I know we already have another swap going on but I was considering a swap of a different sort.

I have been thinking about designing some patterns lately, for submission to Knitty or Magknits or just for fun. Part of what makes the prospect so daunting for me is test knitting to check for pattern errors or just poor grammer such as run-on sentences because anyone who knows me, like friends, or family, of course my family knows me, I don't mean to imply that they don't, except for that one uncle I don't remember, but my mom swears I was at his wedding...wait. Where was I? Oh yeah... ANYWAY...

I was thinking of having a Design Demo Swap. This is how it would play out...

Everyone involved in the swap would design and knit a pattern.
They would then send the item they knit and pattern they wrote to Recipient # 1.
Recipient # 1 then knits the pattern themselves, critiques the pattern and checks for errors.
Once done, Pecipient # 1 would forward the item THEY knitted from the pattern, the pattern itself and their notes to Recipient # 2. The item Recipient # 1 received from the designer is theirs to keep.
Recipient # 2 would knit the same pattern adding to the notes and critique from Recipient # 1.
Recipient # 2 would get to keep the knitted item they received from Reciprient # 1. (but it would be nice to take pics for the designer)
They would then send the item they created from the pattern back to the designer with the notes, so the designer can correct the pattern.
I would estimate this to be a 3 month swap. One month to knit each pattern.

I would also say items should be kept small to avoid NWS (Nikki Wrist Syndrome :roflhard: ) Some suggestions might be dishcloths, felted bowls, small purses, socks, scarves, gloves, etc...

So, is anyone interested?

I don't think I'm creative enough to design stuff quite yet, but I think this is a FABULOUS idea, Chel! :thumbsup:

Of course you are! LOL Besides, I might totally stink at designing. I just won't know until I try.

What a great idea!! Unfortunatly I'm not sure I could design a pattern

I doubt ANYONE on this site will tell you that you stink! ;)

LOL Well I'm not either! LOL but we will never know unless we try!!!

WHAT a CREATIVE idea, Chel! :cheering:

I like the domino effect too, very nice. I'm interested in designing, but I'm about to start a new job in 2 weeks AND moving, so this is not exactly the right time for me. Keep me posted, whenever you do start it, I am interested!

I'm in. I might not be very good, but I'm in. Good luck Chel, let me know what help you need.

I like to design patterns and think this would be a great help to see if others understand what I am "talking" about.

The way I read your plans is you would only be working with one other person? You trying their pattern, while they would be working on yours?

I am very interested in this swap. Hope enough people decide they want to do it so it happens.

oneyarn- Actually 2 people would try out and comment on your pattern. Also in the end you get a finished product made by someone else from your pattern so you can see how they interpreted it. When they describe where they had problems, they can safety pin that row or section. I was thinking that I would do it maybe in triangles of people who are about the same skill level. For example I wouldn't toss a brand new knitter into a sock pattern group unless they felt up to the challenge.

Come on...I know more people are interested. I am not looking to start this until maybe July.

Ok.. My spelling sucks.. but I am in. If Chel says I can, I can..

Let me know what I can do & when. I'll start thinking of something to design tonight.. I love this idea.

Chel.. Big Bear Hugs Your way!


I also think the triangle idea is fantastic. That way the skill level won't be intimadting. Like I love cables and do them w/out a problem.. I'm still scared to try socks. I've got 3 books and the yarn..but still scared.

So.. run w/ the idea.. and let's GO GO GO


(hm can you tell I'm excitied about knitting? )

Of course you are! LOL Besides, I might totally stink at designing. I just won't know until I try.

Anyone creative enough to come up with that swap idea MUST ne able to design well:thumbsup:.

Me? i dunno...

Well, you already have 2 pointy sticks and plenty of attitude! You probably have creative aptitude, too!!!

Chel - making it a "triangle" of people sounds like fun. That way we get to work on 2 other people"s designs, while ours is going around.

Please put me on the list for a "corner" of a triangle.

I'll join in. I have about 30 hat patterns I've deisgned based on stitch patterns taken from various books.

Nikki Wrist Syndrome? Aw, man, yet another stupid action that's going to be referred to as 'pulling a nikki'. How will people keep the references to my stupid actions straight?

Okay, so I guess the design isn't to be a fitted thing, since recipient #1 keeps the original from the sender, so it probably wouldn't be in their size. I have several designs on the hook/needles or in my mind now, but they are all wearables. Only 1 is not, and that's a crocheted hat. Oh, wait, I do have a pattern sorta written up on the computer at my mother's home for this hat:
http://knitensity.blogspot.com/2007/01/christmas-break-knitting.html

Hmm, maybe. The things I would want/need pattern testers more for, though, are things with sizes precisely because there are different sizes and so more places to go wrong.

Chel, you may want to offer specific categories for people to join... like hats, mittens, socks, etc. That way everyone in the triangle will be working in a smiliar thing, instead of a hat, a pair of socks, and an aran sweater :shock: ... some people might not be comfortable, for instance, knitting socks or mosaic knitting or working a pattern with intarsia, trying cables, etc.

just an idea!