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Why Do I Need a Tech Editor when I Have Test Knitters?

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  Why Do I Need a Tech Editor when I Have Test Knitters?  The Tech Editor The Tech Editor examines the pattern from start to finish checking that every detail is correct. They check the stitch numbers are correct for each size (grading). Check that the abbreviations are correct and in the abbreviation list. Check that charts and written instructions are the same. Check that units are consistent and conversions from US to metric or opposite are correct. Check that yarn details are right. Check of spelling and grammar. The Test Knitter Test knitters are great and should be used after the pattern as been Tech Edited. The generally only make one size so only check the size they are making. They can be experienced knitters who overlook or knit according to their experience rather than following the pattern. They may make modifications to suit what they want. Can be friends of the designer and don't want to offend them. I have done a lot of test knitting for multiple designers and a...

What is A Technical Editor?

  What is a Knitting Pattern Technical Editor? I tried approaching a couple of new and upcoming designers so that we could work together to create well written and well laid out patterns.   The first question is; Why would I need a Technical Editor?    A Tech Editor works through the pattern top to bottom, line by line for correctness, consistency, completeness, clarity and conciseness. It is always easier to find mistakes in someone else's pattern than your own. Another question I was asked:  Who have your Tech Edited for? That is an interesting question as how do you get started if no one is prepared to try your service?  I hadn't even considered being a Tech Editor when I was hosting a knit along for a shawl that had both written and chart instructions.  As a visual person, I use charts so had no problem with the pattern but was surprised that most of the people doing the knit along were following the written pattern.  It turned out there ...

My Knitting Journey

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Outlander was finally released as a TV series in 2014/2015.  I had always been a fan of the books so was was really excited to see the first book finally made into a TV series.  What does this have to do with knitting?  Well 2015 was a rather traumatic year for me with some major events happening that took me back to knitting when I saw some of the knitted garments in Outlander. I started knitting about age 9 and  was the eldest of 4 children and my mother was a widow with limited means.  I started knitting some of my own garments which helped my mother and I enjoyed it.  I wish I had my first knitted garment or even a photo of it but sadly I don't.  I made a short sleeved tee as it is called today but back then it was the top of a twin set.  Mum had made me a cardigan and there was yarn left over so I was allowed to choose another colour to go with it.  I chose bright pink to go with the fawn colour of the cardigan and made my top with the p...