April 28, 2010
Spring Fling Goodie Bag Contest
Before I start a new contest, I wanted to announce the winners from the April Blog Contest (where I asked you about the weirdest thing you have ever cooked with or eaten.) Some of you have eaten some rather disgusting interesting things. YUCK. Wow! I used the random generator to pick 3 winners, and will be sending skeins of Femme Fatale (the color that Claudia dyed up for the Spring Fling) to Betty in Calgary, Marji in NY, and Catrina in NC. Congratulations to all three of you! I have a few extra skeins of this colorway, so you’ll have another chance to win it in our May blog contest as well.
Speaking of the Fling, when people first arrive and check in, we give them each a Goodie Bag, filled with fun things. Since I’m such a bag and mug kind of person, I have fun picking these out especially for the Fling each year. And then filling them! Here is a photo of this year’s bag and contents. (I was a little into Apple Green this spring – can you tell? It’s such a happy color. I got our new travel mugs in that color as well.) I liked this bag so much that I may order them to sell here (only it won’t say Spring Fling). I liked the mugs a lot, too, but since we have a hard time shipping mugs because of breakage, I probably won’t have those for sale online. But I do have some filled Goodie Bags to give away, and I thought a blog contest would be the way to go. Included: the cute bag (it has an over-the-shoulder strap, pockets under the flap, and water bottle holder), 1 skein of Wollmeise’s Femme Fatale, the Loopy mug, two patterns, a Little Loopy, a post-it holder, a Spring Fling stitchmarker, and a mini skein of Baby Boom. Retail value is $65. We’ll use the random generator to pick the winners from the comments section and I’ll pick a winner for every 200 or so entries. My question for you to answer in the comments is: Who is your favorite knitwear designer? (It’s ok to say “I don’t have one”. I want everyone to be eligible to get in on this contest. But if you do have one, tell us!)
Have you joined our groups on Facebook and Twitter? We just finished up one of our 24 Quick Quizzes over there. I think I need to start doing those on our Ravelry group every once in awhile, too. We love connecting with you in other places, if you have time for those things in your life. (They can take time away from knitting, though. Ask me how I know….)
I‘m heading off to MDSW this weekend and hope to see some of you there! I never did come up with a good meeting place or time for Loopy Groupies. Instead, I’m just going to carry this big red bag, because it’s the ideal lightweight shopping bag, and I do intend to fill it up with purchases. If you see me walking by, grab me and say hi! I’ll be back to blogging on Monday with pictures of SHEEP. I love all of those sheep.
Sheri whowouldbringafewlambshomeiftherewasanywaytodoit











katrina craig-valvis said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:21 pm
i don’t have a favorite designer unless i count my mother, who, unfortunately, has a wonderful talent for just picking up the needles and knitting the perfect child’s sweater without a pattern, nor very good directions for reproducing the thing!
Jen C said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:21 pm
Cookie A. Love those Socks!!!
LindaO'Brien said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:22 pm
Elizabeth Zimmerman is my favorite knitwear designer because she challenges you to think and not just follow her pattern blindly.
stephanie B said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:22 pm
I love Ysolda Teague. Her designs are so adorable, with a hint of retro in a lot of them! very classy. If I ever met her in real life I’m pretty sure I would be awkwardly all fangirl and pass out.
Laura said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:24 pm
Jared Flood. Have you seen his new shawl pattern?
cls said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:24 pm
WendyKnits.
ikkinlala said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:24 pm
It depends which pattern I’m knitting when you ask (or I don’t have one).
Liz in KY said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:25 pm
Wow, just one favorite knitwear designer? Socks: Cookie A., Wendy Johnson, Janel Laidman and Star Athena. Unsocks: Anne Hanson (I like her socks too).
I’m only mentioning one unsock knitwear designer because I mostly knit socks…so I don’t have a lot of experience with unsocks, whether they be shawls, sweaters, or anything else!
Have fun at MDSW!
Cindy said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:27 pm
I don’t know who my favorite designer is yet. I don’t think I’ve knit from the same designer twice because there are so many fun things out there to knit. Maybe as I become more experienced I will find I have a favorite!
Darlene said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:28 pm
Kate Gilbert–I knit her Wisteria without any mods and it came out perfectly.
Melynda said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:28 pm
There are so many good designers! But if I had to pick just one it would be Ysolda Teague.
Trista said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:29 pm
Lene Alve and her wonderous designs in her blog and on ravelry! Oh Anne Hanson too, for many, many lovely shawls and socks!
Harriet Olsen said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:29 pm
Can’t say that I have one favorite designer. There are so many talented people out there whose designs I love. I must say that Elizabeth Zimmerman’s body of work continues to be an inspiration.
Tammy said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:30 pm
I don’t know that I can pick one either – Wendy, Cookie, Anne, and Ysolda are probably my top 4, though.
Paula said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:30 pm
Wendy Johnson…..hooked on toe-up socks. Her new shawl patterns are great too!
Jenae said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:30 pm
I like Anne Hanson’s stuff-beautiful!
Keri said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:31 pm
WendyKnits of course! I love a lot of designers, but if I was on a desert island (or even a dessert island), I’d want to have Wendy and her books with me!
Cayli said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:31 pm
I love Anne Hanson!
Beth said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:32 pm
I don’t know their names, but I love the Knitting Pure and Simple patterns!
Sue H said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:32 pm
Anne Hanson!! Love her shawls.
Sairy said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:32 pm
I am a hardcore Yarnissima fan. Can’t think of a more perfect match patternwise for Claudia’s beautiful Wollmeise.
Dana said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:33 pm
There are so many designers that I love! It’s hard to choose just one.
I always love Debbie Bliss and WendyKnits, so I’ll go with those. Cute goodie bags! One of these Springs I’ll have to get to the fling.
Kim Bradley said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:33 pm
Mmm….I’m starting to love Anne Hanson. Stephanie Pearl-McPhee doesn’t design a lot, but I love the socks she did for BMFA RSC a few years ago–I’ve knit that pattern a couple of times. I love cookie A’s patterns too.
Marnie J said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:34 pm
Ysolda Teague!
Jody said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:34 pm
There are so many to pick from – but I have had good luck with Jared Flood’s patterns and Cookie A’s socks.
ElizabethR said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:34 pm
I guess I would have to pick Anne Hanson, but i also like Chic knits. Someday I’m gonna get to Spring Fling!
Anne said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:34 pm
Nancy Bush, Chrissy Gardiner, and Cookie A are my top 3 for socks. Mimi Felton and Evelyn Clark for shawls/stoles.
Paula said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:37 pm
I’ve knit more Cookie A. socks than any others, but there are so many I enjoy. I loved Jared’s Girasole.
Susan C. said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:37 pm
There are so many! But I’ve been on a Ysolda Teague kick lately, I must admit.
Frances said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:37 pm
Definitely WendyKnits! Her sock and shawl patterns are the best!
LaurenM said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:37 pm
It is very hard to choose with so many great designers. But I think I’ll have to choose……….Wendy Bernard.
Lauren said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:38 pm
WendyKnits – her sock patterns are so cute but easy to follow. I had been knitting socks for a while but never enjoyed it as much as I do now that I found Wendy!
Rose-Marie said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:38 pm
I have to say Wendy Johnson, I seem to be addicted to her patterns, and not just the sock-patterns. I love her shawl-patterns as well.
Shawn said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:38 pm
Cookie A is one of my most fav. I must have her patterns. Janel Laidman is another one I love. And the last one: Lisa Grossman, AKA the Tsarina of Tsocks. She designs some of the most fantastic, detailed socks I have ever seen.
aliceq said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:38 pm
Anne Hanson, hands down!
Eleanor said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:39 pm
I’d have to go with Ysolda Teague. Her designs are just lovely!!!
Julie said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:40 pm
It depends on what I’m doing, but if I had to pick one it would probably be Wendy Knits. Love the shawl patterns!
Kathy said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:40 pm
Tough call as so many talented fabulous designers but I’ve followed Norah Gaughan’s inspiration for quite awhile.
Marcela said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:41 pm
Right now it’s Anne Hanson’s Knitspot but I’m kind of in a scarf phase.
Linda said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:42 pm
Jared Flood.
Kelly S said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:42 pm
I am very much in awe of Anne Hanson’s designs. I have purchased a couple of her patterns but haven’t gotten to them just yet. She just does beautiful work!
Rachel said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:42 pm
So many to choose from – I don’t think I can only pick one, so I’ll narrow it down to Ysolda Teague, Jared Flood, and Cookie A. All are doing such fresh and exciting things; it’s a joy to follow their work!
Pam said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:43 pm
Ysolda right now. I keep buying her patterns (and made quite a few too!) and that stripey keyhole number from Twist is one of the most flattering sweaters i’ve completed. But I’d say my all time favorite is Nancy Bush (if my sock collection has anything to say about it.)
Ellen said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:43 pm
This is hard!!
Anne Hanson, Jared Flood, Nancy Bush, my newest favorite A. Karen Alfke of Traveling Sweater fame, Arlene of Arlene’s Lace – still in love with Ammonit and knitting the stole version now… I could keep going, but will stop for sake of sanity.
Gail said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:43 pm
I really don’t have one. I like a variety of designers from EZ to Cookie A.
Deborah said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:44 pm
My favorite without a doubt is Anne Hanson, she is a designing genius!
Cindy (maxfun) said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:44 pm
Favorite designer? That really depends on what I’m knitting. I love Anne Hanson’s designs. Sivia Harding, too. For crochet, Doris Chan. And oh so many others!
TMTTYRR said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:45 pm
I don’t need another goodie bag (not that I would mind another one), but I will reiterate how fantastic they are! I’m keeping that mug at home because it’s just too cute to bring into the office.
As for a favorite designer, I love Cheryl Oberle’s designs. I find the patterns well-written and easy to follow, and there’s always something interesting in it. I’m also very fond of Sharon Miller, who does Shetland lace. Fantastic stuff!! Theirs are really the only books I’ll buy without inspecting them first.
Otherwise, I really don’t have a single designer. Love Ann Hanson, WendyKnits, Cookie A, Faina Letoutchaia, and a host of others. It’s really more type of pattern instead of individual.
Sara said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:45 pm
Anne Hanson for shawls – just beautiful. I’m into Vivian Hoxbro these days as well
Gayla said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:45 pm
Connie Chang Chinchio – beautiful, elegant but very wearable patterns. I also love Miriam Felton for Shawls, Cookie A and Ysolda Teague.
turtle said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:45 pm
so many but i would have to say it’s a toss up between Anne hanson and Ysolda!
Christine said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:45 pm
I would have to say right now my top three are Jared Flood, Wendy Bernard and Connie Chang Chinchio.
MJ said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:45 pm
Wow, hard to pick just one. I think I would have to say Sally Melville because I can probably count on one hand the number of her designs that I DON”T love.
Deb said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:45 pm
I love the designs of Connie Chang Chinchio.
Kristin said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:45 pm
Too many choices to pick just one! I like Kirsten Kapur, Laura Chau, and Ysolda Teague. I haven’t knit any Knitspot patterns yet, but they are tempting!
I also love Carrie Sullivan’s designs for socks (ADA Irishgirlieknits).
And Jared Flood rocks too! See, way too many to choose just one!
Erynn said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:46 pm
I don’t really have one favorite designer. I mostly lean towards things a bit on the funky side so whoever falls into that category I guess.
Elisabeth said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:47 pm
Oh, there are so many lovely patterns out there, I don’t think I could say I have a favourite designer yet. I still consider myself as a fairly new knitter, I’ve only been knitting for 4 years now, and the last year has been slow knitwise. Perhaps in a couple a years I’ve managed to work through some of the patterns in my Ravelry queue and can give a better answer.
Laurie said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:48 pm
Jared Flood. On the days that it isn’t Marianne Isager.
Samantha said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:48 pm
I don’t think that I am an experienced enough knitter to be able to choose a favorite designer yet.
Megan said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:49 pm
Ooh, it’s so hard to pick a favorite designer. I think my favorite designers are Wendy Johnson, Hannah Fettig, Kirsten Kapur, Ysolda, and Laura Chau.
Amy said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:50 pm
For socks: Cookie A
Sweaters: Kathy Zimmerman
Paulette said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:50 pm
I like the classic appeal of Penny Stracker (sp?). I made one of her patterns 20 years ago and still wear the sweater. My friend made the same pattern last year and I still love the style. I think I have another sweater in my Ravelry queue. I also like kniting Wendy’s socks. My other favorite designer is my best friend Sara, she’s done a pair of gloves, a sock pattern and a shawl.
Pia said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:51 pm
If forced to pick only one, I would say Ysolda. I love her patterns for thier ease of understanding and classic with a modern twist approach.
Bertha said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:53 pm
Ysolda Or Laura Chau!
Ashley said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:53 pm
I don’t have one
Rita said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:53 pm
Stephanie Japel
Emily said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:53 pm
I am continually inspired by alot of designers. I think ravelry has done the most to enlighten me on what’s out there and to bring those designers into my living room. No one fav though.
Sidney said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:54 pm
Elizabeth Zimmerman! I’ve knit more of her patterns than anyone else, though I love Jared Flood and Norah Gaughan…
Cathycrafter said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:54 pm
For socks it would have to be Janel Laidman – I can’t resist them. Renee Leverington wins for lace – my other favorite thing to knit.
JenL said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:54 pm
Jared Flood
danielle said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:57 pm
Kathleen Taylor – first she was one of my favorite mystery writers – then I found out she is a designer!
leah said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:57 pm
Jared Flood is so inspiring, but there are so many! What a cute package you put together!
Grace said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:57 pm
Cheryl Oberle, Evelyn Clark and Lankakomero and so many others its crazy but I design too and it would be cool to see if anyone ever chooses me! (that is my ego talking —-slap that ego)
Jordi said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:58 pm
Cookie A would be even more of a favorite (if possible) if she would write toe up sock patterns, Veronik Avery because her stuff is always so elegant, and Elizabeth Zimmerman because I learned to knit from her books when I was in my late teens. I love others too, I think I am a knitting groupie.
Debbie said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:59 pm
Norah Gaughan
amanda said,
April 28, 2010 @ 2:59 pm
I love Ysolda Teague’s patterns.
Kellc said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:00 pm
Norah Gaughan has been my favorite ever since I started knitting…at the first Stitches I attended (in northern Virginia, so that tells you how long ago it was) I actually saw her and was too excited to say anything to her! LOVE Angela Hahn’s designs too.
Denise said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:01 pm
Wendy Johnson
Jan said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:01 pm
Ooh, Sheri, a hard question! Knitwear — if you call shawls and socks knitwear, then right now I’d have to say Anne Hanson! I love reading her blog and seeing her new designs!
I also like Wendy Johnson, and Jared, and ….
I haven’t really made much knitwear, except for charity. Most of my knitting goes there!
Thanks for the contest! And the great prizes! And the great YOU!
Kay said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:02 pm
Wendy Johnson and Cookie A!!!
Sooze said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:02 pm
Anne Hanson – I fall in love with just about everything she makes.
Vicki said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:03 pm
Probably Anne Hanson, even though I haven’t knit anything of hers yet.
Brenda said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:04 pm
Wow this is tough, I just can’t pick one. So here are my top three: Through the Loops, Jared Flood and Cookie A. (That’s this week.)
Kim B. said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:04 pm
I love Ysolda designs. Ishbel is one of my favs to knit. I will look for you and your red bag this weekend at MDSW. Hopefully mine arrives in the mail so it can make the bus trip to MDSW. Enjoy!
Abby said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:04 pm
OMG! That bag is soooooo cool. My favorite colors are the lime green + black!
So as designers go, I’m a sock freak. But I’m not a sock loyalist, that is to say only to knit socks unless I have to knit something else. No I venture away from socks often and took a nice sweater turn for the last bit of winter … anyway back to designers. Nancy Bush is my favorite because she is so good at socks, but also has some great Estonian shawls and dang, she’s just well rounded!
Cary said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:04 pm
I don’t have a favorite yet…I usually just knit what inspires me!
CarrieL said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:04 pm
I really like Heidi Kirrmaier also known as PiPibird on Ravelry for her clean line sweaters and nice drapy fbarics.
Mary said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:04 pm
My favrite designer is Debbie O’Neill who can be found on Ravelry under Nutty Creations.I love her sock designs and am especially taken by her new shawl design called War of the Roses.It is gorgeous !
Stacey said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:05 pm
My favorite designer. Hmmm. Tough one. Ysolda Teague, Susan Lawrence and Evelyn A. Clark are my top three.
Amy said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:05 pm
I can’t say I have a favorite, because really my favorite thing to do is try as many different patterns from as many different designers as possible, since I think it’s the best way for me to learn new things. That said, I haven’t met a Jared Flood pattern that I didn’t like, and Cat Bordhi’s sock patterns amaze me, as do Cookie A’s.
Eileen said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:07 pm
Right now, I’m really loving patterns by the Wendys (Wendy Johnson & Wendy Bernard)!
Bren in Illinois said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:07 pm
This is a tough question and I’m having trouble picking one. So here are my top three: Jared Flood, Cookie A and Through the Loops. (At least that is how it stands this week.) lol
Belinda Giliberti said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:07 pm
For socks: Wendy D. Johnson
For garments: Wendy Bernard
Do you see a tread happening here? I do not like to seam anything. I am a knitter, not a seamstress.
Jody said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:09 pm
Cookie A and Anne Hanson. And Wendy Johnson who has gotten me completely hooked on knitting socks from the toe up.
Laura said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:09 pm
I like patterns by Chrissy Gardiner and Yarnissima.
Michelle said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:09 pm
I can’t say as I have a favorite. I love the variety of having so many designers and designs available so I can pick and choose as my style changes.
Dawne said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:10 pm
Wow, there are so many designers that I love. Faves include Cookie A, Wendy and Ysolda. Also love Debbie Bliss, Meg Swanson and Jared Flood.
That goodie bag looks so yummy Sheri – looks like you had a great time at the Fling
Ann Rose said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:10 pm
Anne Hanson — I just love her lace designs and ideas. Jared Flood is a close second, both for his adaptations of EZ techniques and ideas, and of course for his Koolhas hat pattern, which is high up on my queue.
Flan said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:10 pm
I love Anne Hanson’s Knitspot…from socks t o lace to sweaters, they’re all gorgeous!
NKD said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:10 pm
Oh, I so wanted to recommend a brand-new or up-and-coming designer but the truth is I love pretty much everything Anne Hanson releases. She has such a great eye for stitches, and her patterns are always incredibly well-written.
Suzanne said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:11 pm
Hmm, I don’t have a favorite designer (yet).
Kelly said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:12 pm
I knit socks like crazy and I have too many fave designers to list them all….Cookie A., Anne Hanson, Wendyknits, etc….
Tempe said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:12 pm
I love Miriam Felton’s patterns!
Jen said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:12 pm
I love Ysolda but really, I can’t choose just one!
Bonnie said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:13 pm
For me it’s a tie between Cookie A and SpillyJane.
Holly said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:15 pm
Right now Anne Hanson, knowing me it’ll change by the end of the week.
Susan said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:16 pm
I love Anne Hanson’s designs as well as Bonne Marie Burns of Chic Knits and Laura Chau of Cosmicpluto.
Jessica said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:16 pm
I love Cookie and SpillyJane!!!
Kristi ~ Ohio said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:17 pm
It’s hard to pick one…so I love Wendy Johnson and Anne Hanson.
Have a fun to trip Maryland Sheep and Wool festival.
Kristi
Jeanne said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:18 pm
I have lots of favorite designers. I can’t possibly pick one.
Emily said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:20 pm
Wendy Johnson! It seems like I always have a pair of her socks on the needles! I also like Ysolda Teague- her designs are beautiful!
southparknitter said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:20 pm
Wendy Johnson is my favorite sock and shawlette designer (I think I have all her patterns). Favorite lace designer is Anne Hanson. I don’t have a favorite sweater designer I think because they tend to design for Twiggy. Right now I’m working on learning how to design my own.
Have fun at MDSW. I’m going to a smaller fiber fest in VA in a couple of weeks. I have a couple of friends who have sheep and alpacas so I can buy fleeces without having to tend the sheep. I’m fighting the urge to get an Angora bunny though. They sell them at VA fest but I’m going with a friend who’ll help me resist.
Dear random number generator, please pick me…
Nia said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:20 pm
Ysolda Teague
Terri said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:20 pm
Miriam Felton is my favorite. Close on her heels you will find Lori Law.
Fingers crossed!
Lynn Z said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:21 pm
Jared Flood – he really opened my eyes to a whole new world of knitting this weekend!
Patricia said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:21 pm
Wow there are so many that I love!
Well, Wendy of course and Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, and Adrienne Fong and Anne Hanson. I am liking Sam Roshak lately too! Thank goodness that there are so many wonderful artists to knit from!
Sharon T said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:21 pm
I really like Bonne Marie Burns (ChicKnits) and Anne Hanson’s patterns. Of course, there are so many others that area great as well.
Susan said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:22 pm
Socks – Wendy Johnson and Cookie A. I love their patterns I just haven’t mastered toe -ups yet.
Clothing – Jenny Watson, Jane Ellison, and Jared Flood.
Carolyn said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:22 pm
Jared.
Allison said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:23 pm
Rather like Anne Hanson, but Wendy and Cookie A are great too.
Jenn C. said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:23 pm
Definitely Joan McGowan-Michael. Love her stuff.
Have a great time at MD S&W!
donnza said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:23 pm
Jared Flood, needles down. It is like he dreams in lace
Maya said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:24 pm
Hands down: Wendy Johnson!
Malena said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:26 pm
Norah Gaughan!
Donna said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:26 pm
Hands down, Anne Hanson! I love everything she creates.
KatherineR said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:26 pm
I don’t have one favorite but I am blog inspired by many!
Melissa said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:26 pm
Oh, I have too many favorites to pick just one!! And I think it depends on what I’m knitting at the moment, too.
Some current favorites include Ysolda Teague, Jared Flood, and Anne Hanson.
Aurelia said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:27 pm
Toss up between Cookie A and Janel Laidman – they take socks to a whole new level.
For sweaters, I really like the wearability of Connie Chang Chinchio.
Jeannette said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:27 pm
I’ve loved every designer so far.
Colleen said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:28 pm
I think Jared Flood has some of the most thought out and classy patterns for men, women and the home. Ysolda Teague is by far my very favorite though, she has everything! Sweaters, accessories and toys!!!
Word Lily said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:29 pm
I don’t exactly have a favorite knitwear designer, but I definitely drool over so many of Ysolda Teague’s patterns!
Mellenknits said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:29 pm
I admire the work of so many of the designers listed in the comments, but the one whose patterns I just can’t resist is Anne Hanson. I don’t know if its the way she details the design process in her blog, or the way she picks just the right yarn, or the great pictures that David takes for the blog, but I have several of her patterns waiting in the wings…
A :-) said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:29 pm
It’s hard for me to pick a favorite – but I certainly like Alice Starmore’s cabled designs – and I also like Norah Gaughan and Veronik Avery.
Have fun in Maryland!
christa said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:29 pm
She’s a fairly new designer, but I have to say that I love everything designed by Alana Dakos, of the Never Not Knitting Podcast. Her stuff is gorgeous.
Jaime J said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:30 pm
Laura Chau! I love her dipped infinity scarf in particular.
Janelle said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:30 pm
I love Anne Hanson’s sweater patterns… and socks by Cookie A. Have fun at MDSW – see you there!
Kim said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:31 pm
I’m virtually a newby knitter but I love KnitSpot/Anne Hanson and also Jared Flood…and Shiboru Knits patterns are great too!
Cabledguy said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:32 pm
Cat Bordhi is one of my favorites, I love how her mind works.
Tracey Carsto said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:32 pm
Wendy Knits is my favorite. She has fabulous shawl and sock patterns.
Pam said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:32 pm
Hi! My favorite designed right now is Ysolda Teague. Her designs are so thoughtful and pretty, and, more importantly to me anyway, her patterns are written up very clearly and logically. If I’m going to spend money on a pattern, I expect to not have to do a lot of recalculation, looking up of techniques, or head scratching. Ysolda’s patterns are great for making knitting a RELAXING experience! Thanks for the contest!
Jen said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:32 pm
Not sure I have a favorite, but I really like the socks by WendyKnits
Kerri said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:33 pm
I love Kim Hargreaves… but for socks I have to go with Cookie A!
Elaine said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:33 pm
My current favs are Cookie A, Ane Hanson and Jared Flood. They are soooo creative! I don’t know where they get all their ideas from!
Alex said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:33 pm
That’s a hard choice because different designers inspire me in different ways. Cookie A always has imaginative designs, while Wendy Johnson and Cat Bordhi have great technique. But if I had to pick one designer who’s patterns I follow with minimal alterations, she would be Ginger Luters who designed such beautiful sweaters in her book Module Magic.
lisa33 said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:34 pm
WendyKnits! She started my addiction to toe up socks.
Kelly said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:35 pm
I don’t have one … yet!
Jeanne said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:35 pm
I don’t have one…I seem to just knit whatever cool pattern comes my way and there are so many patterns and so little time!
Mim said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:35 pm
Hmmm, do I have to pick just one? Wendy Johnson, Cookie A., Anne Hanson, Ysolda Teague and so many more. lol Thanks for the contest!
Rebecca Traum said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:35 pm
I’m going to say Cookie A only because I’m working on one of her patterns right now. There are just so many talented designers that inspire me.
Michelle said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:36 pm
I love lots of designers but one of my favorites has to be Norah Gaughan. I love that she takes design elements and concepts from nature.
Josiane said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:37 pm
It’s hard to name just one because there are a lot of talented and creative designers out there. If I had to choose, I’d go with Anne Hanson: I love several of her designs.
Mary said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:37 pm
I love all sock designers. I also like Kalamazoo Knits patterns, especially the basic adult sock and the one called Dressed to the Nines. Besides, the ladies who write these patterns are right down the street from me.
Carol said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:38 pm
There are so many. I always like Norah Gaughan designs even if they are not always right for me. I love Jared Flood’s designs for the men in my life, in fact I’m making one of the right now!
krista said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:38 pm
Jared Flood.
After falling in love with the Girasole, I am now falling hard for the Juneberry Shawl.
Jenn said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:38 pm
Ysolda Teague! And Cookie A. and Chic Knits! There are so many to choose from!
kelly-ann said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:39 pm
Wow…there are so many talented designers out there. However, only a few folks that I have knit more than one of their patterns:
Kirsten Kapur
Cookie A
MochiMochi Land (Anna H.)
Melinda said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:39 pm
My favorite designer is my knitting teacher, Lisa Whiting. She designed an awesome vest for the Winter 2009-2010 issue of Vogue Knitting. She’s also a great teacher.
Lyn P. said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:42 pm
There are so many lovely designers, it is hard to name just a few. However, Anne Hanson, Cookie A , Wendy Johnson and Ann Budd come to mind immediately.
Emily said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:42 pm
It’s a three-way tie between Cookie A, Ysolda Teague and Jared Flood. I could knit from only these three designers and be happy for a very long time.
Sharon said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:42 pm
Anne Hanson and Cat Bordhi are two favorites – I’ve knit a lot of their patterns. And Wendy Johnson has a special place in my heart because she led me to The Loopy Ewe!
Angela said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:42 pm
Anne Hanson by far! I love her designs.
Terry said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:43 pm
Hmmm toss up between Cookie A. , Jared Flood, and Nancy Bush. Depends on if I’m knitting socks, cardigans, or shawls!
Janie said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:44 pm
I simply love Ysolda Teague, Wendy Bernard and Jared Flood.
Hariamrit said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:44 pm
Jared Flood is my very favorite. I have made several Girasole shawls and every time I make one I am amazed at how beautiful and enjoyable it is. I am in the middle of Bridgewater and have some other patterns of his in the wait list.
Micki said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:44 pm
I love Anne of Knitspot and Hannah of Knitbot!
Cheryl Walsh said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:44 pm
I kind of pick patterns that are in books and so I don’t know of any particular designer. I love the stuff that Christie Nichols (or is it McNichols), she so much color in her designs. I haven’t knitted anything of her, I think they are too expert level, but love looking at her patterns.
Cheryl
Rhian said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:44 pm
Hard to choose, but probably Cookie A!
Erin said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:45 pm
wendyknits I love ..I am just learning though…so for me it is all so nice and inspiring!!
Dana said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:47 pm
I have to say Cookie A for socks, Gudrun Johnston and ZephyrStyle for sweaters, and Liz Abinante and Ann Hanson for scarves and shawls.
Shirley said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:47 pm
My favorite designer is Connie Chang Chinchio, with Bonne Burns a close second.
Whitney P. said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:47 pm
My favorite knitwear designer is probably Jared Flood. His designs are always unique, yet still wearable.
Jen said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:48 pm
I’m a big fan of Cookie A and her sock patterns, she’s just so innovative and clever- and her designs always are so eye appealing!!
DebbieO said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:48 pm
I love Deborah Newton, who has served as both friend and mentor. She also wrote that critically important knitting book — Designing Knitwear. Anne Hanson is also wonderful. So talented and kind. I want to be like her when I grow up.
Christine said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:48 pm
Cookie A.
Leslie said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:49 pm
I am a fickle knitter, so my favorites are always changing. My current favorite designer is Ulla, as I find her lace projects to be super easy to read and high on impact. I finished Panache and I’m currently about half way through the Vernal Equinox shawl. Really love her stuff right now.
Cynthia said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:49 pm
My favorite designer is Anne Hanson. And my other favorite designer is Jared Flood. And my other favorite designer is Ysolda. And my otehr….I could just go on and on! Thanks, Sheri!!
Grace said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:51 pm
I love Anne Hanson’s patterns (lacy shawls, cowls, mitts, etc.), Eunny Jang’s fair isle and Nancy Bush for socks!
Jennifer said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:51 pm
Probably would have to be Wendyknits and CookieA.
Deb said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:53 pm
Anne Hanson – love all of her designs!
Pamela said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:53 pm
Alice Starmore. Also, me! (It’s important to like your own work, right?)
Linda said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:53 pm
For socks, I would say it is a toss up between WendyKnits or CookieA and Susan Pandorf for shawls.
Hopefully I will see you at MS&W. I will keep my eyes open for a Loopy red bag, though it might be hard to tear my attention away from the yummy yarns and fibers.
Cheers!
Brittany said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:54 pm
Jared Flood. I love how he is simultaneously creative and innovative yet classic. <3
noallatin said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:54 pm
I really like Anne Hansen’s designs; I’ve done two of them. I also like Janine Le Cras for socks.
Martha in Dc said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:54 pm
Hi Sheri,
i’m a Wendy Johnson sock fan. I love her patterns.
Amy said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:55 pm
Debbie Bliss – hands down! I’ve loved everything I’ve knit by her
BFF Liz said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:55 pm
It’s whoever makes me gasp that day. I think it’s Stephen West at the moment, since I saw that gorgeous Daybreak at Fling.
susan stohlman said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:56 pm
I can’t pick just one, they all inspire me to try a new stitch, learn a new technique, sample an untried yarn…..how good is that!
TeresaNC said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:56 pm
Wendy Johnson and Anne Hanson are my favs.
Melissa said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:56 pm
Anne Hanson (knitspot) is tops in my book. I also like Janel Laidman, Cookie A., Norah Gaughan, and Ysolda Teague. I could go on, actually.
Judi Schaffer said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:56 pm
My favorite designer changes according to what I feel like knitting, just like my favorite food changes with my mood. Among my favorites are Cookie A, Wendy Johnson, Sivia Harding and Bonnie Burns.
Sarah said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:56 pm
Anne Hanson. Her designs are such fun to make. How can one person have so many beautiful ideas for such a variety of things; shawls, socks, scarves, mitts, hats, sweaters, baby blankets, cowls, and also produce clear, accurate pattern instructions with great pictures?
Tami Thurston said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:58 pm
I think my favorite designer is Wendy Knits. I love what she is doing with socks & shawls.
Mickie Taylor said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:58 pm
HI Sheri, My favorite designers are Wendy Johnson , Norah Gaughan and Ysolda Teaque.
Laurie said,
April 28, 2010 @ 3:59 pm
It is so hard to choose, but Wendy, Anne Hanson and Ysolda Teague are some of my favorites!
Brittany said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:00 pm
I have two favorite commercial designers- Norah Gaughan and Connie Chang Chinchio. And then a non-commercial designer (she publishes on Rav) is Liz Abinante.
I love them all!
Eunice said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:00 pm
I like all the sweaters from Chic Knits. I like Anne Hanson’s shawls.
Beth K. said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:02 pm
I love Hannah Fettig for clothing items and Cookie A. for socks!
Abigail said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:03 pm
Favorite is Marnie McLean! I can spot her stuff a mile away and LOVE IT
Kari W. said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:06 pm
Have to admit I really don’t have one favorite but I do enjoy knitting the designs of Hanne Falkenberg, Vivian Hoxbro and Beth Brown-Reinsel.
Fran Pike said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:06 pm
Jared Flood, and I hope to meet him someday. I didn’t get to be in Spring Fling this year, but if I could hang around just to take pictures, I would do it in a Brooklyn Tweed minute.
I also really like Robyn Diliberto’s designs.
Lauren said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:07 pm
Cookie A with Wendy Johnson running a close second.
colleen said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:07 pm
I love Laura Nelkin from Nelkin designs and Schaefer yarn!
Rasa said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:08 pm
I don’t have a single favorite…but some that I really like are Cheri of C2Knits, Jared Flood, Anne Hanson, Cookie A.
Deb in CT said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:08 pm
Definitely Connie Chang Chinchio!
Bev said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:09 pm
So not an easy question! Anne Hanson is definitely at the top of my list for shawls and scarfs. Bonne Marie Burns is my favorite for sweaters. Then there’s Samantha Roshak, Miriam Felton, Kirsten Kapor, Jared Flood, . . . .
Sara said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:09 pm
I think it has to be Anne Hanson. Or maybe Jared Flood. Or Cookie A. Or…
Hm. Ok, maybe I don’t have a favorite favorite.
Lynn said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:10 pm
Love Jared Flood and fellow Canadian Veronik Avery.
Ruth said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:11 pm
I love so many different knitwear designers: Anne Hansen, Alice Starmore, Veronik Avery, Deborah Newton, Herbert Neilbling, Elizabeth Zimmerman, Ron Schweitzer, Barbara Walker (for her stitch treasuries) and Ilga Leja are the ones that immediately come to mind. If I spent a few minutes browsing through my patterns or books, I would add another dozen names. I’m hopelessly addicted to patterns as well as yarn.
Julie said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:13 pm
Oh so many favorite patterns and designers….love Wendy Knits, Cookie A, and Anne Hanson!
dot said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:13 pm
Susan Anderson…her baby hats & sweaters are so cute, and who doesn’t love those toys?
Renee said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:13 pm
I only have a favourite for sock patterns: Cat Bordhi! I love her different ways of constructing socks.
Kate said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:13 pm
I love Wendy Johnson!
Linda said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:13 pm
I have to give her a plug, my friend and cohort Kate Lemmers.
Michelle said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:13 pm
Well it’s Anne Hanson of course!
Favorite “company” Berroco for patterns they are easily followed, flattering, and fun!
beth said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:14 pm
For design- Anne Hanson
For color-Kaffe Fassett!
and so so many others.
Fun to read everyone’s choices!
Yvonne said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:14 pm
I have one favorite, Wendyknits. I do like some of the other sock patterns etc but Wendy’s is the best.
Molly said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:16 pm
Any of the designers at Knitting Pure and Simple, esp. Diane Soucy. So many great patterns!
Lisa said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:16 pm
Ooo, there’s so many! But I would have to say Lisa Lloyd. There’s not a pattern in A Fine Fleece that I don’t want to knit!
Leslie said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:16 pm
Anne Hanson, especially her shawls. Don’t know if you remember me or not. I stopped at Loopy Central as we were driving through St. Louis on our move from Colorado to Maryland ( about 18 months ago) . I actualiy live in Howard County MD and will be at MDSW this Saturday. I’ll look for you and your big red bag!
Hattie said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:17 pm
Good contest!
Anne Hanson at the moment … but also Kim Hargreaves and Cookie A. Oh, and Norah Gaughan.
Traci Gill said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:17 pm
I have just purchased the new Veronik Avery book which I love and I also always get such a kick out of Jared Flood and Ysolda Teague’s designs. I think from the comments posted here I am going to have to pay more attention to Anne Hanson as well. Happy knitting day to one and all!!
Sue said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:17 pm
So many designers – so little time! Jared Flood – Classic, not difficult & I always learn something new from one of his patterns. Diane Soucy – Her Knitting Plain and Simple patterns are just that – when I was a beginning knitter, it was great to have a series of patterns that were exceptionally well-written for basic items. I still go back to them when I need a gift in a hurry. Liz Abinante – Her Traveling Woman and Saroyan kept me engaged and thrilled the entire time I was knitting them. I hope we’ll see a whole lot more fun patterns from her. All the Ravelers who have posted their patterns for us to download easily – love, love, love the instant gratification!
Lilie said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:17 pm
WendyKnits!
I have 2 of her books. I wish she would write a shawl one too!
Linda said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:20 pm
At this point in my knitting life, I would have to say Anne Hanson. I am halfway through my second of her shawl patterns this year.
Barbara said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:21 pm
I love to knit socks and have to say Wendy johnson is my favorite.
Shannon H. said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:22 pm
I think I have a toss up between Wendy Johnson and Chrissy Gardiner of Gardiner Yarn Works.
Jodi said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:23 pm
I think my favorite would be Anne Hanson. Her shawls are so gorgeous!!
Lisa said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:23 pm
I really like so many different things that it is hard to come up with one designer… but I really like everything that Nancy Bush does! She’s amazing.
Vickie said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:25 pm
Bonne Marie Burns of Chic Knits, I’m always drawn to her things.
ellie said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:26 pm
I like lots but they include Anne Hanson and Jared Flood.
Nancy said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:26 pm
Although I’ve been knitting for a couple of years, I’m afraid I don’t really know designers very well at all. I think I’m going to pay more attention to not only patterns but designers. That will open my knitting world up to new possibilities!
Alexis said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:27 pm
Jared Flood, Wendy Bernard, Ysolda Teague–there are more, but these are off the top of my head!
Amy said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:27 pm
I love, love, LOVE Thea Coleman’s sweater designs. Her work can be seen on her blog “babycocktails”. I’ve made the nantucket red cardigan and I’m eagerly awaiting yarn for the golden vintage cardigan to come in the mail. I love to make socks, but sometimes I want to work on a bigger project…Thea is the designer I always turn towards to.
)
Deb J said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:28 pm
Wendy Johnson
Barbara said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:28 pm
I love to knit socks and love the patterns from Wendyknits.
Debi said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:29 pm
I don’t have one yet. From reading the comments it is clear that there are a lot of designers that I need to try before formulating an opinion. Bummer. More knitting for me
Paula said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:30 pm
Liz Abinante – love her socks and shawls!
Carolyn said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:31 pm
It’s hard to choose just one. I love Cookie’s socks, and Wendy Johnson’s. For sweaters, I’m drawn to Wendy Bernard’s aesthetic quite a bit, and lately Heidi Kirrmaier’s simple styles really appeal to me.
Theresa P. said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:31 pm
Wendy Bernard for top-down sweaters is my absolute favorite, but there are so many others that I love — Jared Flood, Anne Hanson, Cookie A., Gudrun Johnston, Ysolda Teague just to name a few. I’m so in awe of people like them who can come up with all of these incredible designs.
Tina said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:32 pm
I love Chrissy Gardiner, her toe-up socks have been the best fitting (for my foot) that I have found yet!
Beth Comstock said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:34 pm
How in the world can you pick just one favorite. That is like asking a mom to pick her favorite child, or a teacher to have a favorite student. They are all perfect in their time and space, but there is no favorite. Some I have a deeper connection to because of shared experiences, but nope no favorites.
Karen said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:34 pm
I have always loved Anne Hanson’s patterns but I also love Carol Sunday.
Becki said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:36 pm
Wendy Johnson for socks!
Larissa said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:37 pm
My immediate response: Nancy Bush – every time I knit one of her designs I learn at least one new thing.
My second thought: Cat Bordhi and Cookie A really push boundaries – I learn something new and often see socks in a new way with their designs…
Kristin said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:37 pm
I don’t have a lot of experience with a lot of designers, but so far I’m loving Cookie A’s socks!
kimchi said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:38 pm
Its either Veronique Avery or Kirsten Kapur!
Veronica said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:38 pm
My favorite varies with what I’m knitting at the moment, but I think Ysolda is right up there at the top with Wendy Johnson.
Sherry said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:40 pm
I don’t have a favorite. I’ve made a lot of Cookie A socks, and considered making a lot of Anne Hanson’s cardigans, but haven’t taken the plunge yet. I wish I were young, fit, and hip enough to wear Norah Gaughan’s designs, but I’m pretty much not.
michelle said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:42 pm
It depends on what I’m knitting, but I would say for lace it has to be Ann Hanson!
Deborah said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:43 pm
Wendy (Knits) Johnson, hands down!!!
Arlene said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:43 pm
It’s hard to just choose one favorite, but my 3 favorite designers are Nancy Bush, Anne Hanson and Jared Flood.
I really enjoyed the Fling pictures…looks like everyone had a wonderful time, as usual.
michele said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:44 pm
Susan Lawrence ….I love her patterns.
Liz said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:44 pm
Hands down, Anne Hanson. Her patterns are amazingly well written.
Windy Brown said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:45 pm
I really do not have a favorite designer. When I am ready to start a new project, I tend to go through my LONG project list on Raverly (over 300 projects and increasing every day) and pick something that appeals to me at that time.
Brenna said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:45 pm
Don’t really have a favorite designer per se. We had a local designer named Ginger Smith in Long Beach but she has since moved to South Dakota. She inspired me to expand my horizons when I was first starting out. Lately I love whoever designs what I’m knitting at the time.
Jen said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:45 pm
Janel Laidman — Her socks seem organically grown, not designed.
Nancy Bush — Just amazing.
Lise said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:46 pm
Elizabeth Zimmerman – because every time I look at her books I am inspired to experiment and create something of my own. Thank you for being so generous!
Joanne said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:47 pm
I don’t know that I have a favorite. I do like Cookie A’s and Cat Bordhi’s socks, though.
Carol said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:47 pm
Hard to choose but right now Jared Flood and Melissa Morgan Oakes
Pam said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:48 pm
I am enamored of Cookie A’s sock designs. Think they’re genius. And I like what Nancy Bush does very much. I am hoping to try some of Anne Hanson’s shawl designs soon; they are just so lovely.
JL said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:49 pm
Too many to count! Anne Hanson, Jared Flood, Wendy Johnson, Ysolda Teague, the incomparable Elizabeth Zimmerman. I could go on and on…
karen monroe said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:50 pm
Actually my favorite designer is Karen Walker. she does some absolutely stunning shawls. Karen
catspaw said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:50 pm
So many! Norah Gaughn, Jared Flood, Wendy, Shirley Paden, Anne Hanson, Cat Bordhi, Cookie A – I could go on. It’s probably easier to tell you which designers I’m not so fond of!
Diann said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:51 pm
Elizabeth Zimmerman, Elsebeth Lavold
Marilyn said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:51 pm
Evelyn A. Clark for shawls. Cabin Fever for top down sweaters.
Gail Crews said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:51 pm
I have two. Jared Flood and Ysolda Teague. I love their patterns and creativity.
Karen said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:52 pm
just one? I have two – Wendy and Anne – swear by their patterns
There are others of course, but those are my main two
Kathryn Sigman said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:53 pm
Wow! Do I have to pick just one? Wendy Johnson for shawls and Jared Flood, Cookie A. for socks!
M J Moriarty said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:55 pm
Ysolda Teague. Her patterns are just so lovely, and I love the little books she publishes.
Jennifer in SC said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:56 pm
Anne Hanson, Wendy, Cookie A in no order whatsoever!
Elaine said,
April 28, 2010 @ 4:59 pm
I knit a lot of lace and I have a few favorites there including Romi and Sivia Harding and Evelyn Clark. In November I’ll be taking a class with Jared Flood – looking forward to that!
Yeah, can’t pick a favorite
)))
Wendy in Cambridge said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:01 pm
This is a hard one–I like so many of them! My top favorites are Wendy, Jared Flood, Anne Hanson, Cookie A and Liz Abinante.
julie Z. said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:02 pm
I have no one favorite–it is all about the specific item and I love searching for the next new idea to keep my needles busy!
Alicia said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:02 pm
I’m not sure I really have one. I haven’t knit enough of anybody’s patterns to claim them as a favorite. But I get inspiration from Cookie A. and Jared Flood and Norah Gaughan and lots of others.
Helen said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:02 pm
Ysolda and Anne Hanson. I love that bag. If not that messenger bag, I think you should sell some type of messenger bag.
Jeanne said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:02 pm
I don’t have a favorite – I do like Wendy’s socks but there are so many designers out there that have beautiful patterns that I don’t think I could ever pick one!
Leslie in Maine said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:02 pm
As long as socks count as knitwear… WendyKnits..Not only do I now knit socks, but they fit…from the toe up!
May said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:03 pm
Based not on how many I made but just how many I like to look at
Anne Hanson.
Jen W said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:03 pm
I love Cheryl Oberle’s shawls!
Julia said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:04 pm
I have to say Julia Mueller’s gloves are fantastically beautiful. She is my favorite of the moment.
Molly Johnson said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:05 pm
Anne Hanson
Castiron said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:05 pm
The designers that most often get me saying “I want to make that!!” are Sharon Winsauer and Barbara Gregory. I like a lot of Veronik Avery’s work too.
Jocelyn said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:05 pm
Ooh! So many good ones. But if I had to pick one, I’d probably say Anne Hanson. (If I got to pick a few more, I’d pick Cookie A, because I love how well-integrated all the bits of her socks are, and Ysolda Teague for that quiet elegance, and EZ — of course — for the way her designs take full advantage of knitted structures, without thinking of them as a proxy for sewn garments.)(Like the way I cheated and got some extras in?)
Alicia A. said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:06 pm
Wendy Knits… lots of designs and always my favorite blog to read almost every day!
Denise V said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:06 pm
I can’t believe I didn’t see anyone select Lucy Neatby. I love her socks, especially the “Bicycle” socks. I also love Charlene Schurch and Kathy Zimmerman, Ann Budd and Pam Allen.
Jordan said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:06 pm
I’d say either Ysolda Teague or Cookie A.
Sharon Kendall said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:07 pm
Congrats Betty in Calgary, Marji in NY, and Catrina in NC. Wow that Spring Flling bag looks great! I like the bag too.
Catrina said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:08 pm
There are several designers I really enjoy, not only because of the designs themselves, but the pattern writing-very clear and easy to follow, in addition to teaching me nice finishes to have the knitting looking more professional. At the top of my list are Gudrun Johnston and Anne Hanson. I have yet to try some of the more popular designers, but I’m itching to knit up something from Jared Flood and WendyKnits.
Moriah said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:10 pm
Norah Gaughan, Ysolda, Cookie A, Anne Hanson…so many…
Catherine said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:11 pm
Having recently finished the Girasole….Jared Flood!
cate said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:13 pm
I don’t have one.
christine said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:14 pm
My favorite of the moment is Elizabeth Smith of thebrownstitch.com. I’m in love with her new cardigan and bought the pattern immediately!
Cathy said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:15 pm
Stephanie van der Linden designs some amazing sock patterns!!!
Jane said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:17 pm
Someone else wrote, “Toss up between Cookie A and Janel Laidman – they take socks to a whole new level. ” I’ll say “ditto.”
Martha Szescila said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:18 pm
Wendy Bernard for her really cool sweaters!
Julie said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:20 pm
Well, Cookie A, Wendy Johnson, Wendy Bernard, Jared Flood, Amy King, Adrian Biizilia, Elinor, should I go on??? I have a lot, there are so many talented knitwear designers out there. I’ve also been following Anne’s blog but have yet to knit one of her patterns.
Paulette said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:20 pm
I like Jarod Flood’s designs very much, mostly just enjoy looking at them now, and hope to make some of them ….. someday!
Lynne E. said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:24 pm
My favorite designer is Hazel Carter, who designs story-themed lace shawls for Blackberry Ridge. Her complex charted patterns are always extremely clear and well-written.
Nancy said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:24 pm
I like so many! Since I am in a sock phase, I would say Cookie A.
Christine said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:26 pm
Kim Hargreaves! I love her sweaters — they are so classic. Also, Eunny Jang and Veronik Avery…
Lisa said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:27 pm
Kristan Nicholas!! Her colors are just gorgeous.
Tanya said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:27 pm
Definitely Cookie A. Her socks are absolutely amazing. Look complicated but as you knit them it’s amaing how simple they really are!
laura said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:28 pm
oh hai! you’re going to MDSW!!!??!? This is so exciting Sheri
Barbara Lanphear said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:28 pm
Bonne Marie Burns of Chic Knits.
Bonney said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:29 pm
Picking one is hard! I like Nicky Epstein; I think her patterns are a lot of fun. Cookie A has some cool stuff too!
Brandy said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:31 pm
I honestly have no idea… I mostly knit lace shawls and I usually find them on the internet here and there! Ravelry is awesome for that… Can I say my favorite designer is Rav?
Heather said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:31 pm
Wendy Knits -love her shawl patterns!
Tricia said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:31 pm
Alice Yu, also known as Socktopus! Lovely sock designs!
Kelsey said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:32 pm
I gotta say that I love Kristen Kapur (Through the Loops) I have knit so many things of hers and am working on Que Sera right now!! LOVELY goodies & bag! I am going to be in St. Louis in two weeks and can’t wait to see your shop in person!!
Teenuh said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:32 pm
I like Cookie A and Kristi Geraci, but I am biased because they are friends of mine.
Beverly said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:32 pm
I’d say definitely Cookie A. for socks, but for sweaters, tops, etc., I’d have to go with Veronick Avery. She is so talented and her designs are tailored and well planned! I love the details. (I’d also love that googie bag!)
Dawn said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:33 pm
I’ve only knit things where size doesn’t matter but I love Ysolda’s stuff and may cast on for a cardigan soon. It’s so hard to pick which one!
Erin said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:33 pm
Another Cookie A. fan here! Not only do I love all of her designs, but I love the way she writes up patterns as well.
Janice said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:34 pm
I’d have to go with Anne Hanson, Norah Gaughan, and Ms Yarnissima!
Robin said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:35 pm
Anne Hanson. I love her designs.
Jaimi said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:35 pm
Right now I’m really loving Anna Dalvi’s shawl patterns.
Virginia said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:36 pm
Favorite designer – there are too many to choose from. As I normally knit socks I would have to say Wendy Johnson and Cookie A.
Caroline said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:37 pm
I have many favorite designers, but I’m a big fan of Stefanie Japel, because she introduced me to top-down raglans, and I’ve had lots of success with them.
Mary said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:38 pm
Evelyn Clark’s shawl designs. Love reading all these names of favorite designers.
AJ said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:38 pm
Anne Hanson, Ysolda Teague and jared Flood, in no particular order. And if I read the other comments, I’m sure I’ll remember a few more and still not be able to choose just one!
Cathy-Cate said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:38 pm
I almost didn’t comment because of course I was AT the Fling, but if the random number generator were to pick this post, I would give the bag and entire contents to my Best Knitting Friend Forever, who almost never gets to go on knitting forays like I do, so she totally would deserve it. (She and I want to go to Sweater Camp with Meg Swansen some day….we hope.)
Which leads me to my favorite knitting designer. I was going to rack my brains, but then thought: Of course! Elizabeth Zimmermann! Not flashy, but brilliant, and I have knit more of her projects than anyone else’s, over the 25 years since I knit my first sweater (a yoke sweater based on her EPS system combined with a Lopi colorwork pattern: I taught myself Continental from “Knitting Without Tears”).
There are SO many incredible designers around today, though! I’m so glad for the internet which lets me have access to so many of their wonderful designs, by seeing the results and obtaining their patterns!
Gretchen said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:39 pm
Difficult to choose one! But Anne Hanson is always up there!
Syd said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:40 pm
It is still Elizabeth Zimmerman!
Susan Ipavec said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:41 pm
My favorite knitwear designers are Cookie A., WendyKnits, and Jackie from Heartstrings!
Stephanie said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:43 pm
I’m afraid I have a tie – but there’s a reason for it! I knit socks, so if I’m starting at the top, my favorite designer is Anne Hanson. And if I’m starting at the bottom, then my favorite is Wendy Johnson. I like them both equally for the same reason – they have the clearest directions – there’s never any scratching your head and wondering exactly what it was the designer meant – and the socks always turn out perfect!
Dixie said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:44 pm
Oddly enough, I’ve never knitted anything by one of my favourites — Norah Gaughan. Whenever I see something and say, “Wow, that’s cool,” her name is on it.
That said, I’m on an Elizabeth Zimmermann kick at the moment. Does she count as a designer or enabler?
Sharon said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:45 pm
That’s hard to pick – for socks it would be Wendyknits. For shawls it would be Anne Hanson. For sweaters and such it would be Veronik Avery or Kate Gilbert.
Debra said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:46 pm
Chic Knits!
Jean Ashley said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:46 pm
This is hard…I would have to say that it depends on the project, but I really like the following designers: Ysolda Teague, Jared Flood, Véronik Avery, Wendy Johnson, Hannah Fettig, Norah Gaughan, Susan Lawrence, Miriam Felton, and Alice Starmore (though I won’t be making anything from Tudors anytime soon)…
Betsy said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:47 pm
Well lets see…Elizabeth Zimmerman is so empowering, her patterns seem so vague then suddenly you have something amazing!! I also like Cookie A, Ysolda, Jared Flood, many many more!
Amy said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:47 pm
Tough to pick just one, but I’ll say Melissa LaBarre since she is the designer of one of my favorite sweaters and I just found another pattern that I want to make of hers that may become my new favorite sweater.
Laura said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:47 pm
Socks: Cookie A, Wendy Johnson
Wearability of everything: Ysolda Teague
Sheer inspiration: Jared Flood and Norah Gaughan
For everything: Elizabeth Zimmerman & Barbara Walker
Linda said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:47 pm
Ok. This may be the easy way out, but I love Jared Flood. I have never actually knitted one of his patterns, but I will soon!
Patty L. said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:48 pm
Hard to pick just one designer…with there being sooooooooooooooo many wonderful patterns..now if we were asked out favorite place to buy yarn/notions..ect..that would be The Loopy Ewe!!!!!
Jeannie said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:49 pm
Can I pick 2?
CookieA for her fab socks and Anne Hanson for all of her shawls. Both have great designs!!
Robin May said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:51 pm
I don’t think I can narrow it down to just one designer. Anne Hanson, Jared Flood, Cookie A. are all favorites.
Crystal said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:51 pm
WendyKnits is my all time favorite. A close runner up is Cookie A. Obviously I have a sock problem.
katie said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:52 pm
Jared Flood, just finished Dryad and Anne Hanson
lisa oberteuffer said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:55 pm
Kate Davies (wazz on ravelry). author(ess) of OWLS, baby owls, paper dolls, lytlleton etc.; a fantastic writer and blogger–her blog is called “needled”; and as far as I can tell all around astoundingly great person. she recently had a very unexpected stroke (I guess no one ever expects them–like that old Monty Python joke about the Spanish Inquisition), and her blog accounts of her experience and recovery are AMAZING. AWESOME. HUMBLING.
Monica said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:58 pm
Tough choice, but I’d have to say Wendy Johnson… her designs and books are beautiful!
Lisa said,
April 28, 2010 @ 5:59 pm
I really don’t have a favorite designer. I just knit or crochet whatever I like regardless of who created the pattern.
Spiraling said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:00 pm
Definitely Elizabeth Zimmerman, her stuff is foolproof.
Lori said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:00 pm
I seem to have knit a lot of Sally Melville patterns.
Debra I said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:00 pm
Who is my favorite knitwear designer? Wendy Johnson of WendyKnits comes to mind, since it was reading her blog that got me started knitting again, and knitting socks and lace in particular. I also like Cheryl Oberle a lot.
Rachel said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:00 pm
I don’t really know most designers. I tend to try to find patterns at yard sales etc.
Joni said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:02 pm
I have very few designers I haven’t liked while I was knitting their patterns — I see so many pretty things to knit and I’m knitting them as fast as I can. And if I win, I don’t want the goodie bag since I have one from Fling, though I would love another skein of the Wollmeise. I like big shawls and one skein just won’t be enough
Lisa Thrasher said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:02 pm
Boy, I’m not going to add anyone new!
Anne Hanson, WendyKnits and Elizabeth Zimmerman would top my short list!
cheri said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:02 pm
I don’t have a favorite yet. I do like Evelyn Clark’s shawl patterns though.
Klina said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:03 pm
Cute goodiebag
My favourite designer is Ysolda Teague. Cute and easy patterns!
Suzanne said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:03 pm
For lace, Anne Hanson of Knitspot. I guess I should say her socks patterns too as I am knitting a pair right now.
For sweaters, ChicKnits and whoever designs the Knititng Pure and Simple Patterns.
I have the red travel mug at work but I’ve got my eye on the green one also.
sue said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:04 pm
Elizabeth Zimmermann–unique and totally original.
RedfordPhyl said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:05 pm
Wendy and Cat Bordhi for socks. Miriam Felton & Sivia Harding for shawls and stoles. Come to think of it, I really haven’t met a shawl pattern I didn’t like. Ditto toe up socks. So many designers, so many yarns, so little time.
Jo Anne said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:05 pm
Definitely….Cookie A. Not only because of her patterns….but I love her looks!
Margo said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:05 pm
Anne Hanson, Jared Flood, and Kirsten Kapur!!!
Jane said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:07 pm
I’m a traditionalist – Alice Starmore and Nancy Bush – for socks, Wendy J., Cookie A and Yarnissima!
debbie said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:07 pm
i think jared flood’s designs are timeless and classy. i also like the caps and sweaters of melissa labarre (knitting school dropout) – i always like to see what new designs they’ve churned out….
Laurie said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:08 pm
I have a few, but am currently obsessed with sweaters by Connie Chang Chinchio. I missed seeing you at the Fling this year; sounds like everyone had a great time as always.
Janet said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:10 pm
Anne Hanson. Her pattern writing is outstanding.
Mag said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:11 pm
I’m defining “favorite” as designers who’ve impressed me so that I did a repeat knit of their designs.
Mona Schmidt
Evelyn A. Clark
Linda Weich
All for lace sock design, my favorite thing to knit.
Sandi O said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:12 pm
While I love many designers my favorite is Sleepyeyes, aka Gina House – not only are her designs beautiful, imaginative and fun to knit, but she is a wonderful person, a great teacher (she taught me to spin) and super funny. I think her personality shines through in her designs. You can find her here: http://sleepyeyesknitting.blogspot.com/
Elaine said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:12 pm
Love Wendy Johnson. She is so talented
Jenn said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:13 pm
WendyKnits! Love her shawls and toe-up socks.
Mary R said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:14 pm
Bonnie Marie Burns and her Chicknits patterns are just about my favorite ones for sweaters. I’m also a fan of Evelyn Clark for lace and Jared Flood’s designs are great!
Denese said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:16 pm
Hmmm…I don’t know that I really have a favorite designer but, forced to choose, I’ll say Jared Flood.
His Girasole is an amazing pattern. With clear charts that produce an easy-to-read lace fabric, it made me feel like the real thing: an honest-to-goodness accomplished knitter.
Erica said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:16 pm
Cookie A for socks and Ysolda Teague
claire said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:17 pm
Anne Hanson, excellent details, technically correct, well thought out to fit and flatter. Just love her designs.
Dana said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:18 pm
Hmm. I think Ysolda Teague. Her stuff is so varied and all so amazing!
qutecowgirl said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:18 pm
Well that is an easy question Anne from Knitspot. Her stuff is amazing!
Denise said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:19 pm
Ummm… Wendy Johnson, the Yarn Harlot and Cheryl Oberle. Can’t chose one, that would be like having to have only one project on the needles.
Dottie said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:20 pm
I’ll cast my vote for Cookie – she and Kristi G. inspired me to begin knitting a couple of years ago. I hadn’t planned on doing much sock knitting then, but her designs intrigued me.
kitrin said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:20 pm
Wendy Johnson.
Eloise said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:23 pm
Ariel Altaras. I’ve loved every sock pattern I’ve knit by her.
Sarah said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:24 pm
Cookie A FTW
Barbara said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:25 pm
Wendy D. Johnson and Nancy Bush. And Ann Budd. Just love her all encompassing Knitter’s Handy Books! Oh, and Janel Laidman, too.
Carolyn said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:26 pm
Wendy Johnson
Jenny said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:26 pm
depends on what I’m knitting, but I keep going back to Evelyn Clark shawls.
Amy said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:27 pm
I’m still fairly new to knitting, so I don’t know all of the designers, but someday I do want to make some of Anne Hanson’s cardigans.
Ashley W said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:28 pm
Absolutely Anne Hanson!
Ruth Ellen said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:29 pm
Right now it’s a toss up between Wendy D. and Cookie A.
Liz said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:29 pm
I go back and forth between a few different designers. My top choices are Elsebeth Lavold, Norah Gaughan and for socks Janel Laidman
Jill said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:31 pm
EZ!
Amber said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:32 pm
Anne Hanson! I love her new henley pattern.
MARYLU said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:33 pm
I think Wendy Bernard and Anne Hanson of Knitspot are my two most favorite knitwear designers. Their patterns are fresh and fun!!!!
Jenny T said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:33 pm
Ann Budd for her clear instructions. Alice Starmore just for looking at her books.
Beth said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:33 pm
Anne Hanson.
Jenna said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:35 pm
Anne Hanson, because I love knitting her sock patterns. I have my eye on some of her shawls as well.
knittylynn said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:36 pm
Hmm so many! I think Anne Hanson!
Kat Jorgensen said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:36 pm
Favorite designer – easy – ANNE HANSON!!!!
Tanya said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:36 pm
Jared Flood is my favorite. It’s not even my Brooklyn bias speaking! I really dig his designs and look forward to knitting more and more of them (Redhook vest is my very first sweater, and it’s coming along so nicely, I know it’s largely in thanks to him!)
Maybe he’s so good ’cause he has access to the best pizza in the world…
Tammy said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:38 pm
Hmm, favorite designer, that’s a hard one! Probably Annie Modesitt, even though I haven’t yet made anything by her. I do have several patterns. Ysolda Teague is another one that I really like.
April said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:39 pm
Right now, I’m a big fan of Veronik Avery, and Stephanie van der Linden’s socks (her other stuff is gorgeous too, of course, but I’m obsessed with the socks!)
Vicki Heidy said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:40 pm
EZ!! So simple and so brillant!
Carol Hughes said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:40 pm
Can’t pick just one – each of these for their styles- Carol Sunday, Jared Flood and Ysolda – I wouldn’t really need any other designers though there are lots I enjoy.
Pat said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:41 pm
Susan Pandorf of Sunflower Designs is my favorite designer. She has beautiful lace designs that I drool over all the time.
HeatherB said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:43 pm
I seem to knit mostly socks…I like Cookie A. when I want to be challenged and I like Wendy Johnson for toe up.
Anna Cruz said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:47 pm
I don’t think it’s possible to be on Ravelry and only have one favorite designer. I love Wendy of wendyknits, Romi, Anne Hanson, and so on and so forth. So many patterns, so little time!
Dawn said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:47 pm
I have to first say Amy Singer..I’m in LOVE with her Tuscany pattern. My personal second is Samantha Roshak. Her designs are simple enough to be TV knitting yet come out beautiful!
mitzi said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:48 pm
So many great choices… Anne Hanson, Jared Flood, Cookie A….
Diane said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:50 pm
Anne Hanson…she’s brilliant!
Julianne Wilson said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:51 pm
My first pair of “fancy” socks were Cookie A’s . . .so I’ll always have a soft spot in my heart for her!
theo said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:52 pm
Anne Hanson is my favorite today. C: Especially the new Henley..
Alexis said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:52 pm
Who is your favorite knitwear designer? I don’t know really, Fiber Dreams or Cookie A I suppose.
Dawn said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:53 pm
Anne Hanson for sweaters, shawls, and scarves. Cookie A for socks!
Michele said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:56 pm
Anne Hanson-I seem to finish her patterns the most. And Wendy Johnson-her shawlettes are amazing and EASY.
Mary K. said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:56 pm
Anne Hanson’s socks and top down sweaters by Bonne Marie Burns of Chic Knits.
Mary said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:57 pm
Hadley Fierlinger. Gotta love those sweet baby things!
Kathy said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:57 pm
I like many designers so no one special.
Cheryl said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:57 pm
There are so many different designers it’s hard to pick just one. I think it often tends to depend on who I am knitting for. When it comes to socks I have to admit that I probably use more of Monica Jines patterns then any other. Recently discovered Debbie O’Neil and like her as well. I really like Wendy Johnson’s sock patterns but since I have not been able to master toe up socks I have been limited to the patterns that have directions for both top down or toe up.
Carrie said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:58 pm
I love love love Cookie and Wendy Johnson socks! I also love almost everything over at the Zephyr site as well!
Cathy said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:58 pm
Anne Hanson is my favorite. I was so looking forward to taking two of her classes at Spring Fling (and getting one of those great gift bags) but alas, thanks to the volcanic ash cloud over the UK, my hopes and dreams were dashed
Knittah said,
April 28, 2010 @ 6:58 pm
My favorite knitwear designed is Kate Gilbert!
Linda said,
April 28, 2010 @ 7:01 pm
There are so many!…not enough time
It’s a toss up between Stephanie Pearl-McPhee and Chic Knits. Since I have more of the Chic Knits patterns, I’ll have to go with that one.
Linda
Deniasha said,
April 28, 2010 @ 7:03 pm
Which one, which one? So many fabulous designers out there. If I have to pick just one I would have to say Cookie A. Her socks are amazing and make me feel like a Knitter with a capital “K” after I mentioned to complete a pair even if it does take me forever.
Jennifer said,
April 28, 2010 @ 7:05 pm
I’m a huge fan of Yarn Girls… they haven’t published anything yet that I dislike!
Jeanne said,
April 28, 2010 @ 7:05 pm
I really like socks by Cookie A & Wendy Johnson – I also like Evelyn Clark’s lace.
I’d love to get a gift bag, and when my kids are old enough to leave – or they’ve left – I’ll come to fling myself!
Juana said,
April 28, 2010 @ 7:05 pm
I find that I love them all. Lately I seem to knit more from Ysolda and Jared Flood because they have bright and appealing patterns. I love Cat Bordhi because I am a puzzle person but her last books were too much for me. And of course who does not love an Elizabeth Zimmerman pattern.
Jean Elmore said,
April 28, 2010 @ 7:05 pm
Jared Flood! I’m made many of his designs and love them all.
Catherine said,
April 28, 2010 @ 7:07 pm
Cookie A because I looove socks !!!!
Karen said,
April 28, 2010 @ 7:07 pm
Anne Hanson from Knitspot. Elizabeth Zimmerman. Susan Pandorf.
Allison said,
April 28, 2010 @ 7:08 pm
My favorites are Cookie A and Wendy Johnson, depending on whether I want my socks to be top down or toe up.
Kylene said,
April 28, 2010 @ 7:09 pm
Wendy Bernard. I love her sweaters!
julie said,
April 28, 2010 @ 7:09 pm
Hmm, so many great ones it would be hard to decide a favorite (but I will admit that Kate Gilbert and Cookie A would both be very near the top!).
Sarah said,
April 28, 2010 @ 7:10 pm
Probably Anne Hanson and Jared Flood…
Kathleen said,
April 28, 2010 @ 7:10 pm
So hard to pick just one! I love Anne Hanson’s lace, Norah Gaughan’s unusual structure, Cat Bordhi’s different way of looking at socks, and Cookie A’s socks are always amazing.
Charlotte said,
April 28, 2010 @ 7:11 pm
My favourite designer is Sally Melville.
allen said,
April 28, 2010 @ 7:13 pm
i love anne hanson, but her designs are a bit unattainable for me. they require more concentration that my brain typically has.
jared flood is a favorite because i love the way that his mind works. when i see his designs, i find myself saying – what a clever man he is!
my favorite is probably samantha roshak because her designs are totally doable for knitters at all levels and her cleverness is impressive as well. i also adore ysolda teague – what’s not to love there? she’s adorable and her work is too.
Carla in Mt said,
April 28, 2010 @ 7:17 pm
Right now, Anne Hanson, and her socks!!
Becky said,
April 28, 2010 @ 7:18 pm
My favorite designer is Ysolda Teague, hands down. All her designs are so cute and flattering!
Kim said,
April 28, 2010 @ 7:19 pm
I think my favorite designer, these days, is Debbie Bliss. But I will always love and admire Cat Bordhi.
Kim said,
April 28, 2010 @ 7:23 pm
Wendy Johnson and Debbie Bliss are my 2 faves!
Kim said,
April 28, 2010 @ 7:23 pm
I don’t have a favorite designer. So much depends on what I’m into at the time.
Michelle said,
April 28, 2010 @ 7:24 pm
Anne Hanson
Ysolda Teague
Charlene Schurch
Linda said,
April 28, 2010 @ 7:24 pm
There are many designers whose work I love. But first would be EZ, who freed me from slavishly following a pattern, and Cat Bordhi, for her creative architectures.
Robin Pearce said,
April 28, 2010 @ 7:25 pm
I’d say Cookie A. followed closely by Hansi Singh. Socks and toys, a good mix.
Cyndy said,
April 28, 2010 @ 7:26 pm
Hmmm…Bonne Marie Burns (ChicKnits), Kirsten Kapur (Through the Loops), and Ysolda.
ChristyH said,
April 28, 2010 @ 7:29 pm
If we have go into knit wear, I would say Kathy Zimmerman. I love her cabled sweaters. For socks which I knit all the time Cat Bordhi and Nancy Bush. Cat’s socks are just so fun and I love the traditional look of Nancy’s.
Diane said,
April 28, 2010 @ 7:30 pm
I really don’t have a favorite………..there are so many good designers and fun patterns!
Kathleen said,
April 28, 2010 @ 7:30 pm
My favorite is Debbie Bliss.
KellyD said,
April 28, 2010 @ 7:32 pm
CookieA
Amanda said,
April 28, 2010 @ 7:34 pm
I’m totally into Cookie A socks at the moment. I want to knit them all.
Oraxia said,
April 28, 2010 @ 7:34 pm
Oh dear, that’s difficult. I have a particular weakness for Evelyn Clark’s shawls, and I like quite a few of Wendy Knits’ designs, but I don’t know if either really qualifies as a favorite.
I may not actually have a favorite knitwear designer, but my favorite knitting designer is definitely Hansi Singh–I’m a sucker for amigurumi
JulieM said,
April 28, 2010 @ 7:38 pm
There is no way I can name just one — I love Anne Hanson’s designs as well as Wendy Johnson’s and Cookie A’s socks and I’ve just started a project with Renee Leverington and finished a Janine Le Cras design that was fantastic!
Tori said,
April 28, 2010 @ 7:38 pm
That’s tough. I am an Ann Hanson fan for sure.
Lynn E. Bruff said,
April 28, 2010 @ 7:39 pm
Hi,
I don’t have one, yet. I have knit socks using a generic pattern. I feel like I am ready to branch out and try a designer. Lynn
Sheri said,
April 28, 2010 @ 7:40 pm
I think right now my favorite designer would be Susan B. Anderson.
Sheri from KY
julieanne said,
April 28, 2010 @ 7:41 pm
I love Wendy Johnson and Cookie A, although I rarely knit either of their patterns. Socks are usually my take-along knitting, and the complicated charts of Cookie’s socks are too much for me to carry and do. I also don’t use solids, so my yarns will match more outfits. With Wendy’s patterns, I’m very much a top down girl. I’ve thought about converting her patterns, or just doing them upside down, but I don’t know how hard that would be.
Heather H. said,
April 28, 2010 @ 7:42 pm
I rarely don’t like WendyKints stuff.
Andrea king said,
April 28, 2010 @ 7:42 pm
I would pick cookie a
thank you
Tara said,
April 28, 2010 @ 7:42 pm
There are so many to choose from, but currently I think it is Anne Hansen.
Jackie said,
April 28, 2010 @ 7:44 pm
Honestly, I can’t pick a favorite. I always love what I’m currently knitting and look for other patterns from that designer. There are just so many to appreciate out there!
Michelle said,
April 28, 2010 @ 7:47 pm
I like Wendy Johnson. I like Jared Flood. There are so many more out there. Thanks for offering us non-attendees a chance to win the Spring Fling bag!
Kathie said,
April 28, 2010 @ 7:48 pm
Sharon Winsauer lace is some of my favorites.
Ruth Ann said,
April 28, 2010 @ 7:50 pm
Anne Hanson’s patterns are lovely. Wendy Johnson’s patterns give me confidence.
Maria said,
April 28, 2010 @ 7:51 pm
I’m an Anne Hanson fan. I think I’ve knit about a dozen of her lace projects. Maplewing is beyond amazing!!!
sara b said,
April 28, 2010 @ 7:52 pm
For socks I really like Cookie A. and for other things I think Ysolda is quite talented.
Kristi said,
April 28, 2010 @ 7:53 pm
Umm, how about a list?
1) Anne Hanson
2) Connie Chang Chinchio
3) Laura Chau
4) Kirsten Kapur
5) Diane Soucy
GinkgoKnits said,
April 28, 2010 @ 7:53 pm
I think it’s impossible for me to have just one favorite since I like to knit a wide variety of things (though Nancy Bush’s Estonian Lace book is my most used pattern source).
Truth be told me favorite designer is Me! I make up my own patterns for simple items and have no hesitation to try any change a design. There are so many good resources for learning how to individualize one’s knitting that there’s no reason not to.
Marcia said,
April 28, 2010 @ 7:54 pm
Anne hansen. Love her lace shawl patterns!!
regina said,
April 28, 2010 @ 7:54 pm
Kate Gilbert, hands down. I also like a lot of other designers, but if I had to pick one, it’s got to be Kate.
Jane said,
April 28, 2010 @ 7:56 pm
Wendy Johnson beause I want to do all her patterns and Anne Hanson because she makes everything look so inviting. Want to make all her designs.
Beth said,
April 28, 2010 @ 7:59 pm
Right now, because I’m knitting so much for my 1 yr old niece, Susan B. Anderson. That said, I have a LONG list of favorite designers.. this was a fun question!
Elaine said,
April 28, 2010 @ 8:01 pm
Another vote for Anne Hanson. I love her clever constructions, subtle and easy but interesting patterns and cuff-down sock construction.
Barbara Berliner said,
April 28, 2010 @ 8:05 pm
Ann Budd for the clarity of her instructions. Nancy Bush for history of knitting and design. Guess, I haven’t met one I didn’t like.
Megan said,
April 28, 2010 @ 8:09 pm
I would say that so far my favorite designer is Wendy of WendyKnits. I am just starting to knit shawls and I love her one-skein shawls with sock yarn. I also LOVE her socks and am pretty much a die-hard Wendy fan.
Moe said,
April 28, 2010 @ 8:11 pm
Anne Hanson for me too. I love her designs and her patterns are easy to read and follow. And her blog is fun too!
Bettie Perry said,
April 28, 2010 @ 8:11 pm
A vote for Laura Chau. Her shawl pattern turned out great!
Aimee said,
April 28, 2010 @ 8:13 pm
Miriam Felton for shawls and wraps!
Kay said,
April 28, 2010 @ 8:13 pm
Anne Hanson!!!
Susan said,
April 28, 2010 @ 8:13 pm
Do I have to pick just one? Right now I’m into Diane Soucy of Knitting Pure and Simple. But I also love Anne Hanson and Sivia Harding for lace. Then of course, Ysiolda. Don’t forget Gudrun too… And Cheri at c2knits. Oh, and Kristen Nicholas for colorwork. Whew! Better stop now…
Candace Williams said,
April 28, 2010 @ 8:15 pm
Right now I’m having a ball with Wendy Johnson’s shawlettes. Also love Cookie A’s sock designs.
K Floyd said,
April 28, 2010 @ 8:15 pm
Wendy Bernard!!!!
Nancy said,
April 28, 2010 @ 8:16 pm
Robin Melanson
Pat K said,
April 28, 2010 @ 8:17 pm
Anne Hanson, hands down!
Carolyn said,
April 28, 2010 @ 8:19 pm
I can’t pick just one, so I’ll have to say Anne Hanson, Jared Flood, and Ysolda. And no one can design socks like Cookie!
Laura L said,
April 28, 2010 @ 8:19 pm
Hmm, hard to choose just one. It’s probably Elizabeth Zimmerman, though Jared Flood has some really nice designs also.
Judy Laquidara said,
April 28, 2010 @ 8:21 pm
Melinda Goodfellow of Yankee Knitter since I’ve only made socks and only using her pattern! I should try to do something else!
Lorna said,
April 28, 2010 @ 8:23 pm
It changes, but right now Miriam Felton (of icarus fame) and Ysolda Teague even though I’m having Ishbel issues at the moment.
Carol F said,
April 28, 2010 @ 8:24 pm
I love Anne because her patterns have inspired me to try lace, and with great success. Cookie’s book was my inspiration to knit socks, and I’ve loved every pair. We are so blessed to have so many to choose from!
Eric said,
April 28, 2010 @ 8:25 pm
I like Jared Flood – he’s got some great sweaters, hats & scarves.
Helen said,
April 28, 2010 @ 8:26 pm
Wow, so hard to choose–Laura Chau, Ysolda, for color work Kaffe Fassett, and a new young designer whose designs are fun and whimsical-Alex Tinsley. i”m not sure I would have even heard of these designers if it weren’t for Ravelry. Thanks again Jesse and Casey–we can never thank you enough for what you have done for us! And thank you Sheri for the Loopy Ewe!
Mindy said,
April 28, 2010 @ 8:27 pm
I love Norah Gaughan’s designs.
AnneS said,
April 28, 2010 @ 8:27 pm
I love Anne Hanson’s shawl patterns and Wendy D. Johnson’s sock patterns.
Michelle H said,
April 28, 2010 @ 8:30 pm
It depends on what I am knitting. I like several so I will answer I don’t know…
Shari Blakey said,
April 28, 2010 @ 8:31 pm
Sooooooo many wonderfully creative and talented designers to choose from but Jared Flood is outstanding-beautiful designs and photos of them-just so inspiring; and Nancy Bush for someone who has such a range of professional skills to inspire but has a sense of humor and is down-to-earth.
Jennie said,
April 28, 2010 @ 8:34 pm
Cookie A!
Cindy said,
April 28, 2010 @ 8:35 pm
Jared Flood. Love his designs!
JoanC said,
April 28, 2010 @ 8:36 pm
It is hard to pick, but I like Cookie A socks. I’ve also been putting a lot of Anne Hanson’s patterns in my Ravelry queue.
Dottie said,
April 28, 2010 @ 8:41 pm
It’s hard to pick just one, but I think Norah Gaughan is the bee’s knees.
Gail said,
April 28, 2010 @ 8:42 pm
It’s really tough to choose just one favorite designer – it depends on what I’m in the mood to knit. I’ve probably learned the most from Elizabeth Zimmerman, Sally Melville, Charlene Schurch and Ann Budd. They’ve helped me expand my knitting horizons.
Heather said,
April 28, 2010 @ 8:42 pm
I have to say that I don’t really have one. I could see a pattern from a designer that I love and they could have other patterns that I don’t care for. I do enjoy a few patterns from Jared Flood. But I wouldn’t say that he was my favorite. There are so many to choose from.
Donna said,
April 28, 2010 @ 8:43 pm
Evelyn Clark, Jared Flood (so classy) and Anne Hanson (how does she do it?)
Samantha M. said,
April 28, 2010 @ 8:43 pm
Hmmm…. choosing just one favorite knitwear designer is really tough. The best I can do is narrow it down to two, Anne Hanson and Wendy Johnson.
Darci said,
April 28, 2010 @ 8:44 pm
Certainly Anne Hanson….and I love Wendy from Knit and Tonic.
Michelle said,
April 28, 2010 @ 8:46 pm
Elizabeth Zimmerman… I love the BSJ
Charissa said,
April 28, 2010 @ 8:51 pm
I’m all about the socks so I’d have to start with Cookie A. Closely followed by Stephanie van der Linden, Janel Laidman, Judy Walker and two of my favorite not-so-big (yet!) designers Nicole Masson and Heatherly Walker.
Diane said,
April 28, 2010 @ 8:53 pm
I have so far only knit a hat and scarf designed by him but I would have to say Jared Flood – my reason is because on his blog – he just puts so much thoughtful reasoning and creative passion into what he does no matter what the project size. I love to read about his yarn choices and why he chose to knit whichever project he had completed. His photography of his work is also very artistic and inspirational. His designs, knit projects, photos, and what he writes all mesh together more than very well. To me he’s the Andrew and Jamie Wyeth of knitting.
diane said,
April 28, 2010 @ 8:55 pm
At the moment, I’m into socks, so I will say Wendy Johnson.
Thanks for the fun contests!
Marianne said,
April 28, 2010 @ 8:58 pm
Cookie A. Her socks are so fun! I also love Ysolda Teague and Connie Chang Chinchio.
Michelle said,
April 28, 2010 @ 8:58 pm
Anne Hanson.
Geraldine Scott said,
April 28, 2010 @ 9:00 pm
I haven’t been knitting long enough to have a favorite designer yet. But, please, enter me into the contest! Maybe next time you ask, I’ll have one!
Shannon said,
April 28, 2010 @ 9:03 pm
Gosh I don’t think i can pick one. I have some Favs though.. Anne Hanson, Ysolda, Jared
Adrienne said,
April 28, 2010 @ 9:07 pm
Kim Hargreaves! Her designs are beautiful.
Kathy said,
April 28, 2010 @ 9:08 pm
I don’t have a favorite designer, either. I don’t knit a lot of things from patterns. I usually prefer to wing it.
Gretchen said,
April 28, 2010 @ 9:08 pm
My favorite designer is Kate Gilbert. Lovely ideas and beautifully done.
Christel said,
April 28, 2010 @ 9:09 pm
You like to make things hard don’t you! I really enjoy Wendy Johnson, Jared Flood and Cookie A.
katfish said,
April 28, 2010 @ 9:09 pm
I enjoy the patterns of so many designers, and I love the socks my grandma designed for me. I love the patterns I create for myself.
But, of all the knit designers, my favorite:
Elizabeth Zimmerman
Beth said,
April 28, 2010 @ 9:10 pm
Anne Hanson, Elizabeth Zimmerman, but really most everyone has designs I either love or can learn something from…
Jan Johnson said,
April 28, 2010 @ 9:12 pm
I like Norah Gaughan, Anne Hanson, and Bonnie Marie Burns (ChicKnits). The Knitting Pure and Simple designer is also great!
Dee said,
April 28, 2010 @ 9:13 pm
There are lots of good designers out there. I like Jared Flood because he really just loves the knitting process, but my favorite designer is Ysolda Teague. Her patterns are so clever and clearly written. Even when I’m kind of questioning the next step if I just trust and follow the pattern everything works out.
SusanB said,
April 28, 2010 @ 9:17 pm
Since I am so addicted to knitting socks and there are so many designers I like, I’ll go with Cookie A as my number one choice. I just finished knitting “eunice” and love them!
Lauren said,
April 28, 2010 @ 9:18 pm
I can’t pick just one…there is just so much talent in the knitting world right now…but my favorites are Cookie A, Wendy Johnson, Anne Hanson and Bonne Marie Burns.
Lindsey S. said,
April 28, 2010 @ 9:18 pm
I love Suvi S. – she’s Finnish, and she writes very simple but striking patterns for adults *and* kids.
Erin M. said,
April 28, 2010 @ 9:18 pm
Cookie A., her socks are too gorgeous for words!
Kim said,
April 28, 2010 @ 9:21 pm
Lorna Miser of Lorna’s Laces and Cookie A. They both have beautiful and thoughtful designs.
Clare said,
April 28, 2010 @ 9:26 pm
Has to be Elizabeth Zimmerman – she is a genius.
I also enjoy Ann Hanson’s designs and patterns.
Cindy said,
April 28, 2010 @ 9:29 pm
I love Ilga Leja. I like the lacieness of most of her patterns.
Jean said,
April 28, 2010 @ 9:29 pm
Can’t say I have a favorite designer – but I always look forward to the newest Knitty mag online! And EZ is a genius – the baby surprise sweater makes me feel in awe no matter how many times I knit it.
Lynn said,
April 28, 2010 @ 9:35 pm
I love Cookie A!
Celeste said,
April 28, 2010 @ 9:35 pm
Definitely Anne Hanson. I love seeing her design process on the blog
Katrina said,
April 28, 2010 @ 9:43 pm
Wendy Johnson and Cookie a!!
Manda said,
April 28, 2010 @ 9:45 pm
I have two favorite designers because I really can’t choose! I love designs by Laura Chau (Cosmicpluto) and Ysolda Teague. I think I have all of their patterns on my wishlist or actually purchased and in my pattern library! THey’re classic!
kelsey said,
April 28, 2010 @ 9:46 pm
I love Wendy Johnson’s designs– her Seaweed Socks were the first I ever completed, and her toe-up gusset/heels fit me better than any other I’ve knit, toe-up or cuff-down.
Katy said,
April 28, 2010 @ 9:46 pm
Bonne Marie Burns from Chicknits.
Katy in Texas
JaneB said,
April 28, 2010 @ 9:47 pm
At the moment it’s got to be Wendy J (Johnson) for me. There are others that have a pattern or two I adore but it’s rare to see a WendyKnits pattern I don’t like.
Malia said,
April 28, 2010 @ 9:50 pm
Favorite Designer. Hmmmm. Norah Gaughan for sweaters, Jared Flood and Knitspot for Shawls, Cookie A for Socks. And I also like Through the Loops. And Born Knitting. And West Knits (gorgeous shawls)…..really I was only supposed to choose one? Oh, and WendyKnits!
Nancy said,
April 28, 2010 @ 9:56 pm
I don’t have a favorite knitwear designer, but I love looking at and admiring photos of items that I know I’ll never make. I just keep buying and stashing yarn. I suppose that’s a good thing. I do enjoy browsing knitting magazines.
Lisa said,
April 28, 2010 @ 9:57 pm
Elizabeth Zimmerman, Meg Swanson, Jared Flood…..
Bev Love aka paletpc said,
April 28, 2010 @ 10:01 pm
Anna Dalvi (Knit and Knag) lace; Alice & Jade Starmore sweaters; and Cookie A socks
Linda said,
April 28, 2010 @ 10:04 pm
I love Ann Hanson shawl patterns, and Terry Ross sock patterns! Hard to pick just one designer!
Kym Hretz said,
April 28, 2010 @ 10:04 pm
I totally have a crush on Stephen West patterns right now. I have a hard time not putting them all in my que!
carol said,
April 28, 2010 @ 10:05 pm
I am inspired by Alice Starmore and Norah Naughan. Since I learned to knit before I could read I just knit and shape as I go. I truly admire those who think things through first. Oh does Sharon Miller and Galina Khmeleva count?
Carol
Lisa said,
April 28, 2010 @ 10:09 pm
Miriam Felton for the win!!!!!! With Darling Anne Hansen right behind.
Sarah said,
April 28, 2010 @ 10:14 pm
So many I can’t pick just one, so i’ll narrow it down to 5! Wendy Johnson, Marjan Hammink, Ysolda, Cookie, Elizabeth Zimmerman are all very inspiring to me!
SIdney said,
April 28, 2010 @ 10:18 pm
it’s really hard to pick! But based on what I have knit and loved-Nancy Bush, JC Briar, or Cookie probably
Ellen said,
April 28, 2010 @ 10:24 pm
I don’t have one, but I do regularly browse Ravelry to look for ideas and patterns. I love seeing things made up in different yarns!
ABitterKnitter said,
April 28, 2010 @ 10:29 pm
I love Anne Hanson’s patterns… not that I’m anywhere near that level, but they are absolutely stunning… I covet them every time I read her blog.
Cheryl said,
April 28, 2010 @ 10:35 pm
I’m too new to have a real favorite designer: except I have done some Debbie Bliss and love her magazine. The patterns are too complicated for me most of the time, but they are beautiful. I’m getting there, so next year I will have done several other designer’s patterns and can let you know who I like best!
I received my Sanguine Gryphon order today and it is beautiful. Now, what to make with it?
rohanknitter said,
April 28, 2010 @ 10:36 pm
Boy that’s a tough one, but the first name that comes to mind is Anne Hanson – I love everything she designs and her patterns are so clear and well-written.
Kathy said,
April 28, 2010 @ 10:38 pm
Apparently I am like so many others before me, in that I really do not have a particular favorite. I do like Bonnie Marie Burns of Chic Knits and I have even started and finished some Wendy D Johnson socks so they are right up there. Cat Borhdi and her mobius baskets sure are interesting also.
suzanne said,
April 28, 2010 @ 10:39 pm
EZ, Cookie A, Jared Flood, Kate Gilbert….who can choose? I love knitwear!
Eli said,
April 28, 2010 @ 10:40 pm
I am a huge fan of Wendy Johnson’s blog and books. It is thanks to her incredibly detailed pattern that I have a toe up sock addiction!
Valerie said,
April 28, 2010 @ 10:40 pm
Ooooh la la! Look at those lovely goodie bags! I admire a lot of designers, but I really favour Nancy Bush designs. Even if I knit them toe-up instead.
Rachel said,
April 28, 2010 @ 10:44 pm
I’ve knit lots of different items, but socks are definitely my favorite. And I can’t decide between my two favorite designers, and I like them both for very different reasons.
I love Nancy Bush’s sock patterns- they just have a great classic look to them. I like they they evoke the motifs and color combinations of traditional handknit socks- I feel even more connected to knitting as a centuries old endeavor.
And I love Cat Bordhi’s New Pathways designs for the innovative construction, and the way that allows you to play around with the classics!
Cindy B said,
April 28, 2010 @ 10:50 pm
It is hard to pick just one. My favorite designers are Anne Hanson, Connie Chang Chinchio, and Liz Abinante.
MissyT (on Ravelry) said,
April 28, 2010 @ 11:02 pm
I can’t decide on just one. I’m knitting my second sweater designed by Wendy Bernard. The first turned out to be such a great fit – I can’t wait to see how my current project works out! My favorite sock designer is currently Cookie A. She has so many great designs that look great and are fun to knit – I finally jumped on the band wagon about 6 months ago and knit my first Monkey’s and was hooked after that!
Mary said,
April 28, 2010 @ 11:08 pm
Hands down, Wendy!
Natalia said,
April 28, 2010 @ 11:12 pm
I have been getting in to designing my own stuff more and more lately… so I guess i have to say I’m my own favorite designer right now.
suzanne said,
April 28, 2010 @ 11:14 pm
knitspot..love her patterns and charts..she makes it so easy
bellatulips said,
April 28, 2010 @ 11:15 pm
I’m rather enamoured of Ysolda’s designs… haven’t knit many of them as yet, but I find myself collecting them all for that ‘someday’ when I get to them!
Maria said,
April 28, 2010 @ 11:16 pm
Favorite designer? That’s a tough one.
I really like Emily Johnson of Family Trunk Project. Her designs are fantastic in their own right, but they get even better when you read the stories behind them, and the motivation behind the project in general.
Daniella said,
April 28, 2010 @ 11:22 pm
Fun question to answer to try to win that amazing Loopy goody bag!
So many great designers out there, but my asbsolute favorite is Ysolda Teague, followed by WendyKnits
Lael said,
April 28, 2010 @ 11:27 pm
I guess I haven’t been knitting long enough to have a favorite designer – mostly I look for simple lines – or pretty lace!
Lisette Luchini said,
April 28, 2010 @ 11:36 pm
I don’t have a favorite designer,just probably the one I’m knitting on at the time, until of course the next project starts. I do like the Wonderful Wallaby patterns I knit sweatshirts for the grandkids. Actually my daughter wore one all through Europe when she studied there.
Rhona said,
April 28, 2010 @ 11:37 pm
For socks, Cookie A. I taught myself to knit socks with her Monkey pattern, and then, because I didn’t know any better, I knit her Pomatomus pattern for my second pair. Someone on ravelry then told me that if I successfully knit those patterns, then I could knit any pair of socks! I’ve been knitting my way through her sock patterns ever since – I love the stitch definition!
Jill Love said,
April 29, 2010 @ 12:09 am
Kristin Kapur (through the loops)
Emiko said,
April 29, 2010 @ 12:10 am
although I’ve yet to knit any of his patterns (yet), I’m really inspired by Jared Flood’s designs. It doesn’t hurt that his photography skills showing the project is amazing too!
But Cookie’s sock designs are also ones I absolutely love.
It’s really hard to choose one, isn’t it?
may said,
April 29, 2010 @ 12:12 am
Norah Gaughan! I love everything she designs!
jessica said,
April 29, 2010 @ 12:26 am
Wow, knitwear designer? I’ve only made one knit top – but I have lots i’d like to make and they are all from different people!
Sounds like the fling was awesome this year!
If you’re talking socks, I like Wendy’s sock patterns… but then most of mine are knit on an antique csm.. enjoy MS&W!
Jennifer said,
April 29, 2010 @ 12:34 am
I dont have one really, but if I had to pick I wouldhave to go with debbie bliss, she does some relly lovely bby things.
Tracey said,
April 29, 2010 @ 12:35 am
my favorite knit designer is anna hrachovec of mochimochi land. her designs are ridiculously cute and fun to knit. but since she only makes toys, not knit wear per se.
for truly wearable items, i pick nancy bush as my favorite. oh how i wish i had the time to knit up everything she has designed!
Malin said,
April 29, 2010 @ 12:41 am
Anne Hanson of Knitspot!
Theresa said,
April 29, 2010 @ 1:17 am
Ohh, I couldn’t pick. There are so many great designers out there!
Lisa said,
April 29, 2010 @ 1:48 am
I dont think I have a favorite – I’m an equal opportunity knitter =)
bobigail said,
April 29, 2010 @ 2:21 am
I am a big lace fan, so MMario and Herbert Neibling are rocking my world at the moment. I am also a big fan of Tikru – I want to wear everything she has ever designed!
NerdGirl said,
April 29, 2010 @ 2:44 am
I love so many that picking a favorite seems unfair. However, life is unfair so I will pick one: Jared Flood.
Becky said,
April 29, 2010 @ 2:55 am
My favorite designer(s) is whoever is behind Vermont Fiber Designs. I like the style of most of their patterns, and all the patterns come in sizes from very small to very large.
Melanie said,
April 29, 2010 @ 3:13 am
Depends – for socks, Cookie A. For sweaters, it’d be a dead heat between Wendy Bernard and Connie Chang Chinchao (I hope I spelled that right!)
Fiona said,
April 29, 2010 @ 3:20 am
Kim Hargreaves – shse designs sthe most beautifully falttering knitwear I wear:)
Fiona said,
April 29, 2010 @ 3:21 am
That should read FLATTERING, of course! Doh!
Mary said,
April 29, 2010 @ 4:25 am
Cookie A for socks, many generations of Latvian knitters for mittens, and Jared Flood for almost everything he’s designed.
Natasha said,
April 29, 2010 @ 4:39 am
My favorite designer is Meg Swansen. I think I love her because she’s such an awesome teacher as well.
Dawn said,
April 29, 2010 @ 5:04 am
That’s such a hard question. How about a few in my Ravelry queue? Wendy Bernard, Bonne Marie Burns, Alison Jeppson Hyde or my Projects page? Laura Aylor, Wendy Johnson, Terri Lee Royea, Emily Jagos, Rachel van Schie, Amy Gaines.
Sonya said,
April 29, 2010 @ 5:14 am
For FI and cables, Alice Starmore. But I’m on a sock kick at the moment so CookieA, for sure, and I’m really enjoying Wendy Johnson’s new sock book.
Carolyn said,
April 29, 2010 @ 5:23 am
Shirley Paden! Her new book is amazing and she is coming to a LYS nearby and I can not wait to get her to sign my copy of her book.
Beth said,
April 29, 2010 @ 5:30 am
cookie a!
jane said,
April 29, 2010 @ 5:31 am
Anne Hanson although I love to reread Elizabeth Zimmerman for the challenge
Ruth Anne said,
April 29, 2010 @ 5:35 am
Anne Hanson! I think I have almost every pattern she’s ever written – I know I have all the scarf patterns. And she’s an absolutely delightful person to boot.
Loraine Boyce said,
April 29, 2010 @ 5:39 am
Cookie A. I am huge into socks right now. They are the perfect project for on the go and with 3 little ones it seems to be go go go.
Karin said,
April 29, 2010 @ 5:43 am
My favorite designer is Cookie A. I love her sock patterns.
Karin
Anoriell said,
April 29, 2010 @ 5:44 am
Though I’m not new to the world of knitting, the world of designers is uncharted territory for me! Or was, until I discovered Ravlery. So out with the random scarf and simple knit & purl stitches … time to go play in the “big kids” sandbox and tackle new things. I’ve come across many great designers since but would have to say that I’ve a penchant for anything Jared Flood. I mean, that Girasole … and the new Juneberry Triangle?! Simply gorgeous.
Thank you for this generous giveaway!
pattie said,
April 29, 2010 @ 5:45 am
Zimmerman(Eliz And Kathy), Wendy Johnson, Anne Hanson, Jared Flood, CookieA, Jordana Paige, I could go on and on.
I REALLY want to go to Spring Fling one of these times!!
Robin said,
April 29, 2010 @ 5:45 am
This is hard! I love Ysolda and Jared Flood. They are both so creative and their patterns are so easy to follow.
Hope to see you at MSW!
valerie said,
April 29, 2010 @ 5:50 am
i think of patterns like recipes. i don’t really pay attention to the author so much as the result, so i don’t remember anyone’s name. when i buy books, i tend to buy theme books (or compilations) rather than one designer’s stuff. so, i guess that’s a long way of saying no one.
Jacquie said,
April 29, 2010 @ 5:51 am
I love Ann Hanson’s designs. She inspires me.
Ysolda comes a very close second.
Carolyn said,
April 29, 2010 @ 6:11 am
Hi Sheri,
For sweaters and such, my favorite designer would have to Be Elizabeth Zimmerman. Her basic designs are so classic, and they can be modified to be plain or fancy.
For socks, it’s a tie between Cookie A., and Wendy Johnson. Have to make more socks to decide!
Kristi Sabin said,
April 29, 2010 @ 6:14 am
At the moment, I am loving the designs of Cookie A, Anne Hanson, Ysolda Teague and Kristin Kapur.
Kristi
Laura said,
April 29, 2010 @ 6:16 am
This is a hard question!
I very much like Connie Chang Chinchio, but also am entranced by the designs of Ysolda Teague as well.
Linda Shields said,
April 29, 2010 @ 6:17 am
I knit mostly socks, but for the occassional garment it’s Julie Weisenberger – Cocoknits. Simple, elegant, and designed for women’s “real” bodies.
Kristin said,
April 29, 2010 @ 6:22 am
Cookie A, Anne Hanson, Yarnissima, Jared Flood and Susan Pandorf.
Arlene said,
April 29, 2010 @ 6:34 am
I’d have to say Anne Hanson – she’s fabulous!
Karin said,
April 29, 2010 @ 6:43 am
I love Elizabeth Zimmerman. She was brilliant in her designs. I also love her witty writting style. What a personality!
Shannan said,
April 29, 2010 @ 6:48 am
Do I really have to pick just one? Ok…right now my fav designer is Renee Leverington. Her Mystery Shawls are so much fun!
Tamara said,
April 29, 2010 @ 6:53 am
I really love Spilly Jane for her mitten patterns!
Dawn Draper said,
April 29, 2010 @ 6:59 am
Have fun at MDSW! Choosing a favorite designer is difficult…I think my answer will change every week. I love Anne Hanson’s patterns, and I have a hard time staying away from her online shop. This week, I am completely in love with Jared Flood’s latest shawl pattern. I keep visiting the BrooklynTweed blog to look at the photos of it! I guess I can’t choose just one.
Teri said,
April 29, 2010 @ 7:04 am
I have to choose? Like many others, I like Anne Hanson. Susan Pandorf is amazing and some day I hope to “grow up” and knit some of her patterns. I have made quite a few Kirsten Kapur patterns, so she goes on the list. Love the Ampersand socks! I’ve got a lot of Ysolda’s patterns, but for some reason, I haven’t made it past Ishbel. Am going to try it for the third time, but maybe the yarn is telling me something.
enamarie said,
April 29, 2010 @ 7:13 am
At first I was going to say I didn’t have a favorite, but then I remembered that I have all of Sally Melville’s books.
Amanda said,
April 29, 2010 @ 7:22 am
It’s so hard to pick just one! I love wendyknits, CookieA, and Anne Hanson.
Robin said,
April 29, 2010 @ 7:24 am
MIriam Felton, and Cookie A are the ones that I have knit from more than once I think. I really like the Chic Knits also.
Barbara said,
April 29, 2010 @ 7:25 am
It’s hard to say, but Cookie A for her socks, Ann Hanson for her all around
designs and has anybody seen Susan Pandorf’s shawls; they are beautiful.
Grace said,
April 29, 2010 @ 7:29 am
Hmmm…I don’t know if I have a favorite but I do love Ysolda and Norah Gaughn.
Syd said,
April 29, 2010 @ 7:29 am
Besides EZ, and because of her, I love my own designs, I put just what I want and leave out what I do not!
Tabitha said,
April 29, 2010 @ 7:34 am
Anne Hanson & Miriam Felton are my favorites. Would love to win one of these goodies bags! Beautiful stuff
diana said,
April 29, 2010 @ 7:35 am
Elsebeth Lavold…enough said.
Courtney Thornton said,
April 29, 2010 @ 7:37 am
Sheri,
What about joining us @ Gryphon’s meet-up on Sat. at the MDS&W? Details on her blog.
C.
kaidy said,
April 29, 2010 @ 7:38 am
Norah Gaughan and Sally Melville are two of my favorite designers. Oh and Anne Hanson too! Wonderful designs!
Selma said,
April 29, 2010 @ 7:39 am
Hmmm, tough one. Of the newer crop of designers, I’d say it’s http://www.cocoknits.com/ AKA Julie Weisenberger. But I love Hanne Falkenberg, Kaffe Fassett, Alice Starmore, and so many others.
Shawnee said,
April 29, 2010 @ 7:42 am
I’m a big fan of Anne Hanson. Also, my thanks to everyone who designs sock patterns and then posts them on Ravelry for free!
LittleWit said,
April 29, 2010 @ 7:45 am
Ysolda. Hands down. Although umm I also love me some Connie Chang Chinchio. It’s like everything she designs was made for my body and my aesthetic. Ok just those two. Until I think a little longer then I could come up with some other favorites. Oh wait too late, Anne Hanson. Her charts are amazing and she produces such lovely items. Ok really I am done.
Donna Arne said,
April 29, 2010 @ 7:46 am
I love Anne Hanson’s sock patterns.
LisaPB said,
April 29, 2010 @ 7:47 am
Nancy Bush is a favorite sock designer and I am intrigued by Cookie A’s socks and plan to knit some soon.
Anne Hanson’s lace patterns are some of my favorites too.
Peggy said,
April 29, 2010 @ 7:54 am
Shirley Paden! Shirley Paden! Shirley Paden! Then Norah Gaughan and Veronik Avery.
Kelli said,
April 29, 2010 @ 7:55 am
I would have to say Anne Hanson of KnitSpot. Though I am by no means an exclusive knitter.
Michelle L said,
April 29, 2010 @ 7:56 am
There are so many from which to choose…but I have to say Wendy Johnson. I never tried socks before finding her patterns, and now I am addicted.
Christa K. said,
April 29, 2010 @ 7:59 am
I think that right now I have 2 favorites–Wendy Johnson for Socks, and then Liz Abinante for her patterns she made to go along with the characters from the TV show Bones.
Chenoa said,
April 29, 2010 @ 8:08 am
Anne Hanson – Knitspot.
Kathy Dailey said,
April 29, 2010 @ 8:18 am
More than one, I’m afraid;
Nancy Bush, Cookie A, Wendy Johnson, Bonne Marie Burns, Norah Gaughan. I could go on…. Sigh.
Kate said,
April 29, 2010 @ 8:19 am
Changes every day … today I’d say it’s Bonne Marie Burns (Chic Knits) for well-constructed timeless sweater patterns!
Joyce said,
April 29, 2010 @ 8:25 am
I don’t have a favorite designer. Most of the things I knit come from magazines and they use different people all the time.
Lisa Kay Wilson said,
April 29, 2010 @ 8:26 am
There are so many, it is hard to choose one, but I’ll always a special place in my heart for Sally Melville. I learned to knit using her book, “The Knit Stitch,” and I went to her classes in St. Louis a couple years ago. She is a super lady.
Happy Knitting,
Lisa Kay
Amy said,
April 29, 2010 @ 8:27 am
Connie Chang Chinchio and Wendy Bernard are my favorites lately! And since there are no socks from these women, I will say Cookie A.
So these are my top 3 as of this moment.
Holly said,
April 29, 2010 @ 8:28 am
I don’t have a favorite designer right now.
deb said,
April 29, 2010 @ 8:28 am
I am still a new knitter, so I don’t have a favorite designer as yet. I enjoy looking at all the great patterns available and planning to knit them all (as if I had the time).
Kimberly said,
April 29, 2010 @ 8:33 am
My current favourite designer is Stephen West; his scarves/shawls are awesome!
Irma Keller said,
April 29, 2010 @ 8:36 am
Too many to mention, but lately they are: Marianne Isager, Wendy Johnson, and Anne Hanson. It all depends on what I’m knitting at the moment!
Rosann said,
April 29, 2010 @ 8:44 am
I don’t have one favorite desingner. Currently I am working on Sweet Jazz by Samantha Roshak.
Del said,
April 29, 2010 @ 8:52 am
Wendy and Jared – no last names needed
Brenda said,
April 29, 2010 @ 8:54 am
My favs are Elizabeth Zimmerman, Kaffe Fassett, and Alice Starmore. I also like Anne Hanson, Wendy Johnson, and the ladies of Mason-Dixon. There is just too much knitting to do and not enough time!
im just lori said,
April 29, 2010 @ 8:55 am
Wendy Johnson. Oh, and Anne Hanson’s style–I just love it. And now I know how to make it work for me, thanks to her class. Wheee!
See you (maybe!) this weekend! Be ready for the HOT!
jeanne said,
April 29, 2010 @ 8:56 am
At the moment, I’m into knitting lace wraps so I’m going to choose….Anne Hanson, but that’s just this moment ☺
dragonfly7673 said,
April 29, 2010 @ 8:58 am
I admire many designers, Stephen West, Jared Flood, WendyKnits, Janine le Cras, Susan Pandorf, Cat Bordhi, Chrissy Gardiner, Cookie A… Some of them inspire me to try new things, some of them make me look at things differently and some of them make me want to pick up my needles and knit right NOW…. But I don’t think I can pick a favorite!
Brianna said,
April 29, 2010 @ 9:00 am
I have two favorite designers- that I can think of off the top of my head. I LOVE Anne Hanson’s stuff- I think I have 4 or 5 of her patterns in my queue
I also love Brigit Freyer (sp?), although I haven’t knit any of her patterns yet- she has such unique and cool shawl designs!
Jane Lippmann said,
April 29, 2010 @ 9:02 am
I admire more than one knitwear designer: Horst Schulz, Evelyn Clark, Elizabeth Zimmermann and Cheryl Oberle.
WendyT said,
April 29, 2010 @ 9:07 am
Hello! I knit a lot of socks from KnitSpot – - so I would say Anne Hanson gets my vote.
Suzie said,
April 29, 2010 @ 9:12 am
Wendy Johnson. I can’t wait to try her S (p) ocks pattern.
I’ll be at the MDSW festival this Saturday. I’m glad that they’ll have shearing for the sheep because it’s supposed to be in the upper 80′s!
Joline said,
April 29, 2010 @ 9:14 am
I love Elizabeth Zimmermann for her wit , her ability to see knitting in 3 D shapes like the BSJ and her wonderful books. She has in turn sponsored some of my other favorite designers like Jared Flood.
Hollis said,
April 29, 2010 @ 9:16 am
I am a fan of Ysolda Teague… I really like her style and the way she incorporates interesting features into her patterns. I’ve knit Veyla and Damson…and I’m about to cast on for two more of her patterns (once the semester is over!)
aknitontheside said,
April 29, 2010 @ 9:24 am
Hi, I think like most knitters that one is not enough (ie just 1 project on the needles, buying just 1 hand-dyed sock yarn – yeah, right).
I admire Norah Gaughan for the beauty and skill in her knitwear. For knits I would enjoy knitting – Wendy Bernard. I have several in mind from her Custom Knits book. For socks – Wendy Johnson. For fashionable, young styling, Ysolda Teague. There’s more but I’ll stop there.
Marge said,
April 29, 2010 @ 9:26 am
NO, NO! I started with two sheep and before long had TEN because those little lambs are so darn cute! Be happy with pictures; they don’t multiply.
lisa said,
April 29, 2010 @ 9:27 am
I love both Jared Flood and Ysolde Teague! I also really like Rebecca Danger
Laurie said,
April 29, 2010 @ 9:28 am
Right now, I love Susan Pandorf and Anne Hanson, but I also include old favorites like Alice Starmore and of course, EZ. Since I’d love to design, pretty much anyone who does is up there pretty high in my book!
Emily said,
April 29, 2010 @ 9:30 am
My favorite is Ann Hanson. Her patterns and her blog are so inspiring!
Syd said,
April 29, 2010 @ 9:32 am
I do love Franklin Wise!
Beverly W. said,
April 29, 2010 @ 9:34 am
Anne Hanson and Jared Flood!!!! Both truly gifted artists.
Alice said,
April 29, 2010 @ 9:35 am
Hands down definitely Anne Hanson!
Wendy said,
April 29, 2010 @ 9:41 am
I don’t really have a favorite, but if I look at the patterns I have set aside on my “to do list” most of them are Laura Chau. There are so many wonderful designers out there. I am getting more ideas just from those listed here. Thanks
Nessa said,
April 29, 2010 @ 9:44 am
I do not have one yet, I buy yarn then wait for it to tell me what it wants to be made into, then find a pattern
Jeanett Craddock said,
April 29, 2010 @ 9:45 am
new knitter, so really I’m still looking. Working on a Wendy Knits sock now, and just finished a Lucy Neatby hat. Like both of these ladies, but I’d have to say Wendy for know.
Mary A said,
April 29, 2010 @ 9:45 am
Cookie A is wonderful.
Kay said,
April 29, 2010 @ 9:56 am
Kaffe Fassett Colors-colors and colors.
Lauren said,
April 29, 2010 @ 9:59 am
I best like things I design myself! But I’m also a huge fan of Veronik Avery…
Megan Schaffer said,
April 29, 2010 @ 9:59 am
I’ve been knitting lots of baby things right now, so my fav designer is Pixie Purls!! She has such cute and easy patterns for babies and kids
Suellen said,
April 29, 2010 @ 10:00 am
I love Cookie A’s socks!
Nancy C said,
April 29, 2010 @ 10:01 am
I also LOVE Cookie A and those Monkey socks. Have done several pairs using circular needles. Very pretty.
Channon said,
April 29, 2010 @ 10:03 am
I’m also a Knitspot fan… Ms. Hanson does great socks, lace, sweaters… what’s not to love?!
Alexis said,
April 29, 2010 @ 10:03 am
I can’t pick one, there are too many! I agree with whoever above said they wished Cookie A. would write more toe-up patterns, though!
Maria said,
April 29, 2010 @ 10:08 am
Elsebeth Lavold! (and of course EZ and Meg)
Sue said,
April 29, 2010 @ 10:10 am
I don’t have one yet. Too new and still have too many project both on the needles and those still in the hazy future.
Monica M said,
April 29, 2010 @ 10:13 am
I enjoy everything from Norah Gaughan, Wendy Bernard, and Veronika Avery
Susan in Texas said,
April 29, 2010 @ 10:16 am
I can’t pick just one! It’s an exciting time to be a knitter. We have world full of beautiful fibers and creative patterns at our fingertips.
Katie said,
April 29, 2010 @ 10:17 am
Cookie A., she’s spunky! Even though I haven’t managed to knit any of her socks yet
Tanya said,
April 29, 2010 @ 10:18 am
Geesh – just one? I love Fiona Ellis for her cabled sweater designs, and WendyKnits and CookieA for the insights they’ve given me into sock design.
I truly hope to find you at MD Sheep & Wool – perhaps you’ll find the Sanguine Gryphon crew’s picnic spot? It would be lovely to meet you, what with all the yarn from TLE that currently resides in various places in my house.
Pamela Graham said,
April 29, 2010 @ 10:21 am
Hands down, absolute favourite, Anne Hanson. I adore her.
Lynae said,
April 29, 2010 @ 10:22 am
Bonne Marie Burns hands down.
MicheleinMaine said,
April 29, 2010 @ 10:23 am
Anne Hanson of Knitspot – her patterns are so clear. Wendyknits is a very close second, though.
Have fun at MSW.
I LOVE that green/black bag. Must have!!!
Kari said,
April 29, 2010 @ 10:24 am
Ysolda would have to be my fav!
Emily said,
April 29, 2010 @ 10:25 am
Anne Hanson for sure. Not only is her work amazing, but she shares the process beautifully on her blog. Makes me more excited to make the projects, which I haven’t done enought of yet!
Tiffany said,
April 29, 2010 @ 10:26 am
My two favorite designers are Anne Hanson and Wendy Johnson! I’m primarily a lace and sock knitter, and both of them provide great pattern options for both categories
christen said,
April 29, 2010 @ 10:26 am
Wendy for sock patterns and EZ because her knitters intuition is something I strive for! So glad you will be at MDSW…I will definitely say hi if I see you!
Doreen said,
April 29, 2010 @ 10:28 am
Have to go with a few. Wendy Johnson, Anne Hanson, and Bonnie Marie Burns.
Cat said,
April 29, 2010 @ 10:36 am
I am going to try this would make a great gift. It is hard to pick one designer I love Anne Hanson’s but Bonnie Marie from Chic is great also, but I think I have to say Alice Starmore as my top one.
Hugs!!!
Cat
Lois Yamada said,
April 29, 2010 @ 10:39 am
Anne Hanson, Evelyn Clark and Sylvia Harding……of course then there is Wendy and Cookie A. We are so fortunate to have so many talented people designing wonderful patterns for us to knit. Thank you all
Andrea said,
April 29, 2010 @ 10:41 am
I am proud to present…the one…the only…Elizabeth Zimmerman! She is the one designer that urges you to create in yuour own right! Thank you Elizabeth!!!
Laurel said,
April 29, 2010 @ 10:42 am
Jared Flood!
Carol said,
April 29, 2010 @ 10:43 am
Kim Hargreaves … stylish, classic and cleverly designed.
Debra said,
April 29, 2010 @ 10:44 am
Toss up- Wendy Johnson or Stephanie Pearl McPhee. Who can chose.
Seanna Lea said,
April 29, 2010 @ 10:45 am
My favorite designers are either Jared Flood or Irina Poludnenko. I have been working on a sweater by Irina (off and on) since February, and it is stunning. I knew I had to make it every time I even thought about opening the magazine.
Lise said,
April 29, 2010 @ 10:48 am
Cat Bordhi for her out of the box constructions!
Bonnie H. said,
April 29, 2010 @ 10:50 am
I love Anne Hanson’s stunning shawls/wraps. I can always rely on Wendy Johnson for socks. Also, I love Cat Bordhi’s “mind”.
Amy T said,
April 29, 2010 @ 10:50 am
Since I mostly knit socks, and somewhat simple socks at that, my favorite designers right now are Irish Girlie and Anne Hanson- Knit spot. These two ladies have some really lovely sock designs. I am also amazed at all the bloggers who post some great patterns for things, so that if you wanted to, and I don’t, you could probably never have to purchase a pattern for anything. As knitters, we live in a great age where we can search for a pattern for just about anything and within a few minutes have several choices.
Jen M said,
April 29, 2010 @ 10:59 am
I love everything Ysolda! Her designs are so beautiful yet easy to follow.
Janina Sturdivant said,
April 29, 2010 @ 11:00 am
Hhmmm…I can’t pick just one, but I will give you my top three, in no particular order:
1. Jared Flood…his designs are beautiful and functional…
2. Grace McEwen…I love leaves!
3. Cookie A…if I designed what she does, my brain would hurt!
Barb said,
April 29, 2010 @ 11:03 am
If I had to pick just one sock designer, I don’t think I could! But overall? Kate Gilbert, hands down. Not only do I love her patterns – how could anyone not love her Clapotis? But her patterns are so well-written that they are a joy to knit. One small detail that she does that I really appreciate is that the numbers for different sizes are in different colors on the pattern – no highlighting to make sure I get it right!
Jennifer said,
April 29, 2010 @ 11:05 am
Veronik Avery- I find that her designs are flattering with a little bit of spunk.
connie k said,
April 29, 2010 @ 11:06 am
Wendy Knits has the most variety of patterns, and i’ve never had a problem with one of her pattern instructions. That’s always so nice when something knits up the way the it’s supposed to.
Emily said,
April 29, 2010 @ 11:07 am
I have to repeat what so many others have said — Cookie A for her amazing sock designs.
Tara said,
April 29, 2010 @ 11:08 am
Alison Green Will
Joan Grahlfs said,
April 29, 2010 @ 11:13 am
Anne Hanson is always reliable. Her sock patterns fit me. I also like the challenge that comes with a pattern by Cookie.
Andrea (@shutterbitch on twitter) said,
April 29, 2010 @ 11:16 am
I really like Kate Gilbert and Anne Hanson. However, I’m enamored lately with Susan Pandorf’s Lord of the Rings series of patterns, and am in the Evenstar Shawl KAL on Ravelry. It’s been so fun!
Elizabeth D said,
April 29, 2010 @ 11:16 am
Favorite knitting designer. Hmmmm. Lene Alve, I guess (her blog is Dances With Wool). She’s taught me so much about designing. . .
MsVicki said,
April 29, 2010 @ 11:17 am
Anne. Gudrun. Ysolda. Cookie. Kim. Wendy. I feel like I’m on a personal, “first name” basis with them all, cuz I’m just so fond of their work!
Rachael said,
April 29, 2010 @ 11:17 am
Veronik Avery! I noticed it when I subscribed to Interweave knits, and every single pattern they had that I LOVED was one of hers.
Gina said,
April 29, 2010 @ 11:19 am
Anne Hanson!!!
Karla said,
April 29, 2010 @ 11:19 am
Don’t have just one! EZ, Wendy, Jared Flood, and Yarnissima are all favorites.
Peggy said,
April 29, 2010 @ 11:33 am
Wendy!
Pernille said,
April 29, 2010 @ 11:35 am
Right now it is Laura Chau.
Just finished Sagano and Milkweed is next in line.
I think her designs are unique without being so difficult I can’t finish
Ruth Lake said,
April 29, 2010 @ 11:36 am
French Press Knits
Melanie said,
April 29, 2010 @ 11:37 am
Knitspot – Anne Hanson!!!
lynn said,
April 29, 2010 @ 11:38 am
I love sock patterns by Wendy and Cookie!
Jo Anne said,
April 29, 2010 @ 11:41 am
Sweaters – Connie Chang Chinchio
Socks – Wendy Johnson
Best variety – Jared Flood
Lisa said,
April 29, 2010 @ 11:42 am
I adore Anne Hanson’s designs.
Robbin said,
April 29, 2010 @ 11:43 am
Kristen Kapur, susan Pandorf are two off the top of my head but usually it is the pattern that appeals to me I dont go by designer.
Kathryn in Minnesota said,
April 29, 2010 @ 11:45 am
Well, I’m a teacher, so I think I have to go with Cat Bordhi, since I’ve learned so much from reading and thinking about her patterns.
Maryanne said,
April 29, 2010 @ 11:46 am
There are so many great designers, that it’s hard to choose one. The designer that I’ve taken the most inspiration from is, of course, Elizabeth Zimmermann.
Ann Harris said,
April 29, 2010 @ 11:48 am
Anne Hanson no doubt about it :>)
Sally said,
April 29, 2010 @ 11:54 am
Jared Flood — Brooklyn Tweed.
Natalie said,
April 29, 2010 @ 11:54 am
I LOVE Cookie A.’s sock patterns!
Brenda J said,
April 29, 2010 @ 11:54 am
Janel Laidman makes phenomenal socks and she’s a fun teacher to boot. For sweaters, Connie Chang Chinchio has the direct dial number to my heart.
Leslie said,
April 29, 2010 @ 11:58 am
Since I really pretty much only knit socks it has to be Wendy Johnson, Cookie A and Monica Jines! (I think thats how you spell her last name.)
They all ROCK!
Julie said,
April 29, 2010 @ 11:59 am
EZ! I am knitting the BSJ right now, wow! that woman was a genious!
Leah said,
April 29, 2010 @ 12:02 pm
Wendy Johnson (wendyknits), for the encouragement to try toe-up socks, my new favorite
Birgit Freyer (die_wolllust), for her beautiful lace shawls, I grab every pattern she writes and I’ve made several
Sue McCain (vtfiber), for her great sweaters in plus sizes (up to 6XL) that look like something a plus size woman could actually wear. I haven’t made any yet but I’ve bought the yarn (at TLE) and tried several swatches. I plan to take the plunge this summer to have a new sweater for fall.
Sarah F. said,
April 29, 2010 @ 12:05 pm
Jared Flood… His Girasole was the best written/easiest to understand pattern I’ve ever followed.
However, I also like Cookie A, Charlene Schurch, Hansi Singh, Bev Galeskas, Anne Hanson, Wendy Johnson, Ann Budd, and whoever has the pattern I’m working on at the moment!
hillis said,
April 29, 2010 @ 12:09 pm
I love anyone that has great knit patterns.
Debbie M said,
April 29, 2010 @ 12:11 pm
I don’t really have a favorite, but I do like EZ and Meg Swanson for the info included in their patterns. Even if I don’t knit the pattern, I still learn something just by reading it.
Rani said,
April 29, 2010 @ 12:13 pm
It would have to be Elizabeth Zimmermann. I say this because I love to watch her videos. She is so witty and delightful to listen too.
stlmamaknits said,
April 29, 2010 @ 12:16 pm
Cookie A! No doubt. Although, if we’re going the shawl route I’d probably have to say Elizabeth Freeman (Aeolian, how I love you…). And if we’re going intellectual knitting that makes my head spin, I’d say Norah Gaughan. But since I’ve knit many more Cookie A patterns than either of the other two women, that’s what I’d have to go with.
)
Ghislaine said,
April 29, 2010 @ 12:25 pm
Aie Aie Aie! A very difficult question, there are sooo many beautiful patterns and talented designers out there! Certainly for socks: Cookie A, Nancy Bush and for non-socks: Kristin Nicholas.
Kim S said,
April 29, 2010 @ 12:26 pm
I love Anne Hanson’s designs…both for socks and shawls. And who doesn’t have an extra skein of wonderful sock yarn just waiting to be knit up into a beautiful mini-shawl!
Stephanie K from MI said,
April 29, 2010 @ 12:27 pm
Anne budd……it’s about the sock book
my first love
Patty said,
April 29, 2010 @ 12:27 pm
free on ravelry
ELC said,
April 29, 2010 @ 12:27 pm
Elizabeth Zimmerman
Jennifer said,
April 29, 2010 @ 12:30 pm
I don’t have a favorite.
Kate said,
April 29, 2010 @ 12:31 pm
Boy I wish I had a favorite designer because that would mean I’d done more knitting! But I will say that I did fall in love with Zimmerman but it was because of a story I had read about a sweater she made and it was duplicated, maybe I’ll get to sweaters, but for now it’s shawls and socks!
Karen said,
April 29, 2010 @ 12:31 pm
Haven’t one. If something catches my eye I’ll defintely get the pattern, but it’s on a case-by-case basis.
Patricia said,
April 29, 2010 @ 12:31 pm
One of my favorite knitwear designers is Wendy Johnson.
Rosemary McN said,
April 29, 2010 @ 12:33 pm
Anne Hanson of Knitspot–intelligently written patterns in knockout (no pun intended) designs!
Trish said,
April 29, 2010 @ 12:37 pm
Jared Flood…I think he designs pieces that entice knitters of all skill levels!
Fingers crossed…I LOVE that goodie bag!
Trish
Samoofish said,
April 29, 2010 @ 12:52 pm
Cookie A and Jared Flood
Laurie said,
April 29, 2010 @ 12:55 pm
Alice Starmore
Aimee said,
April 29, 2010 @ 12:55 pm
Eek – tough question! I think my favorite designer is Wendy Bernard. The first sweater I knit for myself was one of her designs, and I learned a lot about fitting things to my figure.
There are so many great designers these days – it makes it hard to choose just one
Erin said,
April 29, 2010 @ 1:05 pm
Cookie A is my favorite designer. Her patterns are not only beautiful, but they have pushed me to become a better knitter. I never thought I could knit the Twisted Flowers socks, but I wanted them so badly that I tried it anyways — they turned out wonderfully and they’re some of my favorite socks!
Rebecca said,
April 29, 2010 @ 1:06 pm
I love new designer Susan Dittrich. She’s a fellow transplant to Pittsburgh. It’s been neat knowing her and seeing her career develop. My favorite crochet designer is Robyn Chachula.
Alisa Siceloff said,
April 29, 2010 @ 1:08 pm
I love Ysolda Teague’s designs. I just discovered Cat Bordhi Moebius shawls too – but haven’t made one yet. And also Kate Flagg’s Moltnomah.
Sydney said,
April 29, 2010 @ 1:09 pm
Jerod Flood
Lisa said,
April 29, 2010 @ 1:12 pm
I am so flighty that my tastes change almost daily. So, I really don’t have a favorite designer. I like looking at Debbie Bliss’ designs, but I’ve never made one.
Darinka DAlessio said,
April 29, 2010 @ 1:15 pm
Aw gee, do I have to pick just one???? In no particular order–EZ, Veronik Avery, Anne Hanson, Wendy Bernard, Cat Bordhi, etc, etc. Just love knitting:)
Deborah VonBrutt said,
April 29, 2010 @ 1:15 pm
I don’t really have a favorite I just love knitting. I do however love no seam knits.
Jayne said,
April 29, 2010 @ 1:21 pm
I am a big fan of Connie Chang Chinchio – I didn’t even realize it until after the fact, but a lot of the patterns I bookmark are hers. I also like Ysolda Teague and Melissa Werlhe.
Tracey said,
April 29, 2010 @ 1:24 pm
Favorite designers from A – Z: CookieA, Ysolda & the iconic Mrs. Zimmerman
KATHY PARCELL said,
April 29, 2010 @ 1:24 pm
I don’t have a favorite designer, but I love reading Wendy Johnson’s blog and seeing all her lace creations. Haven’t attempted one for myself yet. Getting into lace work with baby steps right now.
Love the Ditty Bag!!
Amy Mac said,
April 29, 2010 @ 1:25 pm
Elizabeth Zimmerman. Because she gave me the confidence to try anything with my knitting!
Heather said,
April 29, 2010 @ 1:33 pm
Wow, how can you pick just one designer?! EZ is always wonderful, as is Stephanie Japel. I’ve loved most everything she’s done…she has such an eye for the feminine shape! Cookie A blows my mind on a regular basis, and I ADORE Charlotte Schurch’s books beyond measure. Crafty Alien and Anna Hrachovec do the most awesome little bitty critters, and Jared Flood & Ysolda Teague both rock as well.
Yeah, there’s no such thing as just one favourite…
Heather said,
April 29, 2010 @ 1:42 pm
Cookie, definitely!
Cherie said,
April 29, 2010 @ 1:43 pm
Can’t say that I have a favorite designer. Just becoming more familiar with them.
Sara said,
April 29, 2010 @ 1:43 pm
I love EZ, Jered Flood and Wendyknits, but i think Ysolda Teague is probobly my favorite.
Kristy said,
April 29, 2010 @ 1:49 pm
I like Kathy Zimmerman’s cabled designs, but there are so many others … and I am always finding new ones on Ravelry! Thanks for the giveaway!
StephB said,
April 29, 2010 @ 1:49 pm
I’ve only been knitting a couple of years so I haven’t tried alot of designers, but so far my very favorite is Hannah Fettig at knitbot.com. I’ve made a couple of her sweaters and they fit well and her instructions are easy to follow. I’m a big fan of Alana at Never Not Knitting’s Cedar Leaf Shawlette, very pretty and also pretty easy directions to follow.
Love the goodie bag, fingers crossed!!
Lynn said,
April 29, 2010 @ 1:50 pm
Anne Hanson. I have other favorites – Wendy Johnson amd Jared Flood, but if I had to pick just one, it would be Ann.
Sally said,
April 29, 2010 @ 2:04 pm
My favorite sock designer is Wendy. But lately I’ve been enjoying Debbie Bliss’s patterns and so many people chose Anne Hanson, I’m gonna go on Ravelry and check them out. This was a great idea!!!
Hazel said,
April 29, 2010 @ 2:14 pm
Ysolda – absolutely! I plan to have knit all of her hats, then I can start on the rest of her patterns!
jaci said,
April 29, 2010 @ 2:15 pm
I have a few favorites, Nancy Bush, Wendy Johnson, and Cookie A.
Suzi said,
April 29, 2010 @ 2:22 pm
I don’t really have a favorite knit ware designer. I do like Cookie A and Wendy’s sock patterns though.
Cheryl said,
April 29, 2010 @ 2:34 pm
I love Elsbeth Lavold
Sarah C. said,
April 29, 2010 @ 2:38 pm
My favorite designer is always changing, but Ysolda Teague is always right up there.
Jenni said,
April 29, 2010 @ 2:39 pm
I’ve fallen hard into socks, and I love Cookie A! The designs she comes up with are unbelievable.
Karin said,
April 29, 2010 @ 2:51 pm
I love Sandra Backlund ( although her designs are not available and would be daunting to knit and nearly impossible to wear) Connie Chang Chinchio and Ysolda Teague are my top two, cute, smart, well written and very wearable.
Kt said,
April 29, 2010 @ 3:00 pm
I really like two young Scottish designers Ysolda Teague and Kate Davies, and also from the US Anne Hanson.
Betty said,
April 29, 2010 @ 3:03 pm
I like all designers. Each one is unique in their own way.
lauragayle said,
April 29, 2010 @ 3:06 pm
Just one? Loving Jared Flood these days. then there’s Veronik Avery. And Kristin Nicholas and…
Michelle said,
April 29, 2010 @ 3:09 pm
I love Elsebeth Lavold’s cables and laces. I also love Wendy’s socks.
Marita said,
April 29, 2010 @ 3:24 pm
Cookie A!
Christienne said,
April 29, 2010 @ 3:33 pm
OOOOH I LOVE SHEEPY SHEEP – have a great time!
I don’t have a favorite knitwear designer YET but of course I enjoy the pictures of completed projects on your site very much. I belong to a Caring Stitches ministry at my church in northern NJ and the ladies in my group are pretty talented. They’ve been teaching me since last January so I consider myself rather fortunate to have such great mentors.
Keep up the great work, I love your site. : )
~ Christienne
Doris said,
April 29, 2010 @ 3:35 pm
I love Wendy Johnson’s patterns. And there are a lot of others that I enjoy too. I hope to run into you at MDSW! I am planning to be there on Saturday and will look for you.
Monica said,
April 29, 2010 @ 3:38 pm
cookie a and Kate Gilbert
kelly said,
April 29, 2010 @ 3:42 pm
I love all of spillyjane’s fun colorwork & helloyarn mittens are the best.
allison said,
April 29, 2010 @ 3:45 pm
Hm, I love Cookie A, Ysolda Teague, SpillyJane has awesome colorwork patterns, and I really love Rebecca Danger’s toy patterns.
Ann said,
April 29, 2010 @ 3:46 pm
Wendy Johnson – her patterns are so reliable.
heathers said,
April 29, 2010 @ 4:00 pm
Jared Flood? Ysolda Teague? Elizabeth Zimmerman?
Do I really have to pick just one?
Robin East said,
April 29, 2010 @ 4:06 pm
I would have to say my favorite is Wendy Johnson. I love her socks so much! I wear a size 9 1/2 or 10 and it’s so nice that she has larger sizes.
Stephanie said,
April 29, 2010 @ 4:08 pm
It’s so hard to pick just one…. I love WendyKnits, cosmicpluto, Ysolda Teague, Hannah Fettig…..
Sydney said,
April 29, 2010 @ 4:10 pm
Wendy Johnson
Mary Beth said,
April 29, 2010 @ 4:25 pm
Elizabeth Zimmerman, Wendy Johnson, and the Master Knitters of Estonian Haapsalu shawls (presented in various books). All have given me tools to make my own designs. There’s a lot of freedom that comes with that.
Thank you for the chance.
VickiB said,
April 29, 2010 @ 4:42 pm
Wow! Over 700 comments! I have to say Anne Hanson would be my favorite designer. I’ve made a few of her things and her patterns are wonderful.
Many more on the list!
Molly said,
April 29, 2010 @ 4:45 pm
Elizabeth Zimmerman; I love her inventive and elegant designs.
Rebecca Seaquist said,
April 29, 2010 @ 4:55 pm
Anne Hanson is my favorite designer. I love her shawl patterns most of all and have knit many of them.
Tiffany said,
April 29, 2010 @ 5:00 pm
It’s a tie between Cookie A and Ysolda Teague for me. Love them both!
Kate said,
April 29, 2010 @ 5:03 pm
I’d have to say Anne Hanson and Ysolda Teague – oh, and Jared Flood. Oh – and there’s this great new Wooly Wormhead book…….how CAN we choose
Linda said,
April 29, 2010 @ 5:13 pm
My favourite is Anne Hanson, at the moment.
Cathy said,
April 29, 2010 @ 5:17 pm
Jared Flood!!!! I’m knitting his “Girasole”…..
Jody O said,
April 29, 2010 @ 5:21 pm
Anne Hanson!! Beautiful patterns, and very well written. Plus she’s such a nice person to chat with!
Jenly said,
April 29, 2010 @ 5:25 pm
Janel Laidman is my favorite right now. I have long been in love with the Eclectic Sole and now I am so infatuated with her designs in the Enchanted Sole. I don’t know if I will ever be able to make all her socks, but I really plan to try!
Jessey said,
April 29, 2010 @ 5:51 pm
Right this second, its Ysolda, but that will probably change in no time – I am so fickle
deknits said,
April 29, 2010 @ 5:57 pm
For socks, Wendy Johnson, with Cookie A a close 2nd only because I prefer toe-up. For non-socks, lately I find myself queuing almost everything that Heidi Kirrmaier has designed. That bag is fabulous! I had finally gotten over my not-getting-into-Fling-malaise, but now I’m sad again.
Sarah said,
April 29, 2010 @ 6:22 pm
I would have to say Nancy Bush! Her sock patterns are always amazing!!
Jennifer said,
April 29, 2010 @ 6:36 pm
I’ve really been into Ysolda Teague’s patterns right now! I’m kind of obsessed with Liesl.
Loretta Barrett said,
April 29, 2010 @ 6:47 pm
LOVEING TO KNIT SOCKS LIKE I DO,IT HAS T0 BE WENDY KNITS, COOKIE.A, CAT BORDHI, NANCY BUSH ALL ARE FAVORITE’S AND WONDERFUL. ALSO, I LOVE ALANA DAKOS FROM THE “NEVER NOT KNITTING” PODCAST. HER DESIGNS ARE WONDERFUL & FRESH.
Ruth Porter said,
April 29, 2010 @ 6:49 pm
The only thing I can knit is socks, so my favorite is Wendy Johnson. I have her “Butterfly Socks” on the needles right now.
Jean said,
April 29, 2010 @ 6:51 pm
Cookie A and Wendy Johnson (socks).
Jared Flood – This is just three but there is alot more.
Beth in Seattle said,
April 29, 2010 @ 7:01 pm
This is a hard question. My all time favorite is Elizabeth Zimmerman. Recently I have knit a couple of Ysolda Teague’s little shawlette patterns. Jared Flood for hats. Ann Budd for many inspirations. Betsy McCarthy and Cookie A for socks. Wendy Johnson for toe up socks. Sharon Miller for lace. Those Mason Dixon ladies. Mariaanne Isager, Ruth Sorensen. The list could go on and on. Often my favorite designer is the one who’s pattern I am knitting at the moment (which could even be me).
Brandy Fenenga said,
April 29, 2010 @ 7:14 pm
Elizabeth Zimmerman
Solveig Gustafsson
Megan said,
April 29, 2010 @ 7:22 pm
OH, I have so many. My favorite favorite is probably Kaffe Fassett, because his sense of color is just incredible.
Melissa B. said,
April 29, 2010 @ 7:44 pm
I don’t really have a favorite…But If I had to put one down it would be Laura Chau.
Cindy said,
April 29, 2010 @ 7:50 pm
It depends what I am knitting … Jared Flood for a bunch of stuff, Cookie A for socks, Ysolda for…OK, I guess I don’t have a favorite!
Dan said,
April 29, 2010 @ 7:53 pm
Wow, this is such a challenging question…I admire so many. But I have to say that I am a huge fan of a young designer who has been churning out a slew of creative and stylish designs. Her name is Emily Johnson and I urge everyone to check out her web site, http://www.familytrunkproject.com . She is emilystarr on Ravelry, check out her projects page…just beautiful stuff!!
phoebe said,
April 29, 2010 @ 7:54 pm
Wendy Johnson – she got me hooked on socks. For non-socks, anyone goes.
Brittani said,
April 29, 2010 @ 7:59 pm
I LOVE yarnissima! Her brainless sock pattern was the first toe up sock pattern that really fit, I’m a convert
Pamela said,
April 29, 2010 @ 8:08 pm
Wendy Johnson!
Maartje said,
April 29, 2010 @ 8:08 pm
Today,Jared Flood is my fave.
Marcia said,
April 29, 2010 @ 8:23 pm
Wendy Johnson
lesley said,
April 29, 2010 @ 8:31 pm
Hmm so many Anne Hanson is my current fave!
Jessica said,
April 29, 2010 @ 8:32 pm
It’s so hard to pick one! But I’d have to go with Ysolda Teague.
Marisol Cuevas said,
April 29, 2010 @ 8:34 pm
wendy johnson aka wendy knits, cookie a, and anne hanson
Becky said,
April 29, 2010 @ 8:37 pm
Elizabeth Zimmerman, without a doubt. Or Anna Zilboorg, oh my!
Amanda said,
April 29, 2010 @ 8:39 pm
Gudrun Johnston, I love her designs. I have knit 3 of them now.
Jenna S said,
April 29, 2010 @ 8:49 pm
I think my favorite designer is Stephanie Japel. I keep coming back to her patterns when I need inspiration.
Suzzanne Lawrence said,
April 29, 2010 @ 9:13 pm
Kim Hargreaves and Louisa Harding
Catherine Ristola Bass said,
April 29, 2010 @ 9:15 pm
I don’t have one –yet!
Pam S said,
April 29, 2010 @ 9:16 pm
Anne Hanson and Jared Flood
Angela said,
April 29, 2010 @ 9:31 pm
I think anyone who can write a decent knitting pattern deserves kudos, but Cookie A is my fave for socks (for now)!
Rita S said,
April 29, 2010 @ 9:33 pm
Cookie A!
Kim P. said,
April 29, 2010 @ 9:51 pm
I’m still so new at knitting I don’t think I can answer this question!
I’m still trying to find simple enough patterns that I can do without giving up.
Debbie said,
April 29, 2010 @ 9:55 pm
I don’t think I could pick just one.. there are so many talented designers
I love reading about the Spring Fling though!
Jadielady said,
April 29, 2010 @ 10:00 pm
Oh there’s so many! Wendyknits is great for shawls and socks. Cookie A. makes pretty socks, but too complicated for me!!
Liz Abinante makes beautiful things based on the TV show Bones. Indigirl, Samantha Roshak, FunFaerieGirl, Turtlegirl76… gosh the list goes on and on. I simply cant choose.
Marsha said,
April 29, 2010 @ 10:08 pm
Favorite designer has to be Wendy Johnson, Wendyknits. The patterns I always like the most turn out to be her designs.
Love the Fling goodie bag. Maybe I’ll get lucky via the randomness of the universe…..
Diana T said,
April 29, 2010 @ 10:18 pm
Can’t pick just one, there are so many that make me happy!
Tanya M. said,
April 29, 2010 @ 10:29 pm
So many great designers…Can’t pick just one. Wendy, Cookie, Debbie, Ann Budd….
farm-witch said,
April 29, 2010 @ 10:44 pm
Oh, I couldn’t possibly pick a favorite. I love knitspot, adore Cookie A., cherish WendyKnits, think Ysolda Teague is the cat’s meow (or the sheeps bah) and would readily admit that I was years into knitting before I found out about the genius that is/will always be Elizabeth Z but, since finding her, have only grown to admire her more:)
Theresa in Italy said,
April 29, 2010 @ 10:59 pm
I can’t pick only one knitwear designer, are you kidding? There’s WendyKnits, there’s Anne Hanson, there’s Ysolda Teague, there’s Jared Flood, there’s always Elizabeth Zimmermann (and then if you want to slide over to the crochet side of the aisle, there’s Doris Chan …)!
Christina said,
April 29, 2010 @ 11:37 pm
My favorite designers include Wendy Knits and Cookie A. I love making socks and make them most often of anything I knit.
Ann said,
April 29, 2010 @ 11:38 pm
I love Alice Starmore’s designs for sweaters and Wendy knits for my socks.
Connie said,
April 29, 2010 @ 11:40 pm
My most favorite designer would have to be Stephanie Japel. I love her funky and original designs.
Christina said,
April 29, 2010 @ 11:41 pm
I have so many thaat I just can’t choose one.
KaarenB said,
April 29, 2010 @ 11:42 pm
My favorite designer is Lee Meredith from Portland, Oregon. Her designs are so interesting to knit and the finished project has the wow factor. You just wonder how did she make that and is the pattern available. I love her hats and always try to have one on the needles. Find her at http://www.leethal.net
Lani said,
April 29, 2010 @ 11:54 pm
My favorites change with what I am knitting – socks, toys, lace. Right now I am in a lace phase and I love Nancy Bush’s designs. I also enjoy watching new patterns come up on Anna Hrachovec’s blog Mochimochiland- tiny little creatures. They make me smile.
Megan said,
April 30, 2010 @ 12:24 am
I love Anne Hanson’s designs – I’m currently working on the Matterhorn set. I have been admiring the designs from Kirsten Kapur and Cookie A. I’ll have to try a pattern from each of them over the summer.
Beverly Shaw said,
April 30, 2010 @ 12:27 am
Wendy Johnson. Beautiful socks and shawls/shawlettes. yarnissima and ysolda
PattiHN said,
April 30, 2010 @ 12:59 am
i admire a lot of designers, no faves. but for doing, i’m not a great knitter, so i still favor anyone with an easy pattern.
Cher said,
April 30, 2010 @ 1:08 am
I love Elizabeth Zimmerman and Stefanie Japel (and many, many more).
Karen said,
April 30, 2010 @ 1:37 am
My favorite designer at the moment is Yarnissima — her socks are awesome!
Jocelyn said,
April 30, 2010 @ 3:55 am
I love a lot of them! But if I had to choose just one, it would have to be Ysolda Teague. So far I have not had any problems knitting her designs, they’re dead easy and simple yet gives me a very pretty FO.
Melissa said,
April 30, 2010 @ 4:09 am
if I had to choose one it would be Wendy Johnson – she makes perfect sense to me. . .
MJ said,
April 30, 2010 @ 4:49 am
WendyKnits
Naomi said,
April 30, 2010 @ 5:42 am
I’m a big fan of Woolly Wormhead. I especially like her Wee Woolly Toppers.
Anne said,
April 30, 2010 @ 5:57 am
Wendy ( for her socks) and Sally Melville. But I have made very few garments. I am going to remedy that problem this year!!!!
Donna said,
April 30, 2010 @ 6:35 am
I don’t have a favorite designer right now…
Carol said,
April 30, 2010 @ 6:37 am
Just one designer?!? Jared Flood, Ysolda Teague & Anne Hanson come to mind immediately. There are so many things I want to knit, want to learn, designers I want to try . . . I need to be independently wealthy & have unlimited knitting time!
Michelle Locke said,
April 30, 2010 @ 6:39 am
Veronik Avery
Andrea said,
April 30, 2010 @ 7:19 am
Sivia Harding!!!! LOVE her patterns! And Evelyn Clark too!!!
Syd said,
April 30, 2010 @ 7:22 am
I love Romi’s shawls
Denise said,
April 30, 2010 @ 7:33 am
Cookie A. I have made 2 pairs of Monkey socks and they are my favorites.
Sharon said,
April 30, 2010 @ 7:52 am
Vivian Hoxbro, but I love lots of designers. Hope to see you at S&W.
Lisa said,
April 30, 2010 @ 8:12 am
Anne Hanson. Her patterns are easy to understand, easy to knit and well written and charted. Hardly ever any errata. The beautiful things I knit make me look like an expert! That’s why I have so very many of her patterns! Yeah, Anne!
Annette said,
April 30, 2010 @ 8:15 am
Elizabeth Zimmerman of course!
Meg said,
April 30, 2010 @ 8:28 am
Oh, Sheri, half my problem is too many favorite designers! The other half of course is too many favorite yarns, as you know.
I love Susan Pandorf for lace, Anne Hanson for socks and lace, Wendy Johnson and Cookie A for socks, and Ysolda Teague and Laura Chau for sweaters, to name just a few. I am continually humbled and inspired by the amazing talent that’s out there!
Chelsey A. Bruff said,
April 30, 2010 @ 8:29 am
Oh, I don’t have a favorite. I like so many. Thank-you for a chance!
Chelsey
Sherilan said,
April 30, 2010 @ 8:49 am
Wendyknits!
Erin said,
April 30, 2010 @ 8:50 am
My favorite designers so far are Cookie for socks and Ysolda Teague for her small shawls and darling Elijah!
Val Champ said,
April 30, 2010 @ 8:57 am
Wendy Johnson is my favorite designer as I mostly knit socks so far anyway.
Karen in Toledo said,
April 30, 2010 @ 8:58 am
EZ and Jared Flood… but it is sooooo hard to choose. There are so many talented designers!
Jamie H said,
April 30, 2010 @ 9:23 am
Ravelry is full of awesome designers. I don’t think I can pick just one favorite.
Amie said,
April 30, 2010 @ 9:23 am
Hard to choose but probably Cookie A, she has amazing work!
Natalie said,
April 30, 2010 @ 9:39 am
My favorite is probably Ysolda Teague. I love her sense of whimsy and her pattern writing is excellent – clear, concise and very easy to follow.
Rebecca said,
April 30, 2010 @ 9:40 am
Based on the number of patterns that I have actually worked up, I’d have to say that Ysolda teague is probably my favorite knitwear designer. I like that her sweaters are sized for a wide range of body sizes, and her patterns are written very clearly.
Joannah said,
April 30, 2010 @ 9:42 am
There are so many great designers to pick from! In abosultely no particular order:
Socks- Janel Laidman, Cookie A, Nancy Bush.
(I would love to try Miriam Fenton’s Bodicia socks, if only someone would restock the pattern) (I know, shameless).
These days, there are so many great designers to pick from that I’m stopping at socks, but I could go on…and on.
Lahodges said,
April 30, 2010 @ 9:43 am
Anne Hanson. Love her!
Christine said,
April 30, 2010 @ 9:50 am
Don’t have one, but I would like to make a Knitspot shawl, they are all so beautiful.
Shannon Thomas said,
April 30, 2010 @ 9:54 am
LOVE the Bag!!!
) Yarns, Mug and Lil Loopy too! hehe
My favorite designer has to be Erica Downs. I am in love with her Pampa Jacket Cardigan!! I do adore Ysolda, Cookie A., Anne Hanson and of course EZ as well!
I would def bring a lamb home and hide her in my yard full of tall flowers hehe.
Thanks for the opportunity to win Sheri!!!
Linda said,
April 30, 2010 @ 9:57 am
I would have to say Elizabeth Zimmermann. I have been so inspired by her and because of her I can make patterns my own and fit them better. Heck, I even have the nerve to make sweaters WITHOUT patterns. I never thought I would be able to do that.
Mary said,
April 30, 2010 @ 10:02 am
my favorite designer is Anne Hanson!!! Sheer genius!
Karen W. said,
April 30, 2010 @ 10:03 am
Evelyn Clark. I love the precise was her patterns are constructed. Every detail is carefully thought out. Yes, Evelyn Clark is my favorite designer.
Jill Adams said,
April 30, 2010 @ 10:16 am
I’m a sweater knitter, so I say Wendy Bernard. Her patterns are well written, contemporary without being strange, and easy to modify to fit.
Carrie said,
April 30, 2010 @ 10:20 am
There are almost too many to name. Veronica Avery, Norah Gaughan, Connie Chang Chinchio, Wendy Bernard, Cookie A, Wendy Johnson, Cat Bordhi… The list could go on and on. There are so many great designers out there right now. We are so lucky to get to play with their designs!
Socksmith said,
April 30, 2010 @ 10:23 am
My favorite is Yarnissima.
Kelly said,
April 30, 2010 @ 10:24 am
I don’t know if I have a favorite, I enjoy Cookie A, Ysolda Teague, Kirsten Kapur, Veronik Avery, just to name a few.
Angie said,
April 30, 2010 @ 10:27 am
I like Connie Chang Chinchio, Shelia January, and Ysolda Teague. Oh, there’s more but I will stop here.
Linda L said,
April 30, 2010 @ 10:31 am
I would have a hard time picking a favorite, but I really like Cookie A and Kirsten Kapur
Cindy in Happy Valley said,
April 30, 2010 @ 10:32 am
Bonne Marie, Chic Knits….hands down. She has not released a pattern I haven’t coveted!!
Rachel said,
April 30, 2010 @ 10:41 am
Right now it would have to be Cookie A. or Elli Metz. Both have created mind-bogglingly awesome sock patterns that I absolutely love. I would love to design myself someday and both these ladies are a huge inspiration.
JoAnn A said,
April 30, 2010 @ 10:41 am
I love Wendy’s patterns. They are delightful and very easy to read and understand. Hope I win!!!
Patty said,
April 30, 2010 @ 10:43 am
Next to free on ravelry I love Anne’s Knitspot patterns
Rachel said,
April 30, 2010 @ 10:44 am
I love Nancy Bush. Classic socks with very easy to read patterns.
Amanda said,
April 30, 2010 @ 10:46 am
I have a major love affair with Yarnissima’s patterns!! I have a stash of all of her kits that I can get my hands on!
Caro said,
April 30, 2010 @ 10:54 am
A favorite is hard to pick, but I have to admit to a soft spot for Kaffe Fasset because his work inspired me to be more adventurous in my knitting. Based on the pattern in “Glorious Knits”, I did a Tumbling Blocks sweater that was built completely out of odd skeins I found in the sale bins of my LYS. Loved that sweater to death, wore it on my first trip to the UK (where it was warm and quite fashionable) and basically wore it to bits. I really should knit another of those.
Candy said,
April 30, 2010 @ 10:59 am
Elizabeth Zimmerman is my favorite designer. She is a great story teller too.
Dr. Jackie said,
April 30, 2010 @ 11:26 am
I do have a lot of favorites! Anne Hanson may just be my current top of the list. Also Susan Pandorf for her gorgeous and intricate lace. Oh, and Wendy and Cookie, of course. So many patterns, so little time…… * sigh *
Jennifer said,
April 30, 2010 @ 11:31 am
Hum. . . I don’t really have a favorite…
Jamie said,
April 30, 2010 @ 11:49 am
Hmmm. This is a hard one. I think I would have to say Jared Flood because a) he somehow gets me to try amazingly tough patterns and b) he use of wool makes me not mind the cold of winter. Gold star to him.
Lisa in Los Angeles said,
April 30, 2010 @ 11:54 am
My favorite right now is a fiendish designer who does a lot of work for Vogue – Marie Wallin. I’m knitting her Chorley Wrap – big, fat cables on size 19 needles with two strands of Rowan Big Wool right now – it’s quite a challenge. I also want to knit her Melford Dress – Sheri you may remember me asking if you were going to get anymore Rowan Kidsilk Haze in for that one. It requires SIXTEEN SKEINS. Yup. Mohair laceweight, tiny needles, and a full-size dress. I am insane. But I love her designs.
I also love Jared Flood. I’m still working on those two Girasoles from last year….
Marseille said,
April 30, 2010 @ 12:10 pm
I’m pretty equal-opportunity–but I’d have to say either Elizabeth Zimmermann or the designer of most of the stitches in my favorite Japanese stitch dictionary–I have the name written down at home but forget at the moment….
Melissa said,
April 30, 2010 @ 12:11 pm
Sally Melville, Knitspot, and Heartstrings!
Julia said,
April 30, 2010 @ 1:01 pm
I have to say Cookie A for the socks. And Elizabeth Zimmerman for baby items – such an amazingly creative approach!
pam said,
April 30, 2010 @ 1:07 pm
ann at Knitspot. i adore her sock patterns.
also Wendy Johnson – the reason i attempt to knit toe up.
Celeste said,
April 30, 2010 @ 1:14 pm
No real favorite – I like clever and different ways of making things so designers like Nora Gaughan are always interesting.
Annette said,
April 30, 2010 @ 1:19 pm
There are too many to have a favorite! I love Cookie A.’s sock patterns, Anne Hanson’s lace, Veronik Avery, Wendy Bernard…..I could go on and on….
Tara said,
April 30, 2010 @ 1:25 pm
Right now I’m really loving Ysolda!!!
Sharilyn said,
April 30, 2010 @ 1:35 pm
Wow, trying to narrow down my favorite designers….I think I can get it down to three: Anne Hanson, Cookie A. and Veronik Avery. Thank you for asking!
Nancy said,
April 30, 2010 @ 1:38 pm
There are so many wonderful designers out there but if I had to pick one or two, they would be Kathy Zimmerman and Anne Hanson. And Anne’s patterns are so well written that they are a joy to knit.
tamara h. said,
April 30, 2010 @ 1:44 pm
I really like Nancy Bush, my favorite of her books is “Knitting on the Road” and I
Thanks for the fun contest!!
am sure I could find a pattern in there that would work well with the Wollmeise’s Femme Fatale!
Bex said,
April 30, 2010 @ 1:48 pm
Joan McGowan-Michael
Anita Cook said,
April 30, 2010 @ 2:07 pm
Cookie A Or Wendy Johnson. I’m a relatively new knitter, so ask again next year & I’ll have more I’m sure!
Sarah Jane said,
April 30, 2010 @ 2:11 pm
Why EZ of course!
Toni D. said,
April 30, 2010 @ 2:20 pm
I love Yarnissima, Cookie A., Ysolda Teague, Anne Hanson, and Herbert Niebling. The more complex the pattern is, the better!!
Kay said,
April 30, 2010 @ 2:21 pm
I don’t know that I have one favorite but I seem to go to several all the time for certain items. Nancy Bush seems to be the sock guru for me right now along with Debbie O’Neill. I know that Nancy also has lots of lace shawls out there but I seem to go with Evelyn Clark for that right now.
Barbara in NH said,
April 30, 2010 @ 2:31 pm
Adrienne Fong! I love love love her socks and she’s now branching into shawls and scarves. Her patterns are well written and just seem to go together so well.
Have a great time in Maryland!
Jean said,
April 30, 2010 @ 3:21 pm
Right now my favorite designer is Bonne Marie of Chicknits fame. She designs such classic, wearable garments
Nat Alea said,
April 30, 2010 @ 3:30 pm
I don’t know her name but the lady to designed the February Lady is great!!!! I loved knitting that sweater and of course I love french press knits. What a fantastic pattern!!!!!
Diane Laughlin said,
April 30, 2010 @ 3:54 pm
love anne hanson and wendy j. but I really love the designers in Knitting Socks with Handpainted Yarn
Bonnie said,
April 30, 2010 @ 4:01 pm
Lucy Neatby…
Clara Arellano said,
April 30, 2010 @ 4:05 pm
My favorite designer is Debbie Bliss.
Ginny said,
April 30, 2010 @ 4:05 pm
My favorite designer would be Alice Starmore. I get blown away with her sense of color and I love the traditional designs.
Debbie in Kirkland, WA said,
April 30, 2010 @ 4:08 pm
My favorite right now is Chic Knits (Bonnie Marie Burns), but of course there are so many talented designers it is hard to pick!
Beth said,
April 30, 2010 @ 4:26 pm
Based on patterns I have purchased, my favorites are Susan Lawrence, Miriam Felton and Wendy Johnson (individual patterns and all three books). I also have admired Anne Hanson’s patterns and join mystery knits by Renee Leverington, (Goddess Knits) Birgit Freyer, Monika Eckert, (klabauter) Anna Dalvi, (knitandknag) and Melanie Gibbons (Pink Lemon). I am signed up for four mystery’s simultaneously right now. I also have a very long queue on Ravelry of patterns that have struck my fancy as I come across them and am afraid I will forget them. So many designers, so little time.
Sydney said,
April 30, 2010 @ 4:26 pm
Evelyn Clark makes shawls so much fun!
Carol said,
April 30, 2010 @ 4:30 pm
There are so many great designers out there, but the one I keep coming back to, as her patterns just capture my imagination, is Anne Hanson.
Not only are her patterns gorgeous, she is very friendly and helpful.
Joanne said,
April 30, 2010 @ 4:33 pm
Wallisknits (http://www.ravelry.com/designers/linda-johnson). She’s a friend too.
Kelly Winkleblack-Shea said,
April 30, 2010 @ 4:51 pm
I love so many designers, it’s hard to choose just one.
tabitha said,
April 30, 2010 @ 4:52 pm
I have probably knit more Cookie A designs that any single designer so I guess she is probably my favorite.
Megan Richards said,
April 30, 2010 @ 4:53 pm
Anne Hanson for lace, Cookie A. for socks…Since I don’t knit a lot of sweaters…Maybe Ysolda Teague for her Little Birds sweater.
Scarlet said,
April 30, 2010 @ 4:59 pm
Right now I’m really drawn to Ysolda Teague patterns. I just finished her Vine Yoke Cardigan pattern (so fun to knit!), which I’m wearing today.
Robyn said,
April 30, 2010 @ 5:09 pm
I don’t really have one.
Rachel said,
April 30, 2010 @ 5:14 pm
Cookie A, because I love her intricate sock patterns. Also love Debbie Bliss’s baby designs, because I’m always amazed at how beautifully they turn out.
Mary Ellen Reimers said,
April 30, 2010 @ 5:32 pm
I don’t have just one, but tops on the list are Anne Hanson, Wendyknits, Kate Gilbert,
and of course, E. Zimmerman!!
tinna said,
April 30, 2010 @ 6:09 pm
I’m a fan of Ysolda Teague~~ I think her designs are clever: wearable and knitable!
Kathleen dlS said,
April 30, 2010 @ 6:24 pm
Wendy Johnson for socks….Bonne Marie from Chicknits for sweaters and Jared Flood for lots of other stuff! And,,,Loopy Ewe for YARN!
Laura said,
April 30, 2010 @ 6:33 pm
Oh, I don’t think that I could just pick one – there are so many wonderful designers!
Janet said,
April 30, 2010 @ 6:42 pm
Cookie A socks, and then what ever tickles my fancy.
Karen said,
April 30, 2010 @ 6:51 pm
wow – so hard to pick just one!
Beth said,
April 30, 2010 @ 6:51 pm
There are so many, but I’m really in to the Cookie A socks at the moment – looks like I’m not alone!
Patti said,
April 30, 2010 @ 6:54 pm
I like Ann Hanson’s shawl patterns, and she is a nice person too. When you comment on her blog, she acknowledges it with a return message.
Heather said,
April 30, 2010 @ 7:00 pm
I have two favorites (because I can’t pick just one) Veronik Avery and Isolde Teague
Sandy H. said,
April 30, 2010 @ 7:13 pm
I would have to say Anne Hanson – her designs are challenging enough to not be boring but not overwhelming in detail. Second would have to be Jared Flood – especially those Girasole and Hemlock Ring blankets.
Kristin said,
April 30, 2010 @ 7:21 pm
Don’t have one
Rachel said,
April 30, 2010 @ 8:03 pm
Don’t have a favorite designer, but love to use Knitting Pure & Simple patterns.
Tammie Lirette said,
April 30, 2010 @ 8:04 pm
My favorite designer is the one who has designed my next, OMG! I gotta knit that!” wip!
Martha Rehme said,
April 30, 2010 @ 8:11 pm
I am a new knitter and have not progressed far enough to know about designers. It seems very complicated so I don’t have one.
Melissa said,
April 30, 2010 @ 9:30 pm
My all time favorite is Anne Hanson. I haven’t met a design of hers I didn’t like. Chrissy Gardiner, Jared Flood and Kate Gilbert are tied for second place. LOVE LOVE LOVE!
Kathy Sue said,
April 30, 2010 @ 9:46 pm
Nearly a thousand comments!! Amazing. I have to say that just based on the number of her patterns I have done ( and they are all beautiful), my favorite has to be Mim Felton.
Syd said,
April 30, 2010 @ 9:48 pm
The yarn harlot has a nice snow drop shawl
Trish said,
April 30, 2010 @ 10:01 pm
It’s a toss up between Anne Hanson and CookieA.
Maria said,
April 30, 2010 @ 10:16 pm
Tough to choose, but I really like Connie Chang Chinchio, Andrienne Fong, and my favorite, Chrissy Gardiner. But so many great choices are listed already!
Beverly W said,
April 30, 2010 @ 11:08 pm
Jared Flood.
jaya said,
April 30, 2010 @ 11:17 pm
Hmm… favorite knitwear designer? Not sure I have just one. I’d have to say either Nancy Bush or Cookie A.
And I hope to see you tomorrow at MDSW! I’ll be he one with the stroller – yes, I’m going to take the seven month old girl with me. Gotta start her out early!
Vonda O said,
April 30, 2010 @ 11:32 pm
I don’t have one favorite but one of my favorites for sweaters is Connie Changchinchio, socks by Cookiea, and shawls and accessories by Ann Hanson and others. I never win these lotteries but I thought I would just throw those names in.
Jodi said,
April 30, 2010 @ 11:39 pm
Anne Hanson, for one. I’m usually drawn to Connie Chang Chincio’s work. Jane Ellison… There are so many amazing designers around.
Claire said,
April 30, 2010 @ 11:51 pm
Ilga Leja
Dorie said,
May 1, 2010 @ 1:32 am
Hmmmmmm… Judging by my Ravelry projects, it would have to be Cookie A (the many Monkeys I’ve knit definitely skew it in her favor!). I also love Ysolda, Janel Laidman and many, many more!
Kathy said,
May 1, 2010 @ 6:13 am
Anne Hanson with Jared Flood as a very close second.
Elizabeth said,
May 1, 2010 @ 6:38 am
Ysolda Teague is my favorite designer at the moment, with Debbie Bliss coming in second. Thanks for the chance to win, tho’ wow! there are already over 900 comments!
Sarah (potterknitter) said,
May 1, 2010 @ 7:22 am
Seems that my last 6 or so projects have been Barbara Walker inspired!
Ps it’s really hard to scroll through 900 comments on an iPod! But got to love technology when it’s all you’ve got.
JodyH said,
May 1, 2010 @ 9:06 am
This is so hard to answer, but I seem to be drawn to a lot of patterns by Cirilia Rose. And even though I haven’t knit any of his patterns YET, I love Jared Flood’s designs.
Cathi O'Neill said,
May 1, 2010 @ 9:45 am
I love Debbie Blisses patterns. She came to our tiny local yarn shop here in Limerick Ireland and it was lovely to meet her! I have made one of her complicated celtic inspired cable sweaters and it turned out great! For socks, I like Cookie As patterns!
Mary said,
May 1, 2010 @ 10:16 am
Ann Hanson is definitely my favorite. I love Wendy Johnson too.
Wendy said,
May 1, 2010 @ 10:57 am
Wendy Johnson has great patterns!
Sherry said,
May 1, 2010 @ 11:42 am
Hard to say. There are so many great designers!
Arlene said,
May 1, 2010 @ 12:16 pm
Cat Bordhi is my favourite, if I had to choose just one. There are so many great designers, it’s like choosing my favourite child.
Cat is not only clever and imaginative, she is also a fabulous teacher.
Jenn said,
May 1, 2010 @ 12:23 pm
I’d say that Anne Hanson is my favorite designer – she does everything! Socks, sweaters, mitts, scarves. shawls, hats – for men and women. So well rounded!
Cyndi said,
May 1, 2010 @ 12:53 pm
I don’t have a favorite! There are SO many I like!
JB said,
May 1, 2010 @ 1:01 pm
My favorite designer is Nancy Bush, because I’m obsessed with all the Estonian designs!
Karen said,
May 1, 2010 @ 1:37 pm
Jeri Riggs!!!!! She’s terrific and she’s just started publishing her patterns on Ravelry. I love her long time!
Barb G said,
May 1, 2010 @ 2:07 pm
It’s currently a tie between Sivia Harding and Anne Hanson. Love the lace, and beads make it better!
Joan said,
May 1, 2010 @ 2:23 pm
Cookie A for those stunning socks!
elizabeth said,
May 1, 2010 @ 2:35 pm
I would have to say Anne Hanson because I lover her sock patterns
and also Kaffe Fassett for his sense of color.
Chi said,
May 1, 2010 @ 2:45 pm
My favorite knitwear designer? Well, me of course. But if that’s too self-centered, I’ll have to say Corrina Ferguson. She has the bestest small shawls in town. Also, your goodie bag is the best giveaway I’ve ever seen…
Connie G. said,
May 1, 2010 @ 3:05 pm
So many to chose from, but I have to say that Anne Hanson has my vote as my favorite! I sure hope I can attend Spring Fling one of these days. Looks and sounds like so much fun.
docrock said,
May 1, 2010 @ 3:12 pm
Changes with the wind. I like soooo many and different ones for different things. I also like to find new ones. I too hope to make it to Spring Fling in the near future.
Marianne Y said,
May 1, 2010 @ 4:07 pm
My favorite designer is Starmore, at least of the finished product. I love the cables, etc. That being said, I have never been able to get ahold of one of her books, that I am interested in, because they are all out of print. So, it is possible that she doesn’t even make sweaters in my size. Oh well, such is life. The good news is that they are republishing the book I am really interested in, in Sept 2010, so I have heard.
R Green said,
May 1, 2010 @ 5:05 pm
My favorite sock designer is Wendy of Wendy Knits.
lorelostintheusa said,
May 1, 2010 @ 5:05 pm
Kieran Foley, the irish designer, is my favorite, his shawl are unique!
Alicia said,
May 1, 2010 @ 5:07 pm
Cookie A for socks, Debbie Bliss for baby knits, Ysolda Teague for everything else!!
Holly H said,
May 1, 2010 @ 6:13 pm
My favorite designer is Anne Hanson. Her patterns are beautiful and so varied. It seems she will tackle anything.
Brittany said,
May 1, 2010 @ 6:30 pm
I love ysolda’s designs; they’re always so cute and cleverly constructed.
Ringer said,
May 1, 2010 @ 6:40 pm
Please may I list several favorites? Elizabeth Zimmermann, Cat Bordhi, Marianne Isager, Norah Gaughan, … I could go on and on
Joy said,
May 1, 2010 @ 8:02 pm
Anne Hanson is my favorite, hands down.
Rae said,
May 1, 2010 @ 8:24 pm
I have a few EZ, Jared Flood, Cookie A & many other
Nebraska Knitter said,
May 1, 2010 @ 8:54 pm
Favorite Designers as it is too hard to have just one! I admire Susan Pandorf of “A Few Stitches Short of a Row.” for both her lace designs and her outlook on life. Cheryl Oberle is another favorite.
Marie said,
May 1, 2010 @ 9:35 pm
Norah Gaughan for her originality!
Julia said,
May 1, 2010 @ 9:58 pm
I don’t know who my favorite is but I love Cookie A, Jared Flood and Ysolda.
Debbie said,
May 1, 2010 @ 9:59 pm
Kathy Zimmerman.
Penny said,
May 1, 2010 @ 10:04 pm
Wow, that’s tough – I love Wendy and Cookie A. for socks, and Anne Hanson’s stoles and shawls.
Then there’s Bonne Marie Burns, Coco Knits and Wendy Bernard for pullovers and cardigans…I’m sure I could come up with lots more personal favorites if I gave myself more than 30 seconds to think about it, but then I’d be typing all night!!
kathleen said,
May 1, 2010 @ 10:08 pm
Barbara Walker
Anna said,
May 1, 2010 @ 11:42 pm
I love Norah Gaughan – her stuff is just fantastic.
Joy Linn said,
May 2, 2010 @ 12:09 am
I love Cookie A’s socks, Brigit Freyer’s lace stoles, Norah Gaughan…I guess there are so many more that I don’t really have a favorite!
Betty Henderson-Sparks said,
May 2, 2010 @ 12:51 am
I am a fan of Ann Budd. I like the idea of just being able to take any yarn I have, knit a swatch, then look up in her book what I want to make, based on the swatch and go knit it.
I don’t like to have to figure out what yarn goes with what pattern, since I buy yarn when I see it and like it and figure out later what to do with it.
Katie said,
May 2, 2010 @ 12:59 am
Cookie A. Her socks never cease to amaze me!
Prissy said,
May 2, 2010 @ 1:35 am
Kristin Nicholas. Love the amazing COLOR!
A. C. said,
May 2, 2010 @ 3:38 am
Cookie A.
Jen said,
May 2, 2010 @ 6:46 am
I love lots of designers. I love Cookie A. Her socks designs are the best out there, I think. After taking an online class with Stefanie Japel (who I already loved), she has become one of my faves too!
Vicki said,
May 2, 2010 @ 7:26 am
It is too hard to pick just one designer. I did knit a lot of Ysolda Teague’s patterns this winter. I have been queuing many Anne Hanson’s designs, I love Wendy Johnson’s sock patterns and for sweaters, Bonne Marie Burns. Ok, I will stop now. Sorry I didn’t see you on Saturday at MDSW, Sherri!
LeslieD said,
May 2, 2010 @ 7:31 am
Anne Hanson, for sure. I love her designs and have knitted up quite a few. Also, the “Knitting Pure and Simple” designers. Wonderful stuff!
Shanna said,
May 2, 2010 @ 8:57 am
Jared Flood for sure. I made Girasole with Shibui sock and it was gorgeous!!!
Linda said,
May 2, 2010 @ 9:04 am
Wendy Johnson, her designs are great and always work up well for me.
BethC said,
May 2, 2010 @ 9:14 am
So many great ones listed… but I’ll second one that hasn’t been listed much. My current love is Kristen Kapur of Through the Loops. Too bad I didn’t catch up on blogs till today, I would have been on the look-out for you yesterday!
Becky said,
May 2, 2010 @ 9:14 am
Hmmm…so many that I admire and love but I’ll go with Cookie A. I just love her sock designs!!!!!
Syd said,
May 2, 2010 @ 10:54 am
Polly Outhwaite her blog is All Tangled Up
jenny said,
May 2, 2010 @ 12:03 pm
gotta love ysolda!
Phaye Geiger said,
May 2, 2010 @ 1:01 pm
I would have to say Ann Budd right now because I am knitting one of her patterns
I also love Nancy Bush and Jared Flood. And I cannot leave out Barbara Walker
Samantha said,
May 2, 2010 @ 1:07 pm
I find myself drawn to Debbie Bliss’ very classic designs for all ages. The styling is lovely. For wee-written patterns and beautiful shalws I’m a big fan of Susan Lawrence. Forest Canopy Shawl is a winner in my book!
Alexa said,
May 2, 2010 @ 2:24 pm
I do not have a favorite designer, but there are a lot of things that I can’t wait to knit! BTW you have a great site!
Jana said,
May 2, 2010 @ 2:45 pm
I just love Wendy’s sock and shawlette patterns. She makes you feel like she is right there with you while you are knitting
Lori said,
May 2, 2010 @ 3:11 pm
There’s no way I can pick just one…but I love Jared Flood’s designs and also Ysolda Teague’s a lot! And Norah Gaughan is a Goddess!
Holly said,
May 2, 2010 @ 3:33 pm
Anne Hanson without a doubt!
Diane said,
May 2, 2010 @ 4:09 pm
It’s hard to pick just one….but my favorite for socks is Cookie A…and Jared Flood has my heart!
Michelle said,
May 2, 2010 @ 4:11 pm
I think Anne Hanson is probably my favourite.
Jo Cimino said,
May 2, 2010 @ 4:14 pm
Love all the designers but I love Anne Hanson the most. I have a lot of her patterns.
Amanda said,
May 2, 2010 @ 4:36 pm
I love Cookie A’s socks.
Anneli said,
May 2, 2010 @ 4:40 pm
Norah Gaughan, without hesitation.
Gina said,
May 2, 2010 @ 5:16 pm
Anne Hanson…her patterns are well written and everything I have ever made I have loved!
Mandy said,
May 2, 2010 @ 7:27 pm
Socks: Cookie A., Shawls: Evelyn Clark
CAROL DAY said,
May 2, 2010 @ 7:43 pm
I love Knitspot. She does written instructions for lace for those of us who are ‘chart challanged’.
Jennie said,
May 2, 2010 @ 7:46 pm
socks: Cookie A
I am also loving Wendy Bernard’s sweater patterns right now!
Laura said,
May 2, 2010 @ 7:48 pm
This is a hard question…I love so many patterns and different designers. At this very moment I will name Amy Hendrix as my favorite since I am in the middle of my second Mara shawl. First one was done in Lorna’s Lace Black Purl and the current one is with the new Malabrigo Silky Merino BEE. Ask me tomorrow and the answer could be very different. LOL
Jan said,
May 2, 2010 @ 8:04 pm
My favorite would be Marie Mayhew…for those great felted, fun items! Especially her birds……
Margaret said,
May 2, 2010 @ 8:13 pm
Anne Hanson’s designs are beautiful.
Lynn said,
May 2, 2010 @ 8:15 pm
Jared Flood
Gloria said,
May 2, 2010 @ 8:38 pm
These days, Anne Hanson designs call my name.
Shelly said,
May 2, 2010 @ 8:58 pm
There are too many to choose just one!
Kay said,
May 2, 2010 @ 9:01 pm
Susan Pandolf, Jared Flood, Elizabeth Zimmerman, Emily Ross, Renee Leverington….and a host of others! I just love to knit!
Michael L said,
May 2, 2010 @ 9:15 pm
My favorites include Jared, Copokie A & of course Wendy!
Sheryl said,
May 2, 2010 @ 10:28 pm
Sally Melville and my friend Eizabeth Morrison
Mary Beth said,
May 2, 2010 @ 11:00 pm
Norah Gaughan is the designer I consistently find appealing. Plenty of times I come across a pattern I like, and then discover it’s hers!
Karin said,
May 3, 2010 @ 12:12 am
My favorit sock designers are: Wendy and Cooky A.
Wendy said,
May 3, 2010 @ 6:02 am
Wendy Bernard, I love her book Custom Knits.
Karen said,
May 3, 2010 @ 7:11 am
I can’t pick a favorite! Wendy and Cookie A. for socks and pretty much everything in Jared Flood’s Made in Brooklyn! But I’ve made two sweaters by Hannah Fettig and I love her patterns too. Too many choices! This is like asking your favorite book — I never have an answer to that one either.
Pam said,
May 3, 2010 @ 7:28 am
I like Jared Flood also and Westknits.
Bonnie said,
May 3, 2010 @ 7:31 am
I love Joan McGowan-Michel’s design’s and Wendy Bernard, too. Oh and gotta love Susan B. Anderson’s hat designs! Too hard to pick!!!
Natalie said,
May 3, 2010 @ 8:19 am
Anne Hanson!
I saw someone carrying a bag like that but I didn’t know it was you!
limejuicy said,
May 3, 2010 @ 8:27 am
Wendy Johnson and Anne Hanson
Christine said,
May 3, 2010 @ 8:39 am
I love Ysolda’s patterns!
Melody Bryan said,
May 3, 2010 @ 8:56 am
Hope I’m not too late Sheri ! overall – I seem to always be drawn to Debbie Bliss designs. There are many Rowan designers I love including Kim Hargreaves who of course is on her own now. Thanks for always providing great give away opportunities. Melody
Sydney said,
May 3, 2010 @ 9:54 am
Born to Knit has lovely patterns!
stephanie said,
May 3, 2010 @ 10:01 am
My all time favorite is Nora Gaughan (hope I spelled it right!) She has the most interesting patterns. Construction of her garments is what always gets me; just beautiful. I also love CocoKnits patterns…..again, interesting construction. I get bored with miles of stockinette or garter stitch knitting and need something to hold my interest! For socks it’s got to be Cookie A…….do you see a “pattern” emerging here?????
Melinda said,
May 3, 2010 @ 10:07 am
I really like Wendy Johnson’s sock patterns and I like Evelyn clarks shawl patterns. I really don’t think I have a favorite designer right now but Renee of Goddess Knits has the best directions and patterns for shawls so right now she is my favorite.
Melinda
Kate Hamm said,
May 3, 2010 @ 10:17 am
Who is your favorite knitwear designer?
Rosemary Hill! She has such lovely patterns that are nicely complimented with her shawl pins. Plus she is amazing with her pattern support!
Michelle said,
May 3, 2010 @ 10:20 am
I love Wendy Johnson’s sock patterns and I also love Dolce Handknits for sweaters.
Mary Anne said,
May 3, 2010 @ 10:39 am
My favorite knitwear designed is Elizabeth Zimmerman because she empowered all of us to not be afraid and be creative!
Christine said,
May 3, 2010 @ 11:08 am
Elizabeth Zimmerman is responsible for awakening my passion for knitting. Instead of just following directions without understanding them, something that frustrates the engineer in me, she taught me how to design my own knit wear from basic principles. If it weren’t for “Knitting Without Tears” I probably wouldn’t be a knitter today (20 years after I first read the book).
vthuskies said,
May 3, 2010 @ 11:16 am
My fave designer these days is Hannah Fettig. I just finished up the Featherweight Cardigan and I’ve already cast on for the Lightweight Pullover. They are simple and timeless and look gorgeous in hand dyed yarns.
Ann said,
May 3, 2010 @ 11:22 am
That’s tough. I’d have to say my very favorite is Jarod Flood aka, Brooklyn Tweed.
He’s got a way with construction of a garment that just makes knitting it very enjoyable.
Nancy W said,
May 3, 2010 @ 11:38 am
If there is still time to enter the contest my favorite designer is Diane Soucy. I love top down knits.
Hillary said,
May 3, 2010 @ 11:40 am
I really can’t pick just one. I love socks by Cookie-A and almost everything by Kirsten Kapur.
Elizabeth said,
May 3, 2010 @ 11:43 am
I love Cookie A’s socks. Incredible!
Katherine said,
May 3, 2010 @ 12:02 pm
I don’t have one.
Stephanie (brianbabymama on rav) said,
May 3, 2010 @ 12:08 pm
Ysolda Teague
Elaine said,
May 3, 2010 @ 12:23 pm
For socks it’s Cookie A and for baby stuff, Jil Eaton is a real winner for me!
Steve said,
May 3, 2010 @ 12:36 pm
Can I pick my wife? She’s very talented. http://www.ravelry.com/designers/jenna-swanson
susan foulds said,
May 3, 2010 @ 1:40 pm
Mr favourite knitwear designer is Yarnissima. She has elevated sock knitting to a completey new level, and always amazes me when she designs a new sock pattern for a new yarn–the pattern shows off the yarn in the most amazing and wonderful way. i have knit 4 of her designs–the patterns are impeccable.
Pamela said,
May 3, 2010 @ 2:04 pm
Great meeting you at MDSW!
I guess my favorite designer is Julia Mueller/Laris. I’ve done several pairs of her gloves and am dying to do more!
Barb said,
May 3, 2010 @ 2:24 pm
I love Cat Bordhi. I love the interesting ways she puts stitches together and makes stuff. I donated 2 of her Mobius Baskets to a Synagogue fundraiser this week. I wan’t able to go, but I am dying to know if they sold and for how much.
So much fun. Now I am off to wait for my invoice for the sock club;-) I need something to knit while laid up next week after yet another surgery. I really hope this one is the last one. I need some cheer in my life right now.
Happy knitting!!!!
Latrilla said,
May 3, 2010 @ 2:26 pm
I have to say I love, love, love Teva Durham. Her esthetic is very sophisticated and chic!
melanie fox said,
May 3, 2010 @ 3:04 pm
I really enjoy Jared Flood patterns and also West Knits.
Debbie said,
May 3, 2010 @ 3:08 pm
I don’t have a favorite yet–I still feel like a novice knitter. But when I get to the point where I feel qualified to pick a favorite, Jared Flood, Kirsten Kapur, and Anne Hanson will be at the top of my list to pick from.
Janna said,
May 3, 2010 @ 3:18 pm
I don’t think I have a favorite yet. I love Ysolda Teague and Anne Hanson’s patterns. They are always well written and fun to knit!
Marie said,
May 3, 2010 @ 3:21 pm
I have several but I guess my “go to” would be Anne Hanson – simple yet elegant.
Cindy Smith said,
May 3, 2010 @ 3:25 pm
Anne Hanson. That one is easy!
Hilona said,
May 3, 2010 @ 3:29 pm
My favourite designer is Yarnissima! Love her patterns a lot!
Susan said,
May 3, 2010 @ 3:33 pm
My favorite designer is, as so many others have said, dependent on what genre I am knitting now. I am much in favor of clearly written directions, quality photos, and interesting designs.
I am currently in shawl and sock mode. Shawl designers of the moment: Anna Dalvi, Anne Hanson, and Liz Abinante. Sock designers of the moment: Cookie A, Nancy Bush, and me.
Ria said,
May 3, 2010 @ 3:39 pm
Sock designer….Wendy Johnson. She’s fantastic!
Lindsey said,
May 3, 2010 @ 3:40 pm
I have so many favorites, but my first favorite was Diane from Knitting Pure and Simple.
Sue said,
May 3, 2010 @ 3:47 pm
I love to knit socks and would have to say Cookie A and Wendy Johnson are my favorite designers. I am always amazed at the beautiful ways they continue to design socks!
Jaylyn said,
May 3, 2010 @ 3:51 pm
So many talented designers to choose from – Ysolda and West Knits are the ones I keep going to lately.
Toria said,
May 3, 2010 @ 3:55 pm
Easy. EZ!
Syd said,
May 3, 2010 @ 3:58 pm
Ruth Sorensen has lovely things, can’t wait to do the leaf sweater!
Laura P said,
May 3, 2010 @ 4:29 pm
Carol Sunday, Veronik Avery, and Spilly Jane
Beatriz said,
May 3, 2010 @ 4:35 pm
Definitely Cookie A. I recently started knitting just so I could make her socks!
Vicki said,
May 3, 2010 @ 4:39 pm
That changes moment to moment it sometimes seems but at this exact moment I’m rather enamored with Jared Flood’s designs.
Andrea said,
May 3, 2010 @ 4:51 pm
There are so many! I love Cookie A, Jared Flood, Ysolda, and Anne Hanson are just a few of my favorites.
Nadia said,
May 3, 2010 @ 4:55 pm
Right now I think my favorite designer just might be Cookie A. A thinking knitter’s sock designer.
Kathy Davis said,
May 3, 2010 @ 5:01 pm
I love the nature-inspired Norah Gaughn. She is a genius. If I were to win the bag, it would go to Knitting Daughter, since I was at the Fling. Well, maybe minus the Wollemeise….
Karen said,
May 3, 2010 @ 5:19 pm
Hard to narrow down to one designer……maybe Wendy Johnson. I really like her sox. Anne Hanson too.
Reni said,
May 3, 2010 @ 5:19 pm
Cookie A – Yay Socks!
Robin said,
May 3, 2010 @ 5:21 pm
I’ve had several favorite designers, it usually depends on whose pattern I’m knitting at the moment. Cookie A, Anne Hanson, Evelyn Clark, Ysolde Teague, Carol Anderson, and the list goes on…
karen said,
May 3, 2010 @ 5:28 pm
My favorite varies from project to project. Currently, I’d have to say Jared Flood.
Lani said,
May 3, 2010 @ 5:33 pm
I love the creativity of Wendy Bernard. I’m also always delighted by Gudrun Johnston’s designs.
Connie Benotti said,
May 3, 2010 @ 5:43 pm
I have so many knitwear designers that it was very hard to choose. There is one that stands out. Alice Starmore has been a classic designer of timeless fashion in knitwear. Her patterning is quite unique in working with colors. You look at a finished piece and say I could never do that. Yes you can, she never uses more than 2 colors at a time but her methods and colorwork stands testimony to her skill. Her fisherman patterns are the most unbelivable I have ever done and making them make you feel a part of history. Her pieces are heirlooms and often tell a story of familys. Each of my children have very large afghans made for them when they married.
Yes, Alice Starmore is my all=time favorite knitwear designer
Lee said,
May 3, 2010 @ 5:48 pm
So many ….lately my favorites would be ….Ysolda, Jared Flood, Hannah Fettig, Evelyn Clark, Emily Ross, and Diane Soucy !
Lesley said,
May 3, 2010 @ 5:59 pm
What a hard one! Just looking around my desk, I have patterns from Noro, Spud & Chloe, lesley Stanfield, Chris Cylsma and Kathy Merrick – and that’s only the tip of the iceberg!!! I’m totally drawn to knitting sweaters based on great photography or samples
Bobbie said,
May 3, 2010 @ 6:03 pm
Bonnie Marie Burns, Wendy Johnson, Kathleen Taylor, Jared Flood, lots of others!
Candra M said,
May 3, 2010 @ 6:05 pm
I LOVE knitting socks!!! The award for favorite designers is a toss up between Cookie A & Wendyknits.
Linda said,
May 3, 2010 @ 6:13 pm
I have so many favorites that choosing just one is almost impossible. I love Anne Hanson’s designs and Cookie A for starters. There are a multitude of talented designers out there.
Whitney said,
May 3, 2010 @ 6:14 pm
I would also have to say Elizabeth Zimmerman. She gives such great basic knitwear advice, Nothing tricky yet incredibly intelligent.
Jessica said,
May 3, 2010 @ 6:16 pm
I have to chime in as another fan of Cookie’s socks!
Debbie LuBien said,
May 3, 2010 @ 6:39 pm
Love Cookie A for socks.
also Debbie O’Neill
Amy said,
May 3, 2010 @ 6:45 pm
Elizabeth Zimmerman
Laura said,
May 3, 2010 @ 6:46 pm
My favorite designer is Kim Hargreaves.
Debbie D said,
May 3, 2010 @ 6:49 pm
Melissa Leapman; Kaffe Fassett; Elizabeth Zimmerman
Anne said,
May 3, 2010 @ 6:53 pm
Nancy Bush is probably my favorite at the moment as I’m a suck for the traditional updated patterns she documents.
Cathie Jones said,
May 3, 2010 @ 7:11 pm
Looks like I’m a little late to the contest! Are there any bags left? LOL
I have a few favorite designers, but since I’m loving socks and shawls right now, I’d say my favorite is Wendy Johnson — I love her sock patterns. They’re so easy to follow and always turn out nicely.
Louise said,
May 3, 2010 @ 7:29 pm
For shawls and socks Anne Hanson, for sweaters Norah Gaughan.
joanna in CA said,
May 3, 2010 @ 8:47 pm
There are sooo many! Anne Hanson, Ann Budd, Adrienne Fong and many others. There are so many inspired designs that it is hard to choose only a few. ;D
notsocrafty said,
May 3, 2010 @ 9:16 pm
I don’t think I have a favorite designer, though I do have a few I usually enjoy – Cookie A, Gudrun Johnston, the Zephyr girls, Connie Chang Chinchino… so many great patterns out there!
Rachel said,
May 3, 2010 @ 10:01 pm
I can’t say I have one favorite, there are so many of them with lovely patterns
Wasie said,
May 3, 2010 @ 10:05 pm
I love lots of patterns, but I so admire Anne Hanson’s patterns! I am trying to get experienced enough to do one!
ann said,
May 3, 2010 @ 10:19 pm
i think my favorite designer is ysolda. i just love her aesthetic.
Cherie said,
May 3, 2010 @ 10:22 pm
Right now, my favorite designer is Marnie Mclean—love her patterns on Twist Collective! EZ is a constant favorite, and numerous other designers seem to get my attention regularly, but these are the two that come to mind immediately!
Karen said,
May 3, 2010 @ 10:27 pm
Cookie A. I love her socks, especially the Pomatomus pattern!
Sandy said,
May 3, 2010 @ 10:51 pm
Don’t have just one. There are too many of them!
Bonnie said,
May 3, 2010 @ 10:52 pm
Jared Flood. I am inspired by each design.
Bobbie said,
May 3, 2010 @ 10:52 pm
Oops! I added an “i” to Bonne Marie Burns name.
Deanna said,
May 3, 2010 @ 11:08 pm
I don’t have one yet……still discovering people!
catherine said,
May 3, 2010 @ 11:32 pm
kim hargreaves is one of my favorites
Ellen said,
May 3, 2010 @ 11:59 pm
Cookie A is my current favorite sock designer!
Lee said,
May 4, 2010 @ 12:43 am
It’s Wendy Johnson. I’m completely infatuated with her socks and her shawls.
Lydia said,
May 4, 2010 @ 4:15 am
Cookie A, Wendy, Ysolda and Jared Flood are those that come to mind first.
Sydney said,
May 4, 2010 @ 7:28 am
I forgot! Coco Knits, fun fun stuff!
Valerie said,
May 4, 2010 @ 9:21 am
For socks and shawls, Wendy Johnson, hands down. For fun sweaters and scarves, Maggie Jackson. For classy sweaters and baby things, Debbie Bliss. Honestly, how can I pick just one?! I also like Louisa Harding, Lily Chin, Norah Gaughan…. I better get knitting!
Ana said,
May 4, 2010 @ 9:41 am
My favorite designers are Wendy Johnson, Cookie A. I have many more designers that I would love to knit their patterns.
Joanie said,
May 4, 2010 @ 9:49 am
Hard to pick just one. I find myself going back to Ann Budd’s books over and over again, but my all-time favorite designer has to be Elizabeth Zimmerman. I just love her writing and her innovative techniques. How did she come up with all that????
Meg said,
May 4, 2010 @ 10:19 am
Lately I have loved Elizabeth Freeman’s shawl designs!
Joyce said,
May 4, 2010 @ 10:55 am
I don’t have one, but am getting more familiar with different ones, also am finding a lot of new designers on ravelry…..
Sydney said,
May 4, 2010 @ 11:10 am
I forgot, CoCo Knits has wonderful patterns!
Conchita Newman said,
May 4, 2010 @ 11:33 am
I don’t have a fave either. I do like the Zephyr patterns though.
Jill said,
May 4, 2010 @ 11:56 am
I don’t really have a favorite designer. I usually just look at various patterns, take a little from the ones I like, and come up with my own design. I have too much trouble getting my gauge to match anyone else’s to use a conventional pattern.
Brenda said,
May 4, 2010 @ 12:12 pm
I have grown fond of Norah Gaughan’s patterns for Berrocco….
Genny said,
May 4, 2010 @ 12:44 pm
Veronik Avery. Her garments are timelessly stylish and suit lots of body types, plus they’re so weel written!
Ashley Gibbons said,
May 4, 2010 @ 12:51 pm
I don’t have a favorite designer but your bag is too cute. Hope you all had a nice spring fling!
Beth said,
May 4, 2010 @ 2:23 pm
What a cute bag! Hmmm, favorite designer? That’s a tough one. I do love Veronik Avery’s designs, and Kathy Zimmerman’s cables. And Chrissy Gardiner’s socks. And Hansi Singh’s creatures. And, and, and…..
Linda in Illinois said,
May 4, 2010 @ 3:17 pm
My favorite designer (at the moment) is Jenny Watson.
Linda Baker said,
May 4, 2010 @ 4:53 pm
I love Laura Nelkin’s beaded scarf patterns.
Kerry said,
May 4, 2010 @ 8:56 pm
Anne Hanson! I love her designs and I love that she designs more than just one item. She’s creative and sweet and I always look forward to see what she comes up with next!
Kathrin said,
May 4, 2010 @ 10:45 pm
Many: Anne Hanson, Evelyn Clark, Bonnie Marie Burns, Cookie A, EZ.
Kitten With A Whiplash said,
May 5, 2010 @ 12:22 am
I’ve never followed a knitting pattern, but do get lots of inspiration from them. Since I’m most interested in mens clothing the choices are more limited. I love looking at Kaffe Fasset’s wonderful colorwork.
Esther said,
May 5, 2010 @ 4:23 am
I’ve admired Kaffe Fasset since childhood.
I don’t have anyone specific among modern designers though I do love the patterns from Knitty and the Twist Collective.
JoAnn said,
May 5, 2010 @ 4:45 am
Yikes! This is a tough one as there are so many awesome designers out there right now! I would have to say the Wendy Johnson for socks and Wendy Bernard for sweaters. Thanks for having this contest!
Carolyn said,
May 5, 2010 @ 6:53 am
I like Ann Budd but I am so new to knitting that I really don’t have a favorite designer. So for right now I like all designers that have patterns that I can knit.
Have a Happy Wednesday!!
Brigette said,
May 5, 2010 @ 7:17 am
I really don’t have a favorite. I’m fairly new to knitting so I have not been able to zone in on a favorite.
Christine said,
May 5, 2010 @ 7:27 am
I love Ysolda and Jared Flood and Elizabeth Zimmermann!
Melanie said,
May 5, 2010 @ 8:18 am
Ysolda is great, but my favorite has to be Wendy Johnson!
Kristie said,
May 5, 2010 @ 8:59 am
I’m all about Wendy Johnson/Wendy Knits right now. I have two pairs of her socks and a shawlette on the needles right now, and only the self-discipline I’m attempting to cultivate is keeping me from casting on a few more socks and shawls.
Sherri said,
May 5, 2010 @ 3:37 pm
Favorite designer is usually whomever I am knitting at the time – BUT – I do love Stephanie Japel & Charlene Schurch
Sarah R said,
May 6, 2010 @ 2:23 pm
Up until fairly recently I would have said I didn’t really have a favorite designer. But now…I think I can name four designers that I always seem to like:
Anne Hanson
Veronik Avery
Connie Chang Chinchio
and
Carol Sulcowkski (Not sure about the spelling…sorry, Carol!)
All these women just seem to fit my taste.
Susan said,
May 6, 2010 @ 11:48 pm
My favorite designers are Penny Straker and Wendy Johnson. I love Penny’s Arans and Wendy’s socks.
Chrissy said,
May 7, 2010 @ 3:40 pm
My favorite designer is Hannah Fettig.
ashley marra said,
May 9, 2010 @ 9:13 pm
I still haven’t picked a favorite designer yet. Checking out alot now that everyone has named theirs.
Jennifer said,
May 10, 2010 @ 10:54 am
I really like the simplicity and lines of the Adrienne Vittadini books as well as Jared Flood and Julie Weisenberger. I am also a Cookie A. fan! Oh and Connie Chang Chinchio too!
Mary Ellen said,
May 10, 2010 @ 2:53 pm
I’ve got several favorite designers…….Elizabeth Zimmerman, Jared Flood, Kirsten Kapur, Melissa Morgan-Oakes and too many more to list…..
Doreen said,
May 10, 2010 @ 9:23 pm
Gudrun Johnston for contemporary and Elizabeth Zimmerman for timless.
heather said,
May 11, 2010 @ 12:42 pm
no real favorites come to mind. there’s so many beautiful patterns, and many are by little known designers. i love ravelry for helping me find patterns from a wide range of designers. my favorite abstract group of designers however, is those who can succinctly and clearly write patterns. that just gives the pattern a whole other depth of beautiful.
Kristie Hammond said,
May 12, 2010 @ 12:09 am
I am sure I am too late for the contest- I just returned from a two week holiday in Korea. I wanted to say that Jared Flood is my favorite designer as well as my favorite photographer.
Caryn Casey said,
May 13, 2010 @ 12:23 am
I love Hannah Fettig and her simple designs like Whisper Cardigan!
D Louise said,
May 13, 2010 @ 4:13 pm
Oh, my, I can’t choose between Elizabeth Zimmerman and Ysolda, for roughly the same reason: They are essentially timeless, with lovely shpaes, so they can be youthful or adapted for us Old Farts.
Nicole said,
May 13, 2010 @ 8:39 pm
This is an incredibly hard question, but I love Wendy and Cookie A’s sock patterns. I also adore Ysolda’s patterns. I don’t think I could pick just one.
Bunny dimmel said,
May 21, 2010 @ 6:58 am
When I was learning to bake bread many years ago, I contacted an author of a cooking book that had me “stumped,” and she gave me this advice: “Stay with the same chef rather than jump to different cookbooks. You will learn the basics and then be able to understand other techniques in other books.” And so, I have knitted many of Debbie Bliss paterns because I am beginning to understand a lot more of knitting with the same “constant” teacher. Hope this helps someone, Bunny