Frequently Asked Questions

What’s Linda Permann’s new e-book about?

So here’s the thing… Linda’s new e-book, Sugar and Spice, has six crochet designs inspired by her love of texture and desserts! Think crocheted hats, shawls, and sweaters that are as delightful as a sweet treat.

How did Linda decide to self-publish?

Honestly… after being approached for a crochet project by Malabrigo, Linda started thinking about the self-publishing route. She shares her whole journey from having a design idea to the finished product in the interview.

Who helped Linda create her e-book?

Yes! Linda had a fantastic team to help her out. She worked with Caro Sheridan for photography and Heather Crank for the graphic layout. It takes a village, you know!

Can you tell me more about the designs in the book?

Oh, they’re just darling! You’ve got the Cocoa Wafer Cowl, the Tart Shrug, the Piped Petals Cardigan, the Cherry Cobbler Beanie, the Sugar Sparkles Shawlette, and the Pizzelle Beret. So much yummy inspiration!

Where can I get Linda’s e-book?

You can grab a copy of Linda’s e-book, Sugar and Spice, on Craftsy or over on Ravelry. Happy crocheting, friend!

Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a test knitter/ crocheter or tech editor?  Today’s podcast is chock full of valuable information on how to get into this industry and make money doing what you love!

• A good place to start is to join one of several groups on Ravelry.  The Testing Pool is a great place to learn the ropes and get your name out there; we also love the Designers Group,  Professional Crochet Designers Group, Indie Pattern Designers Group and Tech Editors on Yahoo! Groups.  All of these forums are great for asking questions and letting people know you are available to work.

• Be proactive!  If there is a designer that you truly love, reach out to them and tell them that you are interested in test knitting/ crocheting or tech editing for them.  Be prepared to show them photos of your work — if you want to test knit socks, show photos of socks you have completed!  Same goes for lace work, cables, anything!

• Communication is key!  Stay in touch with your designer as you work through their pattern and ask them questions, share your concerns, possible mistakes, alternative techniques, anything!  Your digital camera is your best friend.

• Time Management is hugely important — stay on top of your deadlines and communicate to your designer if you think you will be late on a deadline.  DON’T accept a job if you can’t make the deadline.

• Be honest about your experience level.  This helps your designer send you projects that are in line with your ability level and may even give you opportunities to learn something new!

• This is truly work!  It’s very different from your casual knitting or crochet projects that you work on in front of the television.  Please remember that you are doing this as a job — your designer has a reputation to uphold and you are creating a name for yourself in an intimate industry.

Special thanks to Gwen and Rohn for sharing their thoughts today!  You can find more information on Gwen through her website, and Rohn can be found on his own website.

• Like this podcast? Be sure to leave a comment/ review on iTunes to let others know about it!
• Stay up to date with the Yarn Thing podcast with the App available on iTunes and for Droid!
• Find out more about Marly at www.MarlyBird.com or follow her on facebook at www.facebook.com/marlybird
• This podcast is sponsored by: Knitter’s Magazine, Craftsy, Fiesta Yarns, Kollage Yarns and Bijou Basin Ranch.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get started as a test knitter?

So here’s the thing… a great first step is to join some Ravelry groups like The Testing Pool or the Designers Group. It’s a wonderful way to learn the ropes and get your name out there!

I love a specific designer’s work… can I just ask them if they need a tester?

Honestly… yes! Be proactive and reach out to designers you admire. Just make sure you’re ready to show them photos of your finished projects that match the type of work you want to test knit or crochet.

What’s the most important thing for working with a designer?

Communication is key… seriously! Keep in touch with your designer, ask questions, and share any concerns or potential mistakes you find. And don’t forget your digital camera – it’ll be your best friend!

Is test knitting really a job, or can I just relax while I do it?

It’s really work… it’s quite different from just knitting or crocheting for fun. Remember, you’re doing this as a job, and your designer has a reputation to uphold. Plus, you’re building your own name in this industry!

I’m a beginner, can I still be a test knitter?

Yes! Be honest about your experience level. This helps designers match you with projects that fit your abilities and might even offer you chances to learn new things.

Frequently Asked Questions

I have tons of sock yarn but don’t really love knitting socks… help!

Oh, I hear you! Honestly… you’re not alone. Carol Sulcoski’s book, “Sock Yarn Studio,” is perfect for that! It’s packed with projects like hats, mittens, scarves, and even bigger things like sweaters and afghans, all designed to use up that precious sock yarn without having to knit a single sock.

Is Carol Sulcoski a new designer?

Yes! Well, sort of… So here’s the thing… Carol used to be a lawyer, can you believe it?! She’s now a former attorney who turned into a knitting designer and handdyer. She’s written other books too, like “Knitting Socks with Handpainted Yarns” and “Knit So Fine.”

What’s special about Carol’s yarn company?

So here’s the thing… Carol founded Black Bunny Fibers, and it’s known for its unique, hand-painted yarns and fibers. Lots of people in the comments are raving about how beautiful and vibrant the colors are!

How can I win a copy of Sock Yarn Studio and some yarn?

Honestly… you need to leave a comment on the blog post with a specific keyword. The page mentions leaving a comment with the keyword “bunny” to be entered to win a copy of “Sock Yarn Studio” and yarn from Black Bunny Fibers. Good luck!

Can I use hand-painted sock yarn for things other than socks?

Yes! Absolutely… You can totally use those gorgeous hand-painted sock yarns for so many other things. Carol’s book, “Sock Yarn Studio,” is all about showing you creative and stylish ways to use sock yarn for projects like hats, scarves, sweaters, and even blankets!