It makes so much sense to use a knitting machine in design, even if the intent is to knit the patterns by hand. I so appreciate your attention to detail and commitment to making an inclusive size range, and I'm delighted that you're using tools available to you to make your process go more quickly and smoothly!

I think it gives more transparency to the process of knitting quickly rather than giving off an appearance of being a super fast manual knitter and knocking out patterns every other week. Bravo for being honest and transparent. Thank you. I’ve used a flatbed knitting machine some and would like to know how you get the gauge to match up when you switch from the two. I would like to see more of your flatbed to circular needles process. Beautiful work no matter how you got there.

Thank you for sharing your process. As a knitter benefitting from the amazing work of knitwear designers (a mystery to me how you make that happen 😊), I think using a machine to expedite the process is brilliant. Thanks for all the time and effort and care you put into your work - it’s a gift to knitters like me who are happy to have all the design work done for us. And I love the new sweater design!!!

I am very interested to learn more about your design process including the machine knitting parts. Whatever you do to get your samples and prototypes finished is perfect in my books... and entirely your decision. No one else should tell you how to get to your finished projects. I love that you share with us how you come up with designs. I am always awed by the amount of intricate thought that goes into your garments in particular. Well done!

@susanmcdermid7663

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As a designer you are entitled to get to the end result as you choose. As knitters we are entitled to get to the end result as we choose. Thank you for your honesty. Keep on designing your lovely patterns and we'll keep knitting them.

As a pragmatist and a spoonie, using the machine the way you do makes perfect sense. It makes me trust your process more because it tell me you have the brain space to get things perfect rather than deciding to say good enough because of the time invested in samples

How lovely to see you recording again. Regarding your process: do whatever works for you! As long as you don't require me to use a machine, you can get to that finished object however you wish. You are brilliant and I am always happy to see your designs. I have thought of a sock machine to speed up sock knitting, but the actual knitting with my hands is how I save my mental health so I don't ever see giving that up. Thank you for being real and vulnerable in such a public way.

You had me at “spreadsheet”…. My inner nerd went “👉 SQUIRREL!” …😅

I love that you are using time efficient ways to sample and test your designs. Unless a sewist uses only needle and thread as a requirement to call sewing or quilting handmade, a machine for knitting efficiently is no less handmade than using a sewing machine or a spinning machine or a complicated loom. I'm so glad you've found a way to help you create your beautiful designs for us.❤🧶♥️

Construction builders don’t always hammer in every nail using a hammer; sometimes they choose to use a nail gun! Knowing when to use a specific tool during the process is part of the “art” of construction. The same is true with knitting! I truly appreciate your transparency in bringing up the subject about how you are using knitting machines in your process, though, because I could see how nervous you were about it. It’s just another tool in your design process, though. You publish lovely patterns, and I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors, Ysolda!

I don't have an issue with you designing with a knitting machine--as long as me as hand knitter can knit your patterns, why should it matter? It shouldn't....I do appreciate your honesty in putting it out there and I would hope other designers would be honest about it as well (if asked). Nice to see you back. Looking forward to any new releases you have coming. Happy Knitting.

I'm a hand knitter myself but I'm thinking future patterns might include ways to use a knitting machine along with hand knitting. At the end of the day we are all creating fabric that we love and are proud of. And the different ways to knit are fascinating to learn about. Diversity allows people to create and learn new skills too and might also help people with physical challenges to enjoy making with yarn!

Using all the tools at your disposal in order to make better patterns and meet your design goals just makes sense. I love your patterns and how much care you take to make your designs work so well for so many people. Anything that makes that easier for you is great, because that just means more patterns for us to enjoy!

I think many designers use a knitting machine in order to show progress with their designs. I have loved all the patterns I have purchased from you. All the ideas and demonstrations on KZread videos you have shared. I appreciate your willingness to share your craft. Thank you 🧶🧶

I think that everything that can help you to design more efficiently can never be a bad thing. I never machine knitted, but my mom knitted for sale and I remember how distressing the process was. She used to hand knit to relax from the machine knitting, which she hated and stoped doing as soon as she could.

I never thought about designers using a machine to knit part of their work, but that makes so much sense. And honestly, it make me feel a bit better since it takes me weeks to knit one sweater with a pattern in front of me. I think it’s smart and an efficient use of time and resources. Definitely not “cheating”

It was so nice to see you pop up in my YT feed! It makes perfect sense to use whatever tools/methods facilitate your design process. After all, you are a professional knit designer, not a leisure or hobby knitter. I respect and admire your candor and transparency. I always learn something when I watch your podcasts. Keep doing what works for you to produce your excellent patterns.

Hello Ysolda, I think you a wonderful person and designer. I feel you should do what works best for you. Make your life easier. You provide us with such great patterns. The sweater you are wearing is beautiful. I cannot wait until you have it out for us to purchase.

Would just love to see how you incorporate the machine into your work! Such a fine idea.

Ysolda, you just said that machine knitting is faster …until something goes wrong. I laughed out loud because I am rehanging a piece on my knitting machine that I messed up! I machine AND hand knit. They are both satisfying!

I just recently started using machine knitting. My grandson wanted me to make him a queen size blanket, I just physically can’t hand knit that much. I think using a combo of both hand and machine knitting gives us a great advantage to make more items. I think it is smart and there is no shame in working smarter.

Hi Ysolda, it’s nice to see you back! I appreciate so much the way you talk about your patterns and especially your process. Machine knitting is a tricky skill that requires a lot of thought and decisions as well. I would love to see more about how you think through and execute designs and swatches on the machine and in combo with hand knitting. I’m sorry you had to feel nervous about talking about it. Thank you for your thoughtfulness!

Dear Ysolda, the knitting machine is a piece of technology, just like a telephone, a computer, etc. All technology is valuable because it maximizes efficiency. You are a knitwear artist and using the machine does not take away from that. Don't sweat the small stuff! You're terrific~

YOU are the designer and how you go about preparing and testing patterns in a way that simplifies your process, especially as a neurodivergent person, is entirely up to you. I think it's fantastic, really, and I also think it's honourable and appropriate for you to not 'out' other designers who do this.

I love that you shared about using the knitting machine in your design process. Designing patterns full time is a whole different ball game than just being a knitter. The machine is a tool just like needles....to make design life better....use all the tools you can! 👏

Please don't ever feel you have to apologize for doing what is necessary to effect your creativity -- and by "effect your creativity" I guess I mean making samples and testing designs in the most timely way, most efficiently using your resources. It seems to me that you are really remarkably thoughtful about your designs and about people's ability to knit those designs. Using a machine to help you get there seems completely reasonable to me! To make another analogy: I am a hand tool woodworker (a very poor one), and I absolutely understand when an electrically powered tool is what I need to use in order to achieve what I'm imagining. Thank you for sharing your concerns with us, but trust me, I think you are utterly authentic!

Using a knitting machine is simply a smart business decision in my opinion. I have 2 and they've been in boxes for years due to lack of space. You make me want to go get them out now!!!

My initial response to your use of a knitting machine is absolutely positive! You are an amazing, gifted, talented creator, and you should feel free to use whatever works! Thanks for sharing your creativity and talent with us. 😍

I would love to hear more about how you are incorporating a knitting machine. I imagine it makes your design process more efficient. Thanks for sharing.

I would love to hear more about your knitting machine(s). Thanks for your honesty and insights

I love that you are working in such a way that enables you to do things with more efficiently! I totally trust you as a designer and love your patterns! Yay for knitting machines!!! ❤🐑♥️🐑♥️

As a designer, I really appreciated your peek behind the curtain. I learned to use Excel in a sweater design course and have a bookmarked help page that I reference frequently. I love the idea of eventually creating my own functions for calculations that are unique to sweater design. As for using a knitting machine, I think it makes a lot of sense. At this point, the time it takes to knit samples is a real limiting factor in how many designs I can create.

Oh my goodness, my first reaction (as a hand knitting enthusiast and hobbyist) is: this is so smart and makes so much sense. When I first heard about Gudrun Johnson’s mom’s company handknitting yokes and then machine knitting bodies, I thought, well that’s how they did it to scale. The economics of handknitting are so hard to explain to people, and I often wonder about how designers are doing it. I mean, you are so ethical and inclusive in your approach - if this is a tool that allows you to keep doing that good work on inclusive sizing while still earning a living, more power to you. And your transparency on the concern about seaming vs seamless just made me laugh. Yes, we trust your skills as a designer for construction, and no need to even pt those thoughts in people’s heads, I thought. I’m not interested in selling anything related to knitting but I will say I’m always curious about process, so sure, show us more :)

Watching while I knit the Studio Sweater. I was so excited to see you have tall measurements in this pattern. My long torso enjoys being part of a pattern! ☺️

Thank you for being so honest and transparent about your process, I don't think it's cheating if you are being forthright and honest about what you are doing, which you are. As a hobbyist, I knit and crochet for the joy of making something for myself to wear and not necessarily for that perfect garment which is often showcased on many knitting IG feeds. That being said, I am human, and seeing all the perfectly made items on IG compared to my often wonky and janky items has sometimes made me feel less the knitter, and crocheter. So much so that I have stepped away from my beloved hobby at times and have said never again. Thank you for shedding light on all the perfect pictures I see which are beautiful but may not have been made in the same way I make something, thus allowing for the differences in interpretation of the things we make, machine assisted or not. It's all good. I appreciate your honesty and I thank you.

I so appreciate your insights into the design process, including when things don't work out. Most designers, I've noticed, seem to want to keep mum about how they do it--which is understandable, it's their prerogative--but for those of us who would like to dip a toe into designing but feel intimidated by the technical aspects (looking at you, grading!), every insight you can offer is inspirational gold. And just to echo everyone else here: who cares if you use a knitting machine to get things done faster/more efficiently?!

Thankyou Ysolda, for sharing your thoughts. Do what works for you, if you can get more time to process more patterns it’s a win for us. Love watching anything you have to show xx

As someone who tried to use a CSM, I definitely see machine knitting as a skill. It takes a lot of time to figure it out and get used to it, and honestly, I haven't. Engineering Knits has a really great channel, and recommend her to anyone interested in machine knitting garments. It's not cheating at all imo. I think it just makes sense! It's cool that you have that in your arsenal.

I’ve been a hand knitter since I was little (now 60!) but I also dabbled in machine knitting back in the 90’s. I loved it! My old second hand knitting machine has long since gone, I just about wore it out! I would love to know which machine you use. I think it makes perfect sense to use hand knitting and machine knitting together and as someone with Rheumatoid arthritis I have to look after my joints! I’m currently knitting a 4ply colour work sweater and coming to the end of the yoke. I’m thinking what a great idea to whizz off the stockinet part on a machine! Thank you for sharing your process, I’m off to research knitting machines 😂

Don't worry about machine knitting ... as long as u make sure that those who hand knit have all info who cares how u personally knit. And yes I would love to see how u knit on machine. Very interesting also how u combine machine and part hand knitting etc like tension issues etc. so wonderful to see your knitting works. Cheers!!!

Facinating in site into your processes I would love to learn more.

I think it make sense, and that it sounds like a big help in your design process. I do NOT think it is cheating, I am just happy that it helps you in designing awesome patterns for us! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and process with us, I think it is very interesting to hear.

I love that you shared all this information. I’m such a big fan of yours that I want to see it all, doesn’t matter if machines or hands! Show us your machines and that process when you are able. I like your simple videos like today, meaning less setup and work for you, and often, please. Sending you love and happiness. Cathy

Thank you for sharing about your process. I find it really interesting that you are able to bring in a knitting machine. I especially appreciate your explanation about how this help you test out grading issues to make sure all sizes will look as intending. You focus on high quality patterns and this seems like a good balance to keep the quality to your high standard while making sure you don't fall behind schedule. Beyond saving time in your samples and testing, I could see the knitting machine decreasing the stress on your hands so that you can continue to knit for many years. I'm very impressed that you can match gauge between your hand knitting and the knitting machine to make a garment no one can tell was knit multiple ways.

I think using the knitting machine is so smart! Selfishly, it means there might be more patterns from you to knit, which is always a great thing. I loved the window into your process. I used to handknit socks. Now I use my circular sock machine. If I want colorwork or fancy lace on the leg, I handknit that, then hang the stitches and finish on the machine. Not cheating. Just smart.

I think your knitting machine design process is terrific and efficient use of time! Go for it!!

My first time watching you and it was fascinating. Using a knitting machine for part of the samples makes sense. And from the comments, I can see that most of us appreciate the creativity and work of the design process far more than the process of knitting a sample. I’ll look forward to seeing you again.

I’m glad you shared that you sometimes use a machine to help knit and design. At points I have felt like a failure when I see a designer say they designed and knitted a sweater in a weekend when it takes me months . I know we all knit at our own pace but still... so thank you!!!

I took a couple of knitting machine classes years ago. It is it's own form of crafting and with patience it can compliment/combine very nicely with hand knitting. It's not any easy process, but it is definitely doable. I like efficiency so this is right up my alley. 😉TFS! ❤

Welcome back😊I love podcasts of design processes and how people arrive at their products from inspiration to finish! I don’t worry about judgement for sure. you seem to be a very thorough and thoughtful person. There is a LYS near me that teaches and sells knitting machines and it’s certainly still “knitting” IMO😊so as long as the talents are interchangeable it works!

Do not over think your process- whether you hand knit or use a machine does not matter to me. When I visited Shetland both hand knitting and machine knitting were used on most gorgeous garments. Ultimately we are lucky to live in a time that allows us choices. So embrace the gift you have and all the beautiful crafts you are sharing with us crafters. The fact that you are also a mathematician using spreadsheets and computers is another awesome gift. I was a math teacher for over 40 years- Every few years our community had long discussions about calculators, graphing calculators, cobalt programming, computers, and now AI.. So again don't sweat the small stuff. Keep doing what's good for you and us receivers of your beautiful patterns.

I knit how I knit (and how I do it may change over time!) but I absolutely trust that a designer like you knows what they are doing and can use a different technique, especially when you are cranking out many more dozens of items I ever am. You do you! I appreciate the transparency but it doesn't change my awe for what and how you create.

Just here to affirm that your patterns are fabulous, and it makes total sense that you would use whatever tools you can to create quality designs (and more of them!). I feel like a knitting machine could be so helpful in envisioning your ideas more quickly to compare options and test out measurements, etc. Thanks for sharing honestly, and for the wonderful content. I only recently found your channel, and I enjoy it so much.

I don’t see an issue using knitting machines as part of the process. I love learning how designers design. There should be no shame in how one creates. Thanks for sharing part of your process.❤

It totally makes sense to use whatever it takes to speed up your design processes. That way you can figure out faster if the design makes sense. I makes sense financially to want to create a larger variety of designs if you are trying to make a living in this field. I am a beginner knitter and I am just now attempting your Musselburgh hat. It's a bit of a challenge but fun at the same time so thank you for creating this design!

What I lovely and very interesting episode this was! There is absolutely no reason for you to feel ‘guilty’ about using any tools that make your design process easier / more achievable for you. For those of us that make your amazing patterns it is a hobby and something we do just to enjoy the slower pace of creation. But for you it is your business and your family’s livelihood, so personally I am more than happy that you use everything at you disposal to ensure that you can continue to explore your creativity and keep delivering your amazing patterns for us 🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤

It is nice to see you back on you tube. I have found it hard to find the time to watch your other updates too. Life is kind of full and happening now. But I made the time to watch by pinning and cutting fabric while I watched and listened. I like hearing about what you are up to. It seems like there are going to be a lot of secret hush hush things that get slowly unveiled.

In my opinion a person who uses a productivity aid to assist them doing their “job” faster should be commended. A designer who incorporates a knitting machine to help them design I appreciate because they would be able to share their designs quicker and that benefits me because I don’t design. So anything you can do to make your move easier and quicker is great. HOWEVER, the garment picture that is posted with the pattern which is sold as “handknitted” should be just that a hand knitted garment. I don’t believe any ethical designer’s would do that and the reason I follow you and find your designs some of my favourite to knit is I feel you are a very ethical knitter. I have been following you for a very long time and have been pleased to see how you continue to grow as a designer and share the knowledge you’ve gained in your journey with the rest of us. I hope you continue for a long time and if you find any aids along the way to help you….good on you.

This was so informative and it makes so much sense! I don't have a problem with you using all the tools to help with your design process. Definitely don't consider it cheating

Absolutely agree with you using a way to expedite your process when the expectation today is a large range of sizes. Love your patterns as there is always so much thought put into them. Would be very interested to see how you integrate the two parts of your process. Looking forward to your new pattern as I love the way you have done the stripes.

I recently discovered your channel and am so happy I did because I simply cannot get enough of you sharing your design process with us. I doubt I'll ever become a real designer, but I like to modify things and I'm fascinated by the world of grading patterns, knitting maths, tech editing, etc. I like planning and charting my projects in a spreadsheets before getting started, so I just relate to so much of your journey. Unlike software development, which I do by day, it's hard to find resources on how to learn this stuff. Thank you for all you do!

I would love to see your process. Don‘t worry, Ysolda!

Design takes a long time. Especially if you're doing it for an income. If you can speed up some part of the process, I think it's smart and an advantage to you - go for it. I always enjoy hearing the technical side of things and design considerations that you do. It's great to learn.

I love both hand and machine knitting and am increasingly fascinated by combining the two. Woodturning isn’t thought of as a cheat way to carve wood, not should machine knitting be thought as such. Machine knitting is an art in itself as well as a great tool to speed up certain processes. I suffered a stroke a few weeks back and have for now lost the use of my dominant hand, so I’m doubly grateful to know I will continue knitting, even if far less of it will be possible by hand. Thank you for all you do and produce - I continue to admire your integrity and openness. I’d be very interested in more insight of the pattern writing process as and when you have time!

@ysoldateague

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That’s great to hear that machine knitting has made it more accessible for you to continue knitting!

@karenh9337

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@hannawoods7600 - I'm so sorry to that you had a stroke recently. I will be 59 years old on July 8th. On June 17, 2024 it will be my 3rd year anniversary of my stroke. My left side was affected but it was my non-dominant side. However, I did all the PT, OT, & Speech Pathology for 30 days (thats all insurance would cover at home & I really couldnt travel) but I continued all the exercises I was taught & worked very hard to regain most function of my left side. Also, my brain (especially memory, I now have a stutter, etc.) has been severely affected more so than the physical problems. When I came home from the hospital I grabbed my knitting & was so upset at how I couldnt keep tension. I also couldnt figure out any cast-ons without a tutorial! But I was persistant & practiced my exercises everyday & practiced knitting on a new project (a hat I think) & tried to let my "muscle memory" take over & one day it happened! I remembered a cast on & I did it physically with no problem! Hopefully you will regain use of your dominant side & will be able to knit again by hand. Maybe a knitting machine will be in your future! A new knitting adventure using your non-dominant hand! That might allow you to keep knitting!! I do wish you all the healing you can possible get & that knitting remains in your life!! Maybe you will invent a tool that disabled people will love to use! Then your a millionaire! Haha! Im sorry but I have to keep a sense of humor along with my knitting so I dont go down a depressing rabbit hole. Best of luck to you! Never give up!!

@hannawoods7600

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Hi Karen, your message means such a lot - THANK YOU! You’re the first knitter I’ve come across who’s had a stroke -so all you tell me is hugely encouraging! I refused not to hand knit, despite tension problems and rather messy and exceedingly slow stitch by stitch knitting - in fact I had just bought some rather special yarn and decided on a pattern before the stroke happened, so (perhaps foolishly?)I decided to make a start despite the deficits! I’ve just about done the shoulders now (it’s a top down sweater) lol! When I get to the large section of stocking stitch, I might transfer to the machine…? On the other hand it’s all good therapy! I’ve just spoken to my GP and he is referring me to OT rehab, so I am hopeful that will help also. … and if nothing else, I’ll work on that kack handed knitting tool invention 🤣 (I’m almost 70, so that could take care of a nice little pension top up !!) You are inspiring! I do hope you get further improvements - the brain is so amazingly adaptive! Best wishes, Hanna x

It saves your valuable time and precious hands!!!! Good for your working ingenious brain. Keep thinking outside the box!

I love your designs and all the thought that goes into an amazing fit! I think that if using a knitting machine helps your process, that is what you should do!!!!! I look forward to seeing the Musselburgh sweater when you are finished it, whenever that is! I so love the Musselburgh hat! Thank you for sharing you with us❤

I love that you shared some of your designing process! It absolutely makes sense to integrate machine knitting into your process. Whatever works for you and makes life easier is best!

Thanks for sharing your processes. I’d love to hear more about what goes into the designing of projects especially the technical and grading parts and tools used. Happy Knitting! 😄

Don’t sweat the help from the knitting machine - makes total sense to me. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

Thanks for sharing about your process. Working with a knitting machine makes total sense...plus it probably means more patterns from you for us! :)

I'm both a hand and machine knitter, so for me it is nice to know that the pattern will work either way! I have issues with the tendons in my fingers and the base of my thumbs, so sometimes I knit the stocking stitch sections of my knits with the machine and work the more interesting texture, or colourwork parts by hand.

I really enjoyed hearing about your process! Glad you were able to take the time to focus on some behind the scenes stuff to set yourself up for future efforts. That's so valuable, and we don't always allow for that type of work. Not at all stumbled by your use of a knitting machine; it absolutely makes sense for testing designs! And others are free to do it for their own garments if desired, though I'm not interested in doing so personally.

Thank you for sharing about your process. It’s really interesting and it totally makes sense that you would incorporate whatever tools you can to improve your process including a knitting machine. Great video! Nice to see you back at it!

Wow, using a knitting machine for design work makes SO much sense - I had never considered that possibility! What machine do you use and how did you learn to use it? I would be super interested to see an in depth video about machine knitting!

I just love that you shared your process. I absolutely enjoy the colorwork and interesting bits but honestly stockinette a body, I can do without. I hope you give us more info on how the process works for combining both hand and machine work. I really hope you give us more on the excel process and formulas. Very best to you on your designing journey.❤

Thank you for sharing this with us. I don't believe there is any such thing as "cheating" in fiber arts but that the transparency showed here is of paramount importance. I think it is only right for designers to try to be clear when machine knitting is involved in their sample making, and I honestly believe that the majority of knitters would be unphased to know this, and some of them might actually be a bit relieved. There are so many (especially beginner and intermediate) knitters who wonder how designers can crank out so much material, and often (not always) some degree of machine knitting is the answer. While it's not a panacea by any means, given how much *can* be achieved on a knitting machine, it only makes sense that many garment designers would turn to one as a matter of practicality. There is nothing inherently wrong with using a machine to my mind, only in pretending that every part of every sample is hand knit when that's not the case. So, I for one certainly appreciate your transparency and courage in being forthright about this part of your process.

I think it’s brilliant that you are combining the knitting machine and hand knitting techniques. I don’t think it’s cheating at all and makes sense when you are designing lots of items. I own a Bond very basic machine and I must dust it off and use it again. I used to do the straight bits of a garment on it, then knit ribs etc by hand. Then hand finishing. Looking forward to your next Knitworthy collection. ❤

Knitting is knitting. I have always enjoyed knitting your patterns and will continue to do so. I have always wondered how knitwear designers do it all.

Makes perfect sense to me! Ultimately, your goal is to produce patterns for all of us. The produce from that pattern is the afterthought, so seems to me you should do what makes that process most successful.

I cannot wait to see the sweater you’re wearing. It is exactly what I have been wanting

Thank you for sharing! It's very clever to use machines to help you with your process, so that others can handknit your patterns. Or machine knit! Who cares as long as one has fun and likes the result?

My opinion is that whatever works best for YOU in your design process and in your business is what you should do! Those of us (like me) who don't design can't fathom the number of hours that it takes to get a garment to publishing. Knitting machines are just another tool that people can choose, or not choose, to use. Also, I would be interested in seeing/hearing more about how you created your own functions in Excel to work for your note taking!

I would definitely be interested in both your knitting machine setup/process, and the book review!

Hi, love the stripes, they're classic and everywhere atm. Don't worry about your absence. We as viewers know that podcasters make the big return to an episode because they have something they want to sell and they need their followers as customers. Knowing designers machine knit some samples doesn't bother us at all!! They can already knit and have knitted thousands of stitches. I don't mind how they reach their end product as long as the gauge they want handknitters to achieve is possible. The hard part is designing and grading.

Thanks so much for sharing! You are an amazing designer and totally understand using a tool to help your process. Would love additional videos about your process creating your lovely designs.

Thanks for being transparent! I'm all for anything that will give me more patterns sooner! It makes sense to use a knitting machine if it makes the designing process more efficient. You aren't selling garments and saying they were hand knit. I'm a fairly new knitter so I haven't knitted any garments besides shawls. I'm going to attempt my first sweater and I'm trying to find a pattern that has enough interest so I don't fall asleep while knitting. :)

What I know is that your designs are really well crafted, and I feel like it's up to you how you get there.

I really enjoyed your podcast. No worries about using a knitting machine. I love to knit in the round but can see how working with a knitting machine might make the design process run more smoothly. I like the look of the new sweater and will enjoy trying the pattern when it comes out. More designs for children always welcome.

Thank you for the “ behind the scenes “ details. It’s very interesting. And your sweater is very nice.

Machine knitting as part of your process shows a common sense approach, I have often wondered how designers maintain hand health when they knit so much. Totally agree that top down and seamed is a personal choice, I would say my top down garments have less structure and can become sloppy. I enjoy top down as I can’t loose a part of it 😂 , but also enjoy knitting flat especially for cables as the wrong side usually follows the knit purl pattern and I get more confused with this top down. Keep doing what you do your approach to design is inspiring, I love your attention to detail. I have the nectar blanket on my needles and it’s beautiful. ❤

You, as a designer and knitting is your business, it makes sense to use a knitting machine.We, as knitters that purchase your patterns, we do it for pleasure and we enjoy the process of seeing our garments come together and we find hand knitting relaxing and satisfying which I'm sure that you do when you knit for pleasure.

I think it's great of you to share your process. I would think several designers may use tools end users might not realize or think about. Whether its a knitting machine, software etc really doesn't effect me as long as the finished pattern is thoroughly tested. Creativity is using everything available to you to achieve your desired results. Keep doing what you do. Love your work. Don't be so hard on yourself.

You are so calm and calming to listen to. I love the way you demonstrate a technique...you make it easy....I've watched several of them when I need guidance. No one should judge you for using a knitting machine. You are a designer...it's only for YOU to decide how you do that. I think you're very talented! Just bought the Musselbourgh hat pattern.. watched your bit to get me started, was easy. ❤

I knit using needles,looms and machines. If love some of your patterns for the machine. I also have the lk150 and a silver Reed standard guage. I have looms for hats socks and what ever you want. Susan guagliami is one of the best known knitwear designers of our time. She uses machines so does Diana sullivan.

Ooh yes please, a review of the knitting pattern writing book would be great. I think using a knitting machine is a much more efficient method to knit your garments to make the process quicker for you. I like knitting stockinette, especially when watching television, in waiting rooms, car knitting etc. No need to concentrate on patterns or colour changes. Love your designs and podcasts ❤

I completely respect that you need to maximize your time with strategic methods. I appreciate that you’re doing all you can to make your workload more convenient for you because the alternative is to make each item more expensive, which you are so graciously trying to avoid.

I love that you share your process and I am really interested in the technical aspects of the design process. I now appreciate how much work goes into this and I am really keen to hear more. I use Excel a lot for work (not knitting related) so this aspect of your talk is very interesting and I would be keen to know more aobut this.

Thank you for sharing about using a knitting machine as part of the process, I would love to learn more about your process and the kind of machine you use. I knit hats for charity using a circular knitting machine,and I also needle knit parts of the hats. I remember that another knitting designer once talked openly about using a knitting machine for parts of her samples.

What’s funny to me is I always assumed that designers used a knitting machine to help in the design and sample knitting! How fantastic that you brought us into your design process with transparency. I’ve never cared how a designer comes up with a pattern as long as I am able to hand knit it! Kudos to you!

If you'd like to share with us your space & process. In my opinion, how could you not use a knitting machine. Glad to see you smiling in the first part 😊 I've only knit your Musselbourg, however sooo well written. I can't imagine knitting each stitch by hand, by God. You are awesome, be you!

I perceive the knitting machine as a tool for your design process, not as cheating or laziness. I love the drop down shoulder sweater you're wearing ! Comfortable fit without too much excess fabric under the arms. ❤❤❤