In 2017 we ran a survey of Stitchmastery users and one response particularly caught our imagination – someone told us they would like to hear from other Stitchmastery users and how they make use of the software. We’re delighted to bring you a series of interviews with designers, tech editors, magazine editors and teachers – we hope you enjoy reading them!

Interviewee – Tamy Gore

1) When did you start designing? Could you give us a potted history of your yarny and designing background?

I became a knitwear designer the unconventional way and yet usual way for some, as I have zero background in the Arts, Textile or Design of any kind. My friend’s children who had recently learned to knit wanted to teach me and so that was my introduction to knitting. Shortly after I learnt to knit, my husband visited a local yarn store while on a work trip, where he bought me my first skein of indie-dyed yarn. It was absolutely beautiful and so I decided to try my hand at designing a simple shawl with it. It was my first step into the world of designing and I’ve been learning ever since.

2) Do you have any recurring sources of inspiration or unusual muses for your design work?

I am most often inspired by the colors around me, whether in nature while out on walks, hiking or fishing and especially the colors of Autumn, my favorite season.

3) When you have an idea, do you always work to a set workflow (eg swatch-knit-chart or chart first then knit) or does your approach change with each design?

I’m probably going to get some backlash for this, but in all honesty I don’t always swatch. I usually draw the design, chart and then start right away. If I see that it’s not to my liking, I simply rip it out and start over. Again, I don’t always swatch (especially in regards to shawls, cowls or hats) but sometimes I have to. For example, I’m currently working on a fingering weight colorwork design and I did not swatch. After a few inches of knitting, I’m contemplating whether or not I should have swatched the chart but I’ve decided to knit a few more inches before deciding whether or not I need to rip back and change a couple things. I view it as a big swatch 🙂

4) What made you choose to use Stitchmastery? Is there a particular feature you use most regularly or couldn’t do without? And is there anything you wish Stitchmastery could do?

I heard about Stitchmastery via Ravelry as I was entering the sweater design phase and it has been a game changer for me. I am not tech savvy and so far it has been a good learning process that I truly appreciate. It may seem like a simple thing, but I love the ability to add color to the charts I’m working on to see how they play together.

5) Please tell us about your latest publication or next exciting project!

I do have a new release planned for January 21st which I’m very excited about it! Cedar Brook is a DK colorwork pullover designed in collaboration with Madelinetosh and the beautiful chart was created using Stitchmastery. I’m very excited about this one and hope it’s well received.

Learn more about Tamy:

You can find Tamy’s designs on Ravelry, on LoveCrafts or on Etsy as Narrow Path Knit Design. She can be found as @TamyGore on Instagram.

Interview series 29 – Tamy Gore