What is your process for making patterns?

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     "It's different for every piece! For the instructional pattern itself, though, it always begins with making the design myself and photographing the step-by-step process extensively along the way. Once I'm done, I sit down and write it all out. I have a sort of base pattern outline that I go off of and fill out yardage, gauge, sizing, etc before I get to the actual instructions, which are very different for each design, and probably where I spend most of my time when making a new pattern."

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What is one thing you wish you had known before you started selling your work?

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     "I wish I knew that a pattern's sales could grow over time, or it might take a second to find its audience! Immediate success is obviously great, but sustained sales over months or years are what will keep you going. Even if a pattern doesn't sell dozens of copies on its first day, that is more than okay."

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What is your favorite piece you have made and why?

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     "The Cat Nap Blanket is absolutely my favorite. It's probably the piece that's taken me the longest, too. It was spring of my senior year of college, and there are a lot of good memories infused with that one. Once it was finished, it was also nice to see all my friends use it when they came over to watch TV or something. It has a lot of memories attached to it for me."

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What is the biggest challenge you have faced with this career?

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     "Keeping up with 'trends' and uncertainty with sales. Social media incentivizes constantly pushing something new, even if you don't like it or really believe in it, which makes it all the more depressing when it doesn't sell well. It's hard to push past that and just make what you want, or even be able to know what you want to make when you're constantly exposed to so many different things."

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Is there any advice you would give to other artists?

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     "Persistence is key. Find a crafting community offline. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there. The only person that can make you better is yourself; you can't rely on external motivation, because it will disappear.

In more practical terms, don't avoid Etsy. It does have high fees, but it also is a trusted platform, and markets your patterns for you even when you're taking a break from social media. Also, get a tech editor! Even if it's only for one pattern. You'll learn so much."

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Is there anything else you would like to add?

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     "Stay off your phone, live in your surroundings, take inspiration from anyone and anything."