In the past year I've started on a small side venture, designing knit wear. It all started after I had Matilda and met my wonderful baby photographer. I had brought some knit shawls in for the baby to be photographed all wrapped up in. She later asked if I could knit her some baby items to use as props in exchange for future photo sessions. I couldn't find a pattern for what she requested, lacy baby pants, so I designed one myself. We were in the yarn shop and the owner was saying she could surely sell such a pattern, so I should write it up and give it a try. So I did. And it sold! Ok, not a lot, but some anyway. It's a great feeling, putting my expertise to use to create something new.
Since then I have created a few more patterns and it's interesting to see what sells and what doesn't, though I haven't put much effort into ads or self promotion. I have a whole list of things that I want to try my hand at designing, either because it's an interesting pattern, or something I want for Matilda to wear.
Some designs that I've been thinking about:
- Pants with patches on them, hearts and ovals. Maybe the patches could be little pockets?
- Entrelac heart banner. A good way to use up odds and ends. Could I make it all in one piece? Most people prefer less sewing up at the end. Another idea is to crochet the cord to desired length and add the banners every N stitches.
- Pants with a skirt/ruffle. Tilda inherited some RTW pants with a skirt on them and I love that look, so cute! There are lots of possibilities here: lacy, ruffly, garter, color combos, stripes.