Interview with designer Nancy Ricci (part two)

As I mentioned in the first part of the interview, Nancy always starts with a swatch. Except when she doesn’t. Confused? Read this recent post by Nancy and you’ll understand what I mean.

At our recent visit, Nancy brought along a stack of swatches – BIG swatches. I was especially attracted to this, the lovely scroll pattern knit in a beautiful hand-dyed koigu merino. It looks as beautiful from the front

as it does from the back.

Nancy explores different and often obscure stitch patterns from the Barbara Walker stitch dictionary series. If you’re not familiar with the genius of Barbara Walker, these books are definitely worth checking out.

Nancy shared her most recent project: Double Knitted Gloves. These gloves, of which she only had one finished are knit beginning at the tips of the fingers entirely on TWO NEEDLES. You heard right. No more futzing around with four (or five) double pointed needes. I suppose you could use magic loops but the prospect of knitting gloves on two needles is very exciting to say the least.

The lovely gloves are designed by Judy Wilcox and are taught in a class by Judy Taylor. Check with Close Knit for details. Nancy used Karabella Silk Merino Lace which I think was the perfect choice. Nancy gives more details about these gloves at her blog.

Lastly, Nancy also shared with me one of her free patterns, the Long Scalloped Adrienne glove which is convertible and can be worn as a wrist/arm warmer

as well a fingerless glove.

The fiber used is Rowan Tapestry, a verigated soy/wool blend. There’s a very detailed tutorial and pattern at Nancy’s blog so go and check it out.

Thanks for checking out my interview with local knitterati and until next time, Happy Knitting!