Tell us a little about yourself. What other things do you do apart from design?

I work within the craft sector promoting brands such as Stylecraft and KnitPro needles as well as UK Hand Knitting. I also write for The Knitter and have my own blog and teach continental and double knitting with a bias towards Fair Isle techniques.

What attracts you to knitting/crochet as distinct from any other craft(s)? 

For me, knitting is not just the most wonderfully relaxing craft but I am fascinated by the structures you can create with different yarns.

How do you get started on a design? Where does the inspiration come from?

I am not a trained designer so I come at it form more of a mathematical angle – a bit like solving an equation. Fair Isle is my favourite and I love to blend colours.

Do you ever start with a yarn and design something with it in mind?

It’s usually a chart or a graphic that starts me off and then I match the yarn to the design.

Who knits up the patterns?

My designs are mainly accessories so I knit most of them myself.

When you look back at the items you’ve designed, how has your work evolved? Which is your favourite of your designs?

Because I am not a trained designer I was quite cautious and unconfident to begin with. I have become bolder and set myself bigger challenges as I have progressed. My favourite pattern is called Diamond hat

I love the top of it especially.

If you could only design one type of garment/accessory, what would it be?

Hats

Which yarn fibres do you most like to work in?

It’s more about the colour for me.

What design plans do you have for the next year?

I am working on more Fair Isle designs using woven twill patterns as inspiration.

What does KCG mean to you?

I am passionate about keeping our craft current and relevant and KCG is essential to that process.

How might KCG use its Collection to gain new members?

By making it more accessible as a source of inspiration for designers.

As KCG approaches its 40th anniversary in 2018, what would you like to see it achieve in the next 10 years?

Secure the future of the collection and establish it as the world’s best repository of knitting history

You can see more of Juliet’s work on her website