Jen: How did you get started in
designing knitting patterns?
Heather: My knitwear design career grew out of a love of knitting.
I knit everything and wanted to knit all day. I started modifying available
designs and then decided that I should just start making my own. I have a mathematical
background, and fell into design quite naturally. My first designs were simple,
scarves and simple shapes. Then I started designing garments and fell in love
with sweater designing. That's where I like to focus most of my energies now.
J: What inspired you to write this
book?
H: Everyday Lace grew out of a love of knitting lace, but
wanting to see it used on garments and accessories rather than just on shawls
and scarves. I still find many knitters are afraid of attempting lace knitting
and are not compelled to make shawls. It is my hope that the garments and
accessories in my book encourage these apprehensive knitters to give lace a
go.
J: You designed so many different
lace pieces for this book. Do you have a favorite? Why do you love it?
H: My favorite is the Narvon Wrap. I love how it blooms from
the center and transforms into a cozy wrap with a reversible lace stitch. This
circular shape is flattering to all types of bodies making Narvon the ultimate
wearable piece.
J: Do you have a favorite stitch
dictionary or where are your favorite places to find stitch patterns?
H: I have many many stitch dictionaries in my collection. My
favorites are probably the ones from Japan. Every year I make a trip to a
Japanese bookstore in NYC and always manage to find something to add to my
collection.
J: Can you tell me a little bit about
your book writing process (timeline, pattern inspiration, etc?)
H: The timeline for a book is very long. Everyday Lace has
been in the works for 2 years. One of those years was me writing and knitting
all the projects. The second year is dedicated to photoshoots, editing, layout,
and printing. It all starts with a proposal and grows from there. My
inspiration for designs can start with a stitch pattern, a color, or a shape.
From there I work out the details and start knitting.
J:What are your plans for the
future? Anything upcoming you can share with us? Any more books?
H: I am currently working on a second book! This next one
will be released next year about this time and doesn't feature only
lace...although it does have some lace pieces. In the nearer future I will be
touring for book signings and teaching events for Everyday Lace.
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Thanks Heather! It's so interesting to hear about other designers and how their brains work.
There are so many things that I would love to make in this book. Seriously, I had to stop myself from putting photos of every project in this post.
The Salunga Beret seems like it would be a fun knit:
And the Conestoga Tunic needs be in my closet ASAP.
You can find Everyday Lace in yarn stores and bookstores now, or you can purchase it online here.
Photos courtesy of Interweave/F+W.
