Our Featured Sock Designer for June 2021
We’re so excited to have Sarah Lehto from Minnesota Nice Knits for our Knit Socks Designer this month.
We can’t wait to see the Botanical collection in her Shift Socks pattern.
Pattern Statistics:
Yarn Required: Fingering Weight
Yardage: 400 – 460 yds (336 – 421m)
Adaptable to different sizes? Yes.
As a part of becoming a Featured Designer with Wool Interrupted, we interview each designer about their life, design process and thoughts about the yarn industry. See Sarah’s interview below.
What’s the best part of living in Cloquet, Minnesota?
We live less than a half hour away from Lake Superior which is absolutely breathtaking in all seasons.
What type of home do you live in?
6 acre homestead with chickens and hopefully sheep one day!
Do you have a dedicated yarn space?
Yes, I have a big “craft cave” in the basement next to my hubby’s man cave. I keep (some of) my yarn in a cedar hope chest my great uncle made me. My stash is overflowing. Even if I never bought another skein (hahaha…), I’d have enough yarn to keep myself knitting for several lifetimes.
When did your love of yarn start?
My grandma taught me the basics of knitting in 2004 and I was instantly obsessed, teaching myself more from every book I could get my hands on. During college I worked at the public library, and there was a yarn shop (Yarn Harbor) in the same building that I couldn’t keep myself away from. I became a yarn snob very early!
What’s your favourite yarn weight to work with and why?
Fingering weight, because I’m a huge fan of knitting socks and shawls.
What do you design primarily?
Accessories
What are your top three selling or downloaded designs?
Thermal Mitts
Herringbone Twist Beanie
Roman Architecture Socks
How do you start a design? Where do you get your inspiration from?
I get a lot of inspiration from nature. I don’t have a special formula for starting designs, but I’m a sucker for buying every single stitch dictionary on the market. Once I get inspiration, I can be found on the floor poring over multiple books like some mad knitting scientist.
Do you ever need test knitters or crocheters? If so, how do you find them?
Yes, I have a signup thread in my ravelry group.
What’s your favourite yarn composition? Which fibres do you like to work with?
My most used blend for knitting is merino/nylon, but I love trying all sorts of wool in my spinning.
What do you think is the best part of knitting or crochet? How does it help you?
Relaxation and stress relief. No matter what kind of day I’m having, knitting brings me a sense of peace.
What do you think the future of knitting and crochet is? After COVID is over, do you think the craft will stay in the forefront of people’s minds?
The pandemic forced us to slow down, and I don’t think the hobbies we picked up along the way are going anywhere.
What’s the best yarn trend? What’s the worst?
The Best: All the gorgeous hand dyed yarns from indie dyers.
My Least Favorite: I’m not into super thick yarn and giant needles.
Who are your favourite yarn designers? Who inspires you?
Elizabeth Zimmerman, Martina Behm, Cookie A, Ysolda and more!
To make your own Shift Socks in June 2021, click the link below to snag a socks while supplies last. Each of our featured designers is paid directly per box sold.
If you’re interested in becoming one of our featured designers, please contact us at info@woolinterrupted.com