Sample Maker Application and FAQs
Click here to apply to be a Seismic Sample Maker
Thank you all for such an amazing response to my call for sample makers! I compiled and answered several commonly asked questions, and please let me know if you have any other questions!
Frequency/timing
- How often will you seek out sample knits?
- Not sure yet, I’m getting organized right now. I’d like fresh samples semi-regularly especially since there are so many amazing designers doing amazing things, and I'm always coming up with new colorways as well!
- Will it just be a call out to all those available or will it be on a rotating schedule or something similar? Will the sample making be offered on a first come first served basis?
- First come, first serve – no.
- There will be times/projects that I may have a particular sample knitter in mind for one reason or another, and other times, I’ll ask who is interested. In an ideal world, I’d give everyone at least one chance!
- Will you be assigning samples? Or will I have the option to choose whether make or not make them? Can I opt out when I know I won’t have time?
- Choosing to make a sample for me is 100% voluntary. If you don’t have time/desire/skill set, there’s no pressure. There will be more sample calls. It makes no sense at all to insist you make something that you can’t/don’t want to do.
- Does your turnaround time include time it would take to ship back?
- No. Also, the times listed in the application are approximate. It will be determined by the individual project as well as by mutual agreement between the maker and Seismic Yarn.
- When is the start date?
- I’m working on getting everything organized so it will be at least a week or two before the first calls go out. After that, it will be on a rolling basis.
Technicalities
- Would I be responsible for supplying my own yarn for the sample?
- I will provide the yarn for the sample as well as the pattern. You provide the needles/hooks and skill.
- Do you pick out the pattern I would be making?
- Yes, I will be choosing patterns, but you don’t have to make anything you don’t want to. Even if I ask you specifically to make something because I love something you did, you can say no. I want this to be fun.
- I have a bunch of patterns that are on my wish list for samples, but I’m also looking through the links you all have shared and am getting inspired by some of your projects too!
- Who chooses the colorway(s)? Can I state preferences?
- I will make the final call on colorways as these pieces are for marketing my yarn and showing off the colorways. You are welcome to state if you would like to use certain colorways, and you can always choose your payment yarn colorways!
- Would you provide patterns for samples digitally or physically?
- Mostly digitally but I may have to provide some physically if I have it via a book or ebook and can’t separate it out.
- Will the patterns be a rough draft? Or will they be revised before being sent?
- I’m mostly asking for sample makers to use published patterns. Occasionally, I may ask for a sample of a pattern that is in the test knitting phase, especially if I’m working on a collaboration with a designer. You will have this information before being asked to commit.
Social Media/Credit/etc.
- Do you have preferences/requests around WIPs being shared online to IG?
- I would love for you to share your WIPs and FO’s online to IG, Facebook, Ravelry, or wherever you like. It’s not a requirement, but it’s a plus.
- If I'm chosen as a sample knitter or crocheter, can I be linked to the finished project? Or credit given for making?
- Absolutely! I love sharing credit and showing off the amazing things that others do!
- Are the samples secret, public, or possibly both?
- Most samples will be public, but there may be the occasional secret project here or there if I’m working with a designer on something special, or for a colorway that hasn’t been released. Everything will eventually be public, but maybe not right away.
- Who chooses the colorway(s)? Can I state preferences?
- I will make the final call on colorways as these pieces are for marketing my yarn and showing off the colorways. You are welcome to state if you would like to use certain colorways, and you can always choose your payment yarn colorways!
About me
- What are your favorite knits?
- I love making cowls and sweaters. I love stockinette in the round as social and relaxing knitting. I don’t love doing cables but I love how they look. I’m newly in love with knitting brioche (always loved how it looks). I love projects where you can see that the maker put a piece of their heart and soul into it.
Who are your favorite designers?
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- I love Jacqui Cielsak, Jessie Mae, Jennifer Steinglass, Alicia Plummer, Jamie Lomax (@pnw_knitdesign) and of course, some of my local friends like Jen Peck (WebsterStreetKnittery), Yvonne Poon (GamerBabeKnitter), Kira K Designs, Ksenia Naidon (life_is_cozy), Cassie Munksgard to name a few. There are more. Sooooo many more!
- What drives your creativity?
- I love being able to make my random ideas and images in my head a reality. I love turning concepts into colorways. I also love sharing the stories that inspire the colorways. I love having a cool idea and developing it and seeing where things go. I love when I feel free to make whatever makes me happy and having people respond to that. Sometimes I just want to play. Other times, I find such joy in very scientific experiments. I always say that you can’t force creativity. There are times it just flows and times it just…doesn’t. I just roll with it.