Twister update & Contest
Quite a few people have been messaging me on Ravelry regarding Twister (previous blog post here; Ravelry link here), and inquiring whether it's ready. ALMOST! A great artist (my sis) is making new template layouts for me to make my patterns pretty for pdf, and I've already started converting my patterns, including the freebies and part of Twister to the new pdf format.2 of my test knitters are done. THANK YOU!! Visit their blogs and/or Ravelry pages to check out their handiwork.
Tinker's blog
Tinker's Rav. page
CraftyCanadian's blog
CraftyCanadian's Rav. page
::CONTEST:: We all love them, don't we? All you have to do is to read through the rest of this post and then answer the question at the end of this post either by posting a comment or emailing me. I will do a random drawing of all who answer. There will be at least 3 winners (number of winners to be determined at my discretion). Winners will receive a final color laser- printed copy of Twister, Super Twister (being tested, see photos) and/or Mega Twister (in development) in protective plastic sleeves. Super Twister is Twister on bulky yarn, and Mega Twister is Twister done on polar/super bulky yarn. And if I happen to be having a good day, I'll send winners some yarn too. Contest ends: February 15, 2008.
Prototype of Super Twister. Yarn: Misti Alpaca Chunky.Midway through the testing process, I wrote an alternative way in which the hat could be knit, using a provisional cast on and knitting on 2 circulars. CraftyCanadian knit hers the original way, while Tinker's version is a combination of the original way and new way -- the main hat is the old way, and her brim is the new way. A third tester, BunnySquirrel, will be doing hers using the new way. Actually, CraftyCanadian is starting another one using the new way, and her eagle eyes has caught some of my draft errors.
So what's the difference? The difference lies within the construction. I don't think there are true "pros" and "cons" in either way, because I think it's a matter of skill level, preference and how easy do you want to have it when working the pattern. Nonetheless, here are a few points that I think would/could be applied to each method:
The original way: the hat starts with a spiraling rib (so that it doesn't curl), then the rest of the body is the twisted stitch pattern. The brim is worked separately by picking up stitches along the cast on edge, shaped and then sewn together. Skill Level - intermediate. Pro: No pesky needles (except than the double points) to get in the way; easier to work than the new way. Con: Although there is an illusion of continuity from brim to crown that one can't really see unless they are a pro with eagle eyes, it's not seamless and "perfect".
The new way: The hat starts with working the brim, then the hem and the rest of the body is worked. There is no sewing of seams, and there's no spiraling rib pattern. Requires working on 2 circulars, off of 3 needles, and provisional cast on. Skill Level - advanced. Pro: True continuity of the spiraling stitch pattern from brim to crown; no seams between hat body and brim; built-in hem. Con: Working the brim first may be annoying, as it may get in the way when starting the hat body, can be confusing/challenging for a less experienced knitter.Two versions? I was thinking of offering Twister as 2 separate patterns - one for intermediate, and one for advanced. Right now, I can't wrap my head around how to combine both options into one pattern without it being totally confusing to the end user, especially since the way you start and cast on is so different between the two. If I were to offer only one version, I think I'd do the advanced version, but that may turn away (scare off?) less experienced knitters. ETA: As CraftyCanadian stated in her comment, the skill set required to work the advanced version is quite different than the intermediate version. The difference is not just a matter of working on dpns versus 2 circulars. It includes casting onto 2 circulars provisionally more than once, and working a hem with 3 needles.
What do you think? Would you like to have the option of having an intermediate method and an advanced version of the pattern? Or would you hate to see someone selling 2 versions of the same pattern separately, albeit utilizing different techniques?
ETA: If you'd like to part of the drawing, please make sure that I will be able to contact you in case you win and include your email or blog address. This is especially for non-blogger users. I am unable to reply or find out who you are if you are not commenting through a blogger username/account.
EDIT #3: Moving my comment here for better visibility. ..Oh wow! Thank you all for your thoughts, comments and suggestions so far! You've definitely given me options that I had not thought of before, but will definitely weigh. Here's another question based on your comments:
So for those in the camp of packaging the 2 separate patterns together as a set, would you be willing to pay a little more for it then? I'd still have to format and figure out size/cost, but hypothetically, say, I was planning to sell at $6 for most single patterns, would you pay $9 for the set then? If I were to combine a package clearly labeling the 2 separate pattern & pattern techniques, it would drive my cost up, not just the amount of work, but also in pdf (file size, storage, photos, uploads, memory) and in printing, if I were to also sell paper patterns (paper, printing, ink, protective sheet costs. Thanks again!
Thanks!!
posted by CraftyDiversions at
9:47 AM
NEW! Twister Pattern
NEW! Rio Dances...
Photo Gallery
28 Comments:
Just my two cents -- if I were going to buy it I'd want both -- after all, I might not be able to tell until I tried it which I would want to make.
I think picking up stiches along a cast on edge is really annoying, and I love unzipping a provisional cast on. Those are my preferences, but I don't think one is actually harder than the other.
Can the part with 2 circs also be done with dpns or magic loop? If so, I would say, publish the "new way" only.
Two separate versions would be confusing, but it would do-able. But, I would hate it if I had to pay for each version.
from what you posted i'd personally prefer the new version. however, if you are going to write up both methods i'd also like to see it sold as essentially a two in one pattern (ie i buy your pattern and it includes separate instructions for both), so that knitter who are uncertain about which method they would prefer (or are capable of) wouldn't have to buy both patterns in order to knit the hat :)
looks great!
Firstly, cute hat! To answer your question, I don't know if one is necessarily more difficult than the other, but it may be more a matter of preference - some people might prefer working with DPNs instead of 2 circulars but are capable of doing both. In that it's hard to judge which way you'd prefer to work it without reading through the entire pattern, I would offer it as a single pattern for sale with both options included. That way the decision can be made having read through both ways and nobody has to re-buy it.
Test knitter weighing in here :) I knit the original version pretty quickly and I'm actually working on the new version now and I can attest that the skills required are quite different.
Perhaps you could do something in the middle... what about giving a choice of one or the other but then the option to get both for a small amount more than just one?
I would simply offer the advanced version. It would be more streamlined, and easier on you, probably. People will learn new techniques to knit a fabulous pattern. I taught myself a very fancy tubular cast on to make a hat (also my first provisional cast on) and cabled loads and loads (first cabling project) because I really wanted to make Gretel, this hat. I think todays knitters are eager for a challenge, especially since much of your audience would seem to be internet knitters, who are quite savvy. I'll be eager to see what you do.
I kind of like the option of the two versions being in one pattern. I much prefer a no seaming options, and that often attracts me to a pattern.
I think I would prefer both versions in the same pattern, but kept separate. I know that's alot of work for the designer. But having both options is a big plus. You could charge a bit more for that I would think. Keeping them separate is important because being frustrated by the pattern is, for me, just the worst. jsample
I would definitely want both versions if I were to buy the pattern. I think that the way that I would like to see it presented is with an opening spiel about how the two versions give the same result, but are constructed differently, and give a brief overview (1-2 sentences) of each version. Then clearly label a SEPARATE set of directions for each version rather than saying something like, "(parentheses) denote second version of working the pattern" and presenting them side by side. Instead, have a separate page for each version.
I'd totally go gaga over being given more than one way to make something.
Definitely do two sets of instructions, without trying to combine. I'm a fairly advanced knitter but would be unable to follow the two versions combined into one. (My brain would explode.) Plus, it allows people to read the two sets of instructions, think a bit, and then do the one they understand the best.
I have to jump on the "give me both patterns at once" (Or, really "sell me both patterns") wagon. From your overview of both techniques, I could see myself doing either version depending on the yarn I have in my hands and how much I feel like seaming (this fluctuates) vs. doing a provisional cast-on. I know that a number of people who do my patterns dislike the fact that I nearly always to hats in the round - apparently they want to seam up the side - but others are thrilled with the advanced techniques.
So here's what I would do: Have two versions, but sell them as one unit. The problem with selling them as two different patterns (to me) is that you already have two patterns - Super and Mega - and to add in two versions of the two patterns (for four total) would be really really confusing for me, if I were a buyer. I would NOT, however, find it confusing if you managed to package them as Version 1 and Version 2 (like, as two different leaflets/sheets/etc).
My Ravelry ID is KTLV, if you want to get in touch. Cute hat!
I would offer both sets of directions. I like the new one best, judging by your descriptions. I would suggest calling the new, more advanced version "Twister Sister." I am on Ravelry : HanKnit
Oh wow! Thank you all for your thoughts, comments and suggestions so far! You've definitely given me options that I had not thought of before, but will definitely weigh.
So for those in the camp of packaging the 2 separate patterns together as a set, would you be willing to pay a little more for it then? I'd still have to format and figure out size/cost, but hypothetically, say, I was planning to sell at $6 for most single patterns, would you pay $9 for the set then?
If I were to combine a package clearly labeling the 2 separate pattern & pattern techniques, it would drive my cost up, not just the amount of work, but also in pdf (file size, storage, photos, uploads, memory) and in printing, if I were to also sell paper patterns (paper, printing, ink, protective sheet costs.
Thanks again!
Very cute hat! Since it sounds like you have really already written the 2 versions, I think it would be preferable to offer them both in the same package. To make it clear, you might consider putting separate titles in different colors and listing the skills required at the very top of the pattern.
I think you should offer two separate versions, especially if you have already written them up. It would be cool to have a intermediate version for the casual knitter and an advanced version for someone looking for a challenge. It seems like you have put a lot of time and hard work into this pattern and I hope your pattern sales do well! Personally, I can't wait for this hat design to come out, it is adorable!
For me, I like learning and trying new skills, and I don't like doing seams and I would much prefer the continuity of the pattern in the second version, so I'd vote for just that if I had to choose.
That said, you may have more luck selling two patterns together than one by itself. I'd stay away from selling the two separately, as that would be confusing in the extreme.
I would definitely prefer the original way. The reason for that, however, is that I love the hat without the brim and I think it'd be easier to make it a convertible pattern if you used that first one. That way, you have the option of just not picking up stitches to make a brim.
It's a beautiful hat, I love it!
I prefer the idea of having both patterns as a set. I would certainly be willing to pay a little more to have both because I would want to look carefully at both techniques before I decided which I would prefer to use.
However, if you were only going to offer the one I think I would prefer the original version because I do find working with many needles and provisional cast-ons overly fiddly - especially for something small like a hat.
That said, I just love this design, it is so interesting I can't wait to try it!
Lovely hat. Although my skill level is definitely okay for the second version, I think I would prefer the first. If I had to start with the brim, I'd be committed to a certain brim size before I knit the actual body of the hat, and I don't like that at all. I'd rather do the hat first. Then, if necessary, I could fiddle with the brim.
I think if both of your patterns end up looking essentially the same, that it is not fair to market them as separate patterns. I would market them as one pattern that, upon purchase, the buyer can choose his/her method. Then, with the bulkier versions, maybe you could give the buyer extra sizes as a "cheap add on" (ie if the original pattern is $5, 2 weights is $7, 3 is $8, which also incentivizes buying 3 weights rather than two).
It's a really pretty hat, and I've often learned a new technique in order to try a pattern I like - sometimes even successfully! :) I might as well play devil's advocate here though, and tell you honestly that I'd think very hard about paying $9 for a pattern for a hat, whether it had two versions or not. Not trying to sound critical of your pricing - I'm sure it's worth every penny, taking into account your time and skill. BUT, from the knitters' perspective - there are a lot of nice hat patterns out there and often you could get a book with ten or more patterns for not that much more. Good luck with it, whatever you decide! Schrapknits (on Ravelry)
I must be a more advanced knitter, since none of the "new" features scare me. Personally I'd probably do the trickier version just for fun... The pattern hog in me wants both versions "just because," but to be perfectly honest if it meant a higher price-point, I would only buy the new version.
Great pattern, by the way! :)
That pattern looks just like a hat my sister was asking me to make her! Anyhow, I commented on your Ravelry post, so I will just keep this short. I think bundling them together, as a sort of "Choose Your Own Adventure..." pattern, would be fun and add the differentiation for different knitter's abilities.
Personally, as a fairly new knitter still testing my own boundaries, it would be cool to offer each individually for $6 each, but also to offer the option to order both at the $9 level. That way, people can choose how far they want to push their skills.
Great hat! Would love wearing something like that when I'm out with my horses!
I would offer both methods in the same pattern. I think the advantage is that, first of all, a less advanced knitter might be able to work up to the more advanced technique. There are also those knitter who aren't sure whether they'd qualify as "intermediate" or "advanced," so if you had two separate versions, there's the risk someone might wind up with a version that's not right for his/her skill level.
I'd say this is situation similar to lace patterns -- many patterns have the directions both written out and in charts within the same pattern. Some people might say that reading charts is a more difficult skill than reading written directions, but the benefit of having both is that you can use whichever you want to use (if you're comfortable with both) or, if you're new to charts, you could use the written directions to help you learn how to read the chart.
If I were in your place, I'd probably leave the more complicated instructions out. Alternately, you could offer the more complicated version free with the original pattern (mentioning of course that it's a more challenging construction, which has the benefits of X, Y, and Z, but might be too tough for intermediate knitters)
My reasons: I'm an advanced knitter, so while I might enjoy and possibly prefer the more complicated construction, the changes are (visually, not construction-wise) minimal. Since the end design is the same, I'd be less likely to buy a more expensive pattern that included two ways to knit the same hat (logic: why do that when I can buy two hat patterns elsewhere?), and if confronted with two separate patterns for the same hat, I'd probably, as a first time viewer, say "Well... what if I change my mind halfway through and want to do it the other way instead? Do I have to pay another $6"
Yes, I'm a little cheap, but I think a lot of knitters feel the same way. And that hat looks nifty regardless.
I think it's fine to offer two different versions, in intermediate, one advanced. Perhaps the previous poster has a good point, that the more complicated version should come along as a bonus to the less advanced version. You might sell even more patterns that way, as people will feel like they are getting a bonus.
I'd only sell one version, whichever you think creates the best product. I think it's confusing to have two different construction methods, especially if they're significantly different.
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