After a few technology hops and changes, this marks the return to a monthly newsletter. I've been writing on my website but haven't sent a newsletter in a very long time. As I take an ever-larger step back from social media, I need to provide another way to share what's new.
At the start of each month I'll write about a topic that's been on my mind, share new patterns and/or items available for purchase, links I've found interesting, and a summary of recent blog posts. And because I know what everyone really cares about, a cat photo or two.
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On my mind
Writing instructions is a unique skill set. I've spent most of my career writing documentation and tutorials to teach others how to use technology. I know it's not easy and how important testing and editing is to the process.
Over the past year, when we're not working for our businesses, my partner and I are often tackling those DIY projects we've been meaning to do. A recent project was to upgrade a bathroom exhaust fan. It's not the first time we've upgraded one though this make and model is different from others we've installed. The new one is well built; however as the project progressed we discovered that the instructions left much to be desired. We both misread them, multiple times over the course of several hours. What was wrong? The biggest issue was that the diagrams did not match the written steps. While we don't do this exact project every day, our experience is that we know how it should work. But we both got waylaid by the incorrect picture and while it's finally installed, we know that had someone edited and tested them, the project would have been finished with fewer frustrations.
This has been on my mind because I'm revising the pattern instructions for designs I created last year. One pattern has proven extra tricky because I neglected to consider basic geometry. As I write more patterns, I've faced how different this is from the technology writing I generally do. Not only do I need to cover the basics of making sure you can get the same result, but I also need to make sure that the size of the finished item makes sense for how the human body is shaped.
If you want to learn more about the pattern writing process, I have three suggestions while I work on an update to one of my popular blog posts, written in 2017, resources for pattern writing and modification. One is to follow Kate Atherley on Twitter. This past week she's been tweeting about conventions in pattern writing and I always learn something. The second is to take Edie Eckman's, Crochet Pattern Writing Workshop. It is a self-paced online course will help you learn to communicate in crochet.
My third suggestion is pay attention to other instructions you encounter in your day. Are there ways you wish they could be written differently? Things you wish were included or phrased differently? One day I'll share my thoughts about recipes I've encountered over the years.
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New!
As you look around my website, you'll find a growing collection of tools available for purchase. This has been in the works for several years and it's time to get the inventory out of my studio so I can have space for making new things.
I ship most items via USPS Priority mail and if you spend $100 or more you can unlock free shipping!
I also understand it's nice to have choices in where to purchase your digital patterns. For multiple reasons, sales on my site are limited to customers in the United States. If you are based internationally, You can find my patterns to Payhip and Lovecrafts as well as on Ravelry.
I'm also working on making my PDF patterns more accessible. I thank you for your patience and please contact me if you have questions or concerns.
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Rhodiarama Sewn Spine A5 Dot Grid Notebook - $13.50
Keep your project notes close at hand in this slim notebook. The soft & bright flexible covers make these Rhodiarama notebooks irresistible.
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Deluxe Knitters Needles - $3.50
This four-needle packet means you will always have a needle. Their large eye makes them easy to thread and include a blunt tip which does not split the fibers during sewing.
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Link Break
Taking breaks allows your brain to rest and avoid mental fatigue. Here are some links to provide a short rest.
- Iceberger, Draw an iceberg and see how it will float. (javascript powered web app -- joshdata.me)
- Feline Post (twitter thread)
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From the Notebook Archive
I publish a new blog post every other Friday. Here are a few recent posts: |
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Happy Cat
Shadow loves when I sit on the couch at night, watch TV, and work on my scrap yarn blankets. I'm currently working on two different ones. The first is hexagon granny square, that is a lap blanket I use most when sitting at my desk. It's very close to finished. The second I started last month and is in garter stitch with fingering weight yarns held doubled.
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Thank you for reading. I hope you found this newsletter useful. If you think someone else would find it helpful, please consider forwarding it. If this is your first time reading the newsletter, welcome. You can read previous issues and subscribe here.
Finally, if you need to venture outside, please do so safely. Wear a mask, maintain social distancing, and wash your hands.
/penny
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