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Today, I’m really excited to share an interview with Stefanie Bold, a German crochet and knitting designer, along with a roundup of four of my favorite patterns from her collection. Like me, Stefanie is participating in the 2014 Indie Design Gift-a-Long, a virtual extravaganza running through December 31st here on Ravelry. In addition to her self-published works, her designs have appeared in knit.wear and Knitty.
Stefanie can be found online on Ravelry (as stebo79 and on her designer page) and on her German-language blog, Steffis Hobbyatelier.
All photos are (c) Stefanie Bold (except where noted) and are used with Stefanie’s permission. Click on the pictures to link to the pattern page.
Underground Crafter (UC): How did you first learn to knit and crochet?
Stefanie: I was about the age of 8 and I asked my mom to show me how she is knitting all these sweaters for me. She also taught me how to crochet. I was proud to know these techniques already as we had handicraft lessons in elementary school!
UC: What inspired you to start designing?
Stefanie: Quite soon in my knitting career I adapted patterns to my own needs and finally came up with my own ideas. One day I decided that others might be interested in knitting my “designs” and started to write them up. A friend of mine encouraged me to send one of my patterns to Knitty and it was accepted! But without Ravelry, I wouldn’t be self-publishing that many patterns. It is a great platform for crafty people!
UC: Many of your patterns are for socks. What do you enjoy about these types of projects?
Stefanie: A sock WIP (work in progress) is very portable and can accompany me while running around. Also, there are endless possibilities how to add patterns and play with gusset decreases.
UC: Most of your patterns are self-published. What do you enjoy about self-publishing?
Stefanie: I can make my own timeline and don’t get stressed when life interferes.
UC: What’s your favorite knitting book in your collection?
Stefanie: The one I mostly use is the one with lots of knitting patterns. Thumbing through it can be very inspiring!
UC: Tell me about a designer you discovered through participation in the Indie Design Gift-A-Long. What attracted you that designer’s work?
Stefanie: That’s a hard one as there are so many great designers… I’ll pick two: Sue Lazenby designs shawls that feature textured patterns, a contrast to the usual lace shawls. Cynthia Levy designs socks with heavy cabling, something that I also like to design, knit, and wear.