Tag: knitting essays

Writing Knitting Patterns – Is There Hope for a Creative “Pantser” Like Me?

Writing Knitting Patterns – Is There Hope for a Creative “Pantser” Like Me?

Cynthia Coe

Do you write knitting patterns? Do you love the process or – like me – feel your soul enter a state of utter dread when you even ponder such a thing?

As I prepare the final draft of a new book, I know I need to include at least a few knitting patterns in this book (it’s a non-fiction how-to book). I know this, but I have yet to put pattern to paper. And yes, this is supposed to be a “final” draft.

In writing terms, I’m a total “pantser.” This means I generally fly by the seat of my pants when I work on creative projects. This process works beautifully for some of us.( Just start typing and feel awe and wonder at what appears on the screen!!!) Other writers are “plotters.” They plan out every single step of their writing projects, complete with detailed outline (or so I’m told). 

As a knitting designer, I’m a “pantser” as well. People ask what I’m making, and I say, “a prayer shawl, I hope.” I cast on a hundred or so stitches and see what happens. I usually come up with an interesting pattern with texture, contrasting elements, whimsy – all that stuff. But if asked to duplicate what I’ve done…that’s a problem.

I’ve discerned that pattern writing and “pantsing” are not compatible. And yet, I really need to share my prayer shawl patterns. As I’ve recruited fellow church members to knit or crochet prayer shawls for our parish ministry, they inevitably ask, “got a pattern for me?” 

I got my hands on a soon-to-be published pattern writing handbook and eagerly jumped in, hoping for some inspiration. I felt filled with growing confidence for a couple of chapters. Then, the authors tell me I need to find “beta testers” and “tech editors.” Really???? Just for a simple prayer shawl pattern I could do in my sleep?

As I begin to work on my new book, I hear a song playing in the background. “Don’t worry about a thing,” the lyrics tell me. I proceed in hope.

Do you write knitting patterns? Tips or tricks? Feel free to drop them in the comments!

Be sure to check out The Knitting Pattern Writing Handbook, scheduled for publication on October 31 and available for pre-order. A great resource, especially for newbies and pattern-writing wanna be’s like me. 

Blessings, Cindy

Cynthia Coe is the author of The Prayer Shawl Chronicles, interrelated stories about knitters and those for whom they knit and love. The sequel to this book, The Knitting Guild of All Saints, has been released! Available in paperback and on Kindle, included in Kindle Unlimited. 

As an Amazon Associate and Author, I provide links to products (including books I have written) and earn a very small fee if you click on the links and buy something. There is no additional charge to you!

Knitting & Cats Don’t Mix – Or Do They?

Knitting & Cats Don’t Mix – Or Do They?

Cynthia Coe

 Sitting down for a nice, calming session of knitting, and who turns up to “help”? The cat, of course. When my cats Scamper and Milo see me sit down in my favorite chair with a wooly skein of yarn beside me, to them, it’s an invitation to play. 

Knitting with cats is both the most wonderful thing in the world and the most annoying. A soft, furry creature with big yellow eyes plops down on your lap and purrs right as you take out your knitting needles. What a knitter to do? You want to knit, but you don’t want to run off the cutie pie sitting on your work-in-progress, either. Eventually, the cat gets exasperated by those sharp sticks waved in front of his face, and he moves along. Or you push him.

A ball of yarn is the ultimate temptation to cause mischief for a cat. My cats usually know not to mess with my knitting yarn, fearing an almighty tongue-lashing that comes with batting around a yarn ball attached to a sweater under construction. But sometimes, a cat just needs to play with what is obviously a toy provided for a cat’s pleasure. Occasionally, I let the cat play…until the ball of yarn is roped around six pieces of furniture and knotted into a mess requiring a half hour of untangling. Then it’s time to “re-think” my policy of cats and yarn.

The problem with cats and knitting is that many of us seriously love them both. Both are warm, fuzzy, and lovely to look at. Both knitting and cats require attention from our hearts and our hands. Cat People are often Knitting People. And in those moments when the two clash and chaos breaks out, I hope we’ll remember that really, what’s a little frayed yarn and knots when you have the pleasure of seeing a cute little kitten batting about a “just right” ball of yarn?

Blessings on your cats (and yarn), Cindy

New Resources of the Week:

Knitted Animal Friends: Knit 12 Well-Dressed Animals, Their Clothes and Accessories by Louise Crowther. This charming new book tells you how to knit and construct adorable animal toys. There’s a cat pattern, of course, along with other critters including a dog, mouse, hedgehog, and clothes for all of them. Perfect for making gifts for children or for trying something new and fun. Coming on May 7, available for pre-order at a good discount. 

Jill’s Beaded Knits Bitshas some new Abacus Counting Bracelets, along with some cute new stitch markers. She handmakes her products and ships them out pronto. I recently treated myself to some new stitch markers, but I’ve not tried the abacus counting bracelets yet. I’d love to hear from anyone who has.

P.S. This blog is completely independent! I recommend books and other items I’ve read/used and like. Books are usually provided to me free through NetGalley and their publishers.