Designer Interview: Ela of Modish Knits

Ela models her Funky Frank hat & cowl design.

I was recently introduced to an Italian designer, Ela of Modish Knits, through my participation in this year's Indie Design Gift-along. Ela's Ravelry pattern store has lots of wearable garment and accessory designs with interesting-to-knit details such as a lacy yoke, stripes or textured stitches. Besides participating in this year's GAL, her most recent endeavor is Knitting Adventures, an ebook which will feature 4 sweater designs to be released each month now through February 2015.

I caught up with Ela via email and I hope you'll also take a moment to get to know her via the interview below. Enjoy!

1. How did you get into designing?

I am obsessed by fibres. Some years ago, I started to spin and dye artyarns. Corespun, tailspun, etc needs basic, simple patterns to be awesome, so I started to write very easy patterns in order to highlight the yarns. With time, I am passionate about writing and I wanted to focus on more structured patterns for yarns easier to work with.

That's the opposite, I know... I'm a contradiction!

2. Living in the mecca of fashion, do you find this informs your knitwear design?

The Glitter Cardi

That's a difficult question...Milano is the fashion city, it's true. Surely I am influenced in this way, but I always try to create something comfortable to wear every day. There is always the intention to impress in Milan fashion; I try to create beautiful clothes to wear to the office or to take the kids to the park. I would not design something that I would not wear.

3. What is your favorite design from this year?

Probably the Glitter Cardi. I think it enhances the femininity of women independently by sizes.

4. What are your design goals for 2015?

I'd like to explore some collaborations. I think it will be important to grow my experience. I'm shy and I would love to overcome this shyness to share experiences. Also, it's not easy to work with a language other than your native, I am always afraid this might create misunderstandings. In 2015 I will work to improve myself and my designs.

5. If you could be any fiber-producing animal, what would you want to be?

Definitely a camel. My daughter says I look like a camel in every picture. Has to be my spirit animal!

Comments

Overdyeing A Finished Knit

Even after just a few years of knitting or crocheting, you're bound to have some finished projects lying around that never get worn or used. After 10+ years of crafting, I have more than just "some" or "a few"....and with my ongoing quest to declutter my house this year, I've become obsessed with going through these forlorn projects and making some Big Decisions. Sometimes, they are perfectly fine and just need a new and loving home. Other projects may have not turned out quite right: there might have been some mistakes in the knitting that I thought I could live with, or the yarn was gorgeous but not well-matched to the pattern, or my taste has drastically changed since I finished making the project...in any case, why on earth did I keep knitting?! Who knows, but I don't feel good about gifting anything that falls into this category to someone else. These projects have been relegated to the "frog pile" (or should I say, frog pond?), to b

Easy DIY: Beaded Vintage Snowflake Ornament Kits from Solid Oak Inc.

I was really excited to step outside of my comfort zone and try something new as part of my "Christmas in July" theme this month. The kind folks at Solid Oak Inc offered me a chance to review one of their Nostalgic Christmas beaded crystal ornament kits I couldn't resist. My tree is already full of ornaments I've inherited or been gifted from other family members and friends, so these pretty crystal beaded ornaments will fit right in I think! I was super impressed with this compact little kit , which includes everything needed to create three gorgeous vintage-style ornaments - just add a pair of round nose pliers (I found mine on Amazon for less than ten bucks). The instructions had some fabulous tips for newbies like me; for example, it recommended sorting the beads and laying them out in order on a towel or beading mat to prevent them from rolling away. That may seem obvious, but I was totally ready to start beading on my kitchen table without a

What If I Didn't Add Heels?

Last weekend, I finished the first sock with my Waterlilies yarn , and just for yuks, I tried it on even though it was basically just a tube sock. Much to my surprise, it fit really well, even without a heel. Who knew? So, that got me thinking: what if I just didn't add the heels? I never thought a tube sock would actually fit nicely, but I genuinely like the fit, so...why spend time to add the heels? As the saying goes, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.... Let's say I decide not to add heels once the second sock is done - there will still be placeholder yarn for the afterthought heels, as you can see above, so should I leave it in and just weave in the ends? Or should I remove it, put the live stitches back on needles and at least graft them together using more of the Waterlilies yarn? I plan on mulling all of this over as I knit the second sock, and I'd love to hear your opinions of what you think would look best (or if you think this whole "n

handmade by stefanie

Search This Blog