How/why did you start to write?
I began writing when I was young, I think a
writer writes, that is just what we do.
How did you become an author?
I just did, i wrote and wrote and wrote.
Then once I began combining knitting and writing they fit together like a
glove!
What was your first published piece?
It was on a place mat during Elementary
school, I was so proud of that poem!
What did you do before embarking on
your writing career? Was it an asset to your writing? How?
Everything, however working in a Grocery
Store always proved to be a safe haven. Yes, it was a huge asset! It taught me
to work hard for my dreams!
Please share one of your successful
marketing techniques
Market yourself like crazy and never
underestimate the power of good branding!
Who taught you to knit?
I was first taught to knit by a
Scandinavian woman at my LYS! (local yarn shop)
What knitting method do you us?
Continental or English?
Both, I learned continental but prefer
English.
What is your favourite stitch pattern?
Garter...yes I know pretty lame. However
the beauty of garter is endless. I just love it.
When did you become a knitwear designer?
I'm not sure, I think I always have been.
I've worked professionally in this business for two years but I am just now
getting to the point where I feel okay to call myself a "Knitwear
Designer"' I honestly think people throw the term 'designer' way too much.
Designers are those who work tirelessly for their art. It's like a home baker
calling themselves a Chef. There is a big difference!
Why?
I love knitting and crochet. I also think
we are all called to a certain destiny. This happens to be mine.
How?
WORK!! Lots of work! I average about 100
hours a week. I wake at seven and work until bedtime. That's the only way to
make it in this business. You have to be willing to put in the time.
Tell me about your first pattern?
My first pattern was a three layered
crochet cowl in maroon, blue, and silver. I designed it free form and wrote up
the pattern but quickly threw it away.
Where was it published?
No where, thank God! I love the look but
hated the pattern. However, A photo of it was recently published in InsideCrochet Magazine.
Are you a member of a knitwear design
association? Why or why not?
No. I'm not sure why or why not. I think I
eventually will be, however to be a success I don't think it is necessary.
Do you attend fibre festivals? Why or
why not?
I do! I'll be attending more once the book
is officially launched on October 20th and I'm pretty excited.
What inspires your designs?
Simplicity, color, and texture.
What is the most rewarding aspect about
being a knitwear designer? What is the most challenging?
hmmmm...Well that feeling of
accomplishment. Also I think it's rare in this modern day that we, as a society,
are able to rely on work we actually create with our own two hands. I'm blessed
to be able to do that.
The challenging part is definitely having a
family, dating, having a pet, anything. When your trying to run a business,
everything else seems to come secondary whether you want it to or not. Finding
balance is nearly impossible.
Please share knitting/design advice.
Well there are three tips I like to give
every designer:
1. Keep it simple. Quit clogging up
designs. When you think you have just enough cables, take a few out.
2. Strive to be perfect. No matter what, a
pursuit of perfection is the key to life.
3. Design specifically. Know who your
designing for and do it. If he happens to be a man with a 32" chest...do
not knit a 36" sweater. No one likes to look frumpy. Knit specifically.
What are you currently working on?
My next book! I
am a Modern Shaker and with that I feel a need to talk of our History and the
knitting fellow sisters and brothers have done for the past 200 years. Most on
knitting pins 000 and smaller!
Book Blurb
The first fully detailed, full-color, knitting book
chronicling the history of American knitting from the beginning of 1914 to
1945, The Heritage Collection: WWI and WWII conveys the
social, military, and personal realities that knitting embodied at the hands of
war time knitters. Included in this book are 20 updated and redesigned knitting
projects from Kitchener’s Socks to the Victory Jumper. With historical
photographs, posters, patterns, and personal memories, The Heritage
Collection WWI and WWII encapsulates a
deeply woven history of war time knitting.
