Today for my Featured Knitwear Designer series I have another rock star maker to feature for you! I first got to know Chereen with Smeeny Beanie Knits when she test knit my Glimmer Beanie pattern and knocked it out of the park with her amazing colors and photographs.
Not only is she a talented knitter and chef but she’s also everyone’s number one cheerleader. She has big dreams and I love talking business and goals with her. Without further introduction, here is what Chereen had to say in regards to my questions.
Smeeny Beanie Knits
Instagram:
Currently Living:
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
What types of knitting patterns do you design?
Beanies!
How long have you been designing knitwear patterns?
2 Years.
What is something you have changed within your business from when you first started?
I started off just designing and selling beanies, then I decided to start publishing my patterns! Now, I’m planning on also selling knitting kits, doing knitting tutorials, and starting a blog for business tips for makers?
What is your best selling pattern?
The Stay Wild Beanie – (Find the pattern here)
Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
The outdoors, other outdoorsy brands, trying to recreate styles that I want to wear that I may have seen at the store?
What is one challenge that you have overcome within your business?
I feel like I’ve finally gotten the hang of my photo style and brand confidence?
What is your favorite yarn weight to design with?
Bulky!
Where do you sell your patterns and why do you choose to sell them there?
My website, Ravelry, and Etsy. I think having patterns on Ravelry and Etsy is great because most people looking for patterns are looking on those platforms. I do use my marketing efforts to drive traffic to my own website, but having patterns on Etsy and Ravelry helps reach an audience that doesn’t already follow you.
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</script>How did you first get into knitting pattern writing?
When I started knitting, I just wanted to figure things out for myself so I spent a ton of time writing things down and playing around with patterns.
What pattern are you most proud of and why?
The Bee Wild Beanie…I feel like I’ve finally figured out my pattern writing style and layout, and this pattern is a lot of fun and I feel like it is the most unique of my patterns so far. (Find the pattern here)
What is one tip you would give to someone who is looking to start writing their own knitting patterns?
Just start! Write things down, always, and constantly make notes. Have fun and just free knit to see where things take you. Sketch things out too!
Do you have any other avenues of revenue for your business?
Most of my revenue comes from selling knitwear at local shops and on my website. I’m hoping to up my pattern game and start doing workshops when I have kits ready too!
What is the most difficult part of designing knitting patterns?
Making sure they are original. There are constantly new patterns being released, and I often see very similar patterns being released close to the same time. I never want to be seen as copying someone’s work so try very hard to make sure an idea I have isn’t out there already, or if someone had a similar looking design, make sure I run it by them first!
What are some of your favorite yarn companies?
Malabrigo, We Are Knitters
What are your future goals for 2020?
Kits, getting my items into more shops, workshops, collaborative gift boxes.
Discount for Readers!
Chereen so generously is offering my readers a 15% discount on all of her patterns this week Friday, May 1st, 2020 – Friday, May 8th, 2020. Use the coupon code WHIMSYSQUAD at check-out on the Smeeny Beanie Knits Website, Etsy or Ravelry to receive your discount!
- Smeeny Beanie Knits – Website
- Smeeny Beanie Knits – Etsy
- Smeeny Beanie Knits – Ravelry
- Smeeny Beanie Knits – Instagram
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</script>Don’t forget to check back next Friday for another designer feature! Next week we head up to Canada to hear from a designer who is just getting started in the knitwear design world!
For more Featured Designers click here.
PIN IT!
