Designing pointers
I would like to know from those of you who design your own crochet patterns, how did you get started? Do you have a fashion design background? Do you make it up as you go along? I'm interested in designing my own patterns especially cool things for my kids. Part of me feels the need to be schooled (books, classes, etc.) while the other part says go with the flow and see where it leads. Curious to know how others do it and hopefully gain some encouragement from your stories.
I just sort of had an idea in my head of how I wanted a sweater to look, then I pored through my stitch dictionaries and made swatches like a mad woman. Once I picked the stitch patterns I liked, I sketched, made notes, decided where to start, etc. Then...I just went to it. Made a note of every step I made as I went. Now I need to get it typed up and...the hard part...figure out how the heck to adjust for other sizes!
http://gaugebeforebeauty.blogspot.com/
Very nice. So I guess then that a stitch guide/encyclopedia would be essential?
Well, I know there are tons of stitch patterns floating around on the internet, but I like to have books so I can flip through when/wherever. I really love my Harmony Guides, which I got on Amazon, but there are other good ones out there that I hear are really good too. You might try looking at your local library if you don't want to invest right now.
http://gaugebeforebeauty.blogspot.com/
I have designed things for publication, but they all got rejected. One got a maybe, but the magazine folded and they sent it back. Start with a simple project like a dishcloth...just all sc in various stripes!!! That IS a design...your own, and I know you can do it!!!