Interview: a moment with Camilla Ette Gotfredsen, DesignEtte

How would you describe your inspiration and design process?

My design process is probably divided into main four parts.

First, I collect the yarns. These mainly come from fairs, but occasionally producers approach us directly. Ideas come from travelling or from nature, which changes every day. Inspiration can come from colours, or structures like wood and water. Water is one of my favourites - the Blue Lagoon and Pushkar Lake designs are both made to look like the water they are named after. Ideas also come from different structures in fur or woven textiles.

Secondly, I begin making the first samples. The yarn, pattern and tension plays a big role in that. I use my feeling with the yarn and how it can be expressed in the best way. I also try new patterns as well as adapting traditional styles into a modern look.

I then try to find the shape and the style – when I begin the process I do have several shapes in mind, either nice and modern, or traditional shapes that I will either use as they are, or rebuild them into something new.

When I have got the right pattern and shape, I write the knitting pattern. This requires quite a lot of time alone, so that I can immerse myself in the work. So I am lucky to live in the countryside near water, woods and silence.

Which design are you most proud of? Do any have special stories behind them?

I couldn’t say that there is a design that I am most proud of! There is something that I like about each one. That’s why I write the story behind each pattern, so that the knitter can understand the design space I was in at the time.

Take the Rubia Winter Leaf pattern (above) for example. International fashion trends show several examples of patterns which span across the body and sleeves respectively. Rubia Winter Leaf is our own contribution to that trend. It is composed of cross stitch patterns and an old English leaf design that is not seen very often.

Rosebud scarf – buy the kit with a 20% discount using this exclusive link or get the pattern free on our website here.

What do you think makes your designs stand out?

The product range is totally unique to us, and our designs are all based on Nordic knitting techniques. Our patterns most appeal to customers who want a special design in an exclusive and luxurious yarn.

We also care a lot about the environment, as our range of yarns are all natural. We use the soft qualities of wool, silk, linen, viscose and cotton; we believe in sustainability and we like to take care of the people and nature in this world. We are also luxury-minded and like to dress people in pure natural fibres! Nature protects your body and does not harm the environment. Plus, it looks great, of course…

Find out more about DesignEtte at www.designette.co.uk