Wild Geese Fibres

That Ms. V. over on Scratchcraft threw down the gauntlet. She started nagging at me to write up the pattern for my nature dyed sweater.

Well, Ms. V… two can play at that game! (Actually, I’ve been nagging at her for awhile, but that’s beside the point)

I think this sweater of hers is amazingly beautiful, and I love the fit and shape of it. I have been nagging at her to write out the design. If you agree, go nag at her.

There is absolutely no reason to nag at me to design mine. None.

And I’d like to share a picture of a project from someone who thought a little outside the box… Ares’ over on Ravelry knit up the Counterpane knee-high pattern, a little differently. I love what she did!

We are almost moved into the new house. Once we are settled in, I will be posting more often here, and holding some new surveys and contests. Keep your eyes peeled!

I’ve been asked quite a few times to explain where the inspiration comes from for my designs. All I can really say is, it comes from everywhere (and sometimes, when you really need an idea, it comes from nowhere at all!)

Here are some examples:
I walked into Celeigh Wool in Millet AB for the first time about 10 years ago. Marg had some lovely dk weight Shetland yarn (spun from her own fleece) hanging on a rack. She had dyed it all with different plants. It was the first time I had seen yarn dyed that way. I bought the yarn, and knit the sweater. Really, all I had to do was knit it, because when I saw the yarn, I saw the sweater. It was like a little picture hanging over the rack, complete. It took about a month to turn the picture into reality. I am still very happy with it!

Sometimes it’s a picture. I found this photo of some fabric from the Art Deco period:

and it inspired the Art Deco socks from my book… after some fiddling and playing with graphs


The Sweatheart Kneehighs (again in my book) were inspired by a carved box my Grandpa had made when he was courting Granny. I fiddled with graphs to come up with a “knitterly” version of his carving.

The Blue Willow socks and mitts.. the old Blue Willow China.


So.. sometimes it’s the yarn, or the colours. Or an object. And every once in awhile, it comes to me when I’m sleeping. Like this one:
the Feathers Wrap

I never know where they are going to come from, or what memory they will be tied to… wait a minute.. tied.. like a knot.. on garter sttich.. excuse me, I need to go make some notes.