Play Now:

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

This week Kathy talks with Debbi Stone WEBS’ featured Emerging Designer, about her Sproutlet collection eBook.

Learn about Debbi’s design aesthetic and inspiration as well as the growth of her company, Stitches of My Life Designs, her collaborative design label Adventure Du Jour Designs, and learn about the Strung Along knitting retreats she hosts in Port Ludlow each year.

Steve’s Yarn Picks of the week :

• Madelinetosh Silk Merino
• Rowan Magazine 58
• Rowan Hemp Tweed
• Rowan Alpaca Merino DK
• Rowan Pure Wool Superwash DK
• WEBS End of Summer Sale
• Valley Yarns Amherst
• Louisa Harding Akiko
• Louet Gems Worsted – Discontinued Colors
• Louet Gem Sport – Discontinued Colors
• Louet Gems Fingering – Discontinued Colors

Reminder:

Stitches Midwest is happening THIS weekend, August 6-9. WEBS is there and you can save 50% on admission with a coupon from us.

Sign ups are open for our annual bus trip to Rhinebeck – get your seat now!

Upcoming Events:

Bathroom renovations are happening in our retail store starting August 23rd. Please plan ahead for restroom stops before and after your visit to help alleviate lines for our customers and staff. We will be down to just one bathroom stall through the Labor day weekend – PLEASE plan ahead.

Be sure to check out all of our upcoming Events here.

We’re excited to bring you the second installment of our WEBS Emerging Designer series with the Summer 2015 Sproutlet eBook! Debbi Stone, who you may know from the Stitches of My Life Designs, has put together a mini collection of everything you need to bring that new baby home in style and keep them warm for the first few years! We’re always excited by Debbi’s fantastic accessory patterns and we couldn’t be happier with these designs! We asked her to tell us a bit about her process and inspiration.

WEBS: When did you learn to knit and what prompted you to start designing?

Debbi: I learned to knit from my grandmother the summer I was 7. She taught me to cast on and knit, no purling, and bind off. That summer I made a lot of garter stitch headbands! A few years back I was looking for a simple cabled cowl to knit for my daughters for Christmas and realized that I couldn’t find what I wanted on Ravelry. I knew how I wanted that cowl to look and how I wanted to construct it so I just started knitting. The next thing you know I had designed my first (very basic) pattern.

WEBS: Give us a glimpse into your design process, where/how do you find inspiration?

Debbi: Someone once referred to me as a “noun girl”. I take my inspiration from the people, places and things in my life. I’ve used everything from relatives, to places I love, and objects of my affection. Once I started keeping my eyes open the world of inspiration opened up to me.

WEBS: Tell us about your design aesthetic.

Debbi: I love to design accessories to pair with a simple, basic wardrobe. I wear a lot of basic black and love to put an accessory on to pull those basics together. I have found that this gives my mix and match wardrobe infinite possibilities, and creates many different looks with the same basic pieces.

The Sproutlet Sweater is an easy, top-down cardigan that you’ll reknit, in each size, every time they outgrow it. Paired with the Sproutlet Hat, and the Sproutlet Blanket, you’ll have one stylish baby ready for that first car ride home or an early autumn family picnic. All three patterns were designed in our line of Valley Superwash yarn, each using a different weight: DK, worsted, and bulky. With 12 colors available in all 3 weights you could make this set in a shade perfect for any baby, from the vibrant Spring Leaf green that Debbi chose to Soft Yellow, Natural or Misty Lilac. Or choose from over 20 other colors and create a set of hand knits in bold tones to gift with your favorite baby accessories.

Download all three patterns together in the WEBS Emerging Designer, Summer 2015 Sproutlet eBook for just $9.99 or download any individual pattern for just $3.99 each. You can find more of Debbi’s designs here on our site, and on Ravelry and don’t forget her collaborative designs with her friend Marcy under Adventures Du Jour. And check out WEBS Emerging Designer Spring 2015 eBook by Angelia Robinson with three stunning crochet accessories perfect for every season.