The Woollyside Story
How you helped Woollyside became a reality.
I am thrilled that everyone who uses my patterns and stitch markers knows they are unwinding an adventure worthy of that one special skein waiting in their yarn stash.
– Barbara Ammerman
Woollyside CEO
Before I created Woollyside, I would find myself saying “surely there is a pattern for…” only to find that the elusive design I was looking for just didn’t exist or that the pattern instructions were as jumbled as my knitting bag.
As I dabbled in design, I discovered a pattern writing book. Finally, a clear path to bringing my dream patterns into existence in an orderly way — so you can enjoy the journey. No one should be stressed out from knitting! I also discovered pretty stitch markers — like jewelry for your knitting. Tools and fiber accessories with flawless function that bring a smile to your day.
I was concerned that my designs wouldn’t be unique, that my pattern instructions wouldn’t be clear, that no one else would want to knit them.
But then…
when customers at the yarn shop where I was working started showing interest in my patterns, I was encouraged to keep stitching.
I decided to set out to create the most knittable patterns and most smile-inducing accessories for the most delightful and imaginative fiber enthusiasts in the world!
It turns out…
The road was more difficult than I imagined.
I discovered that writing clear, concise patterns is difficult for a naturally wordy person. I discovered that resin is not my friend (oh, the bubbles). I also discovered that there is A LOT of math in pattern writing.
After much trial and error…
I found ways to create accessories that are beautiful and functional, and resources to help me write patterns that don’t leave you, my lovely fiber friend, hyperventilating in a corner of your local yarn shop.
I dithered about everything. Should I make it this way? That way? Will knitters love it? Are these instructions clear enough? Right down to the font I’m writing in. Yeah…
Through it all, I released my first products and the response has been wonderful.