Stitch Works Software
A Review and Interview with the Software Designer Brian Milco
Pattern designing can be a lot of fun, it can also be a lot of work. I am always striving to improve my designing skills and branch out into new areas of design. I have also recently began the process of publishing my designs. During this process I realized that I needed to chart some of my patterns; Many people are visual and charts and diagrams sometimes make it much easier to describe a stitch, pattern or design.
I went on a search of crochet designing software. I came across StitchWorks Software, created and designed by Brian Milco. There were a couple other options for charting software but none seemed as customizable and easy to use as Stitchworks. After watching the instructional video on the Stitch Works Software website I decided to take the plunge. It also didn’t hurt that the software was so reasonably priced. $49.99 seemed like a small price to pay to make my life so much easier.
I now use Stitchworks to help me design new patterns and to chart diagrams in my patterns for ease of use. Another amazing use for Stitch Works is that it can take some the guess work out out of the designing process, you can use the software to determine how many increases you will need to make per row to get to your desired number of stitches. It also makes it easier to figure out how to bring some stitch patterns together.
Overall, I am really enjoying using this software. You can see an example of how this Stitch Works Software has made my patterns easier to understand and how I use the software to describe new stitches in my V Puff Stitch Slouch Hat pattern.
I recently interviewed Brian about his software.
How long have you been designing computer software?
I’ve been writing software for about 8 years professionally, plus several years of system administration for some small organizations before that. I learned my first programming language in 6th grade, and knew I wanted to pursue IT as a career by high school.
What motivated you to create Stitch Works?
At the time I was working on knitting software for another company, my co-worker’s wife had mentioned that there was a lack of software in the crochet field, and at the time I was looking to venture out on my own so it seemed like a natural starting place.
Do you take customers needs into consideration when making updates to the program?
Absolutely! I love getting constructive feedback from users, and I’ve had a lot of good suggestions. I’ve got enough ideas to keep my writing code for at least a couple of years.
I know everyone has a different focus when using software, so I like to try to make my software flexible. To that end a lot of features have default values, but allow for other options. You can also set those defaults by setting them in the “Tools” >> “Options” dialog (On a Mac “Crochet Charts” >> “Preferences”)
Do you knit or crochet as well?
I have done a small 6×6(-ish) sample square of knitting, and I did a row of crochet, but that’s about the extent of my hands on experience. 🙂
Do you plan on creating any other type of designing software, like garment schematics?
I have considered it in the past. Right now I just don’t have time for it. My hope is that over the next year, maybe two, I’ll be able to pair back my other “part time” job as I grow my software business. As that happens I’ll have more time to work on developing new projects, then we’ll see.
You can learn more about the software and follow Brian at the following places:
Stitch Works Software on Facebook
Stitch Works Software on Twitter
Stitch Works Software on Google+
Stitch Works Software on Ravelry
Thank you Brian for taking the time to answer these questions and educate the Cre8tion Crochet followers on your amazing designing software.
