The internet is a funny place. A few days ago, Jen at Grainline posted her fall knitting dream list. Jen always seems to be working on beautiful sweaters and I bemoaned in the comments section that as much as I love the *idea* of knitting, it's just not something I've ever been able to stick with (I am still only 20% done the last sweater I started. Ahem. Two years ago. I was mad to use fingering weight for a gigantic drapey sweater).
Well, whatya know, an hour later I get an email from Veronik Avery, a designer for the (incredible, drool worthy, inspiring) knitting company Brooklyn Tweed, encouraging me to give knitting another chance. Veronik is a fellow Montrealer, and as we chit chatted back and forth about the many idiosyncratic knitting store owners in our city (seriously, one of them is so overbearing and aggressive I'm scared to go into his store), it occurred to me that this was a great opportunity to talk to a fellow designer about her process. Veronik designs beautiful, wearable knitting patterns; classic silhouettes with a modern point of view. Check out this gorgeousness:
4. Marry Me (I mean Hugo) 5. Zenith 6. Landfall
 7. Oblique 8. Edge Hoodie 9. Prairie Tunic
Introducing Veronik!
How did you get your start designing knitting patterns?
I used to sew for hire - anything from costumes to curtains. And I sewed pretty much all the time; when my daughter Oona was born, I sewed anytime she was sleeping. Eventually, she slept less and less but I had to keep my hands busy so I took up knitting. I had fantasized about designing sewing patterns but couldn't quite wrap my head about how to go about it on a limited budget (this was in 2000), but once I saw knitting patterns I knew this was something I could do.
How does your design process work? When you're working with someone like Brooklyn Tweed, do they handle the testing process or do you deliver a fully finished product to them?
I have a fine arts background, so everything starts with a sketch. With BT, we start with mood boards that are distributed to each design team members (we are 4 in-house designers; guest designers submit ideas for the 'Wool People' collections). We then meet to choose which designs will end up in any given collection - there are many B sides!
The process for knitting patterns isn't the same as it is for sewing patterns. Once the pattern has been written, the designer or a sample knitter will knit the sample. In my case, I might ask that a sample knitter knit the pieces so that I can do any finishing. The sample knitter is remunerated and knows to look for any potential errors or whether clarifications are required.
Once done, the senior tech editor will go over the pattern with a fine tooth comb before handing over the pattern to the counter tech editor. Then, it's on to layout where more sets of eyes will go over the pattern.
How long does it take to design a knitting pattern?
It depends on how indecisive I am. I could be less than a day while others will require many, many swatches before I'm satisfied.
Where do you look for inspiration?
I read books and magazines, watch movies, go to museums. I try to internalize all these things in order to make things my own, as much as can be.
What is your preferred yarn and needle size to work with?
Pure wool and 3 mm needles. No superwash!
Where are your favourite places to buy yarn?
Rhinebeck Sheep and Wool, hands down.
What's your ideal "I'm going to knit for the next few hours" routine? Do you watch movies? Listen to podcasts? Enjoy the sweet sounds of nature?
TV shows and movies. We're Criterion collection fans around here.
Do you have any recommendations or suggestions for people new to knitting? Tips they should know or methods or tools that might make the process a little easier?
First, realize that any project is a collection of techniques and do not need to be learned all at once. Anyone who sews has an advantage as they are used to following directions. Pick wool for an early project as it is more forgiving - dk (double knitting)Â to worsted is best. Read the label and find a wool that knits up at about 4 to 5 stitches per inch.
As far as patterns are concerned, I'm obviously biased towards Brooklyn Tweed and Quince patterns. Raglan and yoke sweaters are a little more forgiving of the fit being a little off. Garments do take a while, so I'd recommend having some accessories on the needles at the same time to prevent discouragement.
You can follow Veronik on her blog here, or her instagram here.
It was all sorts of fascinating to get a glimpse into a different world of designing, and Veronik has inspired me to try to knit another sweater this year (if I can take her up on her offer to learn Continental knitting the next time I have a friendly craft Sunday at the studio).
Anyone else planning knit projects for the fall? What knitting patterns are you obsessed with right now?
Oh my lord. I clicked through to the “Knitting Insanity” post under “You May Also Like”, and I bought that SAME Boxy pattern a year and a half ago along with three different colors of fingering weight merino yarn that I thought I was going to color block in three stripes. And I knit one scarf about 8 years ago, so… I’ve decided I’m terrible at knitting and there are machines that can do it much better and faster than me.
I love the Wake sweater (first one) above, but of course it is recommended for fingering weight. I think the kinds of sweaters I like are just not suited to beginners. It’s like if someone decided to start sewing on only chiffon.
I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM! There is a real dearth of wearable, beautiful beginner sweaters using thicker yarn. That boxy sweater… SO MUCH STOCKINETTE. It’s made for a knitting machine, really.
I’m gonna try and do a search for those sorts of easier patterns so I’ll let you know if i find anything!
That would be awesome! I don’t know any knitters with my tastes to even ask.
I’ve been slightly obsessed with knitting too since I started in January… I’m currently making a sweater for my boyfriend, but I can’t wait to start Andi Satterlund’s Aiken pullover!
That Andi makes the cutest patterns ever!
I’ve been learning to knit the last year or two, and I’ve literally got about 3 years of projects queued up. I’m pretty slow but am in the middle of a Toulouse sweater, and also totally in love with the Antler by Ankistrick. And the Jo Sharp Wide Collar Cardigan. And the Snowcloud cardigan. It is a craft worth persisting with, and wonderfully portable. Hope you get back on it!
I’m going to will it into being. It’s a great hobby for me since I hate not doing something all the time, and it’s so fun to knit and watch movies and be cozy. I was just so frustrated with the tiny needles of my last project – just need to be more realistic next time.
So interesting to learn about the design process behind these gorgeous knitting patterns! I’m still busy working my way through the knitting plan I made half a year ago! http://kohlrabibohemia.wordpress.com/2014/04/08/knitknitknit/
But it’s really difficult not to stray after the newest BT collection. Another thing I really want to knit this fall is a long, thick, cosy, cabley scarf, but I still have to decide which one!
Have you decided what kind of project you want to start to get beack in the saddle? If that’s your thing maybe it’s a good idea to start with something like a cozy oversized scarf with a bit of texture as well? That way you can practice knitting and maintaining an even tension etc without the pressure of a big project. On the other hand I’m sure you can manage a sweater as well! And learning continental knitting is a great idea! I practiced english knitting for a while to improve my colourwork knitting and went crazy with the slowness of it!! Anyway, I hope you manage to stick with it this time, it’s just such a fun and cozy hobby and I love to switch to knitting, when I have a sewing low and vice versa! And if you have questions or problems with something I’d love to help with encouragement, weird drawings of knitting in the round (been there!) or Instagram videos, just holler! 🙂
Thanks for that link as I somehow managed to not be following your blog *hangs head in shame but has since rectified the problem*. All those sweaters are basically my dream sweaters. My fantasy is to one day make the perfect cabled fisherman’s sweater but I IS SCARED OF CABLES. Maybe a cabley scarf is the ticket! There’s a fab pattern in the BK collection.
I’m just so sick of making scarves, but you’re right, it would probably be a good move if I want to learn Continental. Then I will search high and low for a nice simple raglan sleeve sweater using worsted wool as per Veronik’s suggestion.
Don’t fear the cables! My third ever project was a pair of cabled leg warmers – I did take a class to learn to read the cable chart, but it was not hard. I’m about to cast on the BT Coda, and I’m excited for some quality couch time.
Hey Heather! As I also live in the Montreal area, I think I know the knitting shop owner you’re talking about. She bit me once! I went back to knitting last year and took a cool and friendly lesson on knitting socks at La Bobineuse on Mont-Royal avenue. Thanks for this interview with Veronik. Love her work!
Wait…. ACTUALLY BIT YOU?!!? I am not REMOTELY surprised if the was the place on St. Hubert in the Plateau. The other scary one is in Westmount. *shudders*
Ha ha, as another Montrealer, I too know exactly who you mean. He’s legendary. Our city has collected some interesting yarn stores.
Actually, folks, only my self-esteem was biten. It looks like we have the nicest retailers and the worst ones.
If it’s the same lady I’m thinking of, I’m happy to hear she’s an asshole to everyone and not just anglos. I thought she was going to murder me when I was asking about wool with my cute tete carre accent.
I just cast on Brooklyn Tweed’s Umaro throw blanket. Finally something for me! I’ve been spending most of my knitting time on baby hats and socks and stuffed animals…
A throw blanket? That is some time commitment!
Well, it is big puffy yarn and size 15 needles… So, fingers crossed that it will seem more impressive than it actually is. 😉
Veronik’s designs are beautiful!!! Try the Effortless pattern by Hannah Fettig… it’s a lot of stockinette, but it’s an easy-to-fit raglan in a worsted weight and the end results are super wearable!
I favourited that on Ravelry yesterday! Did you blog about that one?
Yep, here it is: http://gingermakes.com/2014/02/15/ginger-made-effortless-cardigan-or-the-cozy-grandpa/
I’m planning another one this fall, after I make my Icelandic sweater (yiiiiiiiiiiiiikes).
I am so bit by the knitting bug!! This interview came at the perfect time! I feel like I’m devouring any little bit of information I can get about knitting right now. I love Veronik’s designs, and the design process sounds so interesting. I’m gonna try to knit another sweater this fall, and then another one in winter/spring. I want to grow my little hand knitted wardrobe! Definitely give knitting another go if you can find the time. It’s pretty fucking rewarding.
I’m gonna. It’s just so expensive! I found a great pattern but figured it would cost ONE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS to make it!
I’m plugging away at a sweater I started in April. But I only have so much free time… when I get caught up in knitting I find that all of a sudden it’s been weeks since I’ve sewn anything.
It’s fall behavior for me. Movie, tea, boyfriend, knitting.
It’s *almost* Spring here in the southern hemisphere, so I’m dreaming of lovely fingering weight sweaters like this http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/westbourne-kinu-love (insanity, right?) while actually making practical, warm woolly socks.
I’m really glad my mum insisted I learn continental knitting, have fun!
Oh that’s lovely… but 3 MM NEEDLES?! Heart attack city.
You should give knitting another shot! While sewing is great, knitting can be taken anywhere! I knit on my comment, in line at the post office, at hockey games….. Also, it’s so much fun creating your own fabric.
I’m going to find a new sweater to work on this winter, I promise.
I have many works underway, either Quince patterns or Brooklyn Tweed. Both are contemporary interpretations of classics. I dream of cable stitches every night.
Knitting is my form of meditation.
I love the idea of it – I just have to find a good project to get back into it.
Try an Andi Pattern . . . I love Miss Babs, but score for yarn from PEI. I’ll send the info of the shop I tried to buy out last month while there. 😉
And socks . . . this winter is rumored to be worse than last. Socks. 😉
I like the Andi patterns, but I’m more of a slouchy sweater gal myself.
;). If you decide message me. I’ve got a slouchy pattern or two.
So cool! Knitting is the best, I have a special love for it too, since I feel like learning to knit was what pushed me to learn sewing. Best of luck getting back into it!
Thanks Elizabeth!
Reading this post and seeing these patterns really makes me wish I could knit! Especially when I see nr. 2…. such beautiful details!
It’s pretty easy to learn. Especially if you know anyone who can teach you how to cast on. My advice is to learn continental though. English knitting is much slower.
i finally started learning to knit this past spring, but haven’t done anything past a scarf. i’d love to try a sweater but i just can’t tell what is suitable for an absolute beginner! and whoah, yarn prices had me reeling… hard to fund two hobbies!
A sweater would cost at least $80, but i’m on the hunt for cheap wool sources. I’ll let you know!
I’m really into knitting at the moment! I’ve used Icelandic wool (lopi) for a couple of projects, it’s really beautiful, especially if you like a good woolly wool! I’m still discovering what kinds of yarn I like. Right now I’m doing a cardigan in a superwash yarn and I am just not a fan, it’s too perfect looking. I will complete the project, but I can’t wait to start on something a bit more rustic. Lately I’ve been feeling inspired by the Danish designer Susie Haumann but unfortunately my favourite deigns are in Danish! Also on my radar is the cabled Beatnik sweater (different designer). Oh and search for the Quadrillion sweater too! Amazing! I just want to knit EVERYTHING!
That Beatnik sweater is AMAZEBALLS. I would wear that in a second. I just need to learn to cable, sigh. Couldn’t find the Quadrillion sweater though…..
Here it is! http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/quadrillion
Great interview! I love Veronik’s designs. I really love knitting but do it less than I used to. I love the speed of sewing and I’m able to make garments more suitable to the California climate. However, it’s really nice to be able to sit and knit from time to time. I currently have a sweater and a pair of socks on the needles.
I am currently working on the Umaro textured throw. When I complete Rows 2 and 22 there are 13 stitches on the needle. However, when I go to knit Rows 3 and 23 they call for 14 stitches on the needle (before knitting and excluding the yarn over) Am I misreading the pattern?
I recently saw a woman knitting the zipped vest by Veronik Avery. It does not offer the pattern online when I googled it since it was in a magazine. Is there anyway I can buy this pattern of the zipped vest?
Hi Marie,
I’m sorry, but we are not linked with this knitwear designer. You should try to contact her directly.