Claire Slade Interview Gift A-long 2019
Claire Slade, Indie Design Gift A-Long 2019 Interview
Today we’re chatting to knitwear designer Claire Slade, aka VerilyKnits who is a knitwear designer.
Cat Stack by Claire Slade
How did you get into knitting/crochet and who taught you?
I learnt as a child but was terrible at it, I’m left handed and never really mastered holding the needles. I decided to try again about 12 years ago and haven’t looked back.
What made you want to start designing?
When my eldest son was about 4 he really wanted a hat with trains on it and I couldn’t find a pattern so I made my own, after that I realised that I enjoy the design process as much as the knitting.
Ice Lake Slippers by Claire Slade
What’s you favourite part of the design process?
I really like all of the process; from sketching ideas, to choosing yarn, all of the maths and knitting up the sample.
What inspires you?
Recently much of my work has been inspired by nature, I’m lucky enough to live right between Constable country on one side and the coast on the other, so I’m surrounded by beautiful nature.
Knit Around Cowl by Claire Slade
Are you a full-time or part-time designer and how does that fit into your life?
I am now a full-time designer, its wonderful that I can fit work in around my children but during busy times my working hours often include evenings and weekends. Working from home can be wonderful but it can also be difficult maintaining a work/life balance.
Do you have a favourite thing to design and why?
Probably hats, they’re like blank canvases just waiting for something to be added. Although that being said I am a bit obsessed with shawls at the moment and have three on the needles.
Ipheion Hat by Claire Slade
Do you have much time to make things for yourself or for gifting?
I wear my own hat samples quite a lot, they’re quick to knit new samples if necessary. I rarely knit any gifts now, everyone gets baked gifts for Christmas instead.
If someone knitted or crocheted a gift item for you, what would you love the most?
Socks! I love hand knitted socks but never seem to have the time to make myself some new ones.
Do you have a favourite yarn and why?
My favourite yarn is usually whatever I am working with at the moment so can change from week to week. At the moment I am loving Truly Hooked sock yarn and Sweet Georgia DK
What’s your favourite of your own designs and what do you love about it?
Probably Knit, Around. I love creating colourwork patterns, the challenge of turning something from a sketch to a stranded motif is fun.
Is there anything new you can tell us about or a recent design you’d like to chat about?
One of my most recent designs, the Woodland Loafers, took me 7 slippers before I got to the final pattern, there is so much different shaping and different techniques involved that the design process took longer than expected (but was definitely worth it)
Woodland Loafers by Claire Slade
What’s your favourite colour?
Red or green, I love bright shades.
Have you been a participating designer in the Indie Gift Along before and what do you love most about it?
This is, I think, my 5th year taking part and I love it, its usually the only time of the year that I get to spend time knitting someone elses patterns. This year I have been exceptionally busy but I have managed to knit a cowl and I’m hoping to possibly knit myself some shortie socks before Christmas.
Which Gift Along 2019 designers inspire you and why?
I’m always drawn to bright and multi coloured designs, Lesley Anne Robinson and Paolo Albergamo have some stunning shawl patterns. Plus I love cute crochet, Kate Hancock creates some of the sweetest creatures.
How do people get in touch with you or see more of your work?
ravelry: https://www.ravelry.com/designers/claire-slade
Instagram: @verilyknits
Christmas Tea Cozies 3 sizes, 4 characters, ebook
Aline Modular Cardigan ladies knitting pattern is released
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