I’m excited to share an interview with Heather Walpole today, along with a giveaway as part of the blog tour for her new book. Read on for details!
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Heather is a knitting designer, former yarn shop owner, and the founder and owner of Ewe Ewe Yarns, a boutique yarn company specializing in Merino wool. Her patterns have appeared in One+One Wraps, Cowls, and Capelets, One+One Hats, and Creative Knitting magazine. Her first book, Scarves in the Round: 25 Knitted Infinity Scarves, Neck Warmers, Cowls, and Double-Warm Tube Scarves, was recently published by Stackpole Books.
Heather can be found online through the Ewe Ewe website and on Facebook, Instagram, Ravelry, and Twitter. All images are used with permission and are copyright Heather Walpole unless otherwise noted.
Interview
Underground Crafter (UC): How did you first learn to knit?
Heather: My sister taught me when I was in my early 20s. I wasn’t very good at first and kept twisting my stitches. I finally got straightened out and really started enjoying it!
UC: What inspired you to start designing?
Heather: I am a graphic designer by training so merging my love of design with knitting was a no-brainer for me! Once I figured out how the stitches worked with one another I couldn’t help by try knitwear design for myself.
UC: You also crochet. Do you have a favorite craft or does it depend on the project or season?
Heather: It really depends on my mood! Sometimes I love the freeform nature or speed of crochet but then other days I love thecalmness of a big swath of stockinette stitch. There’s something so soothing about knitting.
UC: Although you have a lot of variety in your patterns, you definitely have a lot of cowls! What do you enjoy about designing neckwear?
Heather: I love to make scarves and cowls because everybody needs them! Whether you live on the East Coast and have harsh winters or just want a little warmth in the evening on the West Coast, a cowl can be used anywhere all year long. It’s one of the simplest gifts to give and it’s always well-received.
UC: What was the development process like for your book Scarves in the Round?
Heather: I think knitting should be fun and relaxing and I wanted that to be a big part of my book. I focused on having projects for beginners where you just knit in the round or maybe add a few purl stitches. I also included a bunch of little design touches to help beginners or intermediate have the opportunity to try new techniques that they may not have seen other places. I want knitters to enjoy what they’re working on, be able to finish and be proud of what they had just knit! There’s tons of tips and tricks in the back of the book to help if you’re not sure of a stitch.
UC: What are your favorite knitting books in your collection (besides your own, of course)?
Heather: I’ve come to the point in my knitting life where resource books are my go-to. I can’t live without Wendy Bernard‘s Up, Down, All-Around Stitch Dictionary and I also really love The Knowledgeable Knitter by Margaret Radcliffe. If I need a stitch idea or have a specialized question then those are where I turn!
UC: Do you have any crafty blogs or websites that you visit regularly for community or inspiration?
Heather: My favorite knitting blogs are The Unapologetic Knitter and Hands Occupied
UC: You’re also the founder of Ewe Ewe Yarns, which specializes in Merino wool. What do you love about working with Merino?
Heather: Merino yarn is just the best! It’s the softest wool available and here at Ewe Ewe we make it washable! The long fibers of merino sheep means there’s less ends to poke the skin. Plus, our yarns have a special twist that makes them really bouncy and a pleasure to knit. All of our yarns are bright and happy, too!
Thanks for stopping by, Heather!
Giveaway
Now that you’ve had a chance to get to know Heather, I know you’re ready to check out her new book, Scarves in the Round! You can preview all 25 patterns included in the book on its Ravelry source page here. There are a lot of great designs included, but I think my two favorites are the Color Block Scarf and Pixel Perfect.
The nice folks at Stackpole Books have offered up a copy of the book to one reader. Enter through Monday, August 17, 2015 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern using the Rafflecopter widget below for your chance to win. Good luck!
This book would be great! I love cowls and have made several; they are always cheerfully accepted by their recipients
I am excited to try some knitting in the round. I am still a beginner and I want to learn to knit in the round. This book seems like a great place to start!
Thank you for always asking for book suggestions. I am building quite a reference library!
Lovie
Love the touch of glitter.
Pretty Preppy
Such beautiful patterns in this book! I’d first knit the Color Block Scarf and the Seaside Capelet. Thanks for the giveaway!
Such an awesome looking book. One can never have too many scarf/cowl patterns. Thanks for an awesome giveaway.
I love the looks of the Changing Tides Cowl.
So many from which to choose! It’s difficult to say the least.
I think, if I had to pick just one, I’d select the “Touch of Glitter”.
It caught my eye and sort of kept it…even though I looked closely at several.
I also left comment on Seaside Lace Capelet. The picture seems to suggest a slight sleeve, Is there a sleeve?
That would make it more attractive for some on my list…who’d never wear a true ‘cape’. But they would wear this IF it had a sleeve…
For myself, though, the first one I’d choose to do would be the Touch of Glitter Cowl. I think I’d make it in a light-weight silky blend…I’m drooling just thinking about it!
Thanks for the opportunity!
Looks great! I think the Entrelac cowl looks interesting. Thanks!
I would try the Del Mar Derby Wrap first.
What a wonderful book, thanks for giving us a chance to win it! The Seaside Lace Capelet is stunning, but I also love the Color Block scarf!
“knittylucia” on Ravelry
The Adorned pattern is just too cool! I love the pop of color!
I love all of the patterns but I would do the Seaside Lace Caplet first. This book looks awesome and I would love to win it!
Touch of Glitter
Lovely designs *fingers crossed for a win* 🙂
Oops – forgot to add – I’d start with “Pixel perfect” – just right for the gamer I am 😀
I love the Changing Tides Cowl.
mostly crochet hats but recently i have gotten into scarves and cowls and i am so hooked
I believe out of them all I would have to chose “pretty preppy” as my choice. I like it because it looks like something I would personally wear all season day and night!
This looks like a really interesting book. Thank you for the chance to win it.
Lmecoll on Ravelry
Thanks for the Hands Occupied shout out! 😀
Thanks for stopping by, Heidi!
I love cowls and scarves and make tons of them. Looking forward to seeing this book in person soon, even if I don’t win.
I’d make the beach break loop!
I want to make Pixel Perfect