Designer Spotlight

April 28, 2022

Amy Spahr | Spahrkle Knits | Designer Spotlight

We are delighted to feature kits for the new Tulip Festival Sweater by our good friend Amy Spahr of Spahrkle Knits.

For those of you who have not had the pleasure of meeting and knowing Amy, we are pleased to introduce you to her through this Designer Spotlight.

What was your source of inspiration for the Tulip Festival Sweater?

The yarn! I purchased a beautiful 3-skein kit. The yarn was so amazing I decided it had to be a sweater for me. I struggled to find a pattern that used approximately equal amounts of three skeins of yarn and showed off all three colors. One morning the idea of a color block sweater popped into my head. Originally this design was going to be a V-neck, but when I could not decide what color I liked best for the front, I changed it to a boat neck. Either color can be worn in the front. I think it is surprising and fun! The bell sleeves compliment the silhouette of the sweater, and the stripes highlight the beautiful yarn colors.

When did you first learn to knit and who taught you?

I taught myself to knit using The Knit Stitch book by Sally Melville. About 20 years ago, my mom and I went to a small yarn shop in Ann Arbor, MI. After years of cross-stitch, some drawing/painting and crocheting blankets, I was ready for a new craft. The idea of being able to knit a sweater was appealing. My mom encouraged me to buy the Miss Pam’s Raise the Bar Scarf kit. It was novelty yarns, knit lengthwise in garter stitch stripes. At the end, the tails were knotted together to create fringe. No weaving in ends! Perfect for a beginner. I was immediately hooked on knitting. My second project was the Einstein Coat from Sally’s book. I still have and wear that coat.

As you were learning to knit, what was your biggest challenge?

I did not want to make mistakes. I have since learned that mistakes are part of the process. Learning to fix them has made me a much better knitter. Getting over the fear has made me more adventurous and creative.

How and when did you decide to design patterns?

I am not sure it was a conscious decision. I have been modifying sweater patterns almost since I started knitting sweaters. I wear my sweaters all the time, so a good fit is important to me. I usually tweak a pattern due to gauge issues and to get the fit I like.

What are your sources of creative inspiration?

Yarn and color. Colors that are bright and cheerful or remind me of flowers or spring or being outdoors are my favorites. Pinks, blues, yellows, greens. Along with the finished object, the sensory experience of the color and feel of the yarn is what brings me joy and fuels my love of knitting.

I also gain inspiration from the incredibly talented women in my knitting group. They are always pushing themselves creatively. I want to do the same, in my own way.

How would you describe your design aesthetic?

The ideas in my sketch book are born of desire for a garment and not easily finding the right pattern. One that uses the amount of yarn I have, or yarn weight I want, or highlights the yarn in a way I want it to be highlighted. I have discovered I am not afraid to try making what I want and hopefully others like it too!

Do you have a “secret” knitting tip you are willing to share?

I have two.

My first tip is block along the way for a good fit. I swatch, following all the proper swatch “rules.” Yet the blocked swatch rarely matches the blocked project. I think of the swatch as a guideline and block at least once along the way. I compare the blocked piece to a similar fitting garment in my closet. If it is not working, I make notes about changes I need to make and I start over.

Leading to my second tip, if in your gut you are unhappy with your project, it is not likely to get better by knitting more. Do not be afraid to rip it out and start over. It is only knitting!

What do you enjoy doing when you are not knitting and designing?

I like to be outdoors walking, hiking and cross-country skiing with my husband. I enjoy traveling. I love food, but unfortunately have food sensitivities. I spend a lot of time cooking and make almost everything from scratch. Baking for family and friends bring me joy. I have lots of casual interests, but due to limited time, most of my free time is spent knitting. For me, there are never enough hours for knitting.

January 21, 2022

Faïza Mebazaa | HandSoOnKnits | Designer Spotlight

We’re absolutely delighted to feature kits for the new Les Dunes Cardi by our good friend Faïza Mebazaa of HandSoOnKnits. For those of you who haven’t had the pleasure of meeting and knowing Faïza, we are pleased to introduce you to her through this Designer Spotlight.

What was your source of inspiration for the Les Dunes Cardi?

It was mostly an idea: urban coziness was what I was after. I knew I wanted something generously oversized and comfy, with style and structure. I also envisioned a squishy texture, which led me to create this stitch pattern. (I was pretty smug about it until I found out very similar stitch patterns already existed!)

When did you first learn to knit and who taught you?

My beloved grandmother, who raised me in the South of France until the age of 9, taught me the knitting basics. She was a wonderful knitter who loved intricate projects, the more engaging the better! She chose her yarn in a thick Bergère de France catalogue with pages and pages of little sample fringes that I adored.

After that my father took me to Tunisia and I didn’t touch a needle for years.

As you were learning to knit, what was your biggest challenge?

My one and only challenge is speed: I am a sloooow knitter aspiring to knit all the knits!

How and when did you decide to design patterns?

When I got back to knitting as a very young adult, I picked patterns in French magazines. It was a bit frustrating as I often found them lacking in style and originality. I wasn’t totally content with the available yarns either. Years passed until one day, as I was searching the internet for the elusive bright yarn, a picture jumped at me: it was a stunning neon yellow. I had found Plucky Knitter and Ravelry! It was a game changer. My knitting skills skyrocketed. I felt like a kid in a candy store, swooning over indie yarns and modern patterns.

I’ve always loved to tweak patterns to make them my very own, and now my head was filling with ideas I couldn’t find out there. Why not give them life? It felt like such an intimidating step to make! Naturally my first design was totally inspired by the Plucky range of colors, and my love of intricate stitch patterns: Rumors of Snow, a luscious cabled stole in – guess what? – Snug Worsted, was born. Hats and shawls followed.

It took me some time to take the plunge and design my first garment, MonTee. Grading is such a brain-teaser! Each new design brings a new challenge, and that’s a beautiful thing.

What are your sources of creative inspiration?

I am not going to say that I find inspiration in nature, or the rough beauty of my city surroundings. My creative process is somehow mysterious and I cherish it. First comes a vague but powerful urge: to make a garment in a soft DK base / to work intricate cables / to combine texture and colorwork / to create a delicate lacy item... Then I draw a small sketch and the idea really comes to life... After that it evolves through test and trial, and the magic of knitting.

How would you describe your design aesthetic?

I think handknits should not mimic mass-produced garments. I favour slighly unusual proportions and interesting constructions, but not to the point of extravagance or fussiness. My heart goes to loose-fitting sweaters with polished finishing details. I will probably never design an all-stockinette piece, unless it involves colorwork! I try not to repeat myself and instead offer something entirely novel in each new design.

Do you have a “secret” knitting tip you’re willing to share?

When (if) I get around to posting videos, I’ll definitely share my grandmother’s magic long-tail cast on, at the end of which you are ready to work a right-side row!

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not knitting and designing?

I do cook and bake a lot (I’ve published a number of cookbooks in French). I’m very aware of the central part nutrition plays in our health balance, and my cooking has dramatically evolved as a result of my research on the subject, without compromising on pleasure though!

My entire wardrobe is me-made, but I don’t sew as much as I used to, due to my obsession with knitting.

Working out at the gym is essential: it sustains my mental wellness and physical vitality. Not to mention that it allows a lot of chocolate in my life!

And of course, living in Paris I can enjoy cinemas, museums and all the good stuff...

November 12, 2021

Hats Off to Holiday Knits! Baldosa Hat & Saturday Hat by Tanis Gray

Baldosa Hat

This stranded colorwork hat combines merry and bright colorways for a modern twist on the holiday classic of red and green, as well as a textural element using baby suri alpaca/silk blend held double with an organic merino. It’ll be sure to keep you cozy while you celebrate the holidays!

Saturday Hat

This easy cabled hat is perfect for a kid on the go! Sweet tassels create a playful look while the simple cables create latticework and texture for added warmth.

For those of you who haven’t had the pleasure of meeting and knowing Tanis, we are pleased to introduce her through this Designer Spotlight.

What was the inspiration behind your patterns?

I have long admired mosaic flooring, which is the inspiration behind my Baldosa hat. When we went to Italy in my early 20’s with my family, everyone else was always looking up and I was always looking down at the incredible floors! This is my take on a mosaic floor and tessellating pattern with texture.

For my Saturday hat, believe it or not, playgrounds were the inspiration! We are lucky to live in an area with lots of incredible playgrounds. Searching out my kids in the winter while everyone is running around in bulky clothing can be tricky, but I can always find a tasseled hat and keep an eye on them that way!

The tassels on your Saturday hat are the sweetest little design element! Do you have any tips or tricks to share for the perfect look?

When I make tassels, I try and find a book, a deck of cards, even my phone, to wrap the yarn around before cutting. It creates consistently sized tassels that are much easier to trim once attached.

Also, a good blocking does wonders for a hat. It can smooth out any wonkiness, tame any flyaways, and ensure a proper fit. I always recommend investing in a head form (mine is an inexpensive Styrofoam one – nothing fancy!) because it makes a big difference blocking into shape rather than blocking on a flat surface.

What else is on your needles for fall/winter knitting?

Most of what I knit is future designs or top-secret projects! I’m working on a new book, and I have my eye on a few shawls I’d like to knit. I always wear a shawl wrapped tightly around my neck for the walk to school. It keeps me toasty! I live firmly in the camp of you can never have too many handknit shawls.

Also, my kids ask for a new hat each year, so I better get knitting!

Any special recipe you’d like to share as we prepare for the holidays? (Beverages included! 😁)

With 2 young kids in our house, we’re big on hot chocolate! We like to take traditional candy canes and put them in while the drink is still hot. They melt and give the hot chocolate a peppermint kick (and double as an excellent marshmallow stirring device!).

And, when it comes to desert, my grandma made the best pie with peaches from a tree in her yard. I’ve been bothering all my cousins, but no one seems to have the recipe, so I continue to search one out that tasted as good as hers! She was a master at cooking without needing a recipe, so my search continues…

November 12, 2021

Hats Off to Holiday Knits! My Bumpified Hat by Grannyknits4U

My Bumpfied Hat

My Bumpified Hat is a riff on the tuck stitch, stacking the “bumps”, one on top of the other to create a wonderfully textured look.

This hat knits up quickly and is well suited to all skill levels. The pattern includes 4 different sizes and has notes for creating additional sizes if you wish. It looks great as a close fitting-beanie or as a taller hat with a bit of slouch. Possibilities abound, so pick your style and get creative!

For those of you who haven’t had the pleasure of meeting and knowing Granny, we are pleased to introduce her through this Designer Spotlight.

What was the inspiration behind your My Bumpified Hat pattern?

I love the look of bobbles and I wanted something that had that feel but was much simpler to knit. The word “bumpified” got its start long ago and while you won't find it in the dictionary, it is now a family classic. As a child, I was trying to explain to someone that my sister's case of the chicken pox made her look all bumpified!

Bumps that are not bobbles add great character and the possibilities for switching up the stripe sequence in this design are endless. What goals do you have when placing stripes or playing with color?

Because hats are often likely to be one of the first things people see when they greet you, I love to incorporate playful and unexpected choices that might give away a hint about the wearers creative spirit. And when planning my stripes, I like to use the old trick of taking a photo of the proposed combo in black and white. This lets me check for enough contrast between the candidates to allow them to stand apart from each other

What else is on your needles for fall/winter knitting?

I don’t think it’s any secret that I am a rotation knitter. That means that I have multiple projects on the go at any given time. Right now, I am dreaming about bandana style cowls. I don’t have a swan like neck, so something that has less fabric in the back and oodles of drape in the front really appeals to me. Stay tuned!

Any special recipe you’d like to share as we prepare for the holidays? (Beverages included! 😁)

My favorite holiday recipe involves a corkscrew and a nice bottle of something red. In my opinion, cooking is best enjoyed as a spectator sport. In my perfect world, I would sit on a stool in the corner of someone else’s kitchen and cheer them on as they work their magic.

November 12, 2021

Hats Off to Holiday Knits! Muscadine Hat and Mittens by A. Opie Designs

Muscadine Hat and Mitten

Dots and stripes add the perfect blend of whimsy to your Holiday accessories with the “Muscadine Hat and Mitten” combo. Three contrasting colors of your favorite Plucky Knitter sport weight yarn are used to create a bold yet playful design. The hat pattern is written in three sizes and the mittens in two.

For those of you who haven’t had the pleasure of meeting and knowing Amy, we are pleased to introduce her through this Designer Spotlight.

What was the inspiration behind your Muscadine patterns?

A few years ago, fabric designer Tula Pink launched a collection called Pom Poms and Stripes. I fell in love with all the vibrant and cheerful color combinations and have used several of these fabrics in various quilts. Often I notice parallels with my knitting and quilting projects. Most often it is similar color combinations that make their way into both of my hobbies in tandem. It was only a matter of time before I added a dots and stripes combo to my knitting pattern repertoire.

People always comment on your Pom Poms. Do you have any tips or tricks to share for making fabulous Pom Poms?

I love a hat with a great pom pom. I think many knitters (myself included) feel like they are wasting precious yarn when making a pom pom. However, in order to achieve a really nice, full pom pom…you MUST rip off the band-aid and use up those yarn scraps! Here’s a few tips…

Start with a good Pom Pom maker…I use a Clover. These are readily available at most craft stores.
Wrap the yarn around each arch until your arch is level…and I mean wrap and wrap and wrap! Here’s a helpful link to a video tutorial that Clover produced: https://youtu.be/lM9u4LL9-ic
Sharp pointy scissors! They really do make it easier to cut thru the thick wraps of yarn.
Cotton Yarn to tie your pom pom. I use some inexpensive DK 100% cotton. You have to tie a pom pom really tight… the cotton yarn is STRONG and will not break!
Give it a haircut to tidy up any longer strands of yarn. I stand over a garbage can and cut away…once again, good sharp scissors are a must.
Lastly…I gently steam my finished pom poms. I use my iron on the steam setting and let it hover over the pom for a couple of seconds. This makes the yarn bloom, similar to blocking.

What else is on your needles for fall/winter knitting?

I’ve got several designs in the works including new cowls, mittens, hats and even a couple of sweaters. Right now, I’d say I have 6 active projects on needles…I really want to finish all of them before the end of the year…but don't hold me to it!

Any special recipe you’d like to share as we prepare for the holidays? (Beverages included! 😁)

Since I named my hat and mitten combo “Muscadine” I thought it might be helpful to explain…

Muscadine grapes are pretty prevalent in the southeastern United States. In fact, we had a LOT of them in our backyard. As a kid we ate them right off of the vine and later when I went off to college my mother would send gallon ziplock bags filled to the brim. Now, I’d love to tell you that my daddy’s muscadine wine was outstanding…but I’d be lying. I will say that my grandmother’s muscadine jelly was absolutely delicious. Sometimes if you’re lucky, muscadine jelly can be found here: https://www.stonehollowfarmstead.com/preserves

If not…then I highly recommend all the other delicious items they sell.

November 12, 2021

Hats Off to Holiday Knits! Tremblant Hat by Fiona Ellis

Tremblant Hat

A fun and cosy hat with an added touch of whimsical flair. Chevron patterning is used both as a smaller scale around the hat and a larger scale feature as a panel. Worked in just two colours, the stranded colour work floats add an extra layer of warmth. The top of the hat is completed by making I-cords that spill from the crown. This is an optional detail which could also be worked as short cords, knotted together for a less whimsical look. It could also be easily lengthened to give a more slouchy look.

For those of you who haven’t had the pleasure of meeting and knowing Fiona, we are pleased to introduce her through this Designer Spotlight.

What was the inspiration behind your Tremblant Hat pattern?

I often work in series, playing around with an idea or a type of patterning, experimenting with it in different ways. It becomes my focus for however long it fascinates me. Recently I’ve developed a thing for chevron or herringbone patterning. I was staying in Mont Tremblant recently and saw a really cool graphic chevron patterned carpet. I had to try out the patterning in colour work using just two colours to maintain the graphic look. Devising two different scales of the patterning is part of my “working in series”.

The I-cord tie at the top adds the perfect touch of whimsey to your Tremblant Hat. Have you used this design element before? We are thinking it should become a go-to for everyone!

I LURVE I-cords and I’ve made them ever since I was little, on a spool (remember those?). When I began delving deeper into cable patterning, I used them to figure out the path of the cords. So, it was a natural step to add them to the actual garment. I-cords work well with cables because it gives the impression of them spilling out of the fabric. I used the same reasoning for adding them to the crown of this hat…both colours spilling out of the chevrons.

Here are some examples of other designs where I used I-cords as embellishment:

https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/re-gathering-intentions

https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/double-pointe-pink

https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/charnwood

What else is on your needles for fall/winter knitting?

I have a bunch of small shawls on the go, I’m intending to wear them as scarves/cowls if I ever finish any of them. I may also start some fingerless mitts - I love them to keep the chill from finding its way up my sleeves. So, I guess I’m like many knitters and into smaller accessory projects.

Any special recipe you’d like to share as we prepare for the holidays? (Beverages included! 😁)

I love the flavour of ginger, and in the colder months ginger cookies are especially great. We always feel nostalgic around the holidays, so here is a link to a recipe from the region where I grew up in the UK - Grantham Gingerbread Biscuits

August 19, 2021

2021 Fall/Winter Collection Designer Spotlight | Amy Opie, A.Opie Designs | Rockford Shawl

We’re delighted to feature the Rockford Shawl by Amy Opie of A. Opie Designs as the “grand finale” of our 2021 Fall/Winter Collection. One more time, Amy’s wonderful sense of design and color shine through, and we’re thrilled she approached us to include this fabulous pattern in our collection. We think you’ll find this accessory is a “must have” to add to your autumn and winter fashion play.

For those of you who haven’t the pleasure of meeting or knowing Amy, we’ve captured some of the fun banter we’ve had with her over the past weeks and invite you to read on.

What inspired your design for the “Rockford Shawl”?

I wanted to take a break from stranded color work (just for a minute! 😉) and design something a bit different. I’ve always loved the wearability of top-down triangular shawls and began playing around with textured patterns and color combinations. So really…my inspiration was simply the need to explore and expand my design repertoire.

Please share your favorite color pairings(s).

Blues and greens are speaking to me for Fall and Winter…so the Eyelet, Corduroy, Open Sesame combo holds a special place in my heart. And I can’t lie….the 70’s retro vibe of the En Garde, Hey Sunshine, Powdered Sugar pairing is pretty awesome too!

What will you be wearing your “Rockford Shawl” with for a casual lunch?

Hands down…I’d be in jeans, my favorite loafer tennis shoes, and a classic white button down. When the temps dip a bit, I’d just swap out my tennis shoes for boots and add a jacket. I’d top it off with the shawl worn with the “V” in the front! It’s my favorite way to wear a triangular shawl.

And how about a nice dinner out?

No question….I’d throw on my iconic “shirtdress” from a beloved Atlanta women’s clothing store. This dress is a wardrobe staple…it’s a flattering silhouette and easy to wear, plus shawls look great with a shirtdress. And guess what…I’d probably style the shawl the same way ….“V” in the front!

And, if the temps drop below 40 F, boots and tights get added to the shirtdress and shawl combo…this southern girl’s gotta stay warm heading into the Winter months!

What else is on your needles?

Because color work will always be my heart….you can guarantee there’s some stranded color work in a couple of project bags. Then there’s my ongoing obsession with mohair….and cashmere…oh and Plucky's new Luxe Ultra Fine Merino….hahaha….is that enough to make your head spin?

We know you like to bake! Any yummy favorites you’d like to share for enjoying with a favorite tea or coffee as the temperatures dip?

If you aren’t following Half Baked Harvest on Instagram, you should. Her recipes are fantastic. I’ve made this delicious buttery berry crisp several times. It’s prepared and served in a cast iron skillet and is a real crowd pleaser. I think any fall fruit would be outstanding as a substitute for the berries, maybe apples? How delicious.

Here’s the link to the recipe. https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/buttery-cherry-berry-skillet-crisp/

August 17, 2021

2021 Fall/Winter Collection Designer Spotlight | Fiona Ellis | Rideau Cowl

Today, we are excited to present the Rideau Cowl by world-renowned knitwear designer, Fiona Ellis, who was born in England and now resides in Canada. It’s been a joy to work with Fiona and an honor to include this amazing pattern in our 2021 Fall/Winter Collection! For those of you who haven’t had the pleasure of meeting and knowing Fiona, we are pleased to introduce her through this Designer Spotlight.

How and when did you decide to design patterns?

I received a BA in Fashion Knitwear design at University in the UK. After graduation, I started designing for ready-to-wear fashion houses in London and New York. Through this avenue I met Trisha Malcom, long-time editor of Vogue Knitting magazine, in New York. She encouraged me to transfer my design skills towards the hand knitter (rather than mass-production) and Vogue Knitting was first to publish my designs in this arena.

What was the inspiration behind your Rideau cowl for Plucky’s 2021 Fall Collection?

The very first assignment we were sent when studying knitwear design at university was to design “interesting stripes”. This proved to be much more of a challenge than we first anticipated. And it sucked me in, so much so that I have returned to the idea over and over. For me the stripes not only have to be attractive but also fun and engaging to knit. For the Rideau, I came up with a long sequence that is repeated three times, with the colour placements changing each repeat so that the sequence is not immediately obvious at first glance. Finishing details are important to me so I layered on some understated techniques to give the cowl a polished, elegant, understated look while being a fun “just one more row” project to knit.

How did you come up with the name for this fabulous cowl?

I worked on this project on a road trip (in pre-pandemic times) to Ottawa, Canada, which is on the Rideau canal system. Skating on the canal in the winter is a very popular thing to do and some type of cozy neckwear is a must, which inspired this name.

When did you first learn to knit and who taught you?

Like many knitters I learned as a child, at around 5 years old. The story goes that one afternoon my Mother fell asleep and I decided to “help” her with the Fair Isle yoke sweater she had on her needles. I woke her saying, “Look Mummy, I’m knitting.” I was quickly shipped off to my Gran so that she could teach me the skills to actually help rather than just make a tangled mess.

As you were learning to knit, what was your biggest challenge?

I am perpetually curious and never take “rules” at face value, I am constantly asking – why? So, learning to walk before I could run was my biggest challenge. Full of ideas, I always wanted to move onto the next skill rather than taking time to keep practicing. Fortunately, I was surrounded by good stitchers (Mum & Gran), who kept me practicing but didn’t try to stifle my creativity.

What are your sources of creative inspiration?

I know many artists and designers say this, but I literally do find inspiration everywhere.

In nature; the colour combinations in flowers, texture of tree bark, patterns found in ripples in sand after the retreat of the tide.
In architecture; the elegant columns of gothic cathedrals, ornate Art Nouveau building facades, even the lines found in a grate on the street.
In music & dance; the shape and lines created by the human body as it moves, the way a break in music adds interest and punctuation.
In trips to museums and learning from history, most often this is other textile forms; Paisleys and drawn-thread work have been past favourites.
I also find springboards in other media; food styling and photography, the overall mood created in a film, a phrase or an idea in a novel.

And, of course, exploring a knitting technique (such as stripes), where I tend to work in “series”.

How would you describe your design aesthetic?

This is tricky to answer because I think it can be hard to know or see your own work. But I will say that I prefer clean lines rather than fussy eclectic looks. I like patterning to be interesting and capture the imagination, nothing too obvious but also not confusing for the eye to follow.

Details and finishing are super-important to me, continuing the pattern into a neckline or repeating a design element for collars and cuffs for example. In mass produced garments, the edges, necklines, etc., are often worked just to stop the piece from unravelling, but I believe that a hand knit garment is a couture piece and we should consider every element and stitch, this extends all the way from cast-on to bind off.

What influences your color choices and pairings?

I love dreaming up combinations that have something unexpected about them. Adding a “pop” colour can enliven every palette, even if they are subtle and understated. I grew up with Monty Python…so I love the phrase “and now for something COMPLETELY different” – a tiny shot of lime green or hot orange or maybe shocking pink when least expected.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not knitting and designing?

Having practiced for many years, I have recently trained as a yoga instructor and I love being able to guide others through their own practice. I am a big fan of movies and so I watch a lot of them. I enjoy “arty” and non-English language films mostly. I also love to sew, and I dabble with quilting. The piecing aspect is what most appeals to me (working with colour, shape and patterning), rather than the quilting, so I have a lot of tops and very few finished quilts. I have always taken some kind of dance class since I was around eight or nine years old, periodically switching up what style to focus on, and one of my favourites is belly dancing. Ooh and I love to cook (and eat), so during the pandemic I dreamt up menus that allowed us to “travel” to different parts of the world each weekend without leaving our kitchen.

August 13, 2021

2021 Fall/Winter Collection Designer Spotlight | Jody Campbell of GrannyKnits4U

We’re delighted to introduce the Charlevoix Vest and Petoskey Socks, designed by Jody Campbell of GrannyKnits4U in collaboration with Plucky Knitter, as the first offerings of our 2021 Fall/Winter Collection. We knew when we decided to include a vest and sock patterns, our good friend Jody was a natural “go to” for bringing the concepts to life.

Working together on these pattern designs has been such great fun! Jody is a prolific knitter with incredible knowledge and expertise that she happily shared throughout the creative process.

For those of you who haven’t the pleasure of meeting or knowing Jody, we invite you to read on.

What design elements are you especially excited about in the vest and the socks?

The vest is all about mixing bases to create a fabric that is feather light and floats over the body. By mixing Lustre Fingering with Aura Lace in the body of the vest, I was amazed to find it would knit to a DK gauge! And, Lustre DK was the perfect fit for all the ribbing.

The socks were super fun to design, as the goal was to kick a knitter’s skill set up a notch. I wanted to take a basic sock and turn it into something special. Hopefully, knitters will discover new techniques that will expand their repertoire!

Do you have any special tips you can share when knitting these items?

In preparing the yarn for the body of the vest, I carefully wound the two bases together to create one cake. This helped tremendously in avoiding those irksome spots where one of the strands gets knit but the second strand doesn’t.

When knitting the socks, I paired an eastern purl with a western knit. This is fully explained in the pattern and something that can tidy up those transitions from knits to purls.

Among all of the kits, what are your personal favorites?

Totally unfair question!!!! Every one of these kits speaks to me. As I scroll through the choices, I change my top picks every twelve seconds. I have several that will make their way to my shopping cart, but the wise momma never lets on that she may or may not have a favorite child!

How will you be pairing the vest?

I am a vest lover from way back! During colder months at home, I wear vests over a tee shirt almost every day. When I’m out and about, I usually pair a vest over a shirt that is longer than the bottom of the vest. Leggings, jeans , crops, or slacks, you can’t go wrong by adding a vest!

And what boot(s) will have the pleasure of being paired with your own socks?

I’m pretty excited about the possibilities. I plan to pull my socks up over the bottom of my leggings and then add a favorite pair of over-the-ankle boots. I’ll probably want a couple of pairs of socks, because the pops of color over the black leggings will be awesome.

What’s on your needles now?

Would anybody be surprised to read that I am working on another vest design? Hint, hint, it can be knit in any Plucky worsted weight and has a kangaroo pocket. As previously stated, I LOVE vests!

February 19, 2021

Amy Opie, A.Opie Designs | Designer Spotlight Union Shawl

Q. What was your inspiration for this shawl?

This is a design that I began in Spring of 2020. It was knitted in the early days of the pandemic when many, including myself, thought we’d be back to “normal” by the Summer. At the time, I was inspired by Spring colors and a hopeful fresh beginning...and now almost one year later I have those same thoughts. The design itself is a reflection of my love of color, a long-time admiration of mosaic knitting, and a more recent infatuation of textural Japanese knitting stitches.

Q. What’s the significance of the name?

I’ve become a little obsessed with names of small towns in Alabama AND Michigan.

Sometimes (Not Always😂) a name pops up that just makes sense. “Union” is a small town located in both states...but also the word “union” is about melding, joining, and coming together. Seems fitting to me.

Q. So many beautiful kits! What are your personal favorite(s)?

I had the luxury of getting to swatch several color combos...and I want to make EVERY ONE! The kit containing Pinky Swear with Hotsy Totsy, Feather Dusters and Sockeye is in my queue! Then there’s Miss Manners with Wax Poetic and Barely Birch....not to mention Enchantment, Ogre, Gilded Age...both of those have Wintry Mix as a neutral and I’m having a hard time making my final decision. I need to take a class on speed knitting!

Q: Do you have any tips or secrets you’d like to share that are useful in your making?

Color plays a large role in my process, and my iPad goes hand in hand as a part of this. Lately I’ve been using the Plucky Knitter App to help me create different color combos. I use the “favorites” section of the App to create my own color pairings. I have the ability to ❤️ a color and it shows up in a list that I can later edit or make adjustments to. If you want to see how two colors look next to each other, or need to see subtle differences between two close colors, then this is a fabulous tool.

Q: What’s on your needles for Winter knitting?

I took a few weeks away from A.Opie Designs for pleasure knitting....I made “Sweater No. 11” by My Favorite Things Knitwear...and currently on my needles is the gorgeous “Pressed Flowers” by Amy Christoffers. I’m using Terra DK and it is stunning. Must. Finish. This. ASAP so I can wear it!

Never fear...I’m also in the design cave with so many fun ideas for 2021. Behind me right now...on a table in my office...are quite a few color combos laid out in several different Plucky bases...all designated for various designs in the works. They are calling my name...waiting patiently for me to dive in. I can’t wait to share them!

Q: And we’re guessing you’ve also been up to some wonderful Winter baking…and cooking?

I have joined the party and discovered hot chocolate bombs! (Look ‘em up on social media.) I ordered the chocolate molds....plus some VERY awesome sprinkles to make them fancy! This is all thanks to Instagram for gently suggesting these items in my feed....hmmmm...do I say thank you, or should I be concerned that they know me so well?

But, It needs to be said...they are so much fun to make and give away. My friends’ children are on a constant sugar high. Oof....sorry about that.

January 10, 2021

Amy Opie, A.Opie Designs | Designer Spotlight #3

Q. What Inspired the “Troy” pattern?

I wanted to design a versatile accessory item that could be worn in multiple ways. I envisioned the cowl staying on while inside shopping or dining, and then transitioning as a layering piece over your coat while outside in cold weather. It has a coordinating hat, and the pattern offers multiple sizes including a child’s size.

Q. Your favorite color combos?

Cuddle Bug is in the color family that I LOVE! I realize it’s not for everyone....but I’m drawn to the scummy yellow greens...I consider it to be a neutral....don’t laugh!

Seriously...it’s a wonderful backdrop to showcase other colors…pinks and reds pop....aqua blues and purples create a lovely contrast, and neutrals give the eyes a place to rest. When picking color palettes, I make a conscious effort to have a versatile representation from the color wheel. Some of the combos in this offering are a little off the beaten path...maybe a little unexpected. I find it fun to occasionally knit something outside the norm.

Q. New Year's Resolutions?

I’m not one for listing out resolutions. I figure if it’s important enough...then you should do it..no need for a calendar rollover! I will say, I make a point to learn or try at least one new thing each year. I don't always achieve it...but most years I reflect back and can find something to meet my self-imposed criteria!

Q. Reflections on 2020?

Knitting sure helped me navigate 2020...I’ve never been more grateful to have a hobby to keep my mind occupied. While 2020 might be remembered as one of the worst years for many, I like to remind myself that wonderful things still happened....just different than most of us expected.

Q. Plans for 2021?

I would love nothing more than to be able to gather with friends and visit family that we haven’t seen in well over a year. I’m hopeful and optimistic for the coming year. As far as knitting goes....I’m always thinking of new designs and I also plan to knit a few things for myself as well. I learn and fine tune my skills with every project I knit.

November 19, 2020

Amy Opie, A.Opie Designs | Winter Collection Designer Spotlight

Creating our Winter Capsule Collection presented another wonderful opportunity to collaborate with our good friend Amy Opie of A.Opie Designs. Once again, the fact that Amy lives in Alabama and we live in Michigan didn’t hamper our collective creativity, nor the wonderful comradery we’ve developed. No matter the distance, it is always a joy to see how knitting can bring us together.

As you will see, Amy’s great sense of color and her charm shine through in her Fairview hat. We love how the rotation of color offers a variety of coordinated hats, maximizes yarn usage, and minimizes remnants. Thank you, Amy, for another truly great collaboration!

For those of you who haven’t had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know Amy, we invite you to read on!

Q. What inspired your fabulous Fairview hat for our Winter Collection?

I wanted to design a color work project that was mindful of yarn waste while appealing to gift knitting’s need for smaller projects. However, using multiple colors in a small item generates quite a bit of leftover yarn. I challenged myself to create something that minimizes the remnants and still satisfied my love of using multiple colors, so I designed a hat where the colors were interchangeable. Each hat is distinctive yet harmonizes with the others. 4 skeins, 4 colors...4 hats!

Q. How did you go about selecting the bases and colors?

The Plucky Knitter has a fantastic selection of bases and several met my specific needs for this project.

First...I wanted DK weight because of its versatility across a wide range of climates.

Second...The yardages needed to be generous enough to easily knit four hats with enough leftover yarn to make a Pom Pom. Both Terra DK and Beau DK fit the bill perfectly.

Color...wow...what can I say? No one does it better than Plucky! When choosing the colors for Fairview I wanted the customer to have a wide variety of choices...some with a holiday vibe...some with a traditional feel, and, last but not least...bright, happy with a touch of whimsy.

Q. Are you inspired more by color or by yarn type?

Wait....You said there wouldn’t be hard questions! I performed a random drawing....Color for the win! Truth...I have to love both! 😍

Q. Among all of the color kits, do you have some personal favorites?

I’ve already made kits 1-3. Does this make me seem crazy? Don’t answer that..lol.

And yet.....Kit No. 9 and Kit No. 11 are calling my name......So don't judge me!

Q. When you design your patterns, do you draw inspiration from any particular style icons?

Lately I’ve been re-watching “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” The clothes in this show are fabulous! If you look at anyone’s old family photos....people really did dress like this...there was no such thing as casual Friday.

Q. How would you describe your own style?

Full disclosure... I’m sitting here in my flannel PJs... but...my pre-Covid style I’d describe as classic with pops of color....always a pop of color!

Q. What’s the most rewarding part about designing?

I really do love seeing what others knit with my patterns. It’s very flattering to scroll through social media and see what people have made! If someone knits more than one...it’s the ultimate compliment.

Q. What do you have in the works for holiday gift knitting this year?

Spoiler alert... everyone in the Opie family is getting a hat! Oh... and homemade baked goods... because that precedent has been well established!

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