Problem solving in knitwear design
Importance of designing with intention, Craftdoodling Designs updates, etc.
There are so many of you reading this newsletter since I started writing last August. 💗 And it has been a while since I wrote an introductory post, so here we go.
My name is Kavitha and I write knitting patterns under the name CraftDoodling Designs. I was working as a Wireless Software Architect for 12 years before deciding to care for my then two small children.
Knitting and crochet were my hobbies for a long time and it is not surprising that I turned to them when I decided let go of my corporate career. Designing seemed like a good way to explore fiber while not letting my math skills to rust.
In my mind, I still draw parallels between knitwear design process and software design process. I think what we learn first, never truly leaves us. Basically, I loved the problem-solving part of my earlier career. 🧩 I can safely say that I have preserved that part in my second career too. I just happen to be solving knitwear related problems rather than ones pertaining to wireless communications.
First Design
My very first design Saurus Hood was designed to solve the problem of young children refusing to keep their hats on. My friend’s 3 year old son peeled off everything she put on his head, so she asked me if I could knit something he can’t remove by himself, at least for a while. I made a hooded cowl and added dinosaur scales 🦖 to it and was getting ready to send it to her.
I had also posted it on Ravelry as a personal project. A few days later it was highlighted on Ravelry Blog and I started getting requests to publish it as a design. One of my friends had said “Mothers living in cold places would thank you for it”. There were requests to include adult size as well. 😬
At that time I had had no idea about designing, and it took a really long time to publish it. 📖
Onwards…
There has been a lot to learn and grow in this journey. There has been ups and downs and I am truly thankful for every bit of it. One thing that has truly stuck around and helped over the years is the problem-solving mindset. 👩🏽💻
Slowing down and being very specific about the intentions of a design.
Thinking about creating an engaging knitting experience and at the end of it, a lovely wearable item.🧶
Considering and analyzing different problems in fit and addressing them in designs - My Niyat Pullover realizes Victoria Marchant’s mix and match sleeves idea in a top-down drop-shoulder design.
Being mindful of sizing even while designing accessories - I write socks 🧦 in 4 sizes and fingerless mitts 🧤 in 5 sizes. My two hooded-cowl designs are written for 5 sizes. I have been thinking about regular cowls having multiple sizes too, when appropriate.
Improving a knitted item with finishing techniques - Matte Hood is designed with thoughtfully considered finishing techniques that elevate the look and appeal of the item, improve ease of use and increase durability.
A problem solved for one, could possibly solve the same problem for many more. That is why intentional designing is a thoughtful way to exchange helpful ideas. 💡
I am sure you’ve thought of problems a knitting pattern could address while working with it? Please write about them in comments. I’d love to hear from you.
CRAFTDOODLING DESIGNS UPDATES
I am currently writing another version of my Nasha Shawl pattern to use 2 skeins of fingering weight yarn (instead of one). The original one-skein version will be updated too. I’ll be looking for testers soon. 💜
I am excited to share that my Limen Shawl has been published in the latest issue of Radicle Threads. My LYS, Fillory Yarn has a few copies for you to order from, if you like. 💚
Limen Shawl - Radicle Threads, Air Issue. Here is a reel about how the directional toes fit, in my latest design Manzil Socks.
Manzil Socks is available on Ravelry and Payhip.
Please use coupon code MANZILMANIA to get 25% off on this pattern
until Mon Apr 15 2024, midnight PT. Thank you! ❤️
OTHER THINGS YOU MIGHT LIKE
Many of you might know I love to sketch everyday moments. I don’t have a well established habit yet, but I do it as often as I can. Here is a sketch of Nasha shawl in progress. I was alternating two skeins and I had them in a shoe box for easy management. 😄
A sketch of Nasha 2.0 Shawl in progress. I often think about how my growing children view my career choices and this article sounds encouraging and gives us something to think about.
Reading updates📚
Finished reading
The House on the strand - Daphne Du Marier
Currently reading
Slaughterhouse-Five - Kurt Vonnegut
Until next time,
Kavitha. ♡
Currently, this newsletter is free to subscribe. If you like my work, please consider these other ways to support:
Click the ❤️ at the bottom of this post. If you are reading from your email inbox, this will open substack in web browser. Please allow it to open and make sure you see the red heart.
Share your thoughts in comments. I am here for the conversations. I hope you are too!
Introduce this newsletter to a friend!
Buy my patterns. I hope you find something you like.
I accept any of these with immense gratitude. Thank you!
Your thought process on designing and problem solving made an interesting read. I remember the post on Saurus hood on ravelry :)How do you manage to read so much along with knitting. I am able to read a book or two a month. You can make that another post ;)
I appreciate all of the thought and care that goes into a well-written pattern. Some things I don’t love: tubular cast-offs for no particular reason. It is so fussy to make, especially on the bottom of a sweater where there’s hundreds of stitches to Kitchener.