Interview with Eloewien

Spring's Beginning Scarf

For my final Q&A as part of the Indie Design Gift-a-long (which runs until December 31st) I found out more about Laura, a designer who publishes as Dragonwing Arts.

How would you describe your design style? 
I tend to favor more traditionally-inspired lacework, but I’m starting to work on easier patterns for newer knitters.

What prompted you to start designing? 
I really wanted a scarf to match a yarn I had purchased from a local Indie dyer, and I couldn’t find a pattern that fit what I wanted. I wanted something that used different leafy lace patterns. This ended up as my Spring’s Beginning scarf, and my first pattern.

Do you find your design style has evolved over the 7 years you’ve been releasing patterns? 
I’ve realized that my patterns may be too complex for some knitters, so I’m trying to design some simpler patterns that appeal to a wider range knitters.

Jack Frost Scarf 

Who is your knitting audience? Who are your designs targeted at? 
I’m not really sure how to answer this one… But my best guess would be people who enjoy more detailed, charted patterns.

What are your favorite techniques or types of things to knit? 
I love lacework. The more complex, the better I tend to enjoy it.

What is your greatest challenge throughout the design process? 
Coming up with ideas. I got pretty busy for a while and just wasn’t finding inspiration, then I saw an amazing window at the Fine Arts Center they built at Virginia Tech, and I was up and running again. That window happened to inspire a cabled scarf pattern I’m working on now. A picture of the window is up on my website athttp://www.dragonwingarts.com

Braided Cable Cowl

What do you have planned for 2015 design-wise? 
The only two projects I have in the works right now are the cabled scarf and a cabled bag from Cascade Sunseeker yarn that I feel in love with. When Outlander comes back on Starz in the spring, I plan on watching it closely for more ideas. I might try to make a set of mitts I saw on a background character in the current episodes, but I haven’t been able to make the gauge work with any of my current yarns so far. I hope to continue with my Outlander inspired patterns that I’ve been working on recently.

Interview with Christina Werge

Ready to meet another designer who is participating in the Indie Design Gift-a-long? This week I got to know more about Christina Werge from Berlin, Germany. 

Annie, Hitch: Patterns inspired by
the Films of Alfred Hitchock.
photo (c) Nick Murway

I've been to Germany many times in my younger years to visit family, so it was fun to reconnect - in even the remotest way - with someone actually living in Germany. 

Christina is an accomplished designer who has been published in a number of places, including Knitty, Knit Now, and Clotheshorse. She also has a design in the Cooperative Press book Hitch: Patterns Inspired by the Films of Alfred Hitchcock. You can also find her designs on her website  Herrlichkeiten which also offers tutorials and blog entries.


What I really noticed about Christina is that she has an impressive range of designs, from accessories like shawls, hats and mitts, to sweaters and tank tops.

How would you describe your design style?

My designs always have a twist to them. Sometimes you’ll have to look hard to find the it - a unusual construction or small details. My designs sometimes look more complicated than they are as I always have the knitting process in my mind when designing. If a design looks good, but is a pain to knit, it is not going to be published.

Dome Hat, photo (c) C. Werge

Where do you get your inspiration from?

My inspiration comes from a lot of sources. I am a very visual person and love to discover patterns in everyday life and nature. Sometimes this leads very directly to a design like when the cupola of the new synagogue in Berlin on my way to work sparked the idea for the Dome Hat. But more often it’s just a detail that gets my gears working…

Who is your knitting audience? Who are your designs targeted at?

I love to think about my audience as knitters who like to try something new and have fun knitting for themselves and other people. That’s why I have a lot of smaller, giftable things in my portfolio. I believe easy does not have to be boring and love to design for a wide range of skill levels. While I love to design things for everyone, I feel I can best anticipate the challenges of my own figure when it comes down to sweater design. MY sweater patterns are designed to make women look great - if they have curves or not. I always include instructions where to alter the fitting of my sweaters so that every woman can look good in them!

Daphne Tank, photo (c) Christina Werge

What are your favorite techniques or types of things to knit?

Looking at my patterns I’d have to admit that I love slipped and twisted stitches. It’ such an easy thing to knit - or in the case of a slipped stitch to not knit - and they open up a world of possibilities: colour work, cable work, even shaping (like the waist shaping of Daphne) is possible.

You have a sweater pattern, Annie, in the book Hitch: Patterns Inspired by the Films of Alfred Hitchcock from Cooperative Press. How did you come to be involved in the book?

I saw the call for submissions on the Designer board in Ravelry. As I love Hitchcock films I just knew I had to give it a try and submit a design.

Is there a difference in your design process between self-published patterns and designs for publications like Knit Now, Knitty or Hitch?

Yes, there is. While a call for submissions might spark an idea that leads to a self-published design or an idea that was to become a self-pub fits a call for submissions so well, it gets chosen, the process that follows is quite different. When self-publishing, I can/have to chose the yarn myself, my personal deadlines are flexible and I can make changes until the last moment and perhaps just knit another sample. There is a lot of going back and forth involved. With publications that’s different. I write down the pattern first as always, and then I will knit the sample. When working for someone else my sample knitting is the first (and possibly only) test knit there will be. So everything is pretty straightforward. Especially as I have to get a lot of knitting done in little time.

What is your greatest challenge throughout the design process?

Letting go. Accepting a design just won’t work and not trying to start it again and again is definitely not my strength. ;)

What do you have planned for 2015 design-wise?

Dome mitts, photo (c) C. Werge

I have a sweater pattern almost finished and also a great cable heavy design. I didn't have much of time for designing this year and next year looks like it’s going to be similar. So I’m focusing on self-publishing as I can tailor my schedule to my needs.

Elinor Shawlette, photo (c) C. Werge

Me! Me! Me!

Just a drive-by posting to link to a fun interview that I did with Corley. She had some great questions for me and posted the interview on her blog, Crafted by Corley.

Thanks so much Corley!

An Interview with Michelle Meyer

One of the things I love about Ravelry and in particular, the Indie Design Gift-a-long (GAL) is finding new (and new-to-me) designers. There are so many talented people out there who often get overlooked because they aren't one of the 'big' names (yet).

Michelle Meyer, Indie Designer

Thanks to the GAL, I recently had an opportunity to interview Michelle Meyer, a relatively new designer from Wisconsin, USA. 

I love her Footbridge shawl. Part of what attracts me to it is its simplicity. This would be great travel, TV or waiting room knitting. And because of its simplicity, Footbridge presents a wonderful opportunity to focus on colors. I find Michelle's choice of colors for this shawl to be very striking. And I can also see this as being a great stash busting project, great for using up yarn remnants from other projects.

Footbridge Shawl

How long have you been knitting? 

I was taught to knit when I was young by my adopted Grandmother, however I didn't stick with it. At that time I could only knit, I couldn't even cast on. Then about 4 years ago I was preparing to undergo back surgery. At that time I was wanting to do something that was more portable than the other crafts I was invested in. A friend re-introduced me to knitting, ever since then there hasn't been a day that I haven't knitted.

What are your favorite techniques or types of things to knit? 

I love to knit cables. They add so much dimension to your project. I also love to knit in the round. My favorite things to knit are hats and cowls. I think I like to knit these items so much because of their instant gratification factor.

Juniper

What prompted you to start designing? 

The designing process intrigued me, and always wanting to learn more I found myself gravitating to it. One of my biggest inspirations to design are my two daughters. I also have a very good friend of mine Sara Gresbach of Addiema Designs who been such a wonderful support for me. She is always there to answer my “silly” questions. Knowing some with her experience makes designing less intimidating.

What has been your greatest challenge throughout the design process? 

I think that there are many challenges. One is to make sure I go with my gut and not over analyze or over think my designs. The other one is the challenge of naming my design. Sometimes this process takes longer than the designing process.

Your designs all seem to have a strong connection to nature and your environment. Is this a happy coincidence or on purpose? 

Footbridge

My first design was actually because I wanted something with texture, and also involved a little bit of inspiration from another passion of mine, which was quilting. However the designs after that pretty much have a connection with my love of the outdoors and nature. My husband, and our children love to ride our Motorcycles. Being out in the fresh air and driving the open roads of Wisconsin, bring out a lot of inspiration.

What do you have planned for 2015 design-wise? 

Looking ahead to 2015 design-wise I plan to keep putting out patterns using inspirations of my surrounding. I also plan on putting out more designs that help me step out of my comfort zone, and challenge me more as a designer.

Megara

You can also find Michelle on Facebook at Timeless Knits.

Another peek behind the curtain

I'm having a lot of fun with the Giftalong designer interviews. Linda from Knitwise Design just posted another interview with me.

Peek behind the curtain...

PS. Leave a comment on her blog for a chance to win a copy of one of my patterns!

Interview with Minimi Knit Designs

Costanza Cardigan

I've been having a lot of fun participating in the Indie Design Giftalong. Part of what I've really enjoyed is discovering new (to me) designers. One of these is Christina Ghirlanda, the creative genius behind Minimi Knit Design. I was immediately drawn to her Costanza cardigan. It's gone on my short list of future cardigans to knit!

So I asked Christina if she'd mind doing a short interview for the blog. Don't forget to read to the end. Christina has generously offered to give away a pattern! Here's what she had to say:

How did you get started designing knitwear? Do you have a particular niche you focus on?
I have started designing because I have got many requests to write up the pattern for the Minimissimi Sweater Coat. I must confess that I would have never designed that coat if I had known how hard it was to grade it!


I design things that solve my own problems. For example, I designed Gacoco Baby Blanket because I wanted several cashmere baby blankets. I could not justify the time and cost for blankets that last only a few months so I designed that modular blanket that basically lasts forever.

Where do you get inspiration for your designs?
I get my inspiration when I cannot see things clearly, that means when I am traveling in car or when I am without eyeglasses.

Can you describe your design process from idea to finished pattern?
I am working on a blog series on this topic, you may find it interesting: http://minimiknitdesign.wordpress.com/2013/08/07/the-prod...
 
Tell us about how the Indie Designer Giftalong has impacted you.
It’s all about accessories. Prior to the GAL I was mostly a garment designer, this event really got me interested in designing accessories. They are such an instant gratification both to design and to knit.

Gacoco baby blanket

What can knitters look forward to from you in 2014?
I am terribly bad at planning ahead. I am currently working on a cardigan and a secret project. But for the rest, it will be a surprise also for me.

Who are some new, interesting designers you have found during the Giftalong?
Many of GAL designers are really talented. As I’m more inclined to designing garments, I particularly like designs from Georgie Hallam and Justyna Lorkowska.
http://www.ravelry.com/designers/georgie-hallam
http://www.ravelry.com/designers/justyna-lorkowska

Finally, where can knitters find your designs?
On Ravelry or on my website MinimiKnitDesign.com
http://www.ravelry.com/designers/cristina-ghirlanda

Polonaise Cowl

Want to win a copy of Christina's most recent pattern? The Polonaise Cowl is a gorgeous cabled knit that will keep you (or a loved one) warm and snug this winter. Leave a comment and I'll pick a winner by random number generator on the morning of December 6th.

Hey, look at that!

One of our busier participants in the Indie Design Giftalong just posted a short interview with me! She's a young knitter who is showing a lot of talent and enthusiasm, which is great to see.

Want to know what I said? Check it out.

Indie Designer Giftalong Twitter Party!

The Indie Designer Gift-A-Long is hosting a couple of GAL parties on Twitter. Please join in for chatter about the #giftalong with your fellow crafters and have a chance to win some great electronic prizes, including patterns from participating Indie Designers including Kate Bostwick, Leah Michelle Designs, Maureen Foulds, Kylie McDonnell-Wade, Selina S, Nina Machlin Dayton, Faye Kennington and more!

Join us on Twitter at:
GMT - Wednesday, 4 December 2013, 17:00:00 (EST - Wednesday, December 4, 2013 at 12:00:00 Noon; PST - Wednesday, December 4, 2013 at 9:00:00 AM) Follow host @BeZenCilla to join in!

or

GMT - Friday, December 6, 2013 at 00:00:00 (EST - Thursday, December 5, 2013 at 7:00:00 PM; PST - Thursday, December 5, 2013 at 4:00:00 PM; AEDT - Friday, December 6, 2013 at 11:00:00 AM) Follow host @ukeeknits to join in!

You can convert the time to your timezone here if not listed.

Going with the tide

Seems like I am very determined to avoid all that stocking stitch in my Custom Fit cardigan.

Over the weekend I finished a Tidewater Cowl. The pattern is part of the Indie Designer Gift-along going on in Ravelry. (The 25% discount ends on the 15th, so I'm getting all my patterns purchased before then.)

Knitting the lace was so much fun. And it practically knit itself. The pattern is simple and easy to follow. Without any mods it took less than 1 skein of a yummy merino/silk blend by Candy Skein.

I apologize for the quality of the photos. It's dark and grey here and the good camera is unavailable at the moment.

Blocked (except the points)

Cozy! Do I have to give it away?

Howling

Howlcat, by Alexandra Tinsley.

It happened again.

Meet Howlcat by Alexandra Tinsley. It's a hat. It's a cowl. It's super versatile.

It's a hat!

And it's next up on my queue of things to knit. I think it'll be perfect for my dog walker.

It's a cowl!

This Indie Designer Gift-along thing is killing me. I mean, who can resist 25% off patterns?







Photos by Travis Schuster, used by permission from Alexandra Tinsley

Down the Rabbit Hole

In my last post I mentioned that I've started knitting a cardigan in laceweight. Stocking stitch. I have made good progress (aka, a few more inches of the back).

But I have a confession. I've also gotten distracted by the gorgeous patterns that are part of the Indie Designer Gift-along on Ravelry. It all started innocently enough. I checked out the Pinterest boards that have been put together.

All errors mine, not the pattern!

I got one Maroo Mitt knit up for myself.

But then my daughter saw it.

And wanted her own.

So I knit them.

(But they don't match. I miscalculated my yardage. She still loves them.)

Then I decided to check out the Scarves and Cowls Pinterest board. Not a problem. I could stop any time. I was just browsing, after all.

Tidewater Cowl by Marnie MacLean

Then I saw the Tidewater Cowl by Marnie MacLean. And I remembered my mother-in-law's subtle hint a few months ago when we drew names for the Christmas gift exchange. She commented that she'd love another hand knit like the smoke ring I made her a couple years ago.

Before I knew what I was doing, I'd bought the pattern. Found a skein of merino/silk yarn in my stash. And cast on.

Yeah...Much more interesting than stocking stitch in lace weight yarn.