Unraveling my next design
Last week, my dad asked me a question that many designers dread: “What’s your next design going to be?” I had to admit I had no idea. It was one of those moments when the creative well felt a bit dry, despite having recently completed two exciting projects.
One of these was the Beloved Beatrix sweater, a labour of love currently being tested by a wonderful group of knitters. I’m planning to release this pattern in February, perfectly timed for Valentine’s Day, so you can all knit your own Beloved Beatrix sweaters during the month of love.
The second project was the Swanbourne capelet, my entry into a Shirley Paden design competition. To my amazement, it won first place in the capelet category! The capelet is now safely in New York (without me, unfortunately) for its debut at Shirley’s runway show on 18 January at Vogue Knitting Live. Once it’s been revealed there, I’ll share some pictures with you all.
But now comes the big question: What’s next?
Seeking inspiration for my next design
The question of what to design next has been swirling in my mind for days. Typically, I find inspiration in a few reliable sources. Sometimes, a beautiful photograph will spark a colour palette or theme. Other times, a swatch with an intriguing stitch pattern makes me curious about how it would look on a larger scale. And then there’s always the tactile allure of a stunning skein of yarn, whispering its potential.
I’ve realized that I work best when I have a constant to anchor my design process. Whether it’s a specific yarn, a colour theme, a stitch pattern, or a garment type, having one fixed element helps me focus and bring the other variables into harmony.
A new cardigan for my dad
Given my dad’s timely question and his subtle (or maybe not-so-subtle) hint, I’m leaning towards making a cardigan for him. He has a favourite cardigan that, unfortunately, is no longer wearable, and he’s eager to have it replaced. He’s already voiced a few specific preferences, which will form the foundation of this design. Designing for someone close to me always adds an extra layer of meaning to the process, and it feels like the perfect challenge to reignite my creative spark.
The design process: Where to begin?
To start this journey, I’ll need to gather some key details to ensure the new cardigan meets my dad’s expectations and retains the essence of his beloved, but now worn-out, cardigan.
My dad has asked for a zip-up cardigan with a neckline that isn’t too tight, ensuring comfort and ease of use. This gives me a practical starting point for the design structure.
Considering the old cardigan he wants to replace wasn’t too bulky, I’m leaning towards using a double knit yarn. This choice will strike a balance between warmth and wearability without feeling too heavy, which aligns well with both his preferences and my design aesthetic.
While my dad hasn’t specified any preferred stitch patterns, he does prefer simplicity and minimal fuss. Since I have a soft spot for cables, I plan to incorporate subtle cable details that will add texture and interest without overwhelming the overall design.
From these considerations, I’ll sketch out initial ideas and create swatches of potential stitch patterns. This stage is where the blend of practicality and creativity comes into play, ensuring that the final piece is both functional and beautiful. The challenge is to design something that reflects my dad’s needs while infusing it with my personal touch as a designer.
Sharing the journey
As I dive into this new project, I’ll keep you updated on the process. From initial sketches to yarn selection and pattern development, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how a design comes to life. Follow me on social media for more regular updates on this project.
Stay tuned as I transform an idea sparked by a simple question into a tangible, wearable creation. Who knows, maybe this cardigan will inspire your next knitting project, too!