I was reading a discussion the other day that didn't please me, but I stuck to it, as some of the insights being shared there could be useful for improving my skills when writing a pattern.
Somewhere along the many pages of the thread there was this one post that literally drained all my energy. There it was, full of ugliness, the one aspect of human nature I abhor the most: envy. There was also a lot of sense of entitlement, but I'm getting used to that.
That one post accused people with more skills than themselves (the poster) to be selfish and to purposely keep knitters with less experience in the dark by not sharing what they know.
In my perfect world there would be a way for people to just tap into my brain and use the knowledge that is there. Thing is, it can't be done. I want to share the (little) knowledge I gathered throughout the years, but lack the skills and the vocabulary.
Knitting, for me, is mostly a visual thing. Sometimes I know how to do whatever it is that is a doubt to some, but lack the words to explain it. It's very frustrating.
When I read that post, I felt sad and drained - as in tired, not willing to do anything. My ideas are still in my head, but right now I don't feel like picking up needles and yarn to work on them. I'll get over it, though, and once more shy away from those types of discussions for a while. Like I said at the beginning of this post, those kinds of threads can be useful, but there is so much I can take before speak my mind.
On the topic of speaking my mind, I don't worry about people not perceiving me as "nice" and thus not buying my patterns. I burnt that bridge a long time ago ;).
No, no, no. Please do not let anything that is posted on an internet thread rob you of your joy and determination. Do not let the words of a few sway your emotions. Really, I insist. Because if you're willing to take on designing a pattern, that puts you, in my mind, in an entirely different place than I'm even willing to go. It's a place of true creativity.
ReplyDeleteIt reminds me of watching Project Runway, the difference between designers and seamstresses, tailors. Seamstresses and tailors are wonderful. Knitters who knit from patterns are too. But to design is special, it's art.
You might be referring to a thread on Ravelry, that I was in as well, and the bottom line is if you're willing to make the effort to write a pattern then go for it. You're going to do your best to make it clear and concise to most, but it won't suit all. As long as you know your intent, to write a pattern to be enjoyed by the knitter, the outcome being a project to be loved, then those few who might be irritated by the missing, "slip stitch...this way" will have to deal (by either figuring the pattern out, or moving on - the world does not cater to one's every whim or deficiency).
I'm on a soapbox here because I'm a process knitter and not really creative. I'm a worker bee and very logical, so I love those who have the vision and desire to design for those who don't have that kind of talent (me).
Crazy rant finished. :)
Star,
ReplyDeleteI won't stop creating, for the simple fact that I can't. If I don't put the ideas on yarn, they keep me awake at night ;).
What got me wasn't the "I want it this way because I'm a special snowflake". This kind of statement only makes me smile and think about how life is going to be hard for those people.
What made me pause was the broad brush statement that because someone know more than another, they become selfish and look down at everybody else who doesn't know as much.
There was someone on that thread who has an amazing knowledge and is always willing to share what she knows. I've been admiring her from afar for years. I felt offended for her and all the other ones who, so gratefully and freely take time out of their days to help others.
I'll get over it, don't worry.
I began creating patterns exactly because I'm a process knitter. As questions started to pile up in my mind, I took needles and yarn and tried to figure out what would happen if I did this or that. It's a very fun process and I learn a lot along the way.
Every now and then I get a message from someone thanking me because they learnt something from one of my patterns - that is the reason I keep on releasing them: it's my way to share the knowledge I have.
Exactly, that statement got me heated.
ReplyDeleteRav is nothing but a place where experts are more than willing to assist. I've even PM'd complete strangers and received personalized help, spelling techniques and steps as if to a six-year old, because I need help like that sometimes!
So seeing your blog post this morning got me riled because I appreciate anyone willing to design and I admire the talent to do so. In fact, I have my eye on a few of your patterns. Once I've conquered a lace project or two I'd like to take a try at your beautiful entrelac/lace Dianna...it's soooo pretty.
I figured you'd be fine, but I had to post to let you know how this knitter feels, even at risk of sounding loony on someone else's blog.
You didn't sound "loony" to me, don't worry.
ReplyDeleteDianna is very, very easy, the trickiest part is the entrelac (if you haven't done it before). If you need help you know where to find me. There is also a page for it on the mawelucky group and various posts.