Let's Talk About Business
How I think about business & Design
I recently shared the story of how my business developed, from a part time thing I did while I was a barista to my full time job. Today I want to talk more about what my company is like and what matters to me so you know what you’re supporting when you buy a pattern or book from me.
(And please enjoy these photos of me in my actual workspace looking like I’m actually working!)
Andrea is standing at a white desk gazing contemplatively at a cream coloured knitted swatch in front of her computer.
My Design Philosophy
There’s this sensation I get about a new project. It’s sort of anticipation with excitement and busy brain that’s filled with joy. It’s like a spark. Or like a little coal that I’m gently blowing on until it lights up. That feeling is something I treasure and can’t stop pursuing, whether I’m making photos, clothes, or food, and it’s something I want to share with other people!
For me, the spark usually starts with an image, a skein of yarn, or a texture, which is why I’m so passionate about showing my work with good pictures. Then it progresses from, “Oooh, yes!” To, “How do I do it?” So to help knitters transition smoothly between those two stages, I try to make the details of every pattern approachable, of course letting folks know about the materials and sizes on the pattern listing page, and extending that clear information to the pattern itself. I want knitters to be able to picture what it will be like to make a thing and then to move joyfully through the process, even if it’s challenging. So I try to make my patterns as clear and error-free as possible through a systematic design, editing, and feedback process. I’ve also sought and received some incredible thoughts from knitters about what they want in patterns and have adjusted my designs and layout accordingly.
My philosophy is that making can be empowering and joyful. I want that agency and joy for myself and I want to pass it on to other people.
Overhead view of three creamy, textured knit swatches next to a houseplant in a terra cotta pot.
My Business Values
Let’s start with the basics in our current capitalist system. In order to keep doing this work, I have to make at least as much money as I would make if I got an actual job, taking into account business expenses and taxes. And I really like the idea of being able to retire someday, so I have to be able to contribute to some savings for that. Being profitable is at the core of my business. If it wasn’t profitable, I’d have to stop and do something else. I’m proud of my work and I think that what I do has value, so selling isn’t a problem for me.
But I don’t maximize for quarterly profits or pure growth. Instead, I value:
Creativity
Joy
Personal agency & empowerment
Community & belonging
Fair Compensation for work
Rest & being outside
I want these things for myself and for other people. I think that putting clear, beautiful knitting patterns (and so much nature photography) into the world is adding to the creativity and joy out there. It’s why I feel like this business is a worthwhile way to spend my working life.
For that feeling of community and belonging, it’s important that people see themselves reflected back. Size inclusivity matters and all my new patterns include a bunch of sizes so folks can count on being able to find their size included when they use my patterns. I’m committed to having every adult sweater pattern I design photographed on at least two models from now on. I know model diversity is an area where I have room for improvement and it’s something I’m actively working on. I do like to show things on myself because I’m the maker and I love to wear what I make, but it’s important that I show them on other kinds of bodies too, particularly because I’m thin and white and I know there are so very many knitting patterns shown only on thin, white women.
Making clothes and getting dressed often gets dismissed as trivial (partly because it’s something women are overwhelmingly associated with and women’s stuff is so much more likely to be disregarded), but I feel strongly that choosing how we present ourselves and then creating it with our own hands is incredibly empowering. Personally, having clothes that fit me the way I like gives me a beautiful sense of control over my life. I want everyone to get to feel that in all aspects of life, especially folks who have historically had less access to that feeling. (I also love Jacqueline Cieslak’s take on the concept of “Making to honor your body,” in the introduction to her book, Embody.)
Because fair compensation for work is one of my key values, I pay everyone who does work for me a fair wage or trade and I expect the same for my own work. I only work for money (or a really good trade), never just exposure. In my opinion, working for less than you’re worth is lowering the bar for everyone in the industry and isn’t good for anyone. (This goes for offering less than what’s fair too.)
To protect my rest, I often don’t answer emails or DM’s right away; 3-5 business days works for me! I don’t work evenings or weekends (except sample knitting, which is soothing and I only do if I feel like it). I don’t worry if I take a break from social media because I’m not in the mood. I go outside as often as I can. I want that for you too!
Like everyone, I know I don’t always live up to my values. If you have some feedback for me, I would be grateful if you shared it with me because I am always growing and I want to be better next year than I was this year.
Andrea is leaning on her desk and smiling at the camera. She’s wearing a grey sweater with dark red patterning around the yoke. The sweater pattern is Dissent Pullover.
Tell me you know what I’m talking about with that creative spark. What’s the last thing that gave you that feeling? I had a mini version of it making apple cinnamon buns after work yesterday and I’m getting it big time from those cable-y swatches!
P.S. A note on the knits in this post: I’m wearing my Dissent Pullover in Neighborhood Fiber Co. Studio Sock and Fleece Artis Merino Slim. The swatches are for a sweater pattern I’m working on, hopefully for publication this fall and the yarn is Harrisville Highland.
You Might Also Like
Dissent Pullover Pattern
Alterknit Stitch Dictionary
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