Inspiration

I get asked frequently where I get my inspiration for designs. That is a very difficult question for me to answer. It varies rather a lot.

Some examples:
Remember the Erratic Argyle which I recently fixed so it would fit my husband? That was a case of halfway seeing something out of the corner of my eye as I drove by some pedestrians and having a complete design formed in my head instantaneously. I came home, sketched it, and when Yarn Forward put out a call for menswear submissions- there it went.

Once on a "honeymoon" trip with my husband (we take one at least once a year), he graciously took me to a yarn store. I couldn't find anything and was ready to leave, but he asked me to look again and get something. I picked up some yarn from a back corner, and it said "I will be the perfect pair of socks you have been looking for". I finally knit that yarn last year, and yes, they are my perfect pair. I love them. (You have to wait for the book)I love it when yarn talks to me like that. Fabulous designs happen when the yarn talks. Like Hanging Gardens, and Love the Forest.

I get inspiration from books (The Lord of the Rings series), from movies (Alice in Wonderland Clubs), from songs (I just finished a design based on this song), and from pictures.

This is the inspiration I am working with right now

It was pretty tough to work out just how I wanted to do it. I think I will be pleased with the results, though.

Personally, I think my best designs are inspired by people.

I love working with people to find a design that they will wear and love. The Argyle Skater Sweater was the 2nd one I did for Joel, and one of my favorites. I've designed vests for my parents and my in-laws(sorry, that was before I was good about pictures). Every once in a while, when I design something for someone else, I have to admit that I don't really like the result. But you know what? I don't care whether or not I like it- if the person that I made it for does. If they like it, I've won.

I have to watch closely. I never know where inspiration is going to come from. Must be time to go the yarn store and see if the yarn will talk....