This month, I’m interviewing Suzanne, who goes by Shezam on Ravelry. I found her beautiful patterns there while searching for a particular type of pattern a couple months ago. “Strolling on Cloud 9” was exactly what I was looking for, and was it ever gorgeous! Every one of her patterns is intriguing and unique, and there’s great variety among them.
As usual, my questions will be in black while Suzanne’s responses will be in purple.
Q: Suzanne, tell us about how you got started in fiber arts. How did you first learn to knit?
A: Thank you for that intro. I’m honored that you asked me to do the interview! I started knitting after grad school while I was looking for a job and figuring out what to do next with my life. I got the urge to try knitting, taught myself, and haven’t stopped since! That first project was a blanket made with a chenille yarn on straight needles. It is quite comical to remember how I strained to keep all the stitches from popping off the needles. I still have it; it’s even sitting next to me right now!
I can’t even imagine making a blanket on straight needles!
Q: What led you from learning to knit to designing your own patterns?
A: Wow, that could be a long story, but I’ll try to keep it to the short version! My background is in biomedical engineering, and I worked in the medical device industry. Eventually I was able to do consulting work from home to have more flexibility as we wanted to start a family. Through the OC Fiberistas (still my beloved knitting group) I met a friend who had just started a business making project bags. With my flexible schedule I was able to help her at different fiber shows where I learned about this whole other world of fiber. I became a sales rep for ChiaoGoo knitting needles because I loved their needles and couldn’t find them anywhere. Then I took on Zen Yarn Garden and pretty quickly after that several more small manufactures in the industry. The yarns were so inspiring that I started designing!
Q: Tell us about what you do when you aren’t knitting and designing new patterns.
A: I now have an almost 4-year-old little boy, so he takes up a lot of my time. But when I’m not chasing him, being a yarn rep keeps me busy. I get to visit local yarn shops in Southern CA, AZ, and NM and show them pretty things! As an introverted engineer I never thought I would be in sales but I love it! I also enjoy hiking, biking, and camping.
Q: I have found an extraordinary number of scientists among the designers I’ve interviewed. Why do you think that is?
A: For me designing is like solving a little puzzle, and a bit of experimenting along the way. Maybe that’s why we are drawn to it!
Q: Which comes first? The yarn or the pattern? Do you find some beautiful yarn and come up with the perfect pattern to go with it, or do you have a pattern idea in mind and go in search of yarn that would complement it?
A: The yarn usually comes first because I’m looking for a way to show it off or inspire people to use it.
Q: You use a variety of different yarn weights. Do you have a favorite?
A: I love all of them, especially if the yarn is deep teal/turquoise.
Q: What was the inspiration for your pattern, Sedona Tracks? I ask because I see Sedona off in the distance out my front windows.
A: I’m so jealous! Sedona is one of my favorite places. I was there while I was working on that one and the color way is called “Painted Desert” so it was a perfect fit.
Q: What is your own personal favorite design that you have made so far?
A: The one that lead you to me, “Strolling on Cloud 9,” is near the top, and the precursor to it “Driving on Cloud 9.” You will like the pictures for that one as I took them in Sedona! Another favorite is the “Mountain Gods” vest.
Q: What upcoming plans do you have for your business as a designer?
A: I love teaching classes too, so I hope to do more of that along with designing. I’m scheduled to teach a class at Sedona Knitwits on November 15th for the “Strolling on Cloud 9” pattern.
No way! Maybe we can meet up while you’re in town.
Q: Where can we find your patterns?
A: All of my patterns are on https://www.ravelry.com/designers/suzanne-nielsen. I’m also trying to be better about posting on Instagram @suzannemnielsen.
Thank you, Suzanne. It has been a pleasure!