Denise Balvanz, Knitting Designer

Reindeer hat crochet pattern by Denise Balvanz

I had the pleasure to interview Denise for my second post in the Designer Interview Series. Most of her designs are knit although she does have the cutest little crochet reindeer hat I have ever seen. Seriously, do they get any cuter than this? Denise is also participating in the Gift-A-Long this year and has hand-picked a couple of her favorite designs that would make great gift ideas for the holiday season. I am in awe of her colorwork and a huge fan of the Roses Christmas Stockings series, see photo below. With great pleasure, I’d like to introduce Denise Balvanz!

Please tell us a little about yourself.

Amaliya Knit Pattern Set includes caplet, hat, mittens and fingerless mitts. Modeled by one of Denise’s beautiful daughters.

Most people who meet me remember first that we have 8 children! Most of them are grown now but we still have 7th and 12th graders that we are homeschooling. I have sewn and knit a lot of clothes for growing children! Over the past 10 years I have taught at my LYS, spent 3+ years working with a small US-based Norwegian yarn distributor where I packed orders, set up a retail website, helped proofread/tech-edit the patterns she was translating and ran the business when she was out of the country, and most recently, spent more time designing patterns and knitting for fun!

How long have you been crocheting/knitting and how did you first learn?

My love of fiber crafts started when I was quite young, maybe 6 or 7 years old. I remember a friend of my mom’s helping me learn to knit when we were on vacation. My grandmother was a knitter and crocheter too but mostly I am self-taught.

What other crafts do you enjoy?

If it involves fiber I have probably given it a try; embroidery, counted cross stitch, needlepoint, macramé (hey, it was the 70’s). My biggest loves though are knitting, crocheting and sewing.

How long have you been designing and what led you to design?

I have a bent toward entrepreneurism. I was a custom dressmaker/alterationist for 25 years as my children were growing. Then about 10 years ago, I walked into the LYS and was asked if I would like to teach some classes. Some of my designs were patterns for the classes I taught at there.

I have never been good at following a pattern without making at least a few changes to it. My first designs for my own use came about because of that. Except for the stranded patterns that I generally chart first, I design a lot of things on the needles as I knit. My knitting friends are always amazed at that. I have the ability to “see” the knitting in my head as I knit and even as I read a pattern.

What inspires you and/or your designs?

Endless Roses Christmas Stocking knitting pattern set by Denise Balvanz

I love clean, classic styles; cables and textures; and the 2-color Norwegian designs. Working with a Norwegian yarn line and visiting Norway in 2010 were highlights of my designing career. I am hoping to use more of the ideas from the Norwegian traditions in my future designs.

Thank you so much Denise! You can find out more about Denise and her beautiful patterns at the following links:

Cynthia Levy, Knitting Designer

One of the great things about the Gift-A-Long on Ravelry is the opportunity to get to know other designers. Today I had the pleasure of interviewing Cynthia Levy, a knitting designer. Many of Cynthia designs incorporate amazing and lovely cabling. She has published a number of beautiful knit sock patterns as well as some quick-to-knit designs that would be perfect for the holidays that are fast approaching. After you get to know her a little bit better, check out her gift suggestions and get stitching!

How long have you been knitting and how did you first learn?

I’ve been knitting ever since I was a pre-teen figure skater. I considered it essential to have a sweater and mittens to coordinate with every skating outfit and the best way to collect them was to make them myself. The first thing I actually remember knitting was a fair isle yoke sweater to match a skating skirt. My mother was used to my habit of jumping right into a complex project, instead of ever starting a new hobby with something simple, so she agreeably purchased the yarn and delegated any necessary assistance to my grandmother.

What is your favorite design of yours, why?

Snow Flurry Mittens Knit Pattern by Cynthia Levy (Redtiger)

Snow Flurry Mittens by Cynthia Levy (Redtiger)

One of my favorite original designs is Snow Flurry Mittens. I live in the Canadian sub-arctic and -40C is normal winter weather. Anything warm and cozy is bound to be well loved by me. The pattern was a bit of a challenge to get just right so I’m quite proud of it. The snowflake pattern is worked with the mitten held inside-out, so that the pattern stitch can be easily accomplished in the round, and a variety of needle sizes are used to accommodate the gauges of the various stitches.

What is your favorite project of yours, why?

I absolutely adore Julia Farwell Clay’s Bartok Tunic pattern published in Interweave Knits Spring 2013. I fell in love with the pattern the second I saw it. I made my tunic in the yarn and colors specified in the magazine, but shortened the length and narrowed the sleeves. It’s the most comfortable sweater ever and garners compliments everywhere.

What are your favorite knit tools or notions?

I have a real weakness for double-pointed sock needles. My current favorites are Knitters Pride Karbonz and Kollage square needles. And I have recently become a fan of pretty stitch markers. I recently acquired some stitch markers from Caliope’s Fibre that make me happy whenever I look at them.

When you aren’t knitting, what are you doing?

If I’m not knitting or designing, I’m probably toiling away at my more than full-time day job. But if I’m not working or knitting, I certainly won’t be idle. My husband is a private pilot so our summers are dedicated to enjoying our little Cessna floatplane. My other activities include pottery, quilting, weaving, tole painting and stained glass, as well as fishing, camping, hiking, gardening, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. Too many interests, too little time!

Where can we find you?

The best place to find me is on Ravelry as redtiger. I spend way too much time gazing at all the great patterns and yarn displayed there. My original designs are available through my shops on Ravelry, Craftsy and Patternfish. I’m also on Twitter as Redtigerdesigns.

Thank you Cynthia! Your designs are beautiful and inspiring. I’m a huge fan of your gorgeous cabling. Keep warm (-40C !!!) and happy stitching!

Crochet By Darleen Hopkins

Crochet tips, tricks and patterns

Category Archives: Designer Interviews

Gift-A-Long Designer, Denise Balvanz