Hi all!
I'm Tetiana - financial analyst in the past, knitwear designer now.
What will be better :)
Motto: "Be creative and love what you do, work and learn every minute on the way to the best result." (c) Tetiana Otruta
Read interview with me
here or read it below.
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Email: tetianaotruta@gmail.com
Ravelry Username: Otruta
Facebook page: TetianaOtrutaDesigns
Instagram: @tetianaotruta
Twitter: TetianaOtruta
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Copyright
I am providing my patterns for personal, non-commercial use only. Distributing any of my patterns in any manner is violation of copyright. Please do not use my pictures or words ever on the Internet without my permission. Providing a link is fine. Thanks.
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An Interview with...Tetiana Otruta
You can find Tetiana here and here on Ravelry.
Where do you find inspiration?
Everywhere. I can find inspiration in nature, colors, art, architecture, dreams and everyday life.
Every minute my brain works - how can I convert the impressions around
me into stitch patterns, color combinations, shapes and lines of
finished design.
For example, my Seaside collection (http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/seaside-collection)
was inspired by seaside living and dreams about the sea. My impressions
affect the colors and textures of the finished shawl collection: the
depth of the sea and fishes, ripples and small waves in the sunshine, the ropes used on boats.
What is your favorite knitting technique?
Lace, cables, colorwork or other techniques which keep my interest for the knitting process.
You focus on accessory designs almost exclusively could you tell us a little about that ?
I
like accessories. For me the accessories are never too much. This
small piece makes everyday clothes new, expresses creativity and creates
a personal, unique look every time they are worn.
Do you look at other designers' work or are you afraid that you will be influenced by their designs?
Yes,
I look at other designers' work! I think it is impossible not to be
interested in what other designers are doing. It pushes me to find new
ideas. It can be nice to inspire each other and learn from each other.
How do you feel about the so called controversy of "dumbing down" patterns for knitters?
I've never heard about that. Most of my designs are intermediate or
easy level, but it does not mean "too easy to be boring". My goal is
combination of simplicity with interesting and original elements without over complication. This is the same approach I prefer for the pattern
instructions. I try to make the patterns easy to follow and to write
them in a structured and logical manner.
How many sample/test knitters do you have working for you or do you do it all yourself?
Knitting
is part of the design process. I make swatches and knit my designs by
myself. I often modify a pattern while I am knitting it. The original
idea and finished design may be totally different. Then my patterns are
tested by several people who give me feedback about pattern accuracy,
size and meterage / yardage.
Did you do a formal business plan?
No.
Do you have a mentor?
I don't have a person who I call "mentor", but my friends (who love
knitting) and my family give me advice, inspiration or provide help and support from time to time. I appreciate them all.
What impact has the Internet had on your business?
My business wouldn’t exist and develop without the Internet. It is great invention.
Do you use a tech editor?
Yes
How do you maintain your life/work balance?
No balance. I just live. Knitting is part of my life or knitting is my life because I love it.
How do you deal with criticism?
I
try to
learn from it. But I think it is impossible to please everyone. We are
all so different, with different tastes and thoughts. I greatly
appreciate everyone who gives positive and constructive criticism.
How long did it take for you to be able to support yourself?
I
do not make enough income to support myself in this business yet. It's a
small addition to the family budget. It is only to support my crafting
obsession. I'm looking forward to the day when it happens.
What advice would you give someone who wants to pursue a career in knitting?
Knitting
is my hobby. I'm on the way to develop a career in knitting. My slogan
is: "Be creative and love what you do, work and learn every minute on
the way to the best result."
Source: http://knittingrobin.blogspot.com/2013/05/an-interview-withtetiana-otruta.html
