Is Harder Better? Or is Easier the One?

It's a good thing I moved out at 17. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to blast Elvis Costello ad nauseam on the stereo night and day (dad wouldn't allow that while I was at home; but hey, Waylon Jennings was always welcome). This is the first thing that came to mind today, as I lay my fingers down on the keyboard to write a post. To this day, I am hard pressed to find an Elvis Costello fan like me. Funny thing, though, when I went to UCLA to see a small concert a few years or more ago, right when he became the Resident Artist, the auditorium was packed. I wept. HWWV sat very still, fingers threatening to stick into his ears.

About writing posts: I don't ever want it to become a chore for me, that is why some weeks there are more and there are some weeks when there are fewer. It's like writing a diary: You shouldn't force yourself unless you're using the writing thing as an exercise to make your writing better. Sort of like knitting. You knit more so you can get better, faster, more skilled, make a lot of presents, or in some random cases, to be able to announce in a circle: "I just completed insert difficult lace or colorwork pattern here, and sheesh. What a snoozer!"

Which brings me to this: How is it, I sit in some circles and the difficulty of the pattern often takes positive center stage, yet, when I talk to my pattern distributor and we discuss designing LYS Pattern-Only patterns that she states "the Easier Ones Sell Best"?

Honestly. Do we really need another basic raglan or another simple scarf? From what my distributor says, the answer is "yes." What do you think?

On a related subject: I have been struggling with the Shetland Shorty. I can knit. I can. I can knit and I can purl and I can yarn-over, but follow a simple stitch pattern consistently for 14 rows? Maybe not. I have re-knit this thing a number of times and I won't even tell you how many times I have considered ripping it out for good. Thing is, this yarn, the stuff Scout dyed for me, has held up and it is too pretty to put down.

Oy. I think I just answered my own question: If Shetland Shorty were simpler, I would have finished it by now. Wowee wow wow.

On another note, I got my hands on Sweater 101 by Cheryl Brunette. This is a tome published some years ago and now again available online in an eBook version. It is great! Although I don't normally knit from the bottom up, this eBook offers a lot of fantastic advice on changing necklines on existing patterns, planning sleeve shaping on the fly and understanding set-in sleeve shaping (Oy oy oy. What a heavy subject). This is a classic and, from what I am hearing, it's  a workshop-type book that any knitter who enjoys knitting "on their own" will use like crazy.

Comments

[mary j]

In the words of Elvis/Declan (is it ok for somebody to have two really cool names in one lifetime?), "I just don't know where to begin..."

Knitters are funny-- even the inexperienced among us (me for one) like a challenge, so the patterns way beyond us are grail material, and inspire us to learn top-down knitting, lace, or whatever we haven't mastered yet. Mastered, hell, attempted is good enough.

What blows my mind is how someone as talented as you are can struggle with one pattern, and meanwhile your mind comes up with a sister pattern (the Yogi B.) that worked well enough for you spatially and on the needles that you designed it, knit it, and may be able to answer your questions just by how well it sells.

So unlike pattern-lady, I wouldn't try to predict what sells to who, knitting is so hip just now that it's all good. How's that for laissez-faire, emphasis on the lazy?

[Trine]

Well.. Easier patterns might sell a bit better, especially among the new knitters. I've been knitting for years and have yet to finish a more complicated pattern (or larger pieces, like sweaters) - knitting fear, perhaps? But I always admire the more advanced pieces, and I buy books and magazines with knits that are a bit beyond my skill range. Because one day, I might actually have the experience and courage enough to take them on!

So please, give us a challenge. :) Garter stitch scarves get boring, simple raglans get boring. Eventually, most people look for something a bit more challenging - and what a world it would be without lace, fair isle, cables and steeking!!

Btw, sometimes brains set out and refuse to cooperate. I've had this with the simplest of bind offs, because I missed an asterisk. It'll probably make sense eventually! ;)

Trine xx

[Stitch Sista]

Well perhaps not just another raglan...but I do think there is something to be said for a pattern or stitch that looks clever but is simple to knit.

I have been knitting most of my life, but I have two young children and a newborn. Whether I knit when they're awake or asleep, I don't have the mental capacity to knit complicated things right now, and I'm often putting things down midrow, or mid stitch pattern repeat...you get the drift.

So it's much more important to me that I can knit something relatively mindlessly that still comes out looking fashionable...

[Sara L]

So it's not just me? I cry ( and a lot) when i see, meet, watch, depeche mode. It's kinda weird. doesn't matter how many years apart, or if it's a concert on tv. I still cry. i meet them, i cry. Oh yes, martin was quite impressed indeed.And it's not like i've never met anyone famous, i have, and no tears, not a one.
Very Very strange.Why just them? Why can't i control this years and years later?

[KnittingKel]

I think people prefer easier patterns when they are knitting a gift for someone else. The way I feel about it is I really want to finish the gift in time and if I knit something easy, I'll be better able to meet my deadline. I think the more complicated items, in a lot of instances take years to complete, and they are a little on the intimidating side. Seriously, a lot of people don't really want to make that kind of commitment to a knitted item.

[Patience]

With regard to easy patterns, I wonder how many people are out there buying who don't go out to knitting groups, or folks buying who intend to knit, or want to knit, but don't get around to it. Consider all those patterns sold the knitting equivalent of the clothes-hanging home treadmill.

[Red Sometimes]

I stopped reading at the point where you said you were hard pressed to find an Elvis Costello fan...I saw Elvis in Ottawa in his heyday in 1983. Had I ever been lucky enough to have a girl her name would have been Allison. AND I was ready to purchase a ticket ( from Toronto to Dallas!) to go and see him WITH The Police this year on my birthday - May 21. My brother who lives in Dallas was prepared to supply a bed, beer, and transportation whilst there and get us tickets. He's a fan himself. So Yes, we do exist, it's just that these days, our horn-rimmed glasses don't stand out as much as they used to!

[Nautical Knitter]

The problem with the query about patterns above is that you mentioned the word "sell". Yes, easier "sells". When we sell we are dealing with the masses, many of whom are challenged enough by life in general and just want to do something mindless for a little while in front of the television. There are a few of us out here that embrace challenging knitting patterns and understand that discovery of what doesn't work is just as much fun and enlightening as what does.

Unfortunately, it is a vicious circle, because those of us who wish to discover the more intricate details of our chosen "hobby" usually end up becoming "designers" and then are put in the position of designing "easier" patterns for the masses so that they sell....

[Liz]

First off I love Elvis Costello!

As far as easier selling better than harder, I think the people who would buy a LYS only pattern might be a more beginner type knitter. I generally go to the LYS with a specific pattern in mind to knit, whereas a novice knitter might be more likely to head the the LYS with the thought to knit "something" and get advice from the shop owner.

[Amy]

As an LYS owner, I would somewhat dissagree with your distributor (Deep South Fibers, I'm assuming). My customers, whom I would classify as beginner to intermediate knitters, are SOOOO over scarves. The knitch that you fill wonderfully is the seamless sweater catagory. Most of my customers got into the knitting gig to be able to knit sweaters, but are intimidated by seaming. Hence, the Knit and Tonic (and also your Stitch Diva patterns) are right up their alley.

I'm 95% done with Sahara, by the way, and it is the "it" project with my customers this month. I'm using Louisa Harding Kashmir DK and Louisa Harding Shingle for the "bling". Scrumptious!!

Amy

[robinv]

From the first Elvis record to the very last I have been a huge fan. He played here in my town (Boise, ID) a few years ago. He played a very small venue (500) and my spot was directly in front at the stage. He was amazing, happy, gracious, and funny. And the BEST part, during his encore the Scarlet Tide, he turned and sang to me! I went from 48 to 18 in a heartbeat. The Best!

[Heather]

As much as I admire the ultra complicated lace and time consuming colorwork, my life is complicated and challenging enough. Knitting is my refuge, my silent retreat, and I find simple but beautiful patterns give me more pleasure and sense of accomplishment than the hard ones that I have to focus intently on. Knitting is all about the rythm for me, focus isn't what I'm after.

[Jennifer]

Wendy, I love that your posts are thoughtfully written and while I check regularly for updates, I'm never upset to see that you haven't posted (did that come out right? insert squint here).

That's an interesting comment from your distributor. I myself ignore the simple patterns at my LYS as I figure I can find them anywhere, I'm drawn to the unique. However I am not your typical consumer, so this one-rat-study is probably completely useless.

And, Elvis, while I have't seen him in concert, I've always enjoyed him.

[Debbie]

It's comforting to hear that someone else (and a someone who is very talented when it comes to knitting), has a bit of trouble with a pattern, now and then. I always think I have some sort of learning disorder when it comes to some pattern repeats! As for the question you posed, I look at the picture of the garment, and if I want it, like it, I buy the pattern. If it's too easy, I tell myself I should have read through the pattern first, because I'm so bored, but if it's difficult, I research, ask questions, learn new techniques--every time. When I rip, I always, always learn something new. For me, it's a win-win situation.

[Laura]

I saw Elvis last Saturday night in Salt Lake City with The Police. It was such a great show. Elvis rocked. He does bring a tear to the eye. Allison will always remind me of a friend from high school. It was really great dancing on the grass with the moon rising over the Wasatch Mountains behind the stage. I felt like a kid again.
Although I really agree with Stitch Sista and Debbie that simple to knit with a unique twist is always good, and that I tend buy patterns because it looks like something I would want to wear more than for the percieved entertainment value of the knitting. Although I do really understand the need to sell and consider what sells, I truly believe if you do what you love without worrying so much about what sells, it will sell. You have such incredible style and sensibility that if you love it, we will love it too. Stay true to yourself, and yes if you can't tell from this post, I did go to art school.

[Laura]

P.S. I wish you could've been there.

[beth]

I'm a remedial/occasional knitter (I spend way more time reading about others' knitting and day dreaming about knitting than I spend actually knitting, weird) so I'm not one to buy difficult (or shall I say "challenging") patterns. I like simple patterns with a twist or cool details to keep it interesting - which is what you do, so keep on!

[sue Treiber]

I am one of those 'on my own' knitters who is drawn to the harder patterns and yet frustrated that I can't just knock it out. It's always a a challenge. But I must like it, because i keep doing it!

[Susan]

To this day, "What's so Funny About Peace, Love and Understanding" can bring me out of the darkest mood. Elvis rocks!

[Ginga]

Oh I am an Elvis fan! We saw him in Philly on a pier in 2002, and he struck just the right tone for the time, angry yet hopeful. I cried when he played "Shipbuilding" - of course, I always tear up a little when I hear that. A few years later I saw him perform with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra - totally different vibe, yet still perfect.

And as far as patterns go - I'm in agreement with others that a simple(r) pattern, yet with something either, a. very fashionable and flattering, or b. ingenious in its construction, are the ones I not only purchase, but knit! I love your patterns, and encourage you to keep making designs that YOU enjoy!

[elliebelle]

It's so interesting that you say that about easier projects selling better. I work for a sewing company, and definitely the projects/products that are easier or add convenience sell. But yet the TOO easy don't sell...Nobody is ever happy. I would like to think that there is a happy medium, projects that aren't ridiculously time consuming, but yet are interesting and timely. Maybe it isn't possible! haha...I sure have seen my fair share of boring sewing books with totes and placemats...I need more!

[Sarah]

I'm not sure it's to do with ease of knitting at all - although while more and more people are taking up knitting that is a factor as there are a lot of beginners out there.

But I actually think it is more about simplicity of style. People are more likely to choose something in a basic, flattering shape, fashionable but not too out there, with up to date styling. Make it look modern, even if it's like every other raglan or scarf pattern out there. Really I think what the pattern companies need to do is go through their back catalogues, re-knit a lot of stuff in whatever colours are in this season, style and photograph them well, and they'll sell like hotcakes.

[Sarah]

ps doesn't mean it's not boring as hell though!

[Leisa]

Maybe, the pattern distributor, and or lys owner are looking for the easy way...an easier pattern, means less work for them?
I'm just saying.
I think all knitters or anyone who does handwork, appreciates a challenge.
Does your pattern distributor actually knit?

[Anna]

I can't agree with you more on the Shetland Shorty...but despite all of the frustrations, I just can't stop knitting now.