Introducing Heather Corcoran from The Lonely Sea. Heather is an ex infant teacher who loves to knit and loves designing patterns even more. Heather finds the whole process of designing knitting patterns captivating and has had huge success with her owl glove patterns. You’ll usually find her companion, the gorgeous Cavalier King Charles pup, Honey, sleeping beside her as she knits.
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How did you come up with the idea of launching your own brand of sewing patterns?
I came up with my business name from a poem I loved as a child – “I must go down to the sea again, the Lonely Sea and the sky”, by John Masefield. I live in Portsmouth, part of which is an island, so I am on the coast which makes my business name, “The Lonely Sea”, particularly relevant. I try to design warm items for windy days by the sea, all in a palette of sea and sky colours.
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What do you like about your job as a designer?
I like the ability to create from ideas in my head, to work towards an end result, and then see how others knit my patterns up. I’m always amazed at the creativity of others as they add their own touches. I also like being my own boss, and having a day off whenever I choose!
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Do you work full time as a creative?
Some weeks I work full time, and other weeks probably part time. I tend to push myself hard to get a pattern completed and then have a few days recuperating!
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What obstacles did you face in launching your brand of patterns?
There were no real obstacles in launching my brand of patterns, just a few nerves, as you don’t know initially if you’re good enough!
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Why did you choose to sell your patterns on Makerist?
I chose to sell my patterns on Makerist and Makerist France, as I wanted to reach a different market, and especially the French market abroad.
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What are – beyond the quality of your patterns – the little tips that have allowed you to succeed?
I think I have some good ideas for patterns, and I am able to explain clearly how to recreate them. I think that was because I was an infant school teacher, and I had to break down into bite size chunks, all the subjects I was teaching – try teaching anything to a 4 year old and you’ll understand the need to keep it clear and simple! Also, I am good at proof reading which comes from marking children’s writing, and that comes in handy when I am checking through a nearly finished pattern.
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What advice would you give to someone who wants to start designing patterns? What is the most important thing you have learned?
If you want to start designing patterns, the best advice is to look at others patterns to get an idea of layout and what to include, and then start simple, with a scarf or shawl. But the main thing is to just start, as you will learn loads as you go and improve rapidly.
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What did selling patterns bring you?
Selling patterns has brought me a great deal of happiness. When I retired early from teaching, due to poor health, I was very concerned about getting bored and having nothing to work towards. But now I am constantly planning, knitting, writing, readjusting, photographing and so on. It’s great!
- Tell us a bit about your journey to where you are now.
I hope I can continue for the next few years, as I love what I’m doing. I think I have a modern outlook, so I hopefully should be able to adapt to changing fashions.
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Do you have support from friends and family, please tell us how they have helped in your journey to success as a designer.
My husband and 2 daughters are very supportive. One daughter in particular is my model, and hubby always gives me input or ideas. My lovely Cavalier King Charles, Honey, is my companion every day, and has her own place on the settee beside me as I knit and watch too much television!
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