When Easy Knits Aren’t For Beginners

On failing (twice) at knitting a jumper and finding joy in Allie Buckley’s sustainable designer knitwear journey

Hello,

I think I hit a creative wall this month. I’m blaming it on winter (winter sucks), and the build up to school holidays because I knew all my spare time was going out the window. We also had visitors which meant cooking something a bit nicer than bangers and mash for dinner every night.

But the cold weather has sparked a deep urge to knit! So, I found a book in the library called 52 Weeks of Easy Knits and picked a simple-looking sweater pattern called the Viimein. I found a lovely flecked forest green wool, bought some circular needles, and got started. Unfortunately, I didn’t know how to use circular needs and “knit in the round”. This was also a top down pattern which meant I had to do the “magic loop” method (didn’t have a clue how to do that) and to top it all off the pattern completely stumped me with something called German Short Rows. Knitting patterns are a language all of there own!

I was on Youtube a lot, but it was just all too frustrating and I gave up on the Viimein. I tried a second pattern in the book, but that didn’t work either 🙁. So much for “Easy Knits”!!! Luckily, my mum came to the rescue and we scrolled the net for something a bit more beginner friendly. I’m now attempting a very simple raglan sleeve pattern that starts from the bottom up instead of top down.

No idea how I’ll go when I get to the tricky part (armholes and shaping) but so far, I’m enjoying some simple knitting.

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Now for something far more interesting than my rubbish attempt at knitting - Another maker interview for you!

Allie Buckley is the knitwear designer behind the brand Itchy Knits (awesome name!) She creates one-of-a-kind, chunky, floaty, beautiful knitted garments from upcycled yarn. And to top it off, she has just moved from little ol’ Aotearoa New Zealand to Paris, France!

Here is some of Allie’s story.

What is your business name and is there a story there?

Itchy Knits comes from the idea that my knitwear is actually really soft and cloud-like. I think it challenges people to have an open mind and feel the knitwear for themselves.

How long have you been working as a knitwear designer?

I have been professionally making knitwear since 2020 when I learnt how to knit (I jumped right in!) but have been creating for a much longer time before that, as far back as I can remember!

Did you switch careers from something more traditional? Can you tell us a little about the path you have taken?

During the bigger covid lockdown in New Zealand I left my full-time work as a designer for a New Zealand brand and decided to really let my creativity flow! While everyone was in lockdown doing various things, I made a 10-piece vest collection which launched in Crushes on K Road as soon as Auckland came out of lockdown. The timing was perfect 👌 I created my special knitwear for 18 months and then went back to doing it part-time again while I explored other channels of full-time work in the Fashion Industry.

What are your favourite parts about what you do in your creative job?

The freedom is hands down the best part, the exploration and research that goes into making whatever I want! I have complete control (especially over the playlist in the office hehe).

What are the most common challenges you face being an entrepreneur?

The seasonal dips and the inconsistency of income were the main reason I returned to full-time work a few times. But I did find that taking the financial pressure off my making led to it feeling much more free. Loneliness was a big factor too. So I made sure to collaborate with other creatives as much as I could, meet up with people, stay part of my community. I used to have little knitting dates with friends who didn't mind that I knitted while we chatted. Trying to utilise those opportunities as much as possible helped a lot with working alone most of the time.

What are your most important values in making the work you do?

I value rarity and sustainability - these both show through really strongly in the work I create. The idea that someone has a one-off piece made by me in their closet and they style it with all the other pieces that make them who they are is such a drive for me. Entering the fashion industry from the very beginning I always knew sustainability would be a huge part of what I make. There are too many poorly made and poorly thought through pieces in the world already. I wanted my practice to slow that right down and essentially do the opposite. So much time and work goes into each knit I make. It really feels like a slow but worthwhile battle against fast fashion!

What resources or communities have been most valuable in your journey?

My online community and my friends and family are a huge part of propelling me forward. I really love their encouragement and positivity. I would find it more challenging without them, so every time I get a new follower or a few likes on a new project I have posted, it really gets me through!!

Do you have a bread and butter product? Something that consistently sells?

My vests are what I'm known for, but more so I'd say in simple, accessible colour ways!

Do you experience imposter syndrome, and if so, how do you manage that? Any tips?

This has been a huge challenge for me actually! I still deal with it sometimes, but I just had to start believing everyone around me that liked my knitwear and wanted to wear it! You can't really argue with that? It is a huge part of kiwi culture to be modest, and I am desperately trying to unlearn that as I enter the bigger world of Fashion in Paris!!

How do you stay motivated and adaptable in a constantly changing online world?

Honestly, I try to ignore trends as much as I can. As soon as the masses are wearing something, it becomes less special to me. I keep my head down and find inspiration from a few of my fav big brands and the people around me. The online world changes a lot, all the time. I kinda stay the same, not sure if that's a good thing or not hahaha.

How do you define success as an entrepreneur?

Freedom to create, financial stability to survive 😊 Success for myself more specifically includes a lot of big goals I have listed in my notes somewhere (e.g, being in Vogue would be cool!!)

Do you find it hard to switch off from from your work? Do you think it's different to when you work for someone else?

I enjoy my work so much, that I don't think I ever really switch off. It is such a deeply engrained passion of mine that it doesn't feel like 'work' when I casually pick up my knitting needles or look at fashion runways online for inspiration. Working for others is when my people pleasing comes out, if they need me to work on a 12-hour long photoshoot I'll do it, because that is the external expectation that was set for me.

How do you overcome creative blocks or periods of low inspiration?

Honestly, I just ride the waves. If I'm not feeling creative I don't force it. If i still need to keep my hands busy but don't know what to make, I'll make myself a plain black sweater or something - still a helpful piece for me to have but no creativity required haha!

If you could tell young people who are thinking of starting a handmade business, what advice would you give them?

Protect your body at all costs! I would sometimes knit for 10 hours a day and this made my body very sore and compromised. Other than that, just get as much business advice as you can, meet people, make connections, find your niche and your community 😊

As someone who can only knit for about 10 minutes at a time before she gets sore arms, I’m in awe of Allie! I’m also insanely jealous that she is now living in Paris!! Not that I’m a fashionista by any stretch of the imagination, but damn, I love that city.

Thank you so much for sharing some behind-the-scenes of Itchy Knits, Allie. If you want to find her online, head to her website: itchy.co.nz or follow her European adventures on Instagram @itchyknits.

Until next time, happy making everyone and wish me luck with my jumper!

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P.S. Do you knit? Do you have any favourite patterns? Or any tips for me :) Feel free to share!