This week, I’m pleased to introduce one of Makerist’s knitting pattern designers – Heather Corcoran of the Label ‘The Lonely Sea’. She tells us about how she began designing patterns, where she got the name for her label, and advises to keep knitting fun. Check out her patterns on Makerist.com – this week on offer for 40% off!
- Dear Heather! We’re delighted to introduce you to our community. Please tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Heather Corcoran, and I live in Portsmouth, England, very near the sea. In fact the name for my business, ‘The Lonely Sea’, reflects the sea and comes from a poem that I loved as a child – ‘I must go down to the sea again, to the lonely sea and sky’ – by John Masefield. I am, of course, passionate about knitting and all things knitting-related. I was a teacher until I retired early, due to an ear complaint, which caused me a lot of pain in the classroom. I also play the piano on good days, (I play at my church occasionally), watch too much television, eat chocolate and need to start back at the gym – there’s always next week! I can speak French and have just started, with help from an online translator, to add the French version onto existing patterns.
- How did you become passionate about knitting and what was it that made you decide to become a pattern designer?
Shortly after retiring, I was getting bored easily! I had already been selling owl mitts and other patterns on my Etsy shop and was making up patterns as I went along. It was a natural progression to start writing and selling the actual patterns.
- Do you follow news, trends or insights on crafting, knitting, DIY? Where do you find your news on this – can you recommend any magazines, blogs, newsletters?
I am forever browsing through online patterns, as I love to see what others have created, and to get further inspiration.
- Do you consider knitting and pattern design a hobby or is this your full time job? Are you lucky enough to be able to concentrate fully on knitting?
This has become my full-time job. I have a small pension and a working husband, so was able to make a start with the patterns, although the financial returns were low to start with. I love the way this job is so flexible, and I can have a day off when I like.
- What’s the best knitting tip you can offer? How did you discover it?
The best knitting tip I can offer is to relax and enjoy the process – I love the relaxing act of making each stitch and seeing projects grow.
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Who are your favorite pattern designers? What or who inspires you?
I don’t have one favorite pattern designer, but I love pattern and texture, and patterns that aren’t too complicated! Actually, I absolutely love the complex lace shawls that very clever people design, but I started one once, and felt it was like knitting with cobweb, so gave up after a couple of rows! Chunky yarn is my preference for designing – I’ve just discovered chunky alpaca and it’s wonderful!
- What’s the latest project you’ve completed?
I’m in the process of finishing an Owl Poncho and I’m very pleased with the result.
- What are the trends you’re most interested in within the knitting scene?
I love natural yarns and colors. Ponchos and shawls are my favorite items to design at the moment.
- What is your no1 tip for the Makerist community?
Keep knitting fun – watch television or listen to music at the same time – but not for anything too complex.
