As part of Ravelry's Indie Design Gift-Along, I'm interviewing two knitwear designers. In the first interview we met Sarah Jordan (PAKnitWit). In today's interview we meet Ambah, ambahobrien on Ravelry.
Hello, Ambah! Welcome to my blog. Just in case people don't know who you are... Who are you? Where are you?
Hello I'm Ambah, and I design under my own name. I am an Australian and live in regional Victoria - about an hour away from Melbourne, in a vibrant artistic community.
Sounds lovely to live in an artistic community. How did you come to design hand-knits?
I am an artist and always making, knitting has certainly captured my imagination and it makes sense for me to make designs based on my ideas. Initially I made some patterns for fun, to try out ideas, encouraged by a positive response I find myself completely addicted to manifesting my ideas into designs!
I love your aesthetic, Ambah! What inspires your designs?
I am inspired by everything. A need for an item, for example I wanted to knit my son a hooded jacket. Sometimes a yarn gives rise to an idea - I designed my Dreamy Valentine shawl after inspiration from the beautiful Valentine colorway in some Dream in Color yarn I had. Other times I am inspired by fashion, art, nature - life in general really; ideas pop into my head and I go to sleep dreaming about how to make it.
Do you find yourself working often in a specific style?
Not really, I love variety. Though as a new designer perhaps a style will emerge.
What is your favorite part of designing?
I do enjoy the whole process...apart from when I am tearing my hear out over something! Its so exciting when I realize my idea is working.
Who are your design heroes?
How can I choose, I really find something to admire in everyone. I am fond of Kaffe Fassett's amazing work, I love the creativity and energy of Stephen West, I admire Veera Välimäki's beautiful designs. Gosh that is just a few names when I could easily mention a 100 more!
What do you see yourself doing/exploring in 2014?
I have more color work ideas, as well as being inspired by texture - particularly lace designs. I have a cute child's sweater I am mid process with that I am looking forward to finishing and perhaps some ladies cardigans - a personal favourite garment of mine.
I can't wait to see what you come up with in 2014! Thank you for stopping by, Ambah!
If you'd like to see the Ambah's latest work, check out her website: ambah.co.
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And, readers, as a thank you from Ambah, she's giving away one of her patterns which you can see here. So the winner of this giveaway will receive the pattern of their choice from Ambah's collection, but even if you don't win, check out her free patterns: Tassel Necklace and Easy Knitted Bangle. They'd make a lovely holiday gift!
To enter the giveaway, use the Rafflecopter Widget below and click to enter. Simple as that! The giveaway ends on Monday.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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| Mirri Collection, Ambah O'Brien |
Hello, Ambah! Welcome to my blog. Just in case people don't know who you are... Who are you? Where are you?
Hello I'm Ambah, and I design under my own name. I am an Australian and live in regional Victoria - about an hour away from Melbourne, in a vibrant artistic community.
I am an artist and always making, knitting has certainly captured my imagination and it makes sense for me to make designs based on my ideas. Initially I made some patterns for fun, to try out ideas, encouraged by a positive response I find myself completely addicted to manifesting my ideas into designs!
 |
| easy knitted bangle (free pattern!), Ambah O'Brien |
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| Mirri Cowl, Ambah O'Brien |
I am inspired by everything. A need for an item, for example I wanted to knit my son a hooded jacket. Sometimes a yarn gives rise to an idea - I designed my Dreamy Valentine shawl after inspiration from the beautiful Valentine colorway in some Dream in Color yarn I had. Other times I am inspired by fashion, art, nature - life in general really; ideas pop into my head and I go to sleep dreaming about how to make it.
 |
| Maroo Mitts, Ambah O'Brien |
Not really, I love variety. Though as a new designer perhaps a style will emerge.
 |
| Magine Shawl, Ambah O'Brien |
What is your favorite part of designing?
I do enjoy the whole process...apart from when I am tearing my hear out over something! Its so exciting when I realize my idea is working.
Who are your design heroes?
How can I choose, I really find something to admire in everyone. I am fond of Kaffe Fassett's amazing work, I love the creativity and energy of Stephen West, I admire Veera Välimäki's beautiful designs. Gosh that is just a few names when I could easily mention a 100 more!
What do you see yourself doing/exploring in 2014?
I have more color work ideas, as well as being inspired by texture - particularly lace designs. I have a cute child's sweater I am mid process with that I am looking forward to finishing and perhaps some ladies cardigans - a personal favourite garment of mine.
 |
| Dreamy Valentine, Ambah O'Brien |
If you'd like to see the Ambah's latest work, check out her website: ambah.co.
- - -
And, readers, as a thank you from Ambah, she's giving away one of her patterns which you can see here. So the winner of this giveaway will receive the pattern of their choice from Ambah's collection, but even if you don't win, check out her free patterns: Tassel Necklace and Easy Knitted Bangle. They'd make a lovely holiday gift!
To enter the giveaway, use the Rafflecopter Widget below and click to enter. Simple as that! The giveaway ends on Monday.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
1 comment:
I'm enjoying these interviews! :)
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