Jillian’s Spinning: Five Things That Help My Fiber Work and Might Help You

Is one of your New Year’s resolutions, intentions or ideas to start or grow a fibery business? Write, sell yarn or knitting patterns?

Here are four things I use to keep my writing, spinning and knitting work moving forward, and a new magazine that looks good.

1) Kate Atherley’s new book: Pattern Writing for Knit Designers

Kate Atherley is a designer and an amazing tech editor (she’s Managing Technical Editor for Knitty). If you are thinking about selling or submitting knitting patterns for publication this book will tell you exactly what you need to know to write the pattern.

2) Shoot It with Caro Sheridan, a Craftsy class.

Caro knows how to shoot fibery things, she was the eye and camera behind this Knitty cover image. This is a great starter class for fiber photography. She talks about composition, color, working with a model, editing and even has tips for a great self portrait.

3) Tara Swiger’s podcast

Tara Swiger wrote a great book on marketing and runs courses on running a business for makers, but it’s her podcast that speaks to me. I read a lot about marketing and productivity, but I still like to listen to Tara. She’s clear and concise and I think we read all of the same books. I like being reminded of what is important to my business and to stop planning and Do The Work. Her podcast, Explore Your Enthusiasm, is available on her blog, iTunes and Stitcher.

4) Pinterest

Pinterest is my favorite social media site and not becasue of the social aspect. Though I do like seeing what my friends are excited about. I love Pinterest becasue it lets me save ideas and follow things and new excitements straight down the rabbit hole. Also for me, looking at beautiful things is energizing, so cruising through Pinterest is my favorite 15 minute break in between work stretches to help get me to the end of the day.  If you want to see what I’m obsessing over these days (there’s a lot of embroidery and tapestry weaving right now) this is me on Pinterest.

5) Artists and Makers Magazine

This is a brand new special issue magazine from Interweave. It combines business information for makers with profiles of successful creatives. The first issue is impressive and inspiring though I would love to see more fiber artists in the future.