When did you first start knitting / crocheting and where did you learn?
My grandma was a fabulous knitter! She always had a project in her lap. When I was young, she had tried to teach me how to knit countless times, but I just couldn't catch up.
She did teach me how to sew, however, and from a very early age, I was sewing my own clothing. My mother would surprise me with crafty fashion and jewelry kits, so I was raised a true maker. If my hands are not busy making something, I feel restless, and I fell in love with creating my own fashion.
While sewing and jewelry making were a hobby, I became an elementary teacher, which took up most of my time. After having my daughter, I left teaching to be a stay-at-home-mom. My hands felt like they needed to be busy during my daughter's naps, but hauling my sewing machine and tiny jewelry bits were not ideal. Inspired by my grandma's knits, I decided to try knitting again.
I self-taught myself to knit about 5 years ago. With my sewing background, I was soon designing my own knits and customizing garments to my style preference. After requests for my designs, I learned to write patterns, and I fell into the world of knitwear design. It is the greatest!
Can you remember the first thing you made?
My first needle knit was a headband for my daughter.
Prior to learning how to knit, I did very simple crochet (in college) and loom knitting. I would make simple scarves and beanies for friends. That was 16+ years ago...but now I'm telling my age.
Who are your favourite pattern designers and celebrity knitters & crocheters?
My first purchased pattern was a design from Two of Wands I just loved her laid-back, boho designs. From there, I discovered Knitatude, whose designs were beginner friendly. Since then, I have found Knit Diaries, who just stuns me with her unique knits/designs, and Velvet Acorn designs in alignment with my style.
What are your favourite things to stitch and do you have a favorite item you've made?
I just love summer tops, and fall/winter pullovers and cardigans! I am crazy about fashion, and making my own clothes (and my daughter's) is the entire reason I learned to knit.
My favorite knit would be my Sincerely, Amanda Top (as I shamelessly named it after myself) and my In The Clouds Cotton Cardi.
What music/podcasts/TV shows do you love to stitch along to?
As mentioned in Favorites, I love Bravo TV - especially Real Housewives of OC, BH and Dallas, Southern Charm and both Below Decks.
I am fascinated with True Crime shows and podcasts, and my guilty pleasure is a good teen drama (shhhhhhh).
Do you do any other crafts and what are your hobbies?
I sew (though my sewing machine has been packed away for years), design jewelry (beading and metalwork), handcraft polymer clay charms and hand-dye yarn.
Clothes
Bags
