As well as self-publishing patterns on Ravelry, Andrea has published a fabulous book, New Vintage Lace. She's taken ideas from vintage lace doilies and reimagined them as stunning modern accessories - not just shawls, but also scarves and hats. I've been lucky enough to be able to interview Andrea as part of the Giftalong.
For me, the burning question - please introduce us to the Bad Cat.
"The original BadCat was LucyFur. She was a shelter cat that was mostly Russian Blue, with huge green eyes and a very dense double coat. Her undercoat was as fine as cashmere. She was very aggressive when she first came to live with me, but mellowed nicely s she aged. She had a full set of claws. She loved to sit in my lap and watch me knit, and also assist in blocking. She was about 16 when she died, now almost 2 years ago. I began designing shortly after she came to live with me and on a whim I selected BadCatDesigns to pay homage to my lovely "badcat." I have a new "badcat." His name is Chai. He is also a shelter cat, likely a pure Flame Point, but without papers. He came to me totally declawed, so not only does he like to help block but he requires less direct supervision when he blocks lace with me :)."
What was it that nudged you to make the jump from making other people's patterns to designing your own?
"I have been knitting most of my life, and was taught by my grandmother and her sisters, who did not use patterns. Or rather, had the "patterns" in their heads. So I was never much of a pattern follower. I have knit my share of commercial patterns, but more often started with pattern and then drifted off in my own direction. The big jump was from just knitting my own "thing" to actually documenting it so someone else could knit it too."
The world's impression of Brooklyn is about as far from your delicate, intricate lace as it's possible to be! Is there a feminine, soft side to Brooklyn we're missing, or does the contrast provide stimulation?
"Ha! I imagine that there is but I think the Brooklyn in me is more my edge than my soft side. Brooklyn has changed a lot in the past decade, but I grew up there when it was a bit more rough and tumble than it is now."
Your book, New Vintage Lace, is a wonderful selection of imaginative patterns based on vintage knitted doilies. How did you get interested in these?
"I do love traditional knitting techniques and collect books and patterns for all traditional techniques. But lace is my most favourite. I feel connected with the past when I work old designs. Also, the old lace patterns can be a real challenge to work because the directions are minimal. I find that fun!"
How did you make time to write a book when you have a full-time day job?
"My housekeeping suffers greatly..."
Do you get a chance to knit anything other than the patterns you're designing, and if so what sort of things do you go for?
"No, right now I only knit my own samples. I have a sample due 12/1 which I was up late working on. I should be ready to ship on time! I have a new book cooking, so will be knitting exclusively for that until at least January. Then I should be able to add a few other side projects while I finish up the book samples, but again, just my stuff."
Ooh, a new book... what can you tell us?
"My new book is oodles of lace accessories, this time inspired by nature with a very special and secret theme!"
If the new book is anything like as beautiful as New Vintage Lace, we are in for a treat! Just room for one more picture - I can't recommend strongly enough that you visit Andrea's Ravelry designer page and check out the rest of her designs.
