Monthly Archives: November 2018

One of the things I love most about the Indie GAL (Gift-A-Long) is the chance to discover and/or promote other designers’ work. Over the course of the GAL I’ll be publishing gift-knitting related interviews with designers whose work I admire.

Steph: Have you participated as a designer before this year? If yes, what’s your favorite favorite part of the GAL?

I participated as a designer for the first time last year and loved it! My favorite part is just the amazing amount of energy and excitement everyone has towards knitting gifts… for others or themselves! I love how the GAL combines a maker’s love for making with the fun of doing it together! (Seeing everyone’s projects coming together is so fun!)

Are you participating as a knitter/crocheter? if no, what would you, had you the time?

I really had hoped to participate this year, but my designer side got the better of me and so while I am over here knitting gifts for sweet new babies… I’m designing them. If I had all the time in the world, though, I would definitely knit myself a new sweater… it’s been too long! Sarah Cooke’s“(Grown Up) Silver Birch” is a lovely, cabled cardigan that I came across via the GAL, and she even has a matching kids’ version that gets me since I’ve got little ones. Too much! (She has a number of other great designs, too, in her bundle for the GAL!)

Which of your patterns do you think make the best gifts?

It depends on who you are knitting for and how much time you have! For last minute gifts, my “Cuppa Cozy” pattern makes a great tea or coffee themed gift and my “Jar Topper Washcloth” not only is cute and practical, but looks super cute on top of a mason jar filled with a cookie mix! If you have more time, slippers always make perfect gift and my “Modern Mocs” come in sizes to fit the whole family!

Oh, those are great! I also love your 3-in-1 Button Boots and Fabulous Flats (I hope to make the latter for the GAL).

Thanks for being interviewed!

photos © Bekah Knits

Find Rebekah on Ravelry as RebekahJoy, and check out all her designs here!  She also has a website here.

Don’t forget to check out the Indie Design Gift-A-Long group on Ravelry to join in the fun!

One of the things I love most about the Indie GAL (Gift-A-Long) is the chance to discover and/or promote other designers’ work. Over the course of the GAL I’ll be publishing gift-knitting related interviews with designers whose work I admire.

Steph: Have you participated as a designer before this year? And are you participating as a knitter? if yes, what are you planning on knitting?

Katrine: This is my third year participating as a designer. It’s great to see knitters working with my patterns! However, for me the best part of the GAL is to discover new to me designers, and getting to knit from their patterns. It’s so relaxing to knit when someone else has done the math You also learn from others, how they write their patterns and sometimes new techniques also. This year, I started with Fouilloy Cowl by Kathleen Sperling, and I learned how to do long tail cast-on using two colors from that pattern. Looking forward to learning much more and enjoying the knitting and chatting in the GAL group!

Anything else you’re planning on knitting?

Since the first time I participated in the GAL, I have been hoping to tame the opadoo. I haven’t succeeded yet, but I’m not letting it keep me from trying! I don’t have the whole opadoo planned, but I have started the mentioned cowl and Trooper sweater by ChristalLittleK. For hands I’m making Reune mitts by Jean Clement, and for shawl I have your Breakwater!

Wow! I’m super impressed by anyone tackling the opadoo (knitting or crocheting an item in each category), let alone a designer, knowing how much knitting you probably already have on your plate. And thanks for picking one of my patterns, I’m honored!!

Which of your patterns do you think make the best gifts?

My patterns are for knitters who like to knit stylish items that they will love to wear, but I also want the making to be interesting. Usually, this means that my patterns don’t fall into the “quick gifts” category. But if you have knitworthy gift recipients, then the Kaiku wrap would be a minimalistic design to fit many tastes and has a fun construction. The Liinu shawl also has a fun construction and it lets you play with colors and lace. If Vikkel braids are a new technique for you, then my Tauride shawl will teach you how to make them and it will also give you plenty of practice for them.

I’m with you, I like things to be interesting And I really love your Arctic Blizzard Socks!

Thanks for being interviewed!

photos © Katrine Birkenwasser

Find Katrine on Ravelry as birkenwasser, and check out all her designs here!  She also has a website and podcast here.

Don’t forget to check out the Indie Design Gift-A-Long group on Ravelry to join in the fun!