Giftalong 2014 Series: Interview with Corley Groves

As you know, I am all about this Indie Designer Giftalong. This year I will be doing interviews, hopefully more than last year, starting of with a bang.

I have met a new-to-me designer, and have really enjoyed hosting this interview with her for you. I am not going to say much in the beginning, so you can hear all about her. Enjoy this special interview!

Corley Groves (cagroves91)

How did you start designing?
I've always loved the idea of designing my own patterns. But never thought I'd be able to do it. Then one day I decided that I just go ahead and try it! If it didn't work then oh well! But if it did work, I'd feel so accomplished. So I started with something that wasn't too complicated - my Lattice Baby Hat. I had so much fun during the whole design process that I knew I wanted to stick with it!

Where do you get your inspiration for your designs?
The most unexpected places. I never know what's going to inspire me until it happens. My closet, stitch patterns, fabric, scrapbook paper... Pretty much anything!

How did you find out about the Giftalong?
I was browsing through the Designer's group on Ravelry when I saw a post about the giftalong. I had never heard of it but as I read what it was all about I knew I wanted to be part of it! Such a wonderful community of knitters and crocheters.

What do you want to accomplish while in the Giftalong?
Hopefully I'll be able to knock out my gift knitting! I also hope to knit a few gifts for myself along the way. And if I sell a pattern or two along the way that's a bonus.

You are a designer in the Giftalong, but are you going to be a knitter?
I will definitely be a knitter! I think it's a great way to take a break from my designs and see what patterns others are putting out there. It's a great way to find inspiration and reflect on myself as a designer. And with so many lovely patterns to choose from I'm very excited to knit a few of them.

Photo Courtesy of Corley Groves

(Diamonds and Cables Cardigan by Corley Groves)

Do you spend money more locally or on the internet while buying yarn?
The internet. The closest LYS is 45 minutes from me so my options are chain craft stores or online. And I find the quality of yarn I can get online better than the chain stores. Usually I shop Knit Picks yarn. Great prices and great quality.

What other crafts do you do other than knitting?
Everything! Well not really, but I try! I crochet, sew, embroider, scrapbook, other paper crafts... I can also cross stitch and latch hook but rarely ever do them. Basically if it's a craft, it's my goal to learn it! Next up: learn to spin!

English or Continental?
English. One day I will learn continental. Knowing both will make color stranding much easier and quicker.

 

Photo Courtesy of Corley Groves

(Ruffle Butt Diaper Cover by Corley Groves)

When did you learn to knit?
When I was in eighth grade. I picked up a kit on how to knit at a school book fair and took it to my Gammi's (Grandma) house. She used to knit so she spent the afternoon teaching me. I learned to cast on, knit, and purl. I practiced all the time! Then when I wanted to learn more, I got on the computer and looked up how to do it. Gammi hadn't knit for years so she was a bit rusty.

Who is your best knitting/designing role-model?
There are so many designers who have inspired me in some way. Whether it's their style or their types of patterns. But one that I am most inspired by (and knit more of her patterns than anyone else) is Boknits. I've tested about 5 of her patterns. I'm so impressed by how quickly she can turn out designs. She always has a few on her needles and a few in the testing process. And she has a distinct style and sticks to it. I think it's very important to stay true to who you are and your style as a designer.

As you have heard from Corley, I have had a great time with this interview. I love how she doesn't just do knitting but she does crochet too, and there are a lack of crochet designers in the Giftalong.

How to contact Corley Groves:
Ravelry: cagroves91
Designer Page: Designs by Corley Groves

Please join in the fun over in the Indie Designer Giftalong Group if you haven't already. Very awesome patterns and there are plenty of chatters over there (me included).

As always, you can contact me:
Ravelry: Punkin97

It is best for you just to send me a PM (by clicking on the 'send a message' button).

Indie Designer Giftalong 2014 Series: Interview with Alex Tinsley

Today I am happy to be hosting an interview with the one and only Alex Tinsley of Dull Roar. I am so happy to be getting this interview with you.

I found Alex through the GAL last year, and have enjoyed watching her designs come further in the last year. I am really impressed with her design ability.

Alex Tinsley (alextinsley):

How and when did you start designing?
 When I first learned to knit, I never used other people's patterns much- I just kind of got the basic idea and dove in. Which means my early hats were formless blobs with randomly-distributed decreases, haha. Eventually I did do a bit more research, and began selling FOs on etsy. Soon I noticed that other people were selling patterns as well, and thought "hey, I could do that!" That was around about 2007, maybe?


Where do you get your inspiration for your designs?
Sometimes an idea pops into my head fully formed, but a lot of times I'll take a stitch or design element that I'm interested in playing with and build a pattern around it. Sometimes that'll spark a whole host of other ideas (which are scribbled down in a variety of places.) At this point I've got enough vague-scribbled-ideas to last me at least a few years, haha.

 

Photo Courtesy of Alex Tinsley 

(HowlCat by Alex Tinsley)

How do you like returning for the second year of the giftalong?
Whew boy! The planning this year has been intense. Last year we were really flying by the seat of our pants and scrambling to put it together last minute (because it was the first year, and the idea had only just been suggested.) This year we started earlier and are working with a lot more structure, which is definitely a good thing, but getting structures put in place that will keep most people happy is tricky.

What did you accomplish in the giftalong last year?
I actually didn't manage to knit a single gift last year! I was too busy doing mod stuff and designer stuff, haha. Though I did buy a lot of patterns that I hope to get to someday (I dream of taking a long vacation and just knitting other people's patterns. Ahhhhh.) A lot of people knit hats for gifts since they're quick and wintery, so I got to see a lot of my patterns made for knitters' friends and family, which is really fun to see.


What do you want to accomplish this year as a return designer?
As long as the event goes off without any major catastrophes, I'll be happy. I am mostly handling prize coordination this year, which means my job is pretty much over until it's time to hand out prizes - I can sit back and watch the fun :-)

Photo Courtesy of Alex Tinsley

(Pisky by Alex Tinsley)

Are you just going to be a designer in the Giftalong, or are you also going to be a knitter?
I do sometimes knit a gift or two, but most of my knitting time is taken up with "work knitting" so usually they are just fast and plain :-/ I'm sure I'll hoard more patterns though, for that dream vacation.

Do you knit for yourself majority of the time, or do you spend knitting time for others?
The vast majority of my knitting is for pattern writing. I do keep the samples though, and I do wear them even though I should probably keep them in pristine condition for trunk shows (hats don't wear out too fast, luckily, especially when you're rotating between a bunch of them.)

Photo Courtesy of Alex Tinsley

(Vahl Hat by Alex Tinsley)

If you could only knit with one yarn, what yarn would you choose and why?
Probably Malabrigo Merino Worsted. It's my long time favorite- soft, pretty colors, a nice solid worsted weight, very forgiving for colorwork but still looks good in cables and textured stitches. (I also like similar "singles" yarns from other companies, like Madelinetosh. Guess I just like singles!)

Do you spend money more locally or on the internet when buying yarn?
I love to shop in LYSes, though sadly there aren't many in my immediate area. I tend to visit them whenever I'm on vacation, and pick up a few skeins. If I need something very specific, I'll order it. At this point, my stash is totally out of control anyway, though.

English or Continental?
Continental

 Photo Courtesy of Alex Tinsley

(Rimple by Alex Tinsley)

What is the best advice you have either given or received in knitting?
When I was first learning, my Aunt told me to never set my knitting down in the middle of the row, or it would mess the tension up. At this point I can get away with it and keep the tension steady, but for a long time that was a really important rule for me ;-)

When did you learn to knit?
My mother attempted to teach me a few times throughout my childhood (she knit a lot as a kid, though she doesn't do it very often now) but it never stuck until high school, when I wanted to join the newly-formed knitting club, so I sat down with a copy of Melanie Falick's "Kids Knitting: and taught myself. My grandmother taught me to crochet when I was fairly young, but I pretty much just made super long chains, haha.

What is your most un-appreciated design of yours?
Hmm... one that I really liked, but which never found much traction, was Vahl. I keep meaning to re-use the brim treatment on another hat.

Photo Courtesy of Alex Tinsley

(Bermondsey Shawlette by Alex Tinsley)

Who is your best knitting/designing role-model?
Oh gosh, I don't even know! My peers inspire me everyday. Some have great business sense and marketing ideas, some have beautiful knits, some have fantastic sense of style. There's something you can learn from just about everyone, and I'm so lucky to be a part of a really wonderful supportive community (which I know doesn't exist in every industry!)

I have enjoyed hosting this interview, it has been a huge pleasure. Thank you again, Alex. I hope you guys have enjoyed it as well. Happy Crafting!

Contest:
Now that you have heard from the amazing Alex Tinsley, she would love to give away one copy of any of her patterns in her Ravelry Store. Please comment on this blog post, and tell me what pattern of hers you would like to knit and what yarn you would use. One comment per person. The winner will be chosen next Saturday, November 22, 2014.

Contacting Alex:
Ravelry: alextinsley
Her Ravelry Store: Dull Roar
GAL Sale Bundle: 3493

You can contact me:
Ravelry: Punkin97

Indie Designer Gift Along 2013 Series: Interview of Ambah

Here is another interview from a lovely designer apart of the Giftalong 2013 on Ravelry. This time, I interviewed Ambahobrien of Ambah. And of course we will have a lovely giveaway for one of her lovely patterns! 

I have found Ambah in one of the threads of the Indie Designer Gift Along 2013 group on ravelry. It was her lovely Pertali necklace. 

I have stumbled upon this necklace before while searching ravelry patterns. But, I never came to want to buy it... When the giftalong started, I had seen it, and I really wanted to buy it, but didn't have any money on my card... When I got money to spend for Black Friday shopping (Thanks Mom!) I found a coupon code for her store! I bought this necklace and the Pirra Necklace pattern. 

I bought both the patterns! I love the pattern layout so much! Unfortunately, because of copyrights, I cannot post a photo of the layout, but believe me, it is so easy to read, and user-friendly. 

I am so happy that I bought these patterns, and I don't know why I hadn't bought it at first when I wanted to buy it. 

I plan to make some Pirra Necklaces for Christmas presents, but, since it is already the first week of December, almost the second, my time is running out! I need to start making them! As far as other Christmas present knitting is going, that will have to be in a different post.

I have also found out that her patterns are quick to knit up and relatively beginner-friendly. 

Sorry for writing so much about my thoughts on her, and to bore you. But don't leave now! We now have an interview of Ambah herself!

How did you want to start knitting?

I had dabbled with knitting as a child, not getting further than garter stitch cast on and off by my mother, with its mysterious ability to grow wider, narrower and holier as I knit. Moving on 30 years and it was my friend opening a LYS with amazing yarn that inspired me. I bought some beautiful yarn, thinking I would craft it in some way- I dabble in crochet and making in general. I stared at it a lot but knitting it didn't really cross my mind! Then she suggested the wonderful baktus scarf pattern that was all it took, I was hooked. My son taught me to cast on and off (and purl) the internet and my friend have filled in my gaps since and now I am unable to put down the needles!

When did you first start designing, and what made you want to design knitting patterns of your own?

I have always been an artist and maker, so designing comes naturally to me. With knitting, it makes sense to adapt patterns to suit my needs. I released my first pattern earlier this year. I had a design idea and decided to make it into a pattern. I was pleasantly surprised by the positive reaction to it, which encourages me to make more. :)

This year, on Ravelry, there is an Indie Designer Gift Along, what did you hope to accomplish originally by joining as a designers? And how is it different than you have hoped it would turn out?

The gift a long seemed like an exciting opportunity to connect with other designers and hopefully reach out to a wider audience for my designs. I have certainly achieved this and so much more through the GAL. It really has been an exciting event to be involved with, I was one of the pinning team, I am a co-moderator in the Mitts and Arms thread and will soon cast on another designers pattern to join in as a participant and I have fount it to be such a positive experience for all involved. It has been such a positive collaboration between designers, knitters, yarnies and ultimately the recipents!

Did you think that there were going to be so many participants and designers joining in the Gift along?

I suspected this would be big :)

Do you think this should be an Annual thing we do an Ravelry every year?

I do, I think this is quite wonderful.

What are some new designers you have found interesting of unique in the GAL?

I am co-moderating with Annie Watts from Wattsolak Designs and watching the FO's of her wonderful mitts has been so exciting, her patterns are clever and fun. I have developed a designer crush there. Its tricky to pick just a few names, I am enjoying the exposure to other designers and find myself constantly ahh-ing over patterns. So many clever folks.

Where do you get your inspiration for your designs?

Everywhere. Sometimes an idea just pops into my head, other times I am thinking about a need eg: a particular shape, colour scarf or a sweater that would be just right. Sometimes it is the yarn itself that gives rise to an idea. Than a design or idea leads on to another and I can only knit so fast...

What is your favorite thing to knit?

Everything! I like variety.

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Last week, Ambah has came out with a new design! And it's free! It is a lovely bangle knit bracelet pattern! I can see these being so addictive! The pattern is called Easy Knitted Bangle. It is a free download on ravelry. Just click on the link for the pattern and you can download it right then and there! 

Some of her other designs include shawls, cowls, and mitts, which can all be found in her Ravelry Store. 

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As stated in the very beginning of this post, Ambah would love to giveaway a free pattern to one of you, my lovely readers! 

How To Enter:

Just leave a comment on this post saying which of her patterns you would love to win. Please include a way to get the pattern, ie. ravelry username, or an email. 

The contest will run from today, December 3, 2013, to next Wednesday, December 11, 2013

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And don't forget to post in the Maureen Foulds giveaway post by 12:00 p.m. PST December 5. 

Indie Designer Gift Along 2013 Series: Maureen Foulds Interview with Giveaway!

First is first, we have a great giveaway for my viewers! Maureen is going to give a free copy of (winner gets to choose) of her own designs! May I just say, that I own 3, and I keep finding cute patterns! I want them all, they are so well written! You can tell she spends so much time on her patterns! At the end of this blog post, there will be a way to enter! Please put a way she can contact you, preferably ravelry ID.

Here are all the questions I asked her, and her responses! All answers are so thorough!

Maureen has a new sock pattern, and I am so happy that she gifted it to me, I was going to buy it that night! Here is a photo of her new sock pattern!

Pattern Page: And Then There Were None

What made you want to start designing knitwear?
It was a combination of several things, actually. I’m always pushing myself to learn new skills. So once I got comfortable with all sorts of knitting techniques, the natural step was starting to create my own designs.

I had this skein of stunning Handmaiden Casbah sock yarn and wanted to find the perfect sock pattern to showcase the yarn. I had some Barbara Walker “Treasury of Knitting” stitch dictionaries and found the perfect cables. So I turned it into a sock pattern (Trellis and Coin socks).

I also thought designing would help motivate me to reduce my ridiculous sock stash. It hasn’t - I keep discovering new indie dyers.

Where do you get your inspiration for your patterns?
Inspiration can come from anywhere: a photo, a word, a color, a mood. You just have to keep an open mind.

Sometimes I start with one of the many wonderful stitch dictionaries that are out there. I flip through them and take note of what catches my eye. This can change based on mood and season. Then I try to imagine what item that stitch would suit (socks, mitts, hat, shawl).

Sometimes I start with a ‘theme’ like nature, lace, or Spring. Then I start looking through the stitch dictionaries for something that embodies that theme and start playing with it.

Recently I was asked by an indie dyer to design some fingerless mitts for her upcoming yarn club based on Tolkien. She gave me the theme and color, so I started with Google image searches and Wikipedia to learn all I could. Then I started sketching ideas and finding ways to bring those ideas to life.

Sometimes it’s the yarn itself that suggests something, either the color or shine, or whether it is better suited to cables, lace or geometric shapes.

What do you hope to accomplish with the Indie Designer Gift-along?
I initially joined in with the hope of gaining exposure across a wider audience. As an indie designer it’s hard to build up a following and get your name out there.

But I’ve gained so much more than I ever expected. I’ve found new designers to follow and been inspired by their patterns and talent. I’ve had so much fun interacting with people in the different KAL threads and seeing their color choices.

And from a business perspective, I’ve learned so much by working and talking with the other designers behind the scenes to make the GAL happen. The whole experience has helped me define where I want to be over the next year or two.

How did you start knitting?
My local library was offering a free 6 week “learn to knit” class, geared mostly at teens. As a new mom with an 18 month old, I was desperate to get out of the house for an hour or so each week for some me time. I didn’t think I’d enjoy knitting, but the class was free and 5 minutes away from home. We learned to make a baby hat, knit flat and then seamed up.

The rest, as they say, is history.

Who are some new interesting designers you have found during the Giftalong?
There are so many - I know I’ll miss someone! Ambah, Alex Tinsley, Georgie Hallam, Rose City Knits, Ravenknits, Bonnie Sennot. The list keeps growing!

So, now I know everybody is waiting for!

How to enter the giveaway:
Go to Maureen Foulds Ravelry Store (here) and tell me what your favorite pattern of hers is, the one you would want to win in the giveaway. One post per person. The giveaway will be until December 5th, so enter fast!