Carol Feller is the founder of Stolen Stitches, where she offers classes and downloadable knitting patterns, from Southern Ireland. Carol learned to knit when she was a schoolgirl, but only took it up as a passion after the birth of her fourth son. Now, she can’t imagine life with it. She also loves publishing blogs, sharing her latest design ideas and thoughts on knitting. She is passionate about designing well-shaped, flattering knitwear that is enjoyable to knit. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Carol Feller.
Image Credit: 1) Black Trillium Fibres 2) Knit Circus 3) Stolen Stitches 4) Hedgehog Fibres 5) Francesco Mugnai
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1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?
I strive for design that is simple, functional but elegant. Understated but with a unique twist that marks it as special.
2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?
I gather images, yarn and stitch pattern together and start swatching. As I knit the garment begins to take shape in my head and from there I sketch up my ideas.
3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?
Working as an independent designer a lot of my creative collaborations are with yarn companies. There are several hand dyers that I’ve worked with who do fantastic work; the 2 who have got outstanding dyeing skills would be Beata from Hedgehog Fibres and Tina from Blue Moon Fibres. Both women create colours that are so truly unique to them that it makes it a pleasure to knit them as it enhances what I do.
4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?
Gathering yarn I love and swatching are the biggest source of inspiration for me. I also love clothes shopping and pinterest to get a feel for trends and colours for the season.
5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?
I’ve accumulated a wide range of skills over the years; I started in art school, then studied structural engineering and also ran an online retail business. Business skills to complement the creative side keep your business moving forward. It’s hard not to get burnt out creatively though!
