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!

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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!

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!