It's Always the Math

I've been doing some project management this morning.  I've been really stressed out about how much book has to be written as of July 1, versus how much knitting is complete as of today.  So I organized my thoughts, listed the projects I have to worry about, and counted the days I have left.  Simple!  All I have to do is knit and write patterns for 9 projects in 37 days.  37 / 9 = 4.11111.  All I have to do is complete a project and pattern every 4 days.  Some of the projects are full-size sweaters, and some are not.  So I guess some will take more than 4 days, and some will take less. 

Now, my experience informs me that knitting a full-size sweater and writing and sizing its pattern in 4 days is not an especially reasonable goal.  I'd like more like 4 weeks for something like that, if I am to also do things like eat, sleep and attempt oral hygiene.  Oh, and there are the Smallies to raise.  And classes to teach.  And an appearance or two.  And at least three other knitted items to make that are non-book related, but income-generating necessities.

Clearly I have a Math Problem.  Why can't there be math that tells me there's still plenty of time and everything will be okay?  Why's every pocket calculator an Official Captain Bringdown Mood Generator?  My problem is not how much work I have to do, it's the quantification of the time I have to do it in. 

If anyone needs me, I'll be in the corner, rocking back and forth.  And Not thinking about Math.

Office Supplies

Sometimes I just can't believe my good fortune.  Not only do I get to make knitting for my job, I'm surrounded by beautiful creative souls who want to help me do it, and who let me have their gorgeous art for my inspiration.  I hope I do their work justice.  And I hope what I do will inspire the knitters. 

Here are some raw materials I'm working with today.  Dreamy, no?  These are all classic Abstract Fiber colors, done up on a brand new yarn base, which I think we are all really going to like.  It's called "Calder", a superwash merino sportweight.    Watch for it in my new book:  I'm making a garment I've never made before (who knew there was a part of the anatomy I have yet to knit for?), using a technique I've never tried, in a yarn I know nothing about.  What could possibly go wrong?  I'm not worried, because I have the advantage of ignorance.  When the expectation bar starts out artificially low, there's no real way to be disappointed in the execution.

Today, in addition to playing with string, I'm internalizing all your insightful comments about what makes a popular knitting pattern.  I'm so grateful to you for your input.  You echoed a lot of my own observations, and offered many I hadn't considered.  Thanks, all of you, for being so smart, and for spreading it around. 


 

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It's Got a Good Beat, and You Can Dance to it

I think that knitting books are exactly like record albums.  And knitting patterns are the same as pop songs.  I might be a singer/songwriter, but it's impossible for me to predict which song will go straight to the top of the charts.  I keep wondering what makes some knitting books go platinum, while others never get any air time.

As I work on new designs this week, I wonder if I could solicit an opinion or two?  Yes, I know you are all shy shrinking violets, but try and muster up some outspoken-ness just this once for me, Gentle Readers.  What I want to know is this:  What makes a knitting design a chart-topper?

Here are some of Knitting's Greatest Hits:

Claptois , by Kate Gilbert

February Lady, by Pamela Wynne (a cover of the original hit by Elizabeth Zimmermann)

Koolhaas, by Jared Flood

Jaywalker, by Grumperina

The popularity rankings of these pieces on Ravelry are proof:  These are songs we love to sing along with.  They speak to us in the true language of our inner knitter.  So what IS it, my friends, that makes the perfect knitting pattern?  The one we come back to again and again?  What are the elements that matter most, and make us say "Oh Man, I have GOT to make one of those!"?

Thanks as always, for weighing in.  I'm gonna go write some new songs while I wait to hear from you.