My Inspiration
Her beautiful knits are inspired by modern architecture and the colours of County Cork
Carol Feller reveals the places and people who inspire her design work
IRISH DESIGNER Carol Feller has a talent for creating knitwear patterns with beautiful textures and interesting shaping and constructions, and she has recently launched her first-ever yarn, called Nua. We chatted to this popular designer about the people and places who inspire her own creativity.
Who inspired you to take up knitting?
“No one! I actually learned when I was in school, and don’t have a memory of learning! However, rediscovering knitting as an adult was due to online parent friends who were discussing a new online knitting shop, This Is Knit, which had just opened up. It brought up childhood knitting memories, and inspired me to restart so that I could knit for my children.”
Do you have a favourite artist, writer, poet or musician who inspires you?
“In my late teens I was obsessed with architecture, and had originally wanted to be an architect, although I ended up doing structural engineering. I spent a lot of time studying architecture, and Frank Lloyd Wright was the biggest influence on me. I spent hours studying his buildings and redrawing them.”
Which knitwear designer has most inspired you, and why?
“Probably due to my love of architecture, I’m always attracted to the work of designers that has an architectural quality. Norah Gaughan, Woolly Wormhead and Bristol Ivy are all designers that I have huge admiration for. The construction methods they use, interesting patterns and different thinking really help to turn design on its head for me, and open up a world of possibility.”
Tell us about the colours, landscapes or architecture that inspire your design work.
“I live in the country in West Cork, Ireland. While my children all go to school in the city, I enjoy living in the country so much I just can’t bring myself to move there! Every morning when I walk the dogs, the peace and beauty recharge me. The barren browns of winter fade into vivid spring greens and, finally, into bright summer blues (occasionally!) I’m definitely a country girl, and that channels into the colours I’m drawn to, and the usable, comfortable knits I design.”
What is your favourite knitting book?
“The books I probably use the most are Barbara Walker’s set of stitch dictionaries. They are very accurately written and cover a great range of pattern styles. The patterns are written only, but with the use of Stitchmastery software it’s a quick job to translate them into charts.”
What fibres do you love to work with?
“I love natural fibres and will knit with all types of wool. A mixture with yak or cashmere is just beautiful, and my preference is usually for non-superwash, as I find it gives a little bit of bounce when you knit garments.”
Which design from your portfolio are you most proud of, or is most special to you?
“The first big knit-along I did was ‘Ravi’, and it’s still probably one of my favourite designs. It combines a lot of things I like in knitting; an interesting construction, simple details and it’s fun to knit! I actually like it so much I reworked the cardigan for my new yarn with a few modifications (‘Ravi Nua’), tweaking the original just a little to update a few features.”
Are there any techniques or styles of knitting you’d like to explore further?
“Up to this point, I’ve spent a lot of time on cables and short rows. I still love those very much, but I have a growing interest in brioche and stranded colourwork. I hope to experiment with both of those a little in the coming year!”
Discover Carol’s yarns and patterns, and read her blog, at www.stolenstitches.com