Balancing between knitting someone else’s pattern vs. designing my own patterns is a bit of a challenge. I get distracted very easily by all the cool patterns out there putting my own designs on hold. I justify it by convincing myself that following someone else’s design is learning new techniques, new construction and new pattern writing methods which is probably true but to develop a proper knitwear or accessory line would be quite the accomplishment.
These days I seem to have a Vancouver/BC/Canadian theme running through my designs. It started with the Canadian Tote featured a few months back. Recently I re-vamped my Canadian Trapper hat make it truly Canadian; knit with local dyer Sweet Georgia Yarns worsted weight held doubled in colour China Doll and with an Angora by Fleece Artist from Nova Scotia.
Another design I recently finished is the Vancouver Skyline Cowl knit with local dyer, Gourmet Crafter yarn in 100% Cashmere. What’s so fantastic about Gourmet Crafter colours is the designer, Alexa Ludeman who goes around town photographing to inspire her pallet. For this cowl I used colours: Vancouver Sky, Backyard Greens, and Whale Watching.
I really wanted this cowl to painterly and somewhat abstract. If you look close you will see the Two Lions, the Shangri la, Science World, and BC Place.
Of course I couldn’t go too long without knitting a softie! Here are 2 dogs I knit from my new favorite book Knit Your Own Dog! 
The English Bull dog was knit with 2.75mm needles and Debbie Bliss Rialto 4ply held doubled- he has a lot of character.
The Afghan is totally regal and knit in a subtlety variegated Noro sock yarn and Blue Sky Alpacas Sport weight.
And what is knitting without a little pressure- in the middle of my multiple project agenda I just whipped this vest up in about 10 days! It is called Ida’s Vest and it is a great Blue Sky Alpacas pattern knit in Worsted Hand Dyes which is one of my beloved yarns to work with! I adorned it with some stunning shell embossed clay buttons made by local designer Nancy Walker.
It’s All fantastic!
(love the buttons
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Always a pleasure to read your posts which give us a glimpse into your creative process. And thanks in particular for info about local dyers.
Love the hat in those colours! I feel exactly like you do about being torn between new and exciting patterns vs. designing my own….you are right because we learn so many new things each time we knit something. Can’t wait to see what you do next. Keep on knitting….
I love your references to other Canadian creators – from the source of the wool to the buttons by NW. I am so pleased with my recent aquisition of the beautiful grey and fuscia hat of alpaca wool! Your craftmanship is unbelievable! Thanks!