When I received an email from the kind folks at Interweave about receiving a review copy of Twigg Stitch by Vicki Twigg a few weeks ago, I knew I had to get my hands on one (and get one for you too...more on that at the end of this post). I was seriously intrigued - a new twist on reversible knitting? That's something I need to know more about. I'm so pleased that I was able to get in contact with Vicki and conduct a little interview.
Jen: How
did you get started in designing knitting patterns?
Vicki: I
don’t really remember a time when I was not designing. I have made plenty of
other peoples patterns through the years but often altered or tweaked them
somehow. The earliest of my own designs were probably doll clothes, sewn,
knitted or crocheted. I’ve knitted since I was about 5 so that’s quite a long
time now.
J: How did you come up with the Twigg stitch? What makes it different
from other techniques like colorwork and double knitting?
V: I
wanted to make a two-sided version of a two-color rib. I could see the finished
look in my mind so I played with yarn until I worked out how to knit it. Twigg
stitch is different from other methods in various ways, unlike double knitting
it is a single fabric, it does not have the floats on the back like Fair Isle
and it’s worked with both yarns at the same time unlike Brioche. They all have
their own unique qualities and my hope is that Twigg stitch gives knitters
another option.
J: You designed so many different pieces for this book. Do you have a
favorite? Why do you love it?
V: That’s
a hard question, I love them all when they are on the needles. I do like to
work with thinner yarns generally. The mobius may be my favorite, it’s a very
satisfying shape to make. I think it appeals to my liking for interesting patterns
and visual complexity, although it’s quite easy to knit once you have cast on.
J: Can you tell me a little bit about your book writing process
(timeline, pattern inspiration, etc?)
V: The
publisher has a well tried and tested timeline for the whole process, about 2
years from original proposal to finished book. You begin with a period of
writing the text and patterns, and knitting, then everything is submitted to an
Editor (I was very fortunate in working with Ann Budd). After that comes a
period of refinement with the editor and team, including tech editor, and
photographer (or illustrator).
The
choice of patterns came partly from a desire to put in items that are small
enough for knitters get started in the technique. I am planning to move on to
larger items including sweaters and shawls.
The
inspiration is partly from the shapes necessary to make the projects, and
partly from the nature of the knitting or the particular stitch I have chosen,
for instance the shape of the Mothwing was an original idea, but one which was
influenced by the way that stitch pattern increases. And the Lake Shore wrap
was the realization of an idea I had about 5 years ago, where this technique
was the perfect way to knit it.
J: What are your plans for the future? Anything upcoming you can
share with us? Any more books?
V: I am
still working on new designs and technical experiments, I don’t see that
ending. I would love to continue to make patterns and new techniques available
in the future. I have some sweater experiments on the needle now and several
lace shawl ideas to develop. I can’t think of a better way to spend my time.
Thanks so much Vicki! What a cool technique. There are so many patterns in the book I'd like to try. The Mobius Infinity Scarf on the cover for starters:
The
Double Diamond Beanie is a great unisex hat. My husband may need one - perhaps in the colors of his favorite sports team!
And the
Snowflake Earflap Hat would be perfect for me. :)
If you want to see all the beauties, you can check out all the patterns
on Ravelry. Or you can leave a comment on this blog post and I will be giving away a copy to a random commenter! I will be drawing the name on Monday, Dec. 1, 2014. Please include your Ravelry name or link to your blog so I have some way to contact you should you win.
Don't want to leave getting the book up to chance? You can purchase your copy
here.
Photos courtesy of Interweave/F+W.
