Mariam's bootees

So I wrote my first pattern ever. And you know what, it was really exciting! And lots or work, yeah. I never though it would be so much work. Or maybe it's just the perfectionist in me because I knitted 8 samples. 8 little bootees. Took about 30 photos.

The pattern is written for knitting in the round AND knitting them flat, so I tested both ways. I also tested 2 different sizes, well 3 sizes actually, as the first 2 bootees were like half way between 0-3 months and 3-6. So I amended the stitch count and knitted them again in smaller and bigger size. Luckily it takes about an hour and half to finish one shoe, I can't imagine designing a sweater and having to re-knit it over and over again. I also worked out how many extra stitches to cast on to get bigger sizes.

And then the pictures... what a pain!! I used to like taking pictures and editing them but that was because it was for fun. But when you actually want to publish the pictures, have them as part of an official pattern, it's no fun anymore. I spent like 2 days just playing with them and even now I'm not entirely happy. But whatever. I'd rather pay someone to edit them next time :-)

So the pattern has gone to test knitters now and I'm waiting for their corrections and feedback. Once I have these, I'll amend the pattern and publish it on Ravelry and here. For free.

You know it's funny. Even though it was a lot of work (and I do not want to knit even one pair of baby shoes any time soon now), I'm already thinking of another pattern. This time a pullover for babies/kids. I have an image in my head already, I know how it's going to look like, so once this Mariam's bootees are out of my way, I'll get on with the this one.

I don't know why I want to make my own patterns. Maybe because I've been reading Elizabeth Zimmermann's books and she makes it sound so easy, designing your own knitwear. She makes it sound exciting, she makes me feel like I can do it. I can do whatever I want. AND I learn so much while writing the pattern. I search for different ways to cast on, cast off, what's the best increase/decrease technique for my pattern, which stitches are the best for selvages, etc. I feel like I'm not just following someone else's ideas, I materialise my own ones.

So anyway, all in all, I'm loving it.