GTS has a special technical workshop occurring Saturday, focussing on that bit that makes a vast majority of newbie (and experienced) sock knitters a bit anxious; the elusive heel. The gal running this workshop is a new pal of mine, Clare. She is loads of fun, and a bit kooky too (takes one to know one). She was kind enough to answer a few of my questions, so continue reading if you would like a peek into this lovely knitter/designer/teacher's thoughts.
GTS: So you have
recently moved to Edinburgh. How are you finding it? Does it suit
your love of knitwear?
Clare: We have been here for
almost two months and I love it here. I had never been to Edinburgh
before and only visited Scotland once. I was not what I expected, but
Edinburgh has not disappointed me one bit. This city is magical! The
city is beautiful, the people are friendly and the yarn choices are
endless … what more could I ask for?
Since arriving I have
been rolling out the knitwear on a grand scale! I started knitting in
Australia and became even more hopelessly addicted when I moved to
South Africa. Neither of these countries however is famous for their
knitwear weather. I have been storing up socks, cardigans, shawls and
hats … and now I finally get to wear them. Sometimes I have
approached this task with a little bit too much gusto and may often
be seen wandering down Easter Road dressed head to toe in knitted
items.
GTS: Where do you find
inspiration for your knitting and designing?
Clare: I am new to the
designing world but I find inspiration everywhere. At the moment my
main driver has been technique as I have been working solely on
technique driven sock designs. I have a little girl so designing for
her is a major inspiration too. I love clean lines and little details
but not too many frills.
GTS: What are you working on now?
Clare: I am on a major hat
kick at the moment. With the colder days drawing close, our heads have
been feeling the chill. I have just knitted an Aviatrix hat by
Justine Turner– this is my desperate attempt to make a very
determined young lady keep her hat on.
Recently I cast off
the Common Ground by Elizabeth Smith – it is warm and squishy and
perfect for wearing in my rather chilly flat.
I also have big plans
to take part in the Woolly Wormhead mystery KAL that started on the
1st
of November.
Lastly, I have plans
for an Owlet by Kate Davies for the little one. We even popped in to
see Jess and pick some yarn last week. I just need to find time to
cast on.
GTS: Tell me about the
e-book!
The
e-book offers you the chance to try a wide selection of heel and toes
without committing to knitting a full size sock. Each technique is
featured in a baby sock that has been carefully designed to give you
lots of opportunities to try new techniques on a miniature scale.
The socks are available in four sizes and are perfect for the little ones in your life. They make great gifts too and if you have no little ones who need socks, they are super cute decorations for the Christmas tree or merely a wonderful technical learning tool.
The
book features nine detailed patterns with socks knitted from the top
down and the toe up. Each sock features a different heel and there is
a wide selection of toes.
The
heels covered are:
The
standard afterthought heel
The
star afterthought heel
Dutch
/ square heel
French
/ round heel
Half
hankerchief / V heel
Band
heel
Faux
heel flap / toe up heel flap
Stocking
stitch short row heel
Garter
stitch short row heel
The
book will be launched at the start of December and then the patterns
will be gradually added to the book, once a fortnight, to give you
time to get to grips with one sock before the next arrives.
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