However, my day job was as a Graphic Designer and my evenings and weekends were spent doing intensive training or competing in track meets all over the south east of England. A balance of creative work and lung-busting exercise!
My athletics career came to an end due to a hurdles accident where I dislocated my knee joint. This was devastating for me because I didn’t know what else to do with my spare time. Later that year, I was given a ‘Learn How to Knit’ kit from my husband (I thought it was a joke!). The kit came with yarn, needles and a ‘How-to Knit’ book, all in a cute alpaca woven bag. What started off as a curious interest, quickly became an obsession!
I started designing right from the moment I picked up my needles. This was mostly because I didn’t understand the knitting instructions. I gained knowledge and technique tips through knitting magazines and YouTube, but I still found the instructions baffling! Not to be beaten, I decided to re-write the instructions using short notes and diagrams instead. From then on, I was designing and knitting my own sweaters. After honing my skills somewhat, I published my first pattern in 2011.
Chicane - My first sweater designed in 2011.
As a trained Graphic Designer, I am always mindful of how long or how complicated a project could be for the user at the other end. Likewise, my knitwear designs always take this into account, so I try to create simpler ways to build it. My patterns use clear and concise information with clear diagrams, lots of photos and even video tutorials. If a design that I’m working on proves to be a pain to knit, then I will either reject it or shelve it for another look at a later date. I prefer to give knitters something that I myself would be happy to knit repeatedly.
People who have supported and influenced me along the way (and they may not even know it): Carol Feller: excellent teacher of knitting maths; Ysolda Teague: for her lovely designs, helpful design notes and her book “Little Red In The City”; Sarah Dimond - founder of The Plucky Knitter yarns: for her gorgeous yarns and most generous support. Further along the line was: Jeanette Sloan and Lorna Hamilton-Brown for being champions for the BIPOC community and Black Knitters and Crocheters, and for advising me on the business side of knitting. They have selflessly helped people like me by using their platform to support us on our quest to make a living out of our favourite hobby.
My graphic design training has come in handy in all aspects of knitting design. Furthermore, it has proven very useful in putting together this website, as well as designing my brand identity. This skill is a service that I also offer, so please check out my page “Graphic Design Services” for more detail.
Best of love and thanks for your support!
Jx
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