Designer of the Month: Kristen Orme

Word on the grapevine is that Kristen Orme is Designer of the Month at Ginger Twist Studio. Yay! We are delighted to feature such a talented individual. So let us dive into a bit more depth with the lady herself.

Ginger Twist Studio: Thanks again for taking the time to answer a few questions. I know you must be super busy with the upcoming holidays, work, teaching, designing and making the big move! Anyhoo, onward we go. So, tell me about your knitty beginnings? Who taught you an what did you make?

Kristen Orme: My first start was with my mum.  But I didn’t like the way she knitted (jamming the needle in her lap!) so I passed – until my aunt taught me.  Then it stuck.  I did two super-long scarves and then dove headfirst into a poorly-planned shawl cardigan.  Bright orange.  Without swatching.  Needless to say, I didn’t fancy holding onto it and I’ve learned a lot more about knitting since then!

Ginger Twist Studio: When and how did you get so involved, turning a hobby into a career?

Kristen Orme: Working at a knitting shop inspired me to start designing smaller patterns for the unique yarns we sold.  That got me hooked onto designing and after much more knitting, I decided to pursue a Masters degree.  I chose Heriot-Watt University and immersed myself in the facilities there.  I learned a lot about the knitwear industry while experimenting with hand and machine-knit and was able to put that to good use while starting my career with an internship with Di Gilpin Ltd.  Now I’m working with Eribé Knitwear in the Hand-knit Production department.  Along the way, I’ve been developing my own designs and knitting patterns for sale and also teaching classes – I just love knitting and have to get involved in every way possible.

GTS: What is your favourite thing to design or technique?

KO: Ever since I learned 2-handed fair isle with weaving the floats, I can’t get enough of stranded knitting!  My fair isle used to be either too tight or too loose, but with weaving the floats in, I find the knitting to be perfectly even!  For designing, I just love garments.  If the deadline isn’t too tight, the challenge of writing a pattern for a garment is such a joy!

GTS: What inspires you to design?

KO: I wish I could say that it’s the colours in the sky or the texture of the hillside but really, it’s mostly techniques.  If I learn something new that I really like, I’ll try to think of how I can innovatively incorporate that into a design.  One of my recent designs from Knit Now magazine, the Bustier Tee, explored the effect of knitting with 1 and 2 strands together to create a fabric that is sheer and opaque in different places, specifically the line of a bustier top.

GTS: Now your next move to Florida moves you into a completely different (and hotter) environment. How will you cope? Cotton? Lace?

KO: I’ve been chewing on this for awhile.  I might move back into machine knit for the fun of it. Finer garments will be more wearable there, and I have so much more to learn with my trusty Brother knitting machine (yes, I plan to ship it to Florida!).  However, I love hand-knitting with wool so much that I might have to continue designing and knitting for the Scottish weather, even if I won’t be able to wear my knits.

GTS: Any advice for budding designers?

KO: Experiment and have fun! I also really appreciate a well-written pattern, so I tend to study other designers’ writing styles to see what I do and do not like about it. Then I am more informed about the pattern-writing style I would like to achieve. If you want to get involved in the industry, contact companies.  If you can manage starting with an internship, you can really learn a lot from the right company in that capacity.  If you work hard and have a good attitude, you will get noticed for the good job you do.

GTS: What is next? Could a book potentially be in the works?

KO: I wouldn’t rule it out, but I’m not sure I’m ready just yet.  I’m working on a few exciting patterns that will be coming out in the next year.  I’ve really loved working in hand-knit production and would love to continue in that vein, being involved with a great company that loves knitting!  The future is a bit hazy at the moment, but I love what I do and cannot wait to see where it takes me.

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Never fear Ginger Twisters! A selection of patterns by Kristen Makes are available at Ginger Twist Studio. And we also have some of her lovely pieces on display. I've just finished one meself. Is that smocking I detect? Stay tuned!