Maker of the Week #3 Sydney @Sydsknitss
Welcome to the third instalment of Maker of the Week! This week it’s Sydney from @sydknitts. Her projects are all super cute and the Good News Cardigan is currently at the top of my knits wish list! Enjoy the interview and make sure to follow @sydsknitss!
Hello! My name is Sydney Jessica and I am a twenty year old knitter from Southern California. I'm a junior at UCLA (go Bruins!) majoring in Jewish Studies and History, with plans to be a Professor of Holocaust History in my future!
My crafting journey first began in January 2019 when I was a freshman in college and was having difficulties meeting people with similar interests to my own. One day during work I was distributing posters and happened to come across an advertisement for Crochet Club and knew that I had to join, as I had always wanted to learn. I ended up meeting my two very close friends and learning a new hobby! Knitting has a very close place in my heart. When I first learned how to knit in early August of 2020 with the help of my neighbour, my mother found my late grandmother's old knitting patterns and I loved being able to connect to her in this way. I wish that she was able to teach me how to knit, but I feel like she has in a way!
Favourite kind of crafting?
My favourite craft by far is knitting! I love how you can make so much, from beanies to sweaters. Just the idea of hand-making something is such a lovely feeling, especially gifting it to another individual.
Biggest inspiration?
I would say that my biggest inspiration comes from my personal life: my family, who help me in all of my ventures!! With regards to knitting, my sister lets me know what's currently "in" and my mom helps with sewing in everything! It takes a village :)
Favourite all time project?
My favourite project of all time is my version of the Zipper Sweater by Petite Knit! This was my first time knitting with twisted stitch, Judy's Magic Cast On, and installing a working zipper!
Project you are most proud of?
I think the project that I am most proud of would be my Good News Cardigan, the first pattern that I ever released. From the early stages of casting on, to writing a pattern with different sizes, I learned so much!
Good News Cardigan
Projects on your to do list?
Currently I am working on writing and releasing my own patterns, but I do have a pocket cardigan somewhere on my to-do list! Keep your eyes out for it ;)
What advice would you give to someone who is just starting on their crafting adventure?
Don't give up! I know that it may seem daunting, and there are so many places to start, but I found that the knitting community is always there to help and support you! You may always message me with any questions – I had those same questions when I first started!
Why do you craft?
I love how knitting has truly given me that outlet to express myself and my feelings. Through knitting, I have learned how to manage my anxiety and spin and weave those feelings into something beautiful. I can't imagine what I would be doing without knitting!
Favourite accounts to follow?
I have so many recommendations! I love rachelesparz, Karas.knit.eng, RangerKnits, PetiteKnit, and so many more; they all have such beautiful and talented works!!
Your current project wish list consists of….
Way too many to count! I have Vicky's Vest on my to-do-list for sure – and I would love to continue with writing more patterns (my next pattern, the Amore tee, is in the process of being written).
No 1 yarn?
My favourite yarn company is Wool and the Gang, specifically their Feeling Good Yarn (it's my biggest temptation!). It's making me want to move to London just so I can get the yarn!
Quick fire round!
Knit vs crochet?
Knit always! I wish I could crochet though!
Man made vs natural fibre?
Love those natural fibres!!
Craft indoors vs outdoors?
Outdoors, by the pool or beach!
Chunky yarn vs finer yarn?
Ahh I go back and forth! Right now, thin yarn and 5mm needles only!
Tea vs coffee?
Tea for sure!
Lots of wips vs 1 wip?
You always need more than one wip! ;)
Colour vs neutrals?
I'm too scared to experiment with colours, so neutrals for now! Until someone requests colours haha!
Maker of the Week #2: Jo @andsosheknits
Maker of the Week #2 @andsosheknits
Welcome to the second instalment of Maker of the Week. This week it is Jo from @andsosheknits. She posts the best knitting reels and I’m a total fangirl of her folklore cardigans! Enjoy and give Jo a follow!
Introduce yourself….
Hi I’m Jo from @andsosheknits! I'm a social worker by day and a knitter by night. My daytime career is in criminal justice reform; I currently do data and policy analysis for various states and individual agencies to try and improve outcomes for individuals who are justice-involved. I was born in San Diego, but grew up in Maine, which is the opposite of San Diego in many ways. I've lived most of my life in the north-eastern US, but recently lived in Texas for a year and am heading back there soon, probably forever (#texasforever -- iykyk).
A few fun facts about me are: I'm a quarter Mexican (and a white redhead, so you'd never know), I was on a hip hop dance crew in college, and I've eaten a scorpion. I love traveling, reading, moving my body, and of COURSE, knitting! :)
How do you like to craft?
I'm strictly a knitter, though I would love to try weaving someday. I really like the look of a woven wall hanging and plan to commission one when I settle into a home.
How did you first learn to knit?
I first learned to knit in third grade. Growing up in Maine, it was sometimes too cold to go outside for recess. On those days, my third grade teacher would have yarn and knitting needles for those that were interested in learning. I'm pretty sure my first project was a scarf -- classic! I enjoyed knitting it, but didn't make much at that time. I also learned crochet from my mom's friend around the same time, but couldn't seem to get the hang of it, so I didn't continue.
I took a long hiatus from knitting, though I've found pictures of myself knitting at various times over the years, including at a summer church camp I went to during high school. When I was in graduate school a few years ago, my mom and I visited my grandmother over spring break. My grandmother was losing mobility so we spent a lot of time sitting around. I don't like to sit still for too long, so my mom and I went to Michael's to grab some yarn and knitting needles. I started making baby blankets for friends who were having babies, and soon began making baby bonnets, hats and sweaters for all ages, pumpkins, dishcloths, etc.! I started my knitstagram account and Etsy shop in the fall of 2019 and have been having a really fun time running my small business since then.
Who are you biggest inspirations?
I'm really inspired by makers like Amy @pineandpoppyshop and Brooke @behappedesigns. They both have really consistent content, and seem to be able to balance their maker careers with motherhood, which I admire and aspire to someday. I’m also in love with Kelly @knitbrooks. She radiates kindness and creativity and I am obsessed with her patterns and hand carved hooks and needles!
Favourite projects?
How could I possibly choose one project? There is something to love about every project. The quickness of a hat, the intricacy of lace, the satisfaction of a cabled cardigan. I don't think I've met a project I didn't like. I tend to knit things, especially big things, only once, but I have now made three Folklore Cardigans (pattern by Lion Brand Yarn, inspired by the Taylor Swift cardigan) and am working on a fourth. It's a really enjoyable project, but I can't say it's my favorite because it takes a long time and there's quite a bit of seaming involved, which is not my favorite part of knitting. :)
Favourite yarn?
My favorite yarn has to be Malabrigo Rasta. It's by far the softest, prettiest yarn I've ever worked with. The colorways are all stunning, and the feel of the yarn is unmatched. The super bulky weight makes for fun and quick projects like hats and mittens.
Favourite accounts?
One of my most recent faves is Vanessa @oshenknits. She has the coolest style where she's both low-key and a bit avant-garde. She's a scientist and super nice and encouraging of others. I'm really impressed by her pattern designs, knitting, and general social media presence. It doesn't seem like she takes herself too seriously which I appreciate. The knitstagram is a really fun and supportive place where I am constantly discovering new stitches, drooling over beautiful yarn, and impressed by creative designs.
Visit Jo’s Etsy shop here!
Maker of the Week #1: Madeleine @knit.one.purl.one
The first instalment in the new series Maker of the Week! Meet Madeline from @knit.one.purl.one
Welcome to the new series here at Abbie Knits! Every week, a maker of the week will be featured with the aim of growing our community and celebrating all the lovely crafters who we share our cosy corner of the internet with.
The first maker of the week is Madeleine from @knit.one.purl.one who I’ve had the pleasure of following for some time and along with @maisie.knits, introduced me to the LAD Chunky Merino (for which I will be forever grateful!
I love everything she makes and her work encourages me to try different yarn weights and after seeing her cabled sweater she designed herself, I knew it was something I needed to learn!
Madeleine’s first knitting pattern The Oldenburg Sweater is being released to the world on 03.07.2021 so if you’re looking for a lovely and classic raglan sweater, this could be the perfect project for you! Enjoy getting to know Madeleine, and make sure to give her a follow @knit.one.purl.one ❤
The Oldenburg Sweater - designed by @knit.one.purl.one made with The RE:TREAT yarn by West Yorkshire Spinners.
Hi, I'm Madeleine a knitting obsessed human living in West London, but originally from Wiltshire. By day I'm an accountant, which funds my many evenings of knitting! When I'm not knitting I love to get outside in the countryside for walks, read a good book (oh how I wish I could read AND knit at the same time!) and explore new cities, countries and cultures.
How do you like to craft?
I've tried my hand at most fiber arts going: crochet, weaving, macramé, embroidery, needlepoint, cross stitch and punch needle, but knitting is the one that's really stuck with me since I picked up the needles. I just find it so relaxing once you get into the rhythm of it and love spending hours finding beautiful patterns to knit and deciding which yarn to make them with (I rarely seem to use the suggested one!)
Where did your knitting adventures begin?
Not counting a teddy bear sized scarf my grandma taught me to knit when I was much much younger, my first project was the chunky scarf from Lauren Aston Designs. I had been following her for a while on instagram, just in love with the chunky knits (and her!) and when she launched the beginners scarf kit in April 2018 I snapped one up and gave it a whirl. I was absolutely terrible to start with, it took me at least four attempts to cast on and my tension was all over the place. But I still have and wear the scarf and it just reminds me of how far I've come.
Where do you look for inspiration?
love following loads of different knitters on IG, everyone has such individual and cool styles and there's always elements of people's projects that I love and find inspiring. My most recent jumper was inspired by seeing blue and white striped knits everywhere. The only reason I designed my own pattern for it was because I had some blue yarn already in my stash, but couldn't find an existing pattern that I could use it on and wanted to make.
Favourite ever project?
Do I have to choose?! It's probably a tie between the Clotilde Jumper and the Christmas jumper. Both were challenging pieces where I learnt lots of new techniques. I'm never that scared to try new techniques with knitting as if it goes wrong, it's rarely the end of the world as you can just frog it back (painful but worth it).
Favourite yarn?
It has to be the LAD super chunky merino, it's just so soft and squishy. It was probably all I knitted with for a solid year when I first started, although it means I now have way too many chunky knit jumpers/cardigans (11 at last count), so don't use it as often now!
Favourite accounts?
There are so many, but some that pop to mind are:
@Hive_Kints - she was the one who inspired me to start my knitstagram page
@oshenknits - she has some gorgeous and super original chunky knit patterns
@knitsandbobsbyeve - a mixture of knits and crochets, she seems to be able to make any crochet requests she gets (which really makes me wish I was better at crochet)
@minimalistknitting - for when you feel that your addiction to yarn is getting out of control
Hope you enjoyed the first instalment of this series! If you would like to be featured, please get in touch at abbieknits@gmail.com
Happy crafting,
Abbie xo