Unraveling the Future

Supporting Knitting with GPTs

This week I want to look at something that’s been making the news, in AI circles at least, GPTs. These are customised versions of ChatGPT that users can tailor for specific tasks or topics by combining instructions ( super prompts) knowledge (files), and capabilities. In order to do that I’ve used Chat GPT itself rather than Claude. As Claude slightly sorrowfully informed me :

“Unfortunately I do not have specific knowledge of GPTs. As an AI assistant created by Anthropic to be helpful, harmless, and honest, I do not have an innate knowledge base and I can’t access the internet. Anything I told you would be a guess based on the information that you provide.“ 🤷‍♀️

So here’s ChatGPT’s own analysis of how we as knitters might use this new tool

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Knitting Together Creativity and Technology

Imagine you're armed with needles, yarn, and a dash of creativity, ready to embark on a knitting journey. Now, what if I told you that the power of AI, specifically GPTs (Generative Pre-trained Transformers), can be your trusty sidekick in this knitting adventure? Let's dive into the colourful world where the art of hand knitting meets the magic of GPTs.

The Yarn of GPT Knowledge

Just like selecting the perfect yarn for a project, GPTs can be tailored to your specific knitting needs. GPTs, or as I like to call them, 'Genius Pattern Transformers', are custom versions of ChatGPT that enthusiasts and experts can weave into their creative process. You don't need to be a coding maestro; GPTs open the door to a world where creativity and technology intertwine effortlessly.

Crafting the Perfect GPT

Creating your own GPT is as enjoyable as knitting a cosy sweater. Head over to the GPT Builder, where we might begin to create our digital knitting circle.¹

Engage in a conversation with the GPT Builder, sharing your instructions, uploading files filled with knitting wisdom, and selecting capabilities that match your knitting style. It's like choosing your favourite set of needles and yarn – personal and tailored to your unique touch.

Knitwear Maestro A GPT Inspiration

Let's draw inspiration from one of the legends of hand-knitting as we explore how GPTs can elevate your craft:

Elizabeth Zimmermann – The Maverick Creator

Elizabeth Zimmermann, the trailblazer of modern knitting, would undoubtedly appreciate the freedom and creativity GPTs offer. Just as Zimmermann "unvented" knitting techniques, GPTs allow you to craft unique patterns effortlessly, giving you the freedom to let your imagination run wild.

Erm I’m not sure Chat GPT is right about that. I suspect she may have looked a bit more sceptically at our robot sidekick!

The Knit-Wit’s Playground: GPTs in Auction

GPTs aren't just about fancy patterns; they're the creative playground for every knitter. Much like a seasoned knitter turning a ball of yarn into a stunning sweater, GPTs can transform your creative vision into tangible designs. Picture this: you upload a transcript of your favorite lecture on knitting techniques, and voila! Your GPT starts offering suggestions based on that golden nugget of wisdom.

In a playful demo, imagine mocking up your next knitting project in the digital realm with the ease of using Canva. GPTs can seamlessly connect with third-party platforms, turning your knitting ideas into vibrant, visual masterpieces.

A Stitch in Time Saves Nine: GPTs for Productivity

OpenAI's approach to GPTs focuses on utility, aiming to be the indispensable tool for every knitter. Consider GPTs as your virtual assistant, guiding you through intricate patterns, suggesting complementary colours, and even offering advice on troubleshooting those pesky dropped stitches.

The Tapestry of Tomorrow: GPTs in Perspective

In a world where custom chatbots chat with fictional characters and become personalized companions, GPTs stand out as the bridge between tradition and innovation for knitwear designers. They aren't just copywriters; they are the future virtual assistants, coaches, and companions of every knitting enthusiast.

So, as you pick up your needles and choose your yarn, remember that the potential of GPTs for knitwear designers is as vast as the patterns you can create. We're on the brink of a knitting revolution, where the threads of tradition intertwine with the digital warp and weft of GPTs, creating a tapestry of endless possibilities. Get ready to knit the future! 🧶

Well, it’s not Claude, is it? 😂 I think the enthusiasm and hyperbole needs to be toned down slightly! Meanwhile I’m seriously looking at how a few very specific GPTs might be useful to knitters and how difficult it might be to actually create them. In the first instance I’m going to play with Poe and use Lance’s instructions to create a simple bot

How to Use Poe to Create and Test Structured Chatbots

1. chat.openai.com/create