Why would you join my Patreon?

Let's jump right in. Why would you want to join this patreon, over (or along with) many of the others?

Here are some things that I hope you gain from my posts, videos, etc…
• Pattern Access - Online access to a growing collection of my patterns.
See which patterns are visible on Patreon so far.

• Inspiration - Passion about fiber arts is contagious—but in a GOOD way! By joining me on Patreon, you can witness the birth of my new designs, watch them through creation, submission, production and on to publication. I make exclusive posts about what I'm up to as a designer, and what goes on behind-the-scenes and details of my private works-in-progress. Maybe something I share sparks a little creativity, or inspires you to cast on or chain something that feels great to you.

• Education - In the 15+ years that I've been a freelance knit & crochet designer I've gathered a wealth of information about the subject. In my exclusive posts I often share about my designing process, sketching, inspiration, my studio, etc… As I'm inspired, I'll post knit and crochet tutorial videos, which patrons get access to 2 weeks before they're public on YouTube.

• Community - I'm grateful for the opportunity to connect with you, as someone who appreciates the craft and art of creating with fiber. As this community continues to grow, I want to create more with and for you. I'm often asking the opinion of my Patrons. I'm seeking to use my creative talent to create what you want. This is the place where we gather together to do more of that.

OK, so who is Kristen TenDyke?

Hi. ::waves:: That's me.
I knit, crochet and love to design and publish patterns. I have a BFA in graphic design. I live in a rural part of Maine with my 2 young sons, my partner and our 2 cats. Our home is surrounded by the forest—no neighbors in sight. I prefer the isolation, and think trees make great neighbors. I do my best to live in harmony with nature, and I bring that ethic into my knit and crochet design by making yarn choices that help sustain the Earth, whenever possible.

I'm a work-at-home mom, and I'm always looking for ways to let my kids help out and learn more about what I do—in fiber arts, homesteading, etc… I enjoy designing classic, timeless sweaters with unique construction. I specialize in seamless knitting and am always experimenting with different ways of constructing seamless sweaters.

I've written a few books: Finish Free Knits, Knitting Maine and No-Sew Knits, and would love to write more! I have over 400 knit or crochet patterns published. You can see them on Ravelry, and my website.

Why am I on Patreon?

My life as a freelance designer is constantly evolving—contracting and expanding. As my kids are growing I'm feeling a surge of expansion and see Patreon as a way of financially supporting that growth.

With the help of Patreon Support, I can do things like:
• Hire Sample Knitters & Crocheters - which will increase my productivity incredibly! I can continue producing the commissioned magazine and yarn company patterns, while freeing up my time to focus on...
• Focus on Self-Publishing - which gives me so much more content to share about—such as pattern testing, graphics, photography, etc... basically the publishing process itself. Plus I'm able to give self-published patterns away at a discount or free whenever I choose—which means more giveaways, sales, etc...
• Books - I have some book ideas in progress, and would love the time to focus on bringing these into fruition.

These are just a few of the things I'm not currently doing to my fullest potential, that I would love to focus on, as soon as my work-load lightens up with the help of Patreon Supporters! When many fiber artists pledge a small amount each month toward these goals, eventually it'll all add up, and as time goes on I'll be able to add more to what I can offer you.

Check out my Goals (below), to see how we're doing! And keep reading to learn how you can help!

How it works:

Once you select a monthly pledge you'll gain access to all the locked posts. You may view the archived posts, and you'll be emailed each time I make a new post that you can read or watch.

Pledges are withdrawn from your payment account upon sign-up and then on the first of each following month. So, I invite you to give it a try and see how you feel in this space. I'm happy you're here!

Also, here is a public poll. Please leave your input about what kind of content you would like to see me share here. And thanks for reading! I look forward to reading your comments in my upcoming posts!

Happy stitching!
~Kristen :)