Pattern ownership—not as straightforward as it may seem. At first glance, it would appear to be a simple issue. Of course, the designers own the pattern. Don’t they?
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I don’t know that I have ever edited a pattern that did not offer either an abbreviations list or a glossary. Designers want their patterns to be accessible to makers. Even the most basic of abbreviations lists or glossaries is necessary for maximum accessibility. But what is the difference? I tend to see glossaries that are more detailed and extensive than abbreviations lists. Where an abbreviations list might show ssk – slip, slip, knit, a glossary might show ssk – slip one stitch knitwise to right needle, slip the next stitch knitwise to right needle, insert left needle tip into front of the slipped stitches and knit them through the back loop with the right needle.
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Both tech editors and designers should consider the different levels of technical editing available for yarn patterns. Their opinions regarding these levels are likely to differ. Moreover, the level of editing needed might well vary from pattern to pattern.
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Craft makers are, by nature, continuous learners. I rarely ever choose to knit or crochet an item that does not teach me something new. I want to grow as I make. Learning is exhilarating. Tech editors of fiber crafts put that trait to good use.
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When I started tech editing yarn patterns, I edited knit patterns exclusively. However, I edited all types of knit patterns including accessories, household items, toys and garments. More recently though, I have both narrowed and expanded the types of patterns that I edit. I’ve added crochet patterns to my portfolio, but I’ve eliminated adult garments. Why?
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Why is voice important? Why does a technical editor even need to consider it? Because voice is where the designer's personality shines through. Voice is the difference between a dry university lecture on archeology and an actual visit to a dig. It's the difference between a police report of a crime and an Agatha Christie mystery. If a designer has voice, there is no need to search for it. It changes a knitting a pattern from an aesthetically pleasant and accurate recipe to a delightful experience. You actually enjoy reading it.
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Knitting is never "just a hobby." It might start out that way; however, it quickly grows into much more. Even the most casual of knitters will admit that knitting is a welcome distraction or Zenlike experience that transports them away from the daily grind. For others, knitting grants them the opportunity to participate in the Jungian archetype of creative art. The ability to take two sticks and some thread, add color, texture, style, and innovation to create something both lovely and useful, produces great satisfaction. Some knitters love the escapism, some love the finished product, others thrive on the process itself. Knitting is enjoyed by the casual practitioner as well as professional knitters, designers, publishers, and technical editors.
Yet, I wonder. Have you ever considered knitting as a metaphor for life?
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“A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds”. - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Hobgoblin: once considered helpful, this mythological spirit of the hearth is now held to be responsible for any worrisome, mischievous, or troublesome occurrence.
I have always admired Emerson’s philosophy. And I have ample evidence as a tech editor that consistency can definitely become a hobgoblin creating generous amounts of mischief. However, please note that what Emerson warns of is ‘foolish consistency’. Not all consistencies are foolish. Some are absolutely inspired. As a result, consistency in knitting patterns can be either wondrously original or disastrously troublesome.
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