Designing for ROWAN 81: Finding Creativity

I am currently working on designing for ROWAN 81 and every new swatch brings me one step closer to the final design.

This project challenges me in a different way. The limited color palette requires thoughtful decisions. Fewer colors mean every shade must work harder. While that can make the design process more challenging, it also encourages creativity and careful planning.

So far, I am happy with how my swatches are developing. I am drawing inspiration from SPINEXPO and the season’s color story of the magazine. I enjoy translating those color trends into knitwear that feels timeless, modern and wearable.

Every project begins differently. Sometimes the ideas come quickly. Other times, they need time to grow. I have learned not to rush the process. Once the right idea appears, everything starts to flow naturally.

My swatching process follows a simple routine. After I establish the basic concept, I knit a few rows using waste yarn before working on of stitch pattern design. This gives me the flexibility to make detail changes without committing to the final design too early.

I spend most of my time perfecting the stitch pattern first and only when I am completely satisfied I begin designing the finishing details. The bottom edge, neckline and sleeve edges are my finished details stitches. Seeing these elements together helps me evaluate the complete garment and refine every detail.

Designing knitwear is always a balance between creativity and technical precision. Every swatch teaches me something new and each revision brings the design closer to the finished piece.

I look forward to sharing more of this ROWAN 81 knitting design journey as the project continues.

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