Interview: Alison Lee
Alison Lee is a registered nurse, knitting technical editor, pattern grader, and sample knitter.
She loves to support designers in all aspects of their publication process, especially by completing the jobs that they don’t have time to do, so they can create the patterns for makers to enjoy.
You can find Alison at www.thestitchwhisperer.com and on Instagram as @thestitchwhisperer.
This interview was conducted by Sarah Walworth.
What were you doing before you became a technical editor?
I was and still am a Registered Nurse, as well as mom to 2 busy little boys.
What made you decide to become a technical editor?
I have been knitting since I was a child, and in the past 10 years or so have been working to expand my skill set. I decided that I wanted to look at knitting in a different way, and realized that tech editing would combine my love of knitting with my love of problem solving, math and puzzles.
What is your workspace like?
Typically my dining room table! But also a coffee shop on occasion.
What has been the hardest part of tech editing for you?
Initially it was finding clients who were willing to take a chance on a newbie, but once I found some wonderful clients, my confidence was the biggest challenge. I have read countless patterns over the years, and feel comfortable with that, but to find errors/improvements and communicate those to professional designers was quite intimidating.
What if I was wrong?
What if they lost confidence in me and went with someone else?
These were the thoughts going through my mind, and still do on occasion, but the designers I have worked with have been so supportive and collaborative that I have found myself learning and improving with every edit.
What references or tools do you find yourself always reaching for in your work?
I’m always using a spreadsheet, calculator, keyboard case for my tablet, as well as a pen and paper! I’m still refining my process, but these have been my consistent tools.
What is the best piece of wisdom you've heard or read lately?
I had some advice from a designer for whom I was knitting a tricky sample, but I think it relates to tech editing as well -
“If I had a penny for all the stitches I’ve frogged, I’d be a wealthy woman. But getting things right is part of the process. No?”
It reiterated for me the importance of doing your best work, even if it means working through difficult challenges.
Do you have any advice for editors who are just starting out? (If you could travel back and whisper some wisdom to yourself, what would you say?)
I feel pretty new to be offering wisdom, but what I try to do is enjoy the process. I love the challenge of applying for a new job, the excitement of meeting new designers, even if it doesn’t work out, and the satisfaction of working through a pattern.
What's something in your business you are happy worked out differently than you expected?
I wasn’t expecting to make the connections with designers and other tech editors that I have. The support I have received from others in the fiber industry has been incredible. I don’t know of another industry that treats each other so kindly.
What is your favorite way to take a break from editing?
Knitting! It is still one of my most relaxing hobbies. Also spending time outside playing with my boys…this usually involves ice cream :)
What are your hopes for yourself?
I hope to continue working with my current clients, as well as hopefully gain some new ones in the future. I’m also excited for some upcoming design collaborations I am working on. Quince & Co asked me to design their Spring 2024 Quince Quarterly box, and since then I’ve caught the design bug!
Thank you for sharing with us, Alison!
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Thank you for being here, dear tech editors! Leave a comment below (I read each one!) ~ Sarah Walworth