I got to interview Katya Gorbacheva, KatyaGKnits on Ravelry. Her website is http://katyusha-knitting.blogspot.com/, and her instagram is at @katyaknits76. I’ve linked all the photos of her work to their Ravelry urls.
My process for developing motifs goes like this: Pick a reference, chart the reference, knit the swatch, compare the swatch to the reference, alter the chart, repeat from 12 to 18 times. Whenever I whine, my husband asks which iteration I’m on. If it’s less than 12, he says, oh, you have a few more iterations to go that’s all.
What is your process like?
My process is a little easier. I’m a very impulsive person. First, I get the idea. I then sketch and chart that idea so I can begin to see my vision take shape. Next, I edit and rework the sketches and the charts until my idea comes to life. Finally, I am ready to knit swatches! Do they look like I thought they would? Sometimes yes and sometimes no. Maybe I am ready to write this pattern, or maybe the idea needs to go on vacation. Or, maybe my brain needs a vacation from the idea! But all vacations end and I usually go back to failed projects in a few months and finish it.
How do you choose your subjects and name them?
Most of my design ideas drop into my brain from outer space. I can’t explain why I suddenly get in my head the outline of a shawl or sweater. I try to draw it. And voila! It has worked. But is very difficult with names. I can’t figure out the designs names even in my native (Russian) language, let alone in English. I wouldn’t mind to get a random words generator to facilitate the name choosing. Many Ravelry designers must have such a name generator, but they hide it from me.
I love how your motif relates to the object, the proportions are harmonious. Does this make it hard to grade?
Thank you for your words. Yes, it’s true, grading is not difficult for me. I can grade almost any motif, but I must remember to be kind to the knitter and their set of skills. I have taken sewing courses and I can make a body pattern for any measurements But I don’t want to complicate the knitting process for others. So, I don’t use very difficult motifs and it makes the grading process easy for me.
I love the In a Field Pullover.
Thanks! You know, the first sample with this motif was knitted in October 2011. After that I changed the chart a little. Then I went to Stitches West 2015 and I brought some beautiful skeins of The Plucky Knitter yarn. So was born Winter Weeds cardigan. And finally, I bought the gorgeous Ysolda blend no. 1 , by Ysolda Teague , at the Edinburgh Yarn Festival 2017. I used this yarn for In a Field pullover. I hope, it was last sample with that motifs.
Actually, I love to design motifs with plant, flower and etc. I love nature and this is reflected in my projects.
Photography is one area I struggle with as a designer. Any tips?
Oh, any tips? A good camera, a good lens, a good husband and nerves of steel
I never like myself in photographs. But, my wonderful husband likes them all! He is not a professional photographer and this is a recipe for discord. I have been in the middle of a divorce every time we make a photoshoot. Thank God that my husband is a very calm person. He tolerates me because he’s my best friend. We usually make a quick photoshoot (20-30 pictures) and then I take pictures of some details of the design.
Of course, the best way is to use the services of professional photographer. I recently tried this and I got perfect pictures. I will make knitting tests for those designs very soon (watch my Instagram).
