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Original Pattern FAQ

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Holly Shaltz, Fiberist
PO Box 136
Boyne City MI
49712 USA
phone:
(231) 582 3206
fax:
(231) 582 0426
email:
holly@hjsstudio.com

I have received a large number of emails over the years asking various questions that primarily have to do with either wanting basic knitting information or modifying my patterns to create different desired results. Since I can't possibly provide basic knitting instruction on this site, which to my mind includes adjusting a pattern for a different size, how to pick up stitches, and the like, here's a FAQ to answer as many questions as possible at one time.

Please don't send me questions like how to make a tassel and attach it to a hat. If you can't figure it out, just google it! You'll be surprised how many hits you get.

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What if I can't quite understand the pattern?

These questions I'm happy to answer. I've written the patterns to be as clear as I can make them, and most projects are so simple that they should be pretty easy to follow. But others are a little tricky, and what seems clear to me may be mud to someone else. Please feel free to contact me in that case, referencing the pattern name and specific part you're having trouble with. I will be glad to help you understand what isn't clear, and will likely revise the pattern accordingly.

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How do I (fill in the blank with desired knitting skill)?

Your first best option is to visit your local yarn store (LYS). They have a vested interest in helping you develop knitting skills, because then they can sell you more yarn and patterns!

If you don't have a knitting store sufficiently local to get to, try to locate a knitting group or guild, or a spinning/weaving guild in your area. Even if their meetings are too far away or inconvenient to attend, some members are likely to live nearby, and most fiber folk are more than willing to help another over a tricky spot. If you have trouble finding a local group, try googling for a state-wide knitting or weaving organization in your state. Most states have state-level weaving groups, for example, that often list individual weaving and spinning guilds, which in turn can help you connect with knitters.

Assuming you've tried the above unsuccessfully, try posting on one of the many fiber lists. My personal favorite is Fibernet, now located on Yahoo. The members are very happy to share their skills with others. You can also post your location, and chances are pretty good you'll find some knitters closer than you think!

Books are a great way to pick up knitting skills, too. Go to your local library and look through the craft section, or buy a good book (preferably from your local yarn store or independent book store!). Even if you think you "can't" learn from books, give it a try. Follow the pictures if the words don't seem to make sense.

And there's a wonderful array of websites with great instructions in knitting. Try googling the technique you're having trouble with. You'll be amazed at what pops up--you'll learn probably several new things, and be inspired by the many projects you see pictured.

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And are your patterns really all original?

Yep, every last one of them, including the items I've put in my gallery pages. Do they sometimes look similar to other patterns? Sure, sometimes. Do I use techniques that others have pioneered? Yes, when it suited what I wanted to accomplish, without ever copying anything someone else has done. You can rest assured every one of my projects was conceived and percolated through my very own brain, and worked (sometimes reworked and reworked :) until I got it 'right', and then written in my own words. Any resemblance between what I have designed and what others have done is purely coincidental--provided they didn't copy me, of course :)

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How do I change the size the item finishes at?

The easiest way is usually just to change the size of needles used so the gauge is larger or smaller than originally designed. My patterns are so simple that this will probably work in most cases. So, if you want it to be bigger, use larger needles than those which give you the correct gauge.

If the size change is substantially more than a change of needle size will take care of, you need to work with a more experienced knitter to redesign the pattern. Start with good measurements of the person you want to fit, and a good gauge swatch for the yarn you want to use. Then just use my pattern as inspiration for your redesign.

You can also read my article, Design Your Own Knitting Patterns, and stop using others' patterns entirely! I highly recommend all books by or about Elizabeth Zimmerman if you're interested in freeing yourself from commercial patterns. You'll save money, suit your taste better, avoid painful ripping out due to poorly-written or mistaken patterns, and enjoy the whole process of knitting more.

If you're a beginning knitter, start with Knitting Workshop. If you are confident of your general knitting skills, Knitting Without Tears is Elizabeth's first, and I think, best book. It will help you realize there's really nothing magical about the ability to create a knitting pattern.

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Can I copy your pattern to a) put in my guild newsletter?, b) use as a teaching handout? c) pass off as my own work?

I get plenty of queries in the categories of a) and b), but not from c) for some reason, but I still suspect category c) exists, unfortunately. If I google certain phrases and ideas, I sometimes find near-perfect copies of my work on the Internet. Sometimes it's just chance--I'm not the only person who's come up with the idea for a knit water bottle carrier, after all (and no, I'm not accusing anyone!). Sometimes, though, the matchups are too close for chance to really be the likely answer.

I really appreciate being asked before someone prints one of my patterns or tutorials for other than personal use or as handouts in a class, provided the format remain as I designed it, including contact info. I have always said yes because the person asking wasn't going to be making money off the use. But if you're tempted to use my work as if it's your own, please think twice. That's a violation of copyright law, for starters. And it's just plain unethical to do. You're welcome to reference my work on your website, even if it's a commercial site, including links from your site to my website. But please don't copy my patterns and tutorials, even with cosmetic changes, and pass them off as your own original work. It's all about integrity and trust.

If you use my work in a guild newsletter, please send me a snail mail copy. I enjoy seeing newsletters from all over the world this way, and it gives me an idea of what people are looking for information on.

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