Susan

Welcome to our Designer Spotlight Feature, where we introduce our new passionate and creative designers and feature their amazing designs!This week we spoke to Susan of Teacosyfolk, who creates playful and fun knitting tea cosy patterns. We spoke about her journey as pattern designer, her workspace, and what gets her out of her creative slump.

Shop Her Patterns

What inspired you to become a pattern designer?

"I have always enjoyed knitting even from when I was a little girl. I found knitting pattern designers like Alan Dart and Jean Greenhowe very inspirational. I love the way that they captured character and movement in their toys. But for me, I need to knit things that have a practical use, so I love to design tea cosies."

Why is pattern design so important to you?

"When I am designing I do have my mind on the end user, afterall a knitting pattern isn't just the blueprints to knit and build something, it's also entertainment. So I want to design things that people will enjoy knitting and will love to knit again and again. What I love from a pattern as well is when something is very easy to knit, and it magically transforms. I think knitting is a very magical process. I think it's nice to work on something that also improves your skills, so I do like to add a new stitch or something quirky where I can. I love designing knitting patterns, I love the work, I love the creative outlet and I love to see what other people create with my patterns. The whole process is a very enjoyable experience."

Do you have your own studio? Tell us about your workspace!

"I design knitting patterns full time and I work from home. I have all the tools of my trade stored away and I bring out what I need for each particular pattern. What is great about working from home is that I can work any hours that suit me. If I'm really engroused in a project, I don't stop at half past five, I carry on. I think working from home and not having restraints on me means that I can let my creativity flow."

What's your favourite pattern you've created?

"My favourite one is always the one that I'm currently working on. I just fall in love with the character and get swept along in the moment."

Do you make any of the products yourself and if so, do you enjoy the making process?

"I do make all of my projects myself and I like to craft to relax. So when I'm not working on my own designs I am knitting other people's. "

When you’re experiencing a creative block, how do you get back into the spirit?

"I do remember one Christmas that I fell out of the habit of designing and knitting. I really lost my creative Mojo and I can't remember how I got back into it. Now I find that my problems are the other way around. My head is bursting with ideas and I just can't keep up!"

What do you like about the Makerist platform to sell your patterns on?

"I like that it's easy to use and the product pages are very clear and uncluttered!I also enjoy the commuity"

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Can you tell us three things about yourself that nobody may know?

"I'm dyslexic but I didn't find out that I was until I went to university. I have always been crafty and I have always enjoyed making things - sticking, wood work, clay, painting, basket weaving - I'll try anything! Being creative is good for the soul. I really love gardening and growing things. I love big blousy flowers that put on a show and I enjoy growing veg in our veg bed and raised beds. I try to always catch 'Gardeners World' to pick up tips."