My experience and slow journey from knitting novice to making knitwear and pattern design.
My First Published Pattern
(Hopefully) on Monday, I’ll be releasing my very first published knitting pattern! Although the Garter Garden Shawl will be my first published knitting pattern it isn’t my first design.
When the pattern is released, find it in my store.
What Was My First Design?
My first design was actually a cabled jacket which really pushed the boundaries of my novice knitting abilities. Inspired and requested by my younger brother, this intricate and custom design took three years to complete and knit up.
My Knitwear and Pattern Design History:
A Poncho!
I knit an easy top down poncho for my younger brother, mostly as an attempt to use up lots of stash yarn, but also to add to his magical knitwear collection. (I did a lot of knitting at work).
Some Hats!
I knit a fluffy beret for myself, a tight knit hat for my younger brother. And lots of hats for friends.
And a Yuppie Scarf
A workmate requested a custom knit scarf and the design parameters? It had to be “yuppie as”. I used a luxurious merino silk blend and it turned out beautifully.
I was starting to get more competent at knitwear and pattern design…
From there I designed more hats, ponchos, dappled with cowls and socks and of course shawls. But now I was starting to take more notes and write things down and put things into the computer.
Hopeful Shawl
This shawl I stated wanting something easy to knit while watching TV but would also be pretty with some simple lace. I really needed something to cheer me up through my health journey (Autonomic Dysfunction, Syringomyelia, Scheuermann’s Disease etc). I discovered NNK Yarns around this time. This pattern uses only 1 skein of sock yarn.
I need to update and correct the charts for this one and I’d like to knit a large version using two skeins with a couple more elements to it and then this one will be ready to publish. I’d like to release this one as a free pattern to all those that are feeling hopeful about the challenges they face in their life.
Scrap Wrap – Stashbusting Wrap/Lap Blanket
Another TV knitter. I also wanted something to use up lots of 20g mini skeins or left over scraps of yarn. But I also didn’t want to be bored knitting just stocking stitch or garter stitch. I wanted this one to be a great beginner project that would allow beginners to dapple with different techniques. However, it is in the test knitting stage and is currently too difficult for a beginner knitter so it will be updated before it can be released.
I’d also like to do a yarn advent calendar mini skein version at some stage.
Olivia Slouch Beanie
Commissioned by my younger brother for the singer/songwriter/musician Olivia Ruth (she’s gorgeous and talented). This Beanie is currently in the testing stages and will have instructions for different weights of yarn from fingering to chunky.
Fancy Clancy Bush Doof Poncho – An exclusive knitwear and pattern design!
Currently being knit and commissioned by Fancy Clancy himself. I may end up creating a poncho pattern similar to this custom poncho in the future.
Summy Socks
I’ve knit a few socks and although when actually being knit they knit up quick and are a nice small project. I find I tend to drag completion out when knitting socks. I would like to have variety to my knitwear designs and these are the start of my first sock design.
Aisu’s Armwarmers
Another commission custom design. A pair of arm warmers for my fairy goddess in America. Including girly lace flounce sleeves which I’m very proud of and happy with the result.
