Knit Now needs an inspiring and creative design in the Autumn 2017 design submission.
Read the press release below.
Our latest call for submissions is now available to download here, https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B85xwv-ErYZDMVdqcUVEOVdUcXc/view
We’re looking for fresh and inspiring designs for our Autumn issues.
I can’t wait to see what you come up with!
The Collections: Spin a Yarn https://uk.pinterest.com/kateheppell/spin-a-yarn/ I want to see your grown-up take on classic fairy tales, told through yarn. A shawl spun from gold, a pullover fit for a princess, a cosy cape for a walk through an enchanted woodland – the only limit is your imagination! This will be a collection of 6 pieces (1-2 garments + 4-5 accessories) for women (not babies or kids).
Further inspiration If you’re looking for broad inspiration for this season’s knits, take a look at my general boards: – Designs catching my eye: https://uk.pinterest.com/kateheppell/inspiring-knits/ – Ideas for baby: https://uk.pinterest.com/kateheppell/tiny-people-knits/ – This season’s catwalk collections: https://uk.pinterest.com/kateheppell/fall-17-rtw/
‘Tis the Season! Autumn (or Fall, for you lovely American folk!) is when we get really stuck in to some serious Christmas knitting, so I’d love to see all of your festive ideas. Anything from sweaters to gifts, toys and decorations will be equally welcome. I’ve updated my Crafty Christmas board if you’re looking for some inspiration – I know it’s tricky to get into the Christmas mood in March! https://uk.pinterest.com/kateheppell/crafty-christmas/
Submission requirements: Your submission should include a sketch and accompanying paragraph describing the item, a photograph or scan of your swatch and ideas for yarn choices. The submission should be presented in a PDF document, with your name and email address on every page. All information should be included in the submission document, including pictures. Please also tell us where we can find other examples of your work – a link to your Ravelry designer profile is ideal. You will be commissioned to write a full pattern (including any alternative sizes) and knit a sample. We will take care of photography. Please create a separate PDF for each idea and name the file in the following format: YourName _PatternName_KNautumn17.pdf
- Deadline: The deadline for submissions will be 9am UK time on Monday 27th March. You should hear from us either way within 2 weeks of the deadline. Deadlines for final patterns and samples will be Wednesday 14th June.
- Send to/contact: You can contact me for a chat on Ravelry (kathleenalice), Twitter (KateHeppell) or email, but please send your submissions to me by email: kate.heppell@practicalpublishing.co.uk.
- Compensation/Support: We have recently reviewed our fee structure and can give the following examples of fees; Hat in 3 sizes: £70-£100 Baby garment in 5 sizes: £120-£150 Adult garment in 7 sizes: £300-£400 The exact fee will depend on a number of factors including the complexity of the design.
4 months after publication, rights will revert to you and you will then be able to use the final tech-edited version of the pattern as you wish. Yarn support is offered to all designers. Your sample remains your property, but we will hold onto it for a while in case we get pattern queries, or for display at shows. We will return your sample to you at the same time as your publication rights.
- Focus on style – The best are those which consider (either explicitly or implicitly) current trends and high street style. For inspiration, you could take a look at a few shops’ websites such as Selfridges, House of Fraser, Monsoon, Whistles, Boden & French Connection – or John Lewis and Next are great for homewares. Polyvore can also be good for bouncing round some ideas, as is Pinterest (both come with a timesuck warning!). Feel free to include notes on how you see the item being worn.
- Swatches and sketches – There is no need to submit a photo of a finished item, but your submission will need nice swatches, in a representative yarn, photographed in bright conditions. If you’re having trouble getting the photo to focus, either switch to the macro setting on your camera (the one with the little flower) or consider scanning your swatch rather than photographing it. Formatting – Of course our main focus is on the quality of the idea, but it’s much easier for me to see that when the submission is
- Formatting – Of course our main focus is on the quality of the idea, but it’s much easier for me to see that when the submission is cleanly formatted. Remember, the submission must be a PDF document sent as a single attachment, not an email with photos attached. Yarn choice – Be flexible with your choices. I will be wanting to use the new season’s yarns, some of which won’t be publicly available yet. Talk about the qualities your project requires, don’t just say what you used. This is an opportunity for you to demonstrate that you know what you’re talking about! FAQs:
- Return of samples – We’re happy to return samples to you. Alternatively, we will be holding periodic charity sample auctions to raise funds for charity.
- International Designers – You are very welcome to submit, but remember that Knit Now is a UK magazine so we’ll be using British terminology and you will need to use yarns which are available in the UK (which we will arrange to be sent to you).
- Photography – We will be taking care of all the photography for patterns, but the rights to photos will remain with us, so if you don’t want your sample back, consider taking photos before you send it in.
- Crochet/sewing/other non-knitting elements – We’re open to any and all good quality patterns, and if it needs a little crochet, sewing or embroidery, that won’t rule it out. If it’s 100% crochet, contact the editor of our sister magazine Crochet Now, Hugh, on hugh.metcalf@practicalpublishing.co.uk
- Tech editing – We do have tech editors, but they will only be polishing your patterns – they won’t be doing any grading for you.
- Multiple submissions – There’s no limit on the number of ideas you can submit. If you receive multiple commissions, we will work with you to spread out your deadlines.
- Previously published patterns – For the purposes of this call, I am not looking for patterns which have previously been published at all. If you’ve posted a couple of project pics online, that’s fine – but the patterns should come as a nice surprise for our readers when we publish them. Your commission is confidential until a week before the on-sale date of the magazine.
- Future calls –If you want to add yourself to the mailing list for future calls, just fill in your details at http://eepurl.com/hKL0o Testing – We’re happy for you to arrange to have your pattern tested, but we are working on a tight schedule, so this is by no means mandatory.
- Digital Issues – The magazine is available digitally, and digital editions are available through the Apple Newsstand and the Pocketmags app.
Link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B85xwv-ErYZDMVdqcUVEOVdUcXc/view
