Miriam Felton is a designer who has been working independently and publishing in magazines both in print and online since 2006. Her most recent design collection, the Chevron Collection, features a gorgeous sweater designed using Savannah DK in a new color, Denim. In honor of the release of the collection, we thought we would take a few minutes to ask her some questions about her knitting, design process and plans for the future.
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Kelbourne Woolens: Let’s start in the beginning. On your website, you mention learning how to knit after finding yourself limited by what crochet had to offer, and once you knew how, designing followed soon after. What about knitting made you want to design?
Miriam Felton: Back in the olden days, before Ravelry’s amazing pattern search feature, I felt really limited by what I found in knitting books from the 80’s and the random smattering of free patterns I could find online. When I found a simple worsted weight sock pattern that could be adapted I started playing around with swapping cables for the ribbing and doing knit/purl patterns on the cuffs. Once I found some lace (thanks to Interweave Knits), I really took off in that direction. Variations on a theme work really well for me.
Furrows Shawl, Chevron Collection {rav link}
KW: From your portfolio, it is clear you love to design shawls and wraps and you don’t limit yourself to one particular shape or construction. What about this accessory appeals to you, and which “type” do you prefer best?
MF: I love how versatile a shawl can be. You don’t have to know your bust size to knit yourself a shawl. You can wear it as a scarf, you can wear it as a wrap, you can wear it with jeans, or you can wear it with an evening gown. You can knit one for your friend or your mother without having to take measurements. It’s sort of a universal garment.
As to my favorite type, it really varies, but right now I’m madly in love with the crescent shape. I did a couple variations on a crescent shape in the Chevron Collection (Rill and the Furrows Shawl) and I’m quite pleased with how they hang on the shoulders.
Icarus Shawl, Interweave Knits Summer 2006 {rav link}
KW: Recently, you have been publishing designs in collections – each with a cohesive theme, inspiration and/or color story. What motivated you to switch to this method of publishing?
MF: After working on the projects in Twist & Knit {rav link}, I realized how well I worked with a bit of focus. Having a theme to what I was designing helped me be really productive and it was very fulfilling. With that in mind, I’d been watching a lot of Project Runway and I thought “Why can’t a knitting design business be run more like a fashion design business?” So I came up with a color story and a theme for the Chevron Collection {rav link} and started sourcing yarns. It’s really nice because I don’t have that moment of “What do I knit next?” By the time I’m done with one collection I’ve already started thinking about the next one.
Chevron Collection L to R: Tributary Gloves, Rill Scarf, Gully Socks / Rivel Cardigan, Furrows Shawl, Furrows Cowl
KW: How do you feel the experience of publishing in a collection differs from that of publishing individual patterns?
MF:It’s been an adjustment, for sure. I was popping out a pattern every month before, which kept interest high and blog traffic up, and now I feel like I lose some of the momentum only releasing twice a year. With that in mind, I’ve decided that next year I’ll do 3 smaller collections instead of 2 big ones, just to space it out a bit more.
It’s hard sending everything out at once, and going through layout for 6 patterns at a time instead of 1. I have to be extra vigilant for mistakes, but it’s also nice to be able to give each design a little distance before it’s final going over. When I was doing one pattern at a time, I’d finish the pattern, proof it, send it for tech editing, then give it a final once over and send it out, but now I usually have a few months between when I finish a pattern and when I give it a final going over. I find myself more in love with the patterns as a result.
Rill Scarf, Chevron Collection {rav link}
KW:Do you have a design that you are particularly proud of? Which one and why?
MF:I tend to love my designs intensely, and then move on to the next thing. So right now I really love Rivel {rav link} and Rill {rav link} from the new collection. They are the pieces I would wear everyday if it weren’t so blastedly hot. I’m actually planning to knit myself a Rivel in a handspun 3 ply yarn I spun from a fleece I bought a few years ago. It’s the #1 priority on my Bucket List – to spin, design, and knit a sweater for myself. Some of my older designs still have a special place in my heart though. Nefertiti {rav link} still boggles my mind every time I look at it, and I can’t re-block my Icarus Shawl {rav link} without a swell of pride every time.
Rivel Cardigan, The Chevron Collection, featuring Savannah DK. {rav link}
KW: With The Chevron Collection, you created 6 original designs that explore the creation of chevrons in knitted fabric. The collection includes a sweater, the Rivel Cardigan, knit out of Savannah. The Rivel cardigan is your first published sweater design but it is clear you are very experienced with knitted sweater construction from the many details incorporated into the design. What caused you to expand your portfolio to include sweaters and what do you see as the most exciting part of designing garments (versus a shawl or other accessory)?
MF: Honestly, I’ve been wanting to design sweaters for YEARS, but I’ve been scared. I was frightened by size grading and nervous about the customer service emails that I would get about people not getting the fit they wanted. But I think we’ve reached a critical mass of “how to fit your sweater” knowledge that I couldn’t really put it off anymore. Most knitters I come across nowadays are savvy enough to say “oh, this sweater is 15″ from hem to armhole I would much prefer a 17″ sweater, so I’m going to lengthen the body” and have enough experience with sweater construction to do that.
Also, most of the details you’re referring to in Rivel came more from historical fashion and costuming design than from any experience designing sweaters. There’s a lot of crossover between a well tailored shirt and a well tailored sweater in terms of the details. I spent a lot of time researching sleeve cap construction and sweater proportions before I really sat down to write Rivel.
Rivel Cardigan (back)
KW: What is next for Miriam Felton and Mimknits?
MF: I’m working on a new collection that explores clustering techniques, like Bramble Stitch and smocking. This collection will have two sized garments in it, one vest-type garment and a more traditional sweater, a pair of socks, fingerless mitts, a shawl, and legwarmers. I’m also thinking about another book, but that’s still in the very early stages. For now I’m enjoying collections.
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In conjunction with Miriam, we’re delighted to offer a great giveaway for you! one lucky winner will receive a signed copy of Miriam’s book, Twist & Knit, and a coupon code to download the .pdfs in the Chevron Collection as well as enough yarn to knit the Rivel Cardigan out of Savannah in one of the color choices shown below.
To win, just leave a comment on this post answering the following question {one comment per person please!}:
What inspires your next knitting project – are you most motivated by shape, color, construction technique, type, or something entirely different?
The contest will be open from today, August 8th until Midnight, EST, Monday August 15th. A random winner will be chosen from the comments and we will choose a winner on Tuesday August 16th. Good luck!
*The contest is now closed. Thanks to everyone who entered. We will be announcing the winner shortly!*
*All photographs courtesy of and © Miriam Felton and used with permission.
I think what I am currently working on inspires my next project. If I’m working on a more concentration oriented project I will probably pick something more carefree next. Color always inspires!
It’s really neat to hear Miriam’s reasons for doing collections & the inherent issues.
My projects are dictated by whatever I’m in the midst of designing…but I’ve started to play with more intarsia and various embellishing techniques.
Lovely interview! And I’ve been lucky enough to pet, er, try on the Rivel sweater. It’s just as wonderful as it looks and the Savannah yarn is, too.As to what project goes in the queue, it’s mostly color then the shape and construction. I’m not a big fan of endless, needless seaming so I have to admit to a bias for seamless or minimal seams. Other than that I’m still a magpie for color and hand of yarn. Savannah nails it on both counts.
it’s usually the pattern – i see something that i Must Cast On Right Now. lately, that’s meant the item is really wearable – the sort of garment i can see myself in every day, not just in ultra cold weather or on special occasions.
Miriam is a terrific designer and her new collection is lovely! I am often motivated to create what I want to wear at that particular moment in time – whispery lace in summer, woolly hats in winter, etc., but I also like to try something new that challenges me.
I really enjoyed this interview. We just got her chevron collection in at my lys.What inspires me to knit a pattern is technique and construction. I am a process knitter so I want something that keeps me interested.
Loved reading more about the behind the scenes of Miriam Felton. I love her work and find her designs to be so classy and interesting to knit.
When I’m picking a new project to cast on for, sometimes I’m drawn by a specific color of yarn but mostly I’m drawn by the design. I tend to go in waves of sweater, followed by sweater followed by sweater and then all of a sudden all I want to knit are socks, etc.
Great interview! Loved the photos too! What inspires me? It’s hard to break it down to one or two things. Definitely a combination of yarn colour and texture, stitch pattern, then shape and technique. Pretty much in that order. I think…
Thanks for the interview!
The more I knit, the more I am able to discern the best part of a pattern for myself. This drives my sense of inspiration in that I look at sweaters, scarves, and other pieces and see myself wearing them. Right now, I’m working on the Rock Island shawl (lace is not my strong suit) but I couldn’t help but make it as soon as possible. I even cut my hair like the model.
What inspires me is when I leave myself a chunk of free time to mull over a zillion possibities… having the time and space lets my imagination do its stuff.Thanks for the giveaway!
diane
For me it is all about the photography. Several views of a project give me a good idea of what the finished project will look like and avoids disappointment with the project.
Rivel is lovely – and what a fabulous giveaway!
What inspires my next project varies from project to project – sometimes it’s need – I started a new job this winter that necessitated a bit of a walk from where I park to where I work, so a toasty new hat and mittens were the order of the day. Sometimes, it’s from pieces I see other people wearing – though not usually hand knit items – I have a coworker who wears machine-knit long circle scarves, and I thought, “Hey, I could do that much better!” And sometimes, confess, I get pattern-of-the-moment-itis, and cast on the latest, greatest patterns I see on Ravelry (Ishbel, Traveling Woman, etc).
Most often it’s the yarn…the color, feel and texture… that inspires me to knit a project!
thanks for this interview – i loved reading it!my next project is always inspired by a sudden obsession with a particular yarn. it’s either a yarn i’ve known about and decide (in a single instant) that i MUST cast-on something in that yarn, or a new yarn i’ve just discovered and become obsessed with instantly! (i also could never, never have too many sweaters)
Shape and details are the first things that inspire me to choose a project; Rivel scores on both fronts. I also find unique constructions very appealing. Choosing a colour (unless I’m knitting from stash or wanting to fill a gap in my wardrobe) usually comes last.
My next project? Honestly I have no clue. I guess it’s the season combined with the yarn in my stash. Sometimes it’s a KAL. Actually the next thing I plan to knit after I finish the sweater I’m working on just happens to be Rivel!
I am most inspired by shape. When the shape of an item is well tailored with just enough detail but not so much it becomes fussy it grabs my attention quickly ! Thanks for the great giveaway, I would love to knit that sweater!
I’m all about learning new techniques lately. I just learned how to knit with the magic loop and 2 at a time socks. I have soooooo many things I would like to try. Making a cardigan would be a great adventure to add to my list.
It is the pattern and the construction technique involved. I love to see how it works out. My next project is the Rill Scarf. Doesn’t it look so interesting.
I am inspired by many things…the architectural detail at the top of a column, the colors in a garden, the shadows on a wooden staircase. I design a lot of color work so am always looking at Nature’s color palette, but recently I have been inspired by your yarns at work. I work at a LYS. I put your Savannah yarns out on display and can’t walk by without touching and dreaming what I would do with them. So it is the world, the colors, the yarn. It is very organic and comes from everything if you only open your eyes and mind.
I think shape is what draws me. I see a shawl with a neat edge or a sweater with a neat cable and the next thing I know, I’m buying yarn. 🙂
I’m always inspired by all the details you listed… by shape, color, construction technique, & type. But the main thing that motivates me is how I’m feeling, do I want a challenging project or a quick & simple one. I find I always have 2 projects on the go, one of each so I can have a break from one if I need to.Love the interview, her designs are so lovely & elegant.
What beautiful designs. I enjoyed the interview too, she is very talented! I think color and construction are what inspire me to knit. I love yarns that are vibrant. I tend to stick to no seam construction. I just don’t like to seam that much. Thanks for the giveaway I hope I win!
I enjoyed reading the interview; Miriam’s work is gorgeous!! I think my choice is based on an overall impression of a design. I am currently knitting Levenwick by G. Johnston. I immediately purchased the pattern because I loved the Old Shale pattern of the collar, etc., but I also am a fan of Shelter; I like the colorway; and I like the fact that it is reverse stockinette for a change. So there you have it!
Several things inspire me – a gorgeous colourway always is an easy influencer. Another one is flipping through fashion magazines or catalogues and seeing a knit I like and that could be done self-made rather than bought. Sometimes I buy a blouse, cardigan and feel that I should make a shawl for it so that the outfit becomes unique. Last but not least – seeing a perfectly done project by others for example while browsing Ravelry.
When it comes to picking new projects I am most inspired by the shape, especially if it has an interesting texture/pattern stitch that I have not knit before.
I think shape is the biggest factor for me, although color is a close second. I really love patterns that are mostly classic shapes with an interesting twist. Thanks for the giveaway!
That’s an interesting question – what is it about a pattern that catches my eye and calls – knit me, knit me? I suppose it comes down to shape, or style and whether it is something I would wear and suits me as I am always on the lookout for out-of -the-ordinary designs. e.g. Love the extra detail of the chevron on the centre back in rivel. Colour certainly doesn’t influence me because I always change that to my colourways .
Shape is my main inspiration for garments, although construction is much more a factor for me when it comes to shawls.
Sometimes a new pattern will grab me, and that will dictate my next project, sometimes wanting to make a gift for someone. But if I win this yarn, the Rivel cardi would be all mine!
I think I am driven by the moment. The things that catch my interest at this moment. So if I put things in a queue, unless I start them immediately they will undoubtably languish there forever.
Color certainly catches my eye, but since I know I can knit a pattern in the color of my choice it’s usually the shape – a shape that’s flattering, that stays on the shoulders in the case of a shawl, or a shape that’s interesting.
Thanks for the lovely interview with Miriam and the chance to win. I am a huge fan of her patterns.
I’d have to say, that what inspires me most is the yarn. Without a LYS, whenever I get something new in my hot little hands, I immediately start dreaming about what it’s going to become.
For my most recent project, at least, I was driven by color. Even the simplest pattern shines when knit with a luminous colorway, such as you find from so many brilliant indie dyers these days.
Mood and emotion drive my next projects. When I am stressed I want to work on simple knits like classic socks that keep my hands busy and sooth my soul. When I am happy and calm I can committ to bigger projects like coats and sweaters.
My sister inspires me. She’s active with the museum in her town. So when I see pretty yarn or lovely shawl patterns that I think would go with her period dress I make them! Or I donate the finished shawl to the museum as a raffle prize (the designers are very generous to let me do this!).
I’m inspired by designs I see on Ravelry or finished items brought to my weekly knitting group for show n tell. I look at style and for designs using my favorite yarns.
I’m definitely driven by color. I find a yarn that I know I will enjoy knitting with in a color that moves me and then find a pattern that is practical. Voila!
Season, style, what’s coming up in my life – these all lead me to look for the next project. Color comes last, interestingly, but it’s my favorite part. Thanks for the chance.
I am motivated by color. I usually buy yarn first, in a color that I love, THEN find a pattern to knit with it. I know that is backwards but I can’t help it.
More often than not, it’s the yarn that inspires mynext project. I’ll find a yarn I adore and then find or create a pattern to knit from it. It sometimes goes the other way (finding a pattern and then looking for yarn), and every now and again Need will drive it. (“Man, I really need a warm cardigan before winter sets in.”) But mostly? It’s the yarn.
What a great interview–thanks for posting it! I think what motivates my next knitting project is that it has to be different from what I just did. If I just finished a sweater, I like to knit lace. Or if I just did a pair of socks I’ll do a larger project, like a sweater.
I think I usually get inspired by seeing a new (or just new to me pattern) and seeing what other people have done with it, via Ravelry. I love seeing modifications that I never would have come up with myself, and I also love seeing things knit up in yarns that are nothing like the recommended yarn!! It gets me thinking of other possibillities and really making something my own.
My inspirations have changed as I’ve developed as a knitter but right now my focus is on making garments that function in my wardrobe. Things I’ll love to wear and that I will have opportunities to wear. My inspiration is usually a wardrobe gap that I’ve identified. I think of which outfits would benefit from the new piece and what colors and shapes would coordinate with those outfits. This kind of focus really helps me narrow down what I want to make and to make the most of my limited knitting time creating pieces that I will want to wear!
I am always inspired by good photography. Color can catch your eye, but a good photograph — focused, detailed, well framed — can make something in a naturally colored fiber really shine.
I’m inspired by colour and usually my designs start with a particular yarn/colour and I go from there. I often pick a theme for a number of future designs, like fairy tales, or mythology, or something so I have a cohesive story, but even then the actual deign is still driven by colour.
First and foremost, I knit what I want to wear next. If I’m going to spend that much time on something, I better get some usability out of it. Next I like to try and learn something new with each project (or at least review a technique I haven’t touched in a while), so I eye the techniques carefully.
Contraction is key for me. Clever structure and shaping also count. Miriams patterns are all beautiful.
I’m driven towards clever details – shaping, texture, funny ideas to make me smile… Colour is also a big thing, but it comes second and only after getting a project outlined. The Rivel Cardigan is such a clever design. Now to begin dreaming of colours…
I think the thing that inspire me the most is something truly unusual.There is a part of me that has a love hate feeling towards ravelry,
there are days I just feel like no one is doing anything new an innovative.
Then there comes that gem that makes knitting worthwhile again.
I think I am usually attracted by the shape, and sometimes the color, of a project. But in order for me to actually make something I have to feel like it is practical enough that I will actually wear it. I also am drawn to embellishments-a lace edging or interesting texture, for example.
Sometimes it is the gorgeous color of the yarn or a stitch pattern and sometimes the combination of the two.
Sometimes it is the yarn – and for me color is a big part of yarn, but most often its the construction.
I am often inspired by yarn love- If I find a new yarn and am either drawn to the color of feel then I will try to figure out HOW I CAN USE IT RIGHT NOW-Other times I might hope on a pattern bandwagon and then seek out the yarn to make it-
I want something different than my last project. I am also inspired by the feel or the color of a skein of yarn, but that could add days to the search for the next pattern, so I tend to pick a pattern, then the yarn
Fascinating interview — thank you!
In answer to the question… Usually, for me, it’s stitch pattern — I love lacework, so I often get attracted to interesting patterns or constructions around lace. However, it’s also often a case of the yarn — if I see a lovely colour of yarn (usually ocean-blues/greens in the spring/summer, autumnal colours in fall/winter) I will grab yarn first, find pattern later! 😉
I think I am inspired by both shape and construction technique. I need a challenge in my knitting and both of those things tend to inspire me. Sometimes it is walking in to a yarn shop (or clicking on a site) and seeing some yarn that inspires me to look for something in a shape and technique that challenges me! so all in all, that sweater is inspiring…love cables, love the short sleeves (I am of “an age”) and would love to knit it out of persimmon….I think….Great interview and thanks for the opportunity!!
I tend to look for my next project based on a construction technique or design feature I’ve never tried before because I love learning something new to add to my repetoire. That being said, I also love choosing the tried and true, particularly for gifts, because the confidence of producing something perfect is what I’m after. A pattern with a lot of texture is very appealing due to all of the gorgeous yarns available these days.I enjoyed reading the interview, Miriam, and learning about your design process. Your new collection is wonderful.
I’m most inspired by shape. Color and yarn rarely affect me since I try to use what’s in my stash first. But I love stitch patterns the most. An interesting stitch pattern in a shape that I like in a design I can use… LOVE!
awesome interview! im drawn to intricacy when starting new projects..i love designs that are fresh with clever stitch patterns or construction ..i also think that color inspires me..it seems to push me forward when i have hit a wall creatively..thanks for the giveaway!!
Shape, especially since I’m a woman of abundance. And usefulness; I hate to make something that will never be worn.
I am definitely most inspired by color–or, more often, how two colors work together.
Yarn fiber (cashmere, silk, merino), then construction, particularly something with multiple, intricate patterns. Third, Miriam’s patterns!
Most often it is the yarn… and sometimes because I want to try a new technique.
Recently I am mainly inspired by the color and feel of yarn. But the shapes of Miriam’s design in this book really make me want to knit them all!
I am very motivated by technique. I think learning to knit lace is what really made me take a wonderful jump in my knitting. I learned to really “see” it. That experience helped me have confidence for trying other new things and it has made knitting very exciting to me. I love getting better at it every day.
I will brouse ravelry, magazines and books and then something will usually stick in my brain, be it a color, texture or design feature. I’ll usually sleep on it then have to knit it the next morning. I look at my knitting and spinning like I do food. My question every morning is “what fiber will I consume for the day?”
I think I am mostly inspired by shape and construction technique. I was inspired to start knitting lace after my first lace project – Icarus – because I love the fact that you can take this piece of lumpy, somewhat shapeless fabric full of yarnovers and block it into an amazing shawl!
I’m inspired by patterns or an idea of a pattern to start with. Once I’ve got an idea, then I need the right color to knit with. Sometimes I start with color, but usually it’s the pattern or idea.
I am most motivated by stitch pattern. I love lace and am drawn to patterns that combine different lace stitches harmoniously. But I also enjoy knitting simple knit-purl stitch patterns and love to see patterns that combine stitch patterns in interesting ways, as Miriam’s often do.
It depends on the mood, but mostly I’m driven by the yarn, then the project. But it may reverse if I’m particularly stubborn about one and can’t get the other to comply!
I am always swayed by the shape…and the color…and the yarn. All of it inspires me, but I definitely know what shapes/patterns I like for myself and those that I will wear time and time again.
Motivation varies — from what do I need and can I finish it in time; to some wondrous yarn find, sometimes it is a pattern that strikes as something I want to knit NOW. Miriam’s comments about shawls hit the mark, aside from the fun of knitting the pattern and lace, there is no seams or finishing — when you finish knitting, you block and it is done! There is something I like about that process — and it seems that I am always knitting shawls of different shapes and sizes.
Often it is the overall look of an item, rather than a detail or a part of it. If I can picture myself in it, I’m good to go. The other thing I look at is if I can wear it at home (casual, sporty/casual look) and the office (not very casual). I prefer light weight cardigans or shawls.
Cheers, Eva
It’s usually the construction that gets me, but any good design can get me in the end!
Usually it its the first glance, the overview that is the hook. Then the details become important and the wearablity. Will it work for a middle aged, middle sized woman, or only for the svelte young thing in the photo. Also really like real fibers, as opposed to the heavily processed or man-made ones.
Will it last? Not so much physically, more aesthetcially. Will it be GOOD in a few years. Is it worth my time? Will it still give pleasure a while from now.
I am usually tempted by how a knitted pattern looks in the yarn it is knit with.I am a sucker for patterns that styles & the fit on others.If I like the patterns I most likely love the yarn, seen in person or online.I admire the work of others,& his/her patterns & yarn used.I have to say certain colors attract my attention,yellow,greens,& muti bright colors.Love your line! rinebird@gmail.com
Usually a combination of shape/technique and realizing it is perfect for a yarn I want to use. I don’t usually go looking for the perfect project for a particular yarn, but if I have yarn on hand I really want to knit up, it seems like interesting patterns that would work well with it start jumping out at me. !
It depends on the type of project, but for the small projects I knit most often the deciding factor is usually texture.
My current inspiration is two nieces with babies due. For myself inspiration would be shape.
I spent most of this summer studying for a big, scary exam (to become an IBCLC: a board-certified lactation consultant), so my primary project motivation was if it was going to help me relax! Lots of easy, breezy stockinette in soothing colors to calm my frazzled nerves.
For me it a cross between the shape and the possible new construction technique. I like the challenge that alternative construction techniques provide to have interesting shapes.
My knitting choices are driven by impulse more than anything else. It could be then yarn, it could be the color. It could be great art direction in a photo layout. The cues are usually visual, but texture can get me too.
I am inspired by yarn mostly. I will see a yarn and think, that would be great with a cabled sweater, or this yarn would be amazing in a lace project. Often though too I will fall in love with a design from a book or magazine. And then there is Ravelry… Well, hours and hours devoted to looking at what people have made with various yarns, discovering a designer, just surfing the site makes my queue grow and grow.
When designing knits, color and texture are foremost in my mind. Something as simple as a garter ridge can be spectacular in the right yarn (I’m thinking J.F.’s Romney Kerchief). BTW, Mariam, your Rivel cardigan is beautiful. Love the collection. Can’t wait to see what’s next 🙂
When it comes to choosing what to knit next, I’m often drawn to type. I’ll get a yearning to knit a cardigan, or a piece of lace, or maybe some socks. But then again, some times a pattern demands to be knitted. And sometimes it’s the yarn that’s being insistent about getting knit up. So a bit of everything moves me to knit, I guess.
I’m always drawn by an interesting detail, a unique way of making a shape or solving a problem. Miriam’s work has always offered that. (Plus Savannah is gorgeous! What a combo. 🙂
It is a combination of yarn that I really want to work with and a pattern I really want to knit and finding the best combination of the two. Weight of project makes a difference in different seasons. I love trying to visualize the finished item in the yarns I am thinking of.
It really depends what I’m doing in my life. Now that football season has started, I want easy, but luscious yarn to knit on, whether it is a hat or sweater. But the rest of the time it is the design that grabs me and I want to knit it now.
I’m usually attracted first by the shape, and then by the stitch patterns used. Miles of stockinette bore me, so I like to have something more… interesting to break it up. I guess that goes to construction as well, although simple construction with interesting stitch patterns can be grand. 🙂
Please ignore my previous comment. I got so excited and carried away. Here is my answer to the question from the blog:
I’m usually inspired by shape and color. If I’m drawn to the shape of a finished project, and the color used, I will most likely cast on for that project and ignore the other WIPs I have.
I am deeply inspired by color first and then construction techniques.
I would say shape and construction technique. I like to mix a easy project in with a challenging one, and try to build up my knitting skills. This last project was intarsia (not a huge fan), but I loved learning it. Sometimes really pretty yarn will also suck me in….
Like the seasons, my taste is transformed, shifting from soft greens to coarse reds and lofty whites. In the bitter cold of the darkest winter, I gravitate to the timeless warmth of wool, tinted in cool grays and milky whites – while in the summer, brightly-coloured cottons and lustrous linens surface in my stash, like flowers emerging from their sleepy winter beds.
Lately I’ve been inspired to pick from my Rav queue…there are over 100 patterns lined up in it IIRC!
The eye covets.. I’m graetly inspired by the photo of the garments, It tells me how wearable and beautiful it is. Then I’ll focus on the rest. But it is usually love at first sight.
Usually the project itself is inspirational. I generally choose the project, then yarn, then color. But the seasons changing can also inspire me.
There’s nothing as exhiliarating as cracking open a new skein of yarn, admiring the natural tones, feeling the downy softness, casting off into newness, and the excitement of realizing the beauty in the first repeat of a new pattern. That’s what inspires me… Reading how the designer was inspired by an experience in their past, how that interprets into a garment treasured in both creation and function.
I think it’s the details that inspire me – the interesting sleeve cap, the fun stitch pattern. What makes me cast on though is the overall feel of the project and if it will be a fun knit. The nest thing is that the details I love create the look and make it fun to knit.
I like 1.Simplicity and Versatility. I’ll often see a motivational fiber, but without a suitable pattern, it won’t get made.
I think that I am motivated by color. Many times, I buy a yarn that I love. Later I find that I enjoy the search for a pattern on Ravelry and in Interweave, etc.
It’s often a design that incorporates a technique I’ve never tried before–but mostly, it’s when I feel I’ve found the perfect match between yarn and pattern.