Here is an excerpt from the first of a series of Alicia B’s emails, sent on August 5, 2009:
“I have finished my sweater, the rib lace pullover and it is truly the most beautiful item I have ever made. I love it and I loved working with that yarn. I will try to send you a photo as you requested.”
“I am wondering if you would possibly have a pattern recommendation or search site for a V neck men’s vest, pullover that I could make with one of your beautiful fibers. My husband loves my sweater so much he would like me to make him a vest. I may also utilize your customized pattern service in making this for him.”
Well, she did use our custom pattern service and I thought about writing this story by quoting from the many pages of emails that followed as we went into depth on:
1. What Alicia’s husbands fit and fabric preferences were
2. What knitting techniques Alicia preferred and those she would rather “poke her eye with a stick” than do
3. How to do a gauge swatch that is also an estimating swatch
4. How to get accurate body and neckline measurements
5. All the different style components that we can customize to just the right size.
But there were so many delightful things that came through on those emails that after re-reading them and remembering what a great experience the entire exchange was, it seemed better to make a separate article about each subject later on.
This exchange was about the pleasure of giving. In a world where we are made to feel humans are passe and large scale corporations push us toward the “Soylent Green” machine, we humans are feeling the need to give more to each other and be more kind to each other.
Alicia and I could have gotten through the designing of this simple vest faster by shortening our emails…but it would have been sad to miss things like:
“I ordered 15 yds. of the Ming. My husband, as long as we are sampling a swatch before actual purchase is interested in seeing the 05 color. I love that color. Looks like Pinot Noir swirled with dark chocolate!” (This, of course, led to all kinds of delectable dialog.)
We wrote a lot about fabric and fit, and Alicia was willing to put in time following very detailed instructions. She made my whole week when she wrote: “My husband and I smiled at how you nailed every measurement suggestion when I measured him to see if these would work or not. I agree with what he said. ‘Roxanne’s a pro.’”
Artfibers’ custom pattern program has been a very special experience for everyone involved. Whether the person is in our neighborhood or in the Southern Hemisphere, it is still possible to have a wonderful exchange, laugh, share, make a new friend, and enable the creative process.
I can’t wait for the next episode of Alicia B!
The Riblace Pullover pattern is available in Rox’s Ravelry Store.
More images of this design are shown in The Yarntasting Museum.
Yarn info: Ming
Tags: custom pattern
