Saturday 26 January 2013

Snowflakes.

Where did the week go?

This week I've been sorting out studio samples. I've not been satisfied with the results which has meant a lot of frogging and having a re-think. I know part of it is my perfectionist brain thinking "These aren't quite right" but they are going to be sold to clients who need perfect samples. Not only so that they can accurately re-engineer the garment but also because they paid for it. It's basic customer service. Any way I'm happy to report that all now going well and samples are knitting along nicely.


I've also been designing some more socks. Two for knit-a-longs I'm involved in and one as part of the current series I've been designing. I'll post some pictures when they've been cast on and I've knitted past the leg cuff.

Finally, I've been working on my vest -


As you can see, there has been some growth and now the pattern can be seen -


I thought the snowflakes would be appropriate given the recent weather. I'm really pleased with how it's turning out. Not too shabby for my first attempt at intarsia. It's giving me lots of ideas for patterns and how I can incorporate other techniques into it. For now though, I just have to keep going and hope I'll get quicker.

x

Monday 21 January 2013

Progress

The studio samples were both frogged over the weekend. They just weren't working in the way that I wanted them to. I spent the weekend playing and taking photographs to try and work through it so we'll see what that brings out. I'm also flicking through my stitch dictionaries for some inspiration.

However, I did promise images of a project I can share with you -


This is the start of the vest I'm knitting. I'm going with very simple colours and dark grey is one of my favourite neutrals.


This is my first real intarsia work and I'm delighted with the way it's turning out. Intarsia was one of my skills to perfect this year and this is certainly the project to do that. I designed a very simple motif which I'm hoping is easily executed but interesting enough to knit.

There's not much to show at the moment but as I work though more of the main motif, there will be more images.

x

Tuesday 15 January 2013

Button

Today has been more studio work which is taking shape but still a work in progress.

However, I have been productive in ways I can share.


This is "Button" which is my latest sock design.

The inspiration for this sock came when a friend of mine mentioned how much she loves knitting texture. “Cables or lace can be a bit too much for my brain sometimes but I still want to knit something that is interesting”. This of course made me want to design a sock that would be perfect for her. “Button” was born.

It's available to buy at Ravelry

x

Monday 14 January 2013

Snow in Summer.

This morning I'm working on designs for the studio I work for. We're currently working on S/S which makes me smile. As I look out of the window it's snowing quite vigorously. Ah the life as a designer.

This is what I've spent 3 years working towards and it just highlights that inspiration shouldn't necessarily come from the time of year but from other sources. It's odd to put yourself in mind of warmer days and soft, flimsy layers when it's below freezing outside, yet if I consider my inspiration for this collection, the ideas and constructions seems limitless.

I'm currently working with folds, short rows and asymmetrical construction which is stretching my brain in a really exciting way.

Unfortunately I can't share much more than that - wicked tease that I am. However, I am working on some of my own projects alongside the studio work and there will be images of these soon. These are more seasonally relevant and use techniques that I've set myself to master this year.

Meanwhile I'll carry on with the short rows and watch the snow, thinking of the warm days to come.

x