I’m trying to be better about knitting hats to give away, though, as my own hat collection is becoming a bit obscene. An interesting hat practically knits itself. Nothing is cozier than a handknit wool sweater and the possibilities are endless! They do take quite a bit of time, though, so I also really like a good hat. I love knitting (and wearing) pullover sweaters. What type of project do you like to knit/crochet most?

I also keep a notebook of rough sketches of ideas that are still germinating with notes about how things should fit, stitch patterns that might create the right type of fabric or look, and chart ideas for colorwork motifs. Usually I refine the design on-the-needles, so to say, and try to keep track of minutiae in a combination of illegible scrawls in a notebook and cryptic messages on google docs. Armed with yarn and an idea, I grab a notebook, a pen, and a calculator to work out stitch counts and details before casting on. Sometimes it’s a need for a type of process (Roadtrip knitting, anyone?).Īfter I have that initial idea, I dive into my stash and find (or order) the right yarn. Sometimes it’s a matter of the perfect item for a recipient (Wouldn’t so-and-so love something like…!). Sometimes it’s a matter of practicality (My neck is cold, need cowl). I start with a germ of an idea, a feeling for a project I need or want to give. Also the colorwork yokes of Jennifer Steingass () are so captivating, I love seeing what she’s come out with. I love their blog and tutorials! The cables of Thea Coleman always catch my fancy, I have so many of her patterns on my to-knit list. TinCanKnits is my go-to recommendation for people learning to knit or trying a new technique. Her aesthetic is minimal & comfortable and her sweaters fit incredibly well.

Some people get lost in funny cat videos, but for me, the Ravelry filters are definitely my internet wormhole.Īs for specific designers, I love everything Isabell Kraemer’s designs. Lots! I love searching through the depths of Ravelry’s pattern database looking for new constructions, fun yarn combinations, and interesting photography. Once I first saw my imagined knits come to life, I was hooked! I began designing when I kept envisioning just the perfect thing and not finding patterns that matched my vision. I’ve still never knit a plain garter-stitch scarf. I started with a swatch, then a cowl with an interesting stitch pattern, and never looked back. I held strong to my conviction that I was not a knitter, but then she knitted me a really awesome dressage horse hat for Christmas and it convinced me to try knitting again. Then my very cool and trendy aunt started knitting some years ago and dove into the world of Ravelry, indie designers, gourmet yarn brands, and local yarn stores.

After a failed garter stitch scarf project, I declared knitting to be not-for-me. I have always been arts-and-craftsy, mainly dabbling in painting, and had tried a bit of knitting. How did you get into knitting & designing knitwear?

Between teaching, riding, and knitting, I keep pretty busy! I also ride dressage and have several horses. In my day job, I am a high school English and Journalism teacher. I live in Jefferson City, Missouri with my husband, brown dog, and butter-colored kitty.

Road tripper hat ravelry