One of these inspiring indies (and perhaps the youngest) is RebekahEvelyn.
How did you first learn to knit/crochet?
My paternal grandmother crocheted each of my siblings and me an afghan when we were born. One time when she was working on one for a sibling that wasn’t born yet, she helped a few of us try to crochet. I took crochet lessons a few years later, then learned to knit, and I’ve been using yarn ever since!
What inspired you to start designing?
Since the beginning, I’ve improvised and modified. I didn’t think of it as designing, just a normal adaptive process. :)
What led you to start designing patterns for sale?
I started designing seriously in 2012. I had tried to make some money selling finished objects, but I didn’t enjoy it. And I think knitting is supposed to be fun! So when I found out about self-publishing designs, I decided to try my hand at that. While I started because I wanted to earn money, I decided later that I like designing for the process itself. Even if I never make a “decent” amount on it, I love doing it! So far, I’ve poured a lot more into it than I’ve gotten out of it. And that’s okay!
What inspired you to start blogging?
I’ve always loved to write. I probably have six full diaries sitting on my bookshelf. I’m from a large family (10 siblings at the moment :), and I would type up newsletters about our doings and send them to friends and family. When I was nearly 13, I decided to start a blog as an easier way for people to connect with my family. When I started designing, it just felt natural to start a new blog specifically about my designs.
What are you working on now?
Right now I’m taking a break from designing to knit Christmas gifts and other things that I’ve pushed aside for a while. But I can never stop the design ideas from flowing into my mind. That’s what a sketchbook is for!
What websites/blogs you visit regularly for inspiration or community?
and He Sows and She Sews is one that I am always encouraged and inspired by.
What are your favorite tools?
Knitting needles!!! And once I got some foam floor mats, I started to like blocking a whole lot better!
What is your favorite stitch?
1x1 ribbing. I always come back to it. At times, I’ve made myself not use it just so I have more practice with other stitches. :)
1x1 ribbing. I always come back to it. At times, I’ve made myself not use it just so I have more practice with other stitches. :)
Do you have a favorite fiber?
Alpaca, hands down. It’s sooo soft!
Alpaca, hands down. It’s sooo soft!
Do you have a favorite yarn weight?
I’ve knit more worsted than anything else, but I like to switch it up a lot. I knit a lot of sport and dk weight this year, so when I knit a chunky hat, it felt nice and fast!
Are you still in high school?
Yes. I’m a senior in high school, and graduating in the spring.
Yes. I’m a senior in high school, and graduating in the spring.
What are your favorite knit/crochet books?
I use a lot more magazine patterns than books. My favorite is Knitscene. But one book deserves special mention. The book that introduced me to knitting was Knitted Babes by Clare Garland. I saw the dolls on the front cover, and I knew I needed to learn how to knit so I could make them. My first knitting project was a doll, not your typical scarf. Here’s a picture of her wearing my glasses. :)
Do you teach or have you taught knitting/Crochet?
I taught two of my little sisters how to knit and crochet, and they’re both great at it! Over five years ago, I tried to teach a large group of girls to knit; it was a good experience, but as a preteen, it was very stressful for me!
What are your plans for the future?
I’m definitely going to keep designing. I couldn’t bear to stop! My dream is to be a stay-at-home-mom and knitting designer. My big designing goals are to publish a garment design (maybe I’ll get the gumption to do it this coming year!), have a design accepted to a major publication, and maybe, just maybe, write a book.
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