Knit Simple editor, Carla Scott
I met Carla Scott years before she was the Editor-in-Chief of Knit Simple Magazine (for whom I write the Stitch.Rock.Knit-along column). At the time, she was working on the former magazine, Knit.1 — which was also published by Soho Publishing (known for Vogue Knitting, Knit Simple, Debbie Bliss Magazine, etc.) — and was one of the people responsible for hiring me to write a celebrity column that featured my conversations with famous people who knit. Since then we’ve worked together whenever possible — Emceeing fashion shows together, collaborating on various magazine projects, and speaking at events like Knit Outs. Whenever possible I also try to bask in her vast knowledge of the technical side of knitting. Carla’s one of the good eggs in the industry — she’s smart, kind, and above all knows her stuff.
xx,
Vickie Howell: This month Bernat is focusing on home decor for their Waverly for Bernat line of yarns. The holiday issue of Knit Simple also has a great “For the Home” spread. Are the designs you featured in this issue any different than they would’ve been had it been a non-holiday issue (e.g. Did you choose to go classic to make the home dec items great gift items for a wider range of people?)
Textured Pillow Shams, by Annabelle Speer
Carla Scott: I always try to make sure the items in our home dec stories have a classic feel that can fit into a wide range of living styles. I leave it up to the knitter to choose the color that best suits their aesthetic, and sometimes we give alternate color options. In this holiday issue, I wanted the items to be particularly suited for gift-giving.
VH: As the editor of Knit Simple, what is your vision for what you want the readers to get from your magazine?
CS: Every time I concept an issue of Knit Simple, I keep the word “simple” in mind. But not just because I expect that only beginning knitters will be making these items, but for people, like me, who have very busy lives and are looking for something with modern style but quick to make.
VH: I think that’s why you and I work so well together — we both strive to make knitting accessible for people who are as crazy busy as we are. Would you mind talking about a couple of the trends that are represented in the holiday issue, as well as some of your favorite trends for winter?
Happy Cowliday, by Vickie Howell
CS: A big trend for winter is COLOR. During the drab, cold days of winter, it makes you feel happy to dress in bright colors. The stories “For the Mom” and “For Your Knitting Friend” are examples of this trend. Cowls remain in vogue, and they are one of my favorite accessories. They are fast to make and they keep you warm while at the same time show off your handiwork.
VH: At the upcoming Vogue Knitting Live show in Chicago, you’re teaching a class on how to knit for perfect-fitting garments. What do you think is the biggest mistake that knitters tend to make when it comes to creating well-fitting garments for themselves?
CS: I have to say that there are two major issues: Gauge and determining the finished measurements that will fit you. That is why I teach this class, from how to measure your own body to how to add the appropriate ease.
Shawl-Collared Motif Cardi by, Mari Lynn Patrick (Carla's sister)
VH: If you had to pick one pro tip to share with knitters about how to have a successful, project-making experience, what would it be?
CS: Always measure your work in progress! Don’t wait until the entire back is done to find out that it does not measure what it is supposed to.
Come see Carla and Vickie at Vogue Knitting Live this month in Chicago!
We hope to see you at the show in Chicago from October 26-28. The classes available are phenomenal, offering something for all levels. Prefer shopping? The best local (and some not-so-local) yarn shops, spinners and artisans will have booths at the market place. Come feed your yarn fix! Don’t forget to stop by the Kollabora booth at noon on Saturday and 1pm on Sunday where Vickie will be signing copies of her latest book, Step It Up Knits.
Are you a knitter who’s always wanted to crochet or vice versa? Then the Beginner Lounge, hosted by Vickie and Bernat, is for you! Needles, hooks and Sheep(ish) yarn will be provided throughout the weekend. Drop in anytime!
The crowd lined up awaiting the VK Live doors to open at last year's show.
Psst! Did you make the Happy Cowliday neck warmer from the Holiday issue of Knit Simple’s Stitch.Rock.Knit-along? The first 24 people to bring theirs to show Vickie at the Beginner Lounge at Vogue Knitting Live will get a free ball of Bernat Alpaca!