Socks. I always want to do more, but when it comes down to it, I never have any trouble finding plenty to knit without all the work of designing from scratch.
I have not tried designing yet, but the idea fascinates me! I hope to eventually be able to design my own knitting patterns.
I designed my “Masterpiece Socks” (photo in gallery) for a Loopy Challenge. I loved the patterns in the book, but working them into a design was a lot harder than it looks! I learned a lot, though, and will design more (if I can find the time).
I collect stitch dictionaries, too, Sheri. And I have huge hopes of designing one day. I’ve morphed projects to make them my own, but so far, I haven’t designed a project from the beginning.
I’d love to try my hand at designing something one of these days. It would be fun even if it was never published or shared, but just something made up for the sheer pleasure of creating something just my own. I think stitch dictionaries are incredibly helpful. They are great when you are messing around with someone else’s pattern and you want to make a little bit different.
I have started a couple designs because each were part of a class I took. However, they never became fully designed and I really have no desire to design. Every once in awhile I think it would be cool to design something but that feeling quickly fades. I have occasionally used a pattern and designed a variation of it to suit my purposes but designing “from scratch” doesn’t much appeal to me.
Yep- two things. A varsity sweater for my cousin, very basic v-neck raglan (not finished yet) and I am just starting on a summer tank in pink because nothing has struck my fancy.
I have been designing for about 2 years know and I love it. I have designed everything from dishcloths to a sweater. Right now I am in a sock and shawl groove. While it is hard work, it is very fulfilling to turn an idea into something tangible.
http://www.ravelry.com/designers/tabithas-heart
I don’t have a stitch dictionary yet. I would love to have one. The only item I have ever “designed” on my own is a dishcloth.
I once took a class on designing and managed to make a couple of nice sweaters. But with so many wonderful patterns out there I have never failed to find the pattern that fit the garment that was in my head. The only designing I do now is for scarves and small shawls with the use of the stitch dictionary closest at hand.
All the time. Sometimes great, more often than not, okay, and every once in a while, I just throw the whole thing away.
I haven’t yet, but I sure am thinking about it! The 10 shawls group on Ravelry, plus the new lace Stitchionary have put my mind working. I don’t work in August, so I think I might sit down with my yarn and book and give it a go!
I have just started getting into designing some of my own stuff. I have three sock patterns and a shawlette up on Ravelry. What really got me into was taking Stefanie Japel’s online Design Your Own Shawl class. So fun!
Because I do not follow patterns very well, I become a designer by changing stitch count, length, pattern repeats, etc. to fit my desires or to fix my oops.
The closest I come to designing is trying to combine patterns to get what I want. The results have been mixed. Maybe once I am a more confident knitter it will work out.
Moi? Design something? Why, yes, as a matter of fact, I have. 😎 I do it all the time. Usually it’s something simple, like adding a colorwork stitch pattern to a basic pattern.. I have several color graphs of patterns I’ve created. Designed a hat for my mom, her friend Mrs. Jennings, the lady at the library…. Designed a crocheted hat recently that I’m looking into getting published. And I’ve got another crocheted hat design that will be in the test phase in a few weeks. And I’m currently designing something out of the Loopy Solid Series.
And you should see my collection of stitch dictionaries. It’s both knitting AND crochet, plus colorwork and lace charts. It’s kind of scary, now that I think about it…:-P
I am trying to be a designer! I’m starting with a scarf. I figure that it’s really hard to screw up a scarf.
I’ve given it a shot, but there’s always so many patterns out there that I’d like to try, I usually just give up!
As I’m knitting something, I’ll sometimes think – oh, wouldn’t this stitch pattern look good in a…something different than I’m currently knitting; but then life/work gets in the way and I forget.
I would very much like to get to the point of designing patterns. So far I’ve just modify some patterns.
Great post! I love all this ‘enabling’ information. 🙂 I had seen that book on another blog but didn’t pay much attention to it. I love the comments you made about experience levels, drape etc. That is really cool. I will definitely get this book (set of….) Thanks!
No, I have not gone so far as to design other than visions in my head. Maybe one of these days……
I have never tried designing patterns, but would love to try it someday.
I am currently trying to make a copy of my favorite purse – an Ameribag. My original bag is just wearing out and I just can’t afford a new one right now. I think my handmade version is coming along quiet nicely for my first design/freehand attempt at knitting!
I haven’t tried to design anything; however, I love books and have several about knitting. I’m going to have to check out this new set and the software that you mentioned. I also find that I’m getting better at knitting from charts, which surprises me!
I haven’t tried to design my own. At least right now there are so many super patterns out there that I can’t imagine what is missing! 🙂
What little designing I’ve done has been mainly limited to scarves or washcloths.
Never, ever in a million years would I design something myself! I’m not intrigued by it because there are so many wonderful and absolutely terrific designs already waiting for me to bring to life on my needles. I truly appreciate the folks that design patterns that keep me so happy and busy!
I like to find stitch patterns in stitch dictionaries (or even in other patterns) to use in scarves, afghan squares, and sweaters. I’ll have to check out these new books (though I really like to have charts).
I haven’t designed anything yet, but I have thoughts of adjusting sweater patterns to make them wide enough and long enough to cover my bum! Who wouldn’t rather look at a lovely sweater than my wide bum?!? lol
I have designed a tiny little purse for a toy monkey and a couple of hats for my sons.
I love designing! I have a few designs out, but have lots of ideas for more. Unfortunately, with three kids around, I don’t have a lot of time for designing. Maybe in the fall when school starts back up!
Oh, I so know better than to try to design something. Knitting patterns are magic to me–somehow they work and at the end of the day I have a garment. I don’t have designing talent at all.
i haven’t tried, but i have a lovely and large collection of books and materials that teach me how! now i just need to overcome the … whatever …. and DO IT. 🙂
Designing goes in my Not Enough Hours in the Day file. 🙂 I have attempted it, but it takes a lot more thought and time than I have to spend right now. Plus, there are so many great designers out there, I can usually find a pattern that meets my needs.
ummm…do accidental designs count?
I have designed five scarves for the local quilt/yarn shop. I’ve done two pairs of socks, and three little sachet bags. I have plenty of ideas! I just get sidetracked by all the other gorgeous (sock) patterns out there that I want to make!
It is in the back of my mind to start designing, but then I see a pattern or such that has already been designed. And my knitting hands can not keep up with all the projects I would like to do…
I usually design my own socks. It is fun, but sometimes I want to follow a pattern and knit without a lot of thinking.
I don’t have any desire to design my own knitting. There are so many wonderful patterns out there, I just enjoy the knitting.
All the “designing” I’ve done has been to tweak existing patterns, and I think we all do that, or use the pattern from a stitch dictionary on sock cuffs. I did once do a sunset sweater, using a pattern for a bulky plain pullover but knitting with 3 strands of baby yarn at once so that I could change one color at a time. It shaded from gold at the hem to midnight blue at the neck.
I’ve thought about it yes, and quickly discarded the idea. The time and talent involved would be a downer for me. Much rather use a tried and true pattern.