One + One Interview: Laurie Kimmelstiel

We?re celebrating this month?s release of One + One: Scarves, Shawls & Shrugs, the first book of a new series that focuses on two-skein projects. Talking with us today is design contributor Laurie Kimmelstiel.

Tell us about the Ruffled Collar Capelet.  

It is a romantic and very feminine piece. I envisioned it as the perfect cover-up for any dressy outfit to add a bit of whimsy and romance to a simple sleeveless dress. Perfect too, as an addition to a wedding outfit (it would be stunning knit in white to wear over a sleeveless wedding dress for the ceremony) or to add some charm to bridesmaid outfit. It has a Peter Pan beaded collar that ruffles slightly to mimic the similar, slightly wavy, ruffled body of the capelet.

How did you choose your yarn combination?

Actually, [author Iris Schreier] made the final decision on the yarn, but I knew it had to have some silk and sparkle.

How did you adapt your creative process to the two-skein limit?

This was not really a problem. The yardage for Artyarns? Ensemble is quite generous and I had plenty for my design.

Did you enjoy working with a limit? 

I love working with a limit. I can more easily calculate what I?ll use ? because I am limited but also because there is always ?an end in sight!?

What is your approach to design? How would you define your design style?

I look for designs everywhere and often see garments worn on others or in magazines or newspapers that inspire me. I get some sort of idea in my head and then I often play with several yarns and stitches before deciding which ones work best. I like more ?feminine? designs that have beautiful drape on the body and I also love designs that are somewhat dramatic, so that they make a statement and draw positive attention to the wearer. I keep my knitting journal handy so that I can write down what I am doing ? much easier to erase than to try to remember the pattern design after I?ve completed most of the project.

Learn more about Laurie and her work at whiteridgecrafts.com, Laurie?s blog, and on facebook.

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