I had a reader/customer of my patterns write to me over the holidays that she was having trouble seeing the photo images on my PDF patterns on her new iPad. Although I am not the most technically savvy of knitters, I have figured out how to see all my patterns on our mobile devices. I use a free software program called Evernote. I discovered this app before I even had an iPhone via the NYTimes Tech Column. I ripped the article out and saved it until the day when Verizon would have the iPhone. In the meantime, I downloaded Evernote to my MacBookPro immediately to learn more about it. Mostly I use Evernote to save recipes I might like to try, to save pretty pictures and websites and articles that I like. I really find it useful for my style of disorganization. Here's another article about it.
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| My patterns on my iPhone and iPad via Evernote |
Then last June I got my iPhone when Verizon finally was able to sell them and downloaded the Evernote App. Now I use Evernote to view all of my PDF knitting patterns on my iPhone and The Farmer's iPad which he uses daily to check the weather and read his "Sheep Forum." My account is synced over all of the devices. It is so convenient to be able to see my patterns on my phone when I am sitting waiting for an appointment if I forgot to bring along the printed pattern.
Here's how to do it. Open Evernote and make a new notebook called PDF Patterns. Drag your PDF's from your desktop directly to Evernote. They will take a while to download but be patient - they will be there. Evernote will then hold them somewhere (goodness knows where?) and then you'll be able to access your pattern PDF's without a "pdf reader." FYI - larger files may not show images although all my patterns do show images. Great huh? No wonder printed knitting book publishers are worried?
Evernote just keeps getting better and better. You can now add voice messages to it. Take photos and save them to Evernote. I can't wait to see how it develops. Thanks to Kim Werker who tipped me off on the PDF use of Evernote on her blog here. She has a bunch of good ideas on her post. Check it out.
Is this the way of the future for your knitting? Have you ever purchased a PDF Pattern or are you scared to death to do it. Do you even know what a PDF is? Or are you an exclusive print person? I will be curious to hear your thoughts about instantly Downloadable Patterns vs. books. In fact I am so curious, I'm running a contest! Tell me what you think about PDF Patterns vs. printed books. Three lucky winners will get their pick of three of my PDF designs!
Please leave your thoughts in my comments section. And as always, leave an easy way to get a hold of you - either your blog address, your email, or your Ravelry or Facebook name. Contest closes at 11:59 p.m. Tuesday January 10th.
Please leave your thoughts in my comments section. And as always, leave an easy way to get a hold of you - either your blog address, your email, or your Ravelry or Facebook name. Contest closes at 11:59 p.m. Tuesday January 10th.
NOTE: If you are a LYS store-owner I would love to hear your comments also. BTW, all of my PDF Patterns are available to stores who are signed up as Ravelry ShopKeepers. (As of this writing, there are only 126 LYS signed up as Ravelry Shopkeepers.) Local Yarn Stores can sell my PDF's direct to your customer and keep a nice slice of the money to help keep your store running. Any questions - shops? E-mail me.
89 comments:
I guess I am old fashioned but a book never crashes and lasts forever. I am reasonably tech savy but have not made the plunge into ipads, kindle etc. I have purchased pdf's and printed them out. I also save them on a stick drive, just in case. Yarn companies, please don't do away with books.
jmcarr49@sbcglobal.net
The more we can stop printing and save trees the better! Can't wait to try Evernote.
I but books and magazines because I love to look at them and read them, but I find I am more likely to finish patterns that are pdf because I can enlarge them on my computer. I just started sending some to my kindle so I will see how that works out. For now I buy hard copies of knitting materials and fiction for the kindle because of the pictures and schematics, but if I had the Fire I might change my mind. I am lostinkansas on Ravelry
I do both books and PDF'S. I am excited to read about Evermore and try it on my new Kindle Fire. I think it would be great for when I travel and I can see me using it to save things I find when I'm browsing and reading blogs on my Kindle. I like the ability to download one pattern and not buy an entire book for one pattern, however, I am still buying my share of knitting books! Somehow holding a book with gorgeous pics is just so satisfying! Cheryl...........hopsoncm at hotmail dot com
Ok......I meant Evernote! Cheryl
I have purchased books, magazines and PDFs. While I like to have books and magazines storage is a big problem so I purchase PDFs when available. I don't have an iPad or iPhone yet but I will remember your Evernote recommendation when the time comes that I have one of these devices.
I have downloaded PDF's and love them, but I'm also partial to books. I think it's just the "old person" in me that has trouble adjusting to reading everything on line. lol
I still love books that I can sit and thumb through on lazy days. I also like the idea of having a pattern and book on my Nook tablet so it is mobile and I can read when waiting for an appointment. I have trouble downloading some patterns from Drops. Maybe Evernote will help. I have a couple of your books and love them, couldn't imagine looking at the designs on a small screen.
pclark204@comcast.net
I use lots of patterns directly from the Internet and am very comfortable with .pdf patterns. I still, however, love to curl up with a book and savor the detail and gorgeous photos. I think both media will continue to have their own place for quite awhile with .pdf patterns showing tremendous growth because of price and accessibility.
I will try Evernote and see how it works on the iPhone and iPad. I carry a HPTablet with me as a portable device sometimes and PDFs are no problem there. But thanks for letting us know about it. I will give it a try. While I work in technology, by the time I get to knitting and pleasurable things, the last thing I deal with is technology. I love the idea of PDFs. Wish we could download PDFs of magazine patterns. Those magazines are expensive, but the pattern details are such fine print, it is a problem trying to copy them in larger print.
Thanks for the time and the tips.
rav: MzCruse
Pros and cons with both of them! Books.. You can see it all at once.. and its nice holding a book in your hand.. but you can forget where you saw this particular pattern.. PDF is great.. you can call it up anytime you want it.. but..you need to turn the pages more often.. and if there is no WIFI.. you do not knit! I think eventually.. PDF will take over.. and books will be unheard of! We will all adapt! I love your patterns.. and have purchased the xmas stocking one. I will be making a few for next xmas!
Laura Balsley laurabal25@gmail.com
I recently purchased my first pdf pattern on Ravelry and I am impressed. No waiting. I did print it out so I can take it with me. I love books and magazines but the new electronic formats are also good. tstitessixtysixatyahoodotcom
I was just trying to figure out a way to get my pdf patterns and downloaded magazines onto my new tablet...I am using digital downloads more and more, less clutter in my house that way, since I hate getting rid of good pattern magazines etc.
I love the NOW factor in the PDF files. I see the pattern and I can start knitting it the same day. To satisfy my old librarian need for paper, I print it as well and place it in a binder with my other traditional paper patterns...the best of both worlds
mary kate
pwitry@rcn.com
I use both PDF and print. I buy digital and paper magazines. So many of us love Knitty mag too!
Ysolda teague recently had a book come out in print with a code for the e version. Interesting. Wooly Wormhead has e books of patterns too. They are easy to store in your Rav library or download to iBooks on the iPad.
Evernote or Goodreader or other types of PDF readers allow you to highlight the line of a pattern chart too. Just like paper. Only problem with electronic patters is that the device is now engaged so watching something isn't possible while knitting. Listening works though in the background while the pattern is open.
I think publishers need to be flexible and creative. people will want the options for both.
I LOVE PDF patterns! It's instant gratification at its best and I can print it how I want it and don't end up with lots of other patterns I won't use. I mean, there's something to be said for a beautiful book, but overall I prefer PDF - especially since you also can't beat the price.
I prefer PDF because it's instant gratification, can't beat the prices, and I can print it just how I want it! There's something to be said for a beautiful book, but with PDF I don't get a bunch of patterns I won't use!
annegp on Ravelry
I love PDF patterns -- I've bought a couple from your store, and I love being able to download them directly to my Ravelry library too
I do print them out, and I don't have a "smart phone" or a kindle, so I won't be using that technology any time soon, but the "get it now" reward of PDF is wonderful
Bev -- esmerldas.blogspot.com
I use both PDFs and books. When I travel for work, I always have my computer, but there isn't always room for books which makes the PDF format great. I also have a NOOK which can read PDFs, so even on vacation my entire electronic library is in one small book-size device. And they can be printed if you like to have a paper copy.
I like both books and .pdf's. An advantage of a .pdf is portability, in that you can print the one pattern you are working on. I also like the instant download feature of buying .pdf's online. Pring books are nice to have and look at, but generally are more expensive than .pdf downloads of books.
I use both, but am moving more and more to PDF or ebooks. often i only want to work one pattern from a book, so i can print out just the pages i want, and keep the book stored for future use. i do print out the pattern i am working, mostly to scribble notes on, and i have a "dumb" phone. i do have a kindle, and, while i love print books, after our basement adventure involving moving our basement (25 yrs of textbooks and leisure books and furniture), i am really getting into the minimalist philosophy...so, replacing a lot of books with electronic form and donating to the lobrary so i can find them there, too!
skubitwo
I definitely prefer hard copy over electronic. Applications come and go, as does media. I have a ton of genealogy records on zip drives that I can no longer access. Not to mention piles of floppies. However, I am not against using new electronic tools. I just can't seem to figure out how. I have downloaded Evernote, Dropbox, as well as gotten numbers for google voice and Skype, but I still can't use any of them. I've read all the help and FAQs, and articles. I'm going to keep on trying though. One of these days maybe they'll start to make sense. Thanks.
By the way, my Rav name is Savannagal. Forgot to include it in my rambling comment.
I use both pdf's and books. I love the have the book (nothing like it and can't be replaced in my opinion) but I will often photocopy from my book to carry with me. I can write all over my photocopy, thus keeping my book fresh. The pdfs give me the same portability. I save them to a file but print off a working copy that can be thrown away when I am done with the project. I don't ever worry about spilling a drink and if I lose the copy, I just print off another working copy.
I got an ipad this year and still trying to figure things out. I use a mac book too and used to mac, but the ipad is not the same, like I thought it would be;) My problem is saving drawings that I made with the sketchbook pro. I would love to know what you use for drawing and saving.
I made pdf's myself and love using that method for myself and buying that way. I always back up my files in a san disk, just in case.
Debbie
I think each has their place. I love pdf's for patterns because they're so portable for me & easy,peasy to print out & mark up if I need a hard copy. I prefer books on more technical subject matter. I can't imagine EZ's books in anything but a hard copy. They are so much fun to read. I have plenty of pattern books, but find myself referring to them less & less.
I like PDF's because I can print them out and take them with me like a book, but they don't take up as much space as a book, although they are easier to misplace than books(of course, I can always print out a new one). But they aren't as practical for bringing lots of patterns to family gatherings to ask relatives what sort of knitted gifts they'd like (and I do that a LOT). They also don't have instructions of various techniques if I need to look something up when I away from home. So I guess I like books better, but I like PDF's too.
I forgot to leave my email address. toemma@gmail.com
I love browsing through knitting books, especially when the contents are beautifully photographed. BUT when it comes to working with the patterns, I have become totally hooked on PDFs stored in Goodreader on my iPad. The iPad goes everywhere with me, and with the patterns in Goodreader that means I always have them. Goodreader also allows me to make notes on the pattern, so when I come back to a UFO a couple of months later, my pop-up notes indicating a change in needle size or whatever are there. I haven't bought a paper pattern in months.
Kkirk5@wi.rr.com
I was always afraid to do it, then received one for Xmas. WOW, there it was, would do it again.
In the last year or so I've moved into buying almost all my patterns online - usually through Ravelry. I still get some books, but I find that I don't think of the patterns in the book as often then the online patterns when planning a project. My Rav name is: tybearwat
I am an equal opportunity pattern buyer. I subscribe to two knitting magazines (paper editions) and also get pdf files from designers online including your Christmas stocking patterns. However, I did print out the pdf so it would be easier to carry with me than my laptop. I am tech savvy enough to send pdf files to my student so they can print their assignment sheets before class. If I run in to trouble, I just yell for my computer science professor husband. On ravelry I am willowscottage. My email is willowknitsatyahoodotcom
I love buying PDF patterns. I store them in my Library on Ravelry and in Adobe Reader on my computer. I got a Kindle Fire for Christmas which has an Adobe Reader App but first have to figure out how to use it. I don't buy books and mags anymore as sometimes there may be only 1 pattern in the whole thing I want to use.
Rav name is knitterbeader
I enjoy both and use them a little differently. I prefer paper copies of books and magazines for reading, although I love how the iPad makes the pictures glow on the books that I do have in PDF format. For patterns, I prefer the PDF format, no contest. I can carry a bunch with me, magnify with ease, and mark them up. And they never get crinkled from too much use.
REAL books, REAL Magazines and PLEASE (PLEASE PLEASE) REAL patterns.
I use both PDF and printed magazine or book patterns. If I find a pattern I like I buy it in whatever format it comes.
I LOVE Evernote and have been using it for the past several months since I discovered it on my computer. I store my PDF patterns in there and am able to access them wherever I am. I especially like it when I am researching something for work and am able to clip an entire webpage for future use.
I love both pdfs and books. Like others I love that instant gratification of getting a pattern fast since I seem to start most of my knitting at night and can't wait to get the store. But there is something about seeing a whole collection in glorious photos in a book that I will never want to give up. lifeinsarahland@yahoo.com
I am a little nervous about having only a pdf copy. I don't use any portable device, but more important, I keep my computer a long time and media changes. However, being able to download a pattern certainly is convenient. I do like being able to get a pdf of a pattern from overseas.
purlplessk on Ravelry
I like both pdfs and print, but I'm more and more inclined towards having pdf patterns now. I'm more organized with the pdf files, so it's easy to find the pattern I want.
I think they both have a place. If I ever get an I Pad I may change my mind and like pdf's more.
yarnbasket on Rav
Like most commenters, I like and use both print and pdf patterns. Books are nice to have and spend time with; pdfs and quick, portable and better for the knitting bag!
I am anxious to try Evernote - thanks for the reference.
I've had Evernote on my iPhone since I had the iPhone 1.....and I'm finally on the iPhone 4.
I too like to have a book to hold and read, but love making/using PDF's as they are easy to print and enlarge if necessary so I can take them with me when I travel to and from work, camping, etc.
Right now, I prefer books and magazines but I have purchased several pdfs as well. I don't have an iPhone, iPad, Nook or Kindle so I store the pdfs on my computer and print them when I want to. I think both print and pdfs will have a place in the future as they do now. I HOPE we will always have books!
thefankells@mesanetworks.net
I love the PDF patterns because they are instant gratification. I don't have to wait a few days to get the pattern. I can see it on the web and download it within minutes. However I am still technology illiterate when it comes to Evernote, Kindle,etc.
Sometimes I feel like a dinosaur!! I still love my books, always ordering them, and magazines.
I am reasonably computer savy but that's about it. I do not own any special devices, just a regular little cell phone. Getting patterns on line in great though but I don't even have a color printer so all the beautiful color pictures are lost too.
eblim01@yahoo.com
Both have their advantages. I love a hardcopy book because the quality of the photography is always better than a print out, but it can get costly to print a whole book from a PDF file. But I really like the PDF files for single patterns, because when I see a pattern I love, I can get it instantly, make my own notes on it, and reprint it as many times as I need to. It's also nice to be able to buy just the patterns you know you will knit without buying a whole book to get it.
Charlotte mpetry@cogeco.ca
Hi,
I have the Evernote app on my Macbook however it is just sitting there. Now I am eager to set up my PDF stash.
PDF vs. Paper, well, as much as I hate to print out a pattern I do find it annoying to return to the computer for directions. I am trying very, very hard not to print and wind up with a paper stash that is as bad as the legal boxes of back issues of magazines. I have no idea what to do with the collection of Knitters, Interweave, and Vogue...suggestions?
Help, yarn stash and magazine stash, I did notice a few sellers on Etsy, however not sure it is popular to resell whole issues.
Regards,
jerseygirl65 (ravelry)
I MUCH prefer PDFs. I can print out copies of charts (like for color work or lace) and mark them up, while still keeping my original copy clean. I do use Evernote and I can access copies of patterns anywhere from my phone, so even if I forgot to bring along a pattern or find myself by a yarn store unexpectedly, I can always check my patterns. Also when I buy a book I get the editor's selection of patterns which does not always (usually) match my taste. I would rather pay the designers for the individual patterns I am actually going to use rather than buy a book for the two or three patterns in it that are of interest to me. Also PDF downloads are instant gratification! I can see something on a blog or on Ravelry and get it immediately!!
I can't stand reading patterns on the computer, and I don't currently have a printer. Basically, I get eye strain too readily from staring too intently at a computer screen. I get enough of it at work. But, then again, I can always get the pattern printed at Staples or Kinko's.
:-) BeccaBee (Ravelry)
PDFs are the best for instant gratification. See it. Want it! Buy it and download. Books are the best for inspiration...I'm thinking I want to do something...For example, I leafed through your books before the holidays and ended up designing very colorful and, I think, fun coffee cup cozies for the kids. The more sources for patterns, the better. BarbBehr (Ravelry)
I like PDF patterns, I download and print immediately. I prefer books and magazines. I keep all in my "permanent" collection. I don't trust the long-term keeping quality of computers--they have a tendency to go down, have to backup for safety, etc. In other words--I want a hard copy for my patterns.
Kristen,
I don't have Evernote but will after posting this comment. I do like PDF patterns. I can store on the computer and print when I need it plus I know where it is, way better than my sewing room where everything is a mystery.
I've been using GoodReader on my new iPad for storing pdf patterns -- I haven't gotten too into it but know that you can highlight and make notes using it. I like that when I download a pdf, a button for saving to GoodReader shows right up for me and puts it right in.
I also have opened a Dropbox account to make it easier to move all of my collected pdfs from my laptop to my iPad. You can learn about that here: http://db.tt/UVG8Adso
I haven't really had the time to get everything where I want it the way I want it, but in the meantime I DO like working from patterns on my iPad while listening to podcasts (mostly knitting podcasts, of course). I'm looking forward to having everything on one tool when I am traveling in the spring - knitting, e-mail, web access, etc. (I'm still on a non-smart phone).
I have purchased .pdf patterns, but I always print them out. I have a few binders for print patterns not in books. I own a Nook, but not an iPad, and the screen isn't large enough on the Nook to use for my patterns. I know digital is the way of the future, but I'm not quite there yet!
~ Great question ~
My first preference will always be books & magazines. My childhood fantasy was to live in a library, especially because ours was a small New England house made into a library, with a porch. So, yes, yes, yes to well-made books.
Now, my house is a small knit/art library which I enjoy having that way so I can share with friends. Also, I teach knitting to children and tween-agers. I believe its important for them to continue to use & see value in books rather than everything all computer-land.
I've purchased perhaps 12-15 PDF's over the past two years. I do appreciate that option with a pattern that is unique that I know I will use. (I've enjoyed yours, Kristin) I prefer to print the PDF though because I can only sit at the computer for so long. I'm recovering from cancer surgeries and cancer health issues, so I much prefer to knit in a cozier place. Even if I didn't have health issues I'd still prefer to knit, using the book/pattern in a cozy place with a cup of tea. In Spring, Summer & Fall I love to take a stash of books & magazines outside, with a picnic blanket and knit in the fresh air.
I recently bought a pattern from a knitting shop, PDF, but then the owner offered to send a hard copy as well, that was perfect ! ~ My printer doesn't always wish to connect to my computer so I really appreciated her option.
I appreciate the "instant" availability of PDF's and most especially the internet knitting blogs-world, but I don't see myself having anything fancier than just the computer for technology.
(I have 4 of your books, Kristin)
Its so nice to teach knitting with children or adults, having real books as resources. ~ For me, books, yarn & rocking chairs = peaceful knitting. ~
Best,
Shell ~
YarnSoup@yahoo.com
I use both although more and more pdf files make up my library. I like being able to print out just the pattern or portion needed. Writing on a printed pdf pattern seems less 'sinful' than writing in a book. The immediate gratification is terrific!
I would fall under the scared to purchase a PDF. How will I ever find it in my PC? Technically challenged reader here!
flgirl1987 AT yahoo DOT com
I love books and have an extensive library, including knitting books. However in the last year I have knitted predominately from PDF files that I have printed off. I like the immediacy of buying a pattern and knitting no matter what time of day. I hope we always have a choice. Thanks for the info on Evernote.
Anita
Adodds@bresnan.net
I like both formats - I love to sit and look at my knitting books, even when I'm not looking for something to knit. I like to get ideas and inspiration. But, when I know what I'd like to knit (and how to make it), a PDF is nice so I can just get to work. Also, if I like 1 or 2 patterns in a book, it would be nice to be able to purchase them in PDF format rather than buying a whole book.
I don't mind PDFs for single patterns, though I always print them out! The convenience of getting the pattern immediately is wonderful. But like others have commented, I prefer hard copy books to electronic versions, because of the expense of printing. And real books are so much nicer!
I like PDF patterns for individual patterns; so easy and you can get them right away. I print many of them out right away and store them on my Ravelry site. Don't like the idea of e books for knitting books. I don't see how the quality of the e book can match a hard cover book.
I have purchased PDF patterns. I always save them on my computer and then immediately print them and put them into a notebook. I MUCH prefer to have a book. There is just nothing quite like having a book in hand to turn the pages, putting sticky notes in and having for quick and easy reference.
You can always find me on my farm or at kimgoodling@yahoo.com.
For the past several years, I have purchased mostly PDF's. This is at least partly due to living in a rural area and not having a LYS very close. Many of the designers I like seem to only, or mostly, offer their patterns online; if I purchased the print version, I would have to pay shipping and tax. That being said, I do like having a paper copy of a pattern, book or magazine in my hands-I enjoy being able to flip through the pages, back and forth and really see the photos. I have only purchased individual PDF patterns, not e-books or magazines.
I love my books for browsing but love pdf's even more because I can always find what I'm looking for.
I really like PDFs and have purchased them a lot. I like the convenience of being able to print whenever I want.
I really enjoy pdf's, and have embraced many of the digital technologies which I feel really enrich my life! (especially the Apple products, which complement each other- iPhone, Mac and IPad). And, I LOVE Evernote! I am very organizationally-challenged, but can now find things so easily and they are backed up in several ways now. I learned about Evernote on a podcast called iPad Today- highly recommend..
I can't wait to instal evernote! Thank you for the tip.
Well, there's something about snuggling-up with a book (full of lovely photos), a lifelong friend that sits on the bookshelf, a constant companion & resource! But, I've purchased a PDF pattern or two... still print it out and add it to my 3-ring notebook that I've 'decorated' as if it were an eclectic collection of fav book, 'er, scrapbooked! I own a simple cell phone, haven't advanced to Iphone and associated $$$cost.
Thanks for the chance to win! grdepa@yahoo.com
I have purchesed pdf patterns, including yours, but until now have printed them out when I want to knit. I am going to give Evernote a try right away! Thanks Kristen.
Pam H
phopkin1@rochester.rr.com
Rav id atareen
I have purchased a pdf pattern and prefer them. I am jsut crossing the threshold as I am a new ipad user.
I love books and magazines. But, the convenience of ordering a PDF for a specific pattern, found on the internet for example, is fantastic! For those of us on Ravelry it is almost too convenient!
~Amanda
(gr8aunt)
Love pdf's and really like to download them through Ravelry, so that they are available to me even if my computer crashes (which it did on New Years day). I'll have to Check out Evernote to use on my iPad. I find myself drawn more and more to downloadable books and patterns
i love using Evernote, but I mark up patterns like crazy!! When I am at home, I love using the Ipad, but when I take my knitting along, it just seems too clunky to carry the ipad. I'm going to try it on the iphone. It does seem so much easier than the paper and pencil I use on the road!
I love the PDF option, because when I decide to buy (when searching on-line) I can get it now vs. waiting. In the past, I would usually not buy, as I didn't want to wait. I still buy plenty from my local yarn store, but mostly the YARN & NEEDLES - getting most patterns in PDF on line. Just my two cents! amyroz@hotmail.com
Like many knitters, I'm somewhere betwixt and between. I love buying pdfs and storing them in my Rav library (I also save them to my home computer and run them through my normal backup procedures). But when I'm ready to KNIT, I print. I like to mark up my pattern as I'm working. Then my printout goes into a sleeve in a notebook with photos and other project information, as my personal archive. Ravelry works great to archive some types of project notes, but pencil on paper is still the best way for me to mark really detailed things.
The safest thing for designers and publishers to do right now is probably to offer patterns in as many formats as possible. It's easy to forget that many knitters are not on Ravelry or even online.
I have mixed feelings about digital vs. printed materials. My dad was in the print business, so I look upon it as an ancient and honorable craft, and I love the look and feel of a well made book, but I also love the portability and environmental friendliness of pdf patterns. I wish someone would come up with a way to access pdf versions of patterns if you have purchased the hard copy of a book, not sure how it could be done without everyone who borrowed a book from the library having access as well, but it would be great. Thanks for the Evernote suggestion, have it on my new laptop, but haven't explored it yet.
Camerlyn (Ravelry)
I love books, but I love pdfs just about as much. I really love purchasing on Ravelry and then they are stored in my library. Also, I'm so sorry about your yarn being discontinued
I use almost all forms of pattern access.
I love the immediacy and the ease of aquiring PDFs, though the computer I use is not the most convenient to get to when I feel like browsing.
I love the glorious photos in books and the ability to have them easily to hand for dreamily leafing through.
I have most of my patterns in ravelry or on my hardtop and I either print them out or... Ijust got a Kindle Fire and I use repligo PDF reader to access them there.
I'm KathleenC on Ravelry
I've purchased many pdf patterns and I've nothing bad to say about them. What I like most is that they are: affordable (vs. buying a whole book only to knit one item), less wasteful/more green (again, only print - or not - the pages you are going to use), current (usually any errata are quickly incorporated into the pattern), available from anywhere, anytime (no more waiting for your LYS to open or having to drive for miles to get there).
Thanks for mentioning Evernote - I'm going to check it out...
I've purchased PDF's of knitted patterns and LOVE them, but I still print them out. Being able to walk around with the paper pattern that I can write notes on and keep track of all the info about yarn and needles...ect.
I prefer pdf patterns - the ease of storing them and accessing them is something we could only have dreamed of 20 years ago! I can print them if I need to, but I usually access them on my iPod or Kindle. I've also disciplined myself to make notes via the pdf and now that I am virtually completely digital, I wouldn't go back to books and pamphlets.
I did appreciate the tip on reading pdf files in Evernote - I didn't know about that even though I have used Evernote for ages. It takes the "under construction" look off the pdf - I will be using that for certain.
Thanks much for the info and the great blog! :)
I live in France, and used to spend a fortune in postage for books, patterns and magazines. I have cancelled all my magazine subscriptions and now subscribe via zinio.com, or Apple. I buy books to read on my iPad. I only buy patterns in PDF, and use the Goodreader app. Often I still print out the pattern (at least the charts) because I like to read (on my iPad, of course!) while I knit, and it's too annoying to keep going back and forth.
Love the instant gratification of pdf patterns - downloading from Ravelry or a website, and I've never had one fail. But I love my collection of knitting books and I save my knitting magazines too. Your blog is great Kristin - without technology how would we ever get to experience your farm life? Thanks, Francie (fkaufman67at yahoo.com)
I love the pdf patterns. Printed out for me, stored in my Ravelry account, I can write on them, lose them and print them again. I love books and magazines too. So many patterns, not enough time!
Love the lamb pictures!
Sue
candscamp@q.com
PDFs are super convenient, and green. However, there is something to be said for scanning through a piece of paper. It's also easier to make notations on paper. So for now, I'm downloading a lot of PDFs, but still printing them out when I'm actually using the pattern. Maybe this year I'll figure out how to use a PDF note writing app
I prefer printable patterns--they travel easier and if they get spilled on, written on, chewed up--i am not out a book. I also love that electronic patterns can be read on my iphone so the pattern travels super easy for me. PLUS knitting books are so frequently spiral bound, I ruin the bindings trying to keep them open! But I do love to flip through books.
my address is annecalhounmt at gmail dot com
I love real books and real magazines and still get sad when I pass by an empty Borders. Your hardcover books are so beautiful! I love to flip through them for color combinations.I must admit that I did love instantly getting your sunflower and zinnia pattern and also love looking at the online magazine Inspired Ideas that I discovered through the 25 Days if Knitting website you were featured on. Happy Lambing! lisaandrod.mims1@gmail.com
If I am buying a pattern from overseas as I frequently am on etsy then definitely a PDF. Minimal waiting time involved and I can either print it out or leave it on my computer.
However, I like books too. I tend to buy single PDF patterns and books. Can't remember when I purchased a single print copy of a pattern.
I only buy patterns via PDF download. In fact, I haven't bought Coastal Knits because it's not available electronically and I just don't want another book taking up valuable space. I download the PDFs to GoodReader.
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