Sue Stratford opened her knitting shop, The Knitting Hut, in 2006, and soon started designing patterns to use up yarn that hadn’t sold in the shop. One design led to another and now she is the author of Cute Knitted Animals!
Do you have a favourite project from the new books?
It is really hard to choose just one project, as I love them all! However, I am particularly attached to the owl – I was amazed how well he came out and the photographs in the book really do him justice.
Where did you find inspiration for Cute Knitted Animals?
When I started coming up with the ideas for the book, I thought that finding 35 animals to knit was going to be very difficult. Once I started thinking of different animals the ideas came tumbling in, then I narrowed animals down to a specific breed, such as the snake.
Where are your go-tos for craft supplies?
I love nothing better than going to a yarn or craft shop, as I had my own shop for over ten years. There are not so many bricks and mortar stores around now, but I do love visiting Loop in London and pop to Hobbycraft to pick up supplies. Online shops I love are Black Sheep Wools and Wool Warehouse who are both family-owned businesses.
Crafting aside, what is your favourite way to pass the time?
I always have lots of projects on the go, not just crafting. I am currently working through the rooms in my 250-year-old cottage, redecorating and also have two allotments, which I really don't have time for, but the exercise is much better than the gym!
Where is your favourite place to knit?
I will knit wherever I am, at work, in a cafe, I find it always sparks a conversation if I am knitting in a cafe, you meet the nicest people. At home I love curling up in my favourite chair next to the woodburner with whichever project I am working on.
What’s the best piece of knitting advice you’ve received?
I think the best advice I have been given is that if you are not enjoying what you are knitting, start another project! The most important piece of advice is check your tension before you begin! I always use a much smaller needle size with the yarn to ensure the knitted fabric is tight enough that the toy filling does not show through. When you are making a garment, checking your tension (guage) is essential to make sure your finished project fits as you want it to.
Cute Knitted Animals is out now. To get more free projects like this one - direct to your inbox - sign up to our mailing list here.