Breean Elyse Miller is the talented designer behind three of the knitting patterns in our 2011 Swans Island pattern collection: the Open Book Hat, the Snow Bowl Hat and the ever-popular Anna Cowl, which was featured as a Knit-A-Long for Jimmy Beans Wool a few months ago.
Breean Elyse Miller
We love the textural quality of Breean's work, as well as her inventiveness — which comes through quietly but cleverly. And her designs and color schemes are gorgeous. Breean, who lives and works in Chicago, recently published an E-book of knitting patterns called "Hot Child In The City." She chatted with us about what inspires and informs her designs. Scroll down for the Q&A.
The Swans Island Anna Cowl
The Swans Island Snow Bowl Hat
What's your design philosophy?
I try to design items that I would enjoy knitting and wearing myself — simple and straightforward, but still interesting enough to keep the project from getting dull. Also, I typically like to include notes in my patterns so that people can easily customize them according to their preference — stripes or no stripes, different gauges, and endless possibilities for embellishment and embroidery, like with the Open Book Hat. It is important to me that my patterns are sophisticated enough for advanced knitters but still accessible for beginners.
How long have you been knitting? Designing?
I think I began to self-teach myself knitting around 8 years ago, though I didn't learn to purl until much later. Surprisingly, I'm still not sick of garter stitch. As far as designing goes, I guess it depends on your definition. Did I use patterns in my early knitting years? No. But I wouldn't call those early projects "designs." I suppose my design process is much more haphazard than most, because I'm very visual. In many cases, I need to see the piece physically take shape before I know whether or not I like it or if it needs more work. I guess you could say I started actually designing around 2008.
What inspires you or triggers ideas toward your designs?
I am inspired by a lot of things — color, weather, fashion — but mostly by yarn! I conceptualize designs in my head often, but for me designing really begins when I select a yarn, swatch with it, and understand how it feels and drapes after blocking.
What inspired the designs for the three Swans Island patterns?
I was very inspired by the theme developed by Michele Rose Orne (Swans Island's Director of Hand Knit & Yarn Division). She described it to me as “classic, modern and wearable.” I also researched Maine and Swans Island and found some very inspiring imagery. And, of course, the yarn I was sent for the designs was amazing and inspiring!
Are you from Chicago? How long have you lived there?
I am originally from Ohio by way of West Virginia, but I have lived in Chicago for a little over five years now. I absolutely love Chicago — even the nasty cold weather — because it gives me more knitting time.
Who are some of the designers you are excited by/about?
I have several favorites on Ravelry, of course. I love the quirky and interesting accessories designed by Alexandra Tinsley, unique construction for hats and shawls alike by Carina Spencer, texture by Michele Wang, and I love pretty much everything that Gudrun Johnston designs.
What are on the needles now?
I have a major garter stitch fascination right now. I think it's mainly because I'm not getting much knitting time due to the unseasonably beautiful weather! Also, I'm doing a lot of swatching for new fall designs.
A big thank you to Breean for taking the time to chat with us. To learn more about Breean, and to check out her other designs, visit breeanelyse.com. To view or purchase the patterns in "Hot Child In The City," click here.
Posted in Notes on Design, Patterns & Knitting, Friends of Swans Island | Tagged breean elyse miller breean elyse miller breean elyse miller breean elyse miller breean elyse miller breean elyse miller breean elyse miller breean elyse miller breean elyse miller breean elyse miller breean elyse miller | 3 Comments
If you have any plans to visit Maine this year, please include us in your itinerary. On the way up you could stop in Freeport to visit the Thomas Moser store where our blankets are on display, or even stay at the Harraseeket Inn’s new Moser-furnished suite, where you can sleep under a beautiful Swans Island blanket.
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