About

I'm a professional technical writer by trade, with over 15 years of experience in making technical information and instructions easy to understand. I really enjoy the process of untangling a series of instructions, putting them in order and ensuring the steps are clear and concise, allowing the user to easily follow along.

I learned to knit in 2006, when I joined a free "Learn to Knit" class at my local library. My daughter was 18 months old and I desperately wanted to get out of the house for a couple hours a week. I didn't think I'd like knitting, but the 6 week class was free. Turns out I liked knitting - a lot!

I began designing patterns in 2010 when I had a lovely skein of Handmaiden Casbah sock yarn that I wanted to turn into the perfect pair of socks. I scoured some stitch dictionaries and came up with my Trellis and Coin socks. In 2012, I decided to properly format the pattern and add a few more patterns to my repertoire.

Custom Designs/Collaborations
As well as designing for self-publication, I do team up with independent dyers to design specifically for Yarn Clubs or special offerings. I've worked with Sheepy Time Knits to create the Mirkwood Shawl for their Middle Earth themed colorways, Lola-Doodles yarns, and have other collaborations in the works for 2014.

I also hope to publish designs through commercial channels should the opportunity arise.

My Design Aesthetic
I prefer to design simple patterns that are (relatively) easy to knit. It might be redundant to say so, but I design socks that I’d want to knit. I want a pattern that looks fantastic, but isn’t ridiculously complicated. I want it to be easy, without being boring. I want to challenge myself a little, but not make things more difficult than they need to be.

I love cables, twisted stitches, and lace. But not all at the same time! I try to design multiple sizes for each pattern since legs and feet come in all sizes. I also expect knitters to take liberties with the instructions and be able to substitute their favorite heel, toe or cuff if they so choose. I’m also pleased when a pattern can be converted into toe up without too much effort, although not all stitch patterns lend themselves to this.

Quality
I do have every pattern test knitted to ensure accuracy and to get different perspectives on each pattern. However, I am human, so mistakes might happen. If they do, I’ll get them fixed right away. I’m always open to comments and feedback via PM.

Tech-Editing
While designing is my primary focus, I am also available for tech editing of knitting patterns. Contact me via Ravelry (Rav ID: MaureenFoulds) or via email: maureenfouldsdesigns@gmail.com