Designer Interview: Anneh Fletcher

Today I am introducing you to another wonderful Canadian designer taking part in Indie Design Gift-A-Long 2014.

This is Anneh Fletcher, also known as anneh on Ravelry. You can also find her at shanghaililydesigns.tumblr.com. She has a great selection of patterns and I especially love her gorgeous socks.

1) Anneh, how long have you been a knitter and who taught you to knit?

I’ve been knitting off and on since I was about five years old, but I picked it up with a vengeance back in 2003. My mom originally taught me to knit with some plastic needles she cut short and then glued buttons on to make the ends. When I was in my teens, the German mother of one of my mom’s friends taught me to knit in Continental style. It didn’t matter that I didn’t speak German and she didn’t speak English, we could still understand each other!

2) Knitting is certainly a universal language, isn’t it? When did you start designing, and what got you interested in designing?

I started designing in October 2013. A few people had suggested I try designing before that, but I never felt like I had any interesting or unique ideas that were worth pursuing. But last year I was watching an episode of Time Team, and I had an idea that really excited me. I designed Caerwent that weekend, and it is still my most popular pattern.

3) Are your designs influenced at all by where you live?

No, I am more influenced by popular culture, especially television. I’m a die-hard TV lover, so it is what I know!

4) Yes, I see this influence in the names and descriptions of your sock patterns. Do you have a favorite pattern that you’ve designed?

My favourite of my own patterns to knit is Black Rib, as it fits well, is easy to knit and gives a classic, wearable finished sock. The pattern I am currently most proud of is Black Argyle, as I feel it is a different take on argyle patterning, which is usually done in colourwork.

5) What is your favourite part of designing? And your not-so-favourite part?

My favourite part is definitely the idea stage, and I have stacks of sketches scattered around waiting to possibly become a project. One thing I find challenging in the transition from idea to pattern is making the stitches do what I envision, which is not always possible.

My not-so-favourite part of designing is the self-promotion. As a dyed-in-the-wool (ha!) polite Canadian, I find it unnatural to go out and talk about myself and my work.

6) I agree. That is a challenge for me too. Do you design full-time or part-time? Do you also work at another job?

Designing is definitely a part-time thing for me right now, and a true labour of love. In my day job, I am reference librarian for a national museum.

7) What has been the best part for you of being involved in the Indie Design Gift-A-Long event? How important is this event to designers and knitters?

For me the best part is the exposure (see number 5 above!), but I also love the chance to be a part of a community event. It is wonderful to see so many members of my “tribe” coming together over our shared love of fibre crafts and gifting. Which reminds me…I need to cast on a hat so I can participate as a knitter too!

8) Anything else you’d like to add?

As Elizabeth Zimmermann said, “Knit on with confidence and hope, through all crises.”

Thank you for allowing me to interview you. It is always interesting to learn about another designer.

Indie Design Gift-A-Long 2014 continues until the end of December and Anneh’s patterns are eligible for the KALs, contests, and prizes. Check out her pattern store here.

As an added bonus, leave a comment below before midnight (MST) on Friday, November 28th for a chance to win a free pattern from Anneh Fletcher. A winner will be randomly selected the following morning.