Woolly Mammoth Designs: A Journey of Yarn and Creativity
About Me
My very first knitting project was a snake. It was a school project: we had to knit a long scarf, sew it into a tube, and stuff it. That sparked an idea—if I could knit a snake, why not knit other animals? I dove into my mother’s stash of Your Family magazines, knitting needles, and leftover yarn, and began creating every stuffed animal I could find.
Were they perfect? Absolutely not. But I adored them. Feeling bold, I even attempted a sweater. It turned out HUGE, but it became my favourite for lounging. Watching TV with my knees tucked into the sweater’s oversized body didn’t help its shape, but I loved it all the more as it stretched and grew with me.
As I grew older, though, I set my needles aside—knitting was an “old lady” hobby, after all. Teenage me couldn’t risk being caught doing that. Imagine the horror! Once the pressures of teenage judgment faded, however, I rediscovered my needles. This time, I was drawn to garments—sweaters, scarves, shawls—you name it, I wanted to knit it. My early attempts were clumsy, and my enthusiasm waned. Then, the internet came to the rescue! Google and YouTube tutorials opened a whole new world. I discovered blocking, fibre types, and techniques that made my knitting flourish in ways I never imagined.
My love for knitting was rekindled, but I soon found myself frustrated when trying to match beautiful hanks of yarn with the perfect pattern. The solution? Design my own! That decision marked the beginning of my design journey. I took courses with Shirley Paden and joined a coaching program with Francoise Danoy, which gave me the skills and confidence to publish my first pattern, the Ancient Ruins Cowl, in 2019. I had found my niche—a place where I belonged.
About My Designs
Designing hasn’t been without its challenges. Balancing a full-time job and life’s responsibilities left limited time for knitting, but I slowly added patterns to my Ravelry store. In late 2022, I stumbled upon a design competition by Shirley Paden requiring five pieces, including a pullover. The deadline was tight—just three months—but I embraced the challenge. I designed and knitted a pair of gloves, a scarf, a capelet, a shawl, and a pullover. It was exhausting but exhilarating!
To my delight, I won third place. The journey was as rewarding as the result. Three of the five patterns—Hearts in Motion Shawl, Wrap-Around Gloves, and Twisted Tulips Cowl—are available in my shop.
The Winding Lanes Pullover was a highlight of Shirley Paden’s runway show at Vogue Knitting Live ’24 in New York and will be published in Shirley’s book Duets 2, releasing in early 2025. Watch for that, as well as the remaining unpublished patterns from the competition!
What’s Next?
The next step in my designing adventure was launching my own online store, a space where knitters can find everything they need for their projects. Here, I offer not only my patterns but also a carefully curated selection of yarns, all made from natural fibers and hand-dyed to perfection. These yarns are chosen not just for their quality but for how beautifully they pair with my designs. Alongside yarn, the shop includes knitting needles, notions, and accessories essential for completing my patterns. Every item is selected with care to make knitting a truly enjoyable and satisfying experience.
But my shop isn’t just a place to buy things. It’s also a space where knitters of all levels can learn, grow, and find inspiration. Soon, I’ll be adding tutorials, tips, and tricks to guide you through your knitting journey. Whether you’re struggling with your first cable or trying to master colorwork, I’ll share my own experiences to help you succeed. Knitting has given me so much joy, and I want to share that joy by helping others craft beautiful, long-lasting garments and heirlooms.
Looking ahead, my designing journey is far from over. I have a notebook brimming with ideas—sweaters, accessories, and more—waiting to be turned into patterns. While time is often in short supply, I believe creativity thrives in a slow and steady rhythm. Rushing through designs would only mean missing the small details that make them truly special.
Beyond just creating patterns, I’m also dreaming of building a community around Woolly Mammoth Designs. I hope my blog, tutorials, and shop will become a gathering place for knitters to connect, share their projects, and inspire one another. There’s something magical about seeing how others interpret your patterns, adding their unique flair to the creations.
So, what’s next? It’s all about dreaming big, taking small steps, and knitting each stitch with purpose and care. I hope you’ll join me on this journey, whether it’s by trying out one of my patterns, using one of my curated yarns, or simply following along as I share my progress and ideas. Together, we’ll continue turning yarn into wearable art, one stitch at a time.