WHAT IS A UX KNIT?

 

I'm committed to creating patterns that make a promise and keep it.

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My pre-release process includes inviting a group of knitters to experience the final, edited draft of my pattern. They receive a copy of the pattern, access to a super supportive knitalong group, and are encouraged to make fit mods to create their dream project (and I make myself available to coach on that as needed). In exchange, I ask for feedback on their experience with the pattern.

UX means user experience, and that's the point of this process. I work with my tech editor on all the numbers, the fit and grade, and all the other technical aspects of the pattern. But what I really want to know is how the pattern holds up to real-life use. That's why knitters are encouraged to make the pattern work for their measurements, their yarn choices, etc.

For me, this process is all about creating a fair exchange of value with the UX knitter. I'm there to cheer you on and help you reach your knitting goals. 

When I build my team, I start first with folks who support me on Kofi on a monthly basis. I'm committed to creating paywall-free educational resources for knitters and designers, and I'm able to do that because of the support I receive on Kofi (and I'd love to be able to do more of it!). So those folks get first dibs on UX knitting.

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ABOUT THIS UX KNIT

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This UX Knit will be run on Slack. Slack is free to join and offers chat rooms by topic. Pattern files, errata, and chat will be hosted in private channels there. Knitters are free to ask questions in the project Slack channel, or to DM me in Slack if that is more comfortable.

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I've chosen Wandering Flock for this project because I think this yarn (super soft, in a durable construction, superwash for sweaty wear) is just right for this garment. Wandering Flock is offering a 20% discount for testers.

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I expect to have patterns to knitters by August 28th. The UX Knit will conclude November 20th, a total of 12 weeks.

 

I am seeking 1-2 knitters per size and will be choosing knitters so that multiple cup sizes are represented.

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COLLABORATIVE KNITTING

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A fun, supportive, productive Knit depends on clear expectations between the designer and Knitters. Here's what you can expect from me and what I am counting on from you:

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• You will receive a fully tech-edited pattern.

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• I make my best effort to respond to questions as quickly as possible and agree to respond to questions within 2 business days, absent an emergency or pre-communicated time away.

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• I will post any adjustments/errata that surface during the project; if we make a big change or correction, I will post a revised file.

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• You will receive a credit on my pattern webpage (first name and link of your choice, example here).

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• I will moderate a space free from hate speech, expressly including but not limited to racist, ableist, fatphobic, homophobic or transphobic speech.

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• It's important for me to see the fit of the sweater on a body. Knitters agree to complete their sweaters and provide a modeled photo and feedback by the last day of the UX Knit. Modeled photos can be cropped to exclude the model's face.

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Although I need to see modeled photos to assess the pattern's success, you are under no obligation to share photos for marketing purposes or to have a public Instagram. Having said that - if you're okay with me sharing your photos I love to do so! I know that knitters of all shapes and sizes benefit from having lots of photos of sweaters on bodies out in the world, and I'm honored to partner with you in sharing your work to that end.

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• Knitters agree to create and block a swatch.

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• Knitters agree to communicate throughout, including letting me know if something has come up that will prevent them from completing the project on time. Things happen, we are human, and I definitely understand! With a long UX Knitting period, I can sometimes fill a dropped spot with a replacement, and I truly appreciate knitters who are able to let me know when something does come up for them.

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• You may make fit-based modifications to ensure your dream sweater - I encourage this!

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• I rely on knitters to provide feedback about the accuracy and clarity of the instructions, the fit of the final garment, and the amount of yarn used in yards or meters.  Projects are considered finished once the feedback form is complete.

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Knitters who complete the UX Knit will receive another of my self-published patterns for free, in addition to the finished version of Breaker. If you wish to waive your thank-you pattern, I would be very pleased to provide a copy of Breaker to a friend if you prefer.