I like getting those pink slips in the mail. The ones that let you know you have a package. Goodie good.
I got two on Friday, but was to late to get to the post office, so Saturday I got to get my packages. One was my binder full of tips on how to talk to my Senator about farm bill issues. I will be going to Washington in the beginning of May to do some lobbing for the American Sheep Industry. This will be my first legislative trip and I am really looking forward to it.
The second package was a wonderful surprise. Lisa Lloyd sent me a copy of her new book, A Fine Fleece, which has just come out. 
She wrote a nice little thank you note and included it with the book. I was a test knitter for her and the sweater that I knit is on page 74. The book is really nicely done and the patterns are exceptional. Lisa has had a couple of patterns published in Wild Fibers Magazine as well. From the sweater I knit, and other designs I had seen in print, I knew she was talented, however the collection of patterns in his book is really terrific. Her style is classic and New England, and really timeless. The lay out of the book is nicely done and the photos make this book a good one for any level of knitter or spinner.
The great thing about getting the book is the happiness I have for Lisa. I knit for her over 2 years ago. The book represents the fulfillment of a lot of hard work and patience that she must have. What a large project. 26 different knits, done both yarn and in her own handspun. Plus writing the patterns and doing the graphs. Exhausting. She inspires me.
I have a bunch of patterns that need proofing. Finishing. Completion. So far only three of my patterns are in print, two with O-Wool and one under my own label. Tilly Tomas bought a pattern from me, but I don’t think it is in print. I get a bit discouraged. The time putting the pattern through the process of design, knit, write, proof, and layout compared to the price you get paid is down right depressing.
Contract knitting or test knitting is fun, but not economical in terms of making a living. The designer can only afford to supply the knitter with yarn, the pattern and a modest fee for knitting the project. I consider myself a fast knitter and able to knit a basic adult sweater in about 40 hours, but to test knit for a living is not realistic.
Unless some really successful wealthy designer is reading this blog and wants me to knit for them, I don’t see myself making a living as a test knitter. Besides, I like doing the design work myself. 
Here are two patterns that are written and ready to go to the printer, with just a few edits. It is the final pieces that need to be put into place.
Seeing Lisa’s book become a reality gives me some hope and inspiration to get going on my own design path.
