Interview: Genevieve Miller, author of Once Upon a Knit

What are your early memories of knitting like?
I learned to knit when I was 11. My mom was pregnant with my youngest brother, and we learned together. I knitted a blanket and several potholders before I took a hiatus in high school and college. I picked the needles up again when I was pregnant with my first child. I had to relearn and I ended up ripping back an entire project! I had a good laugh.

What can you tell us about the design process and how you first started designing?
My first design was actually the Tourniquet Scarf for Vampire Knits. I’m basically inspired by things I really like, whether it’s monsters, vampires, fairytale characters, or even science fiction. I come up with an idea based on something that grabs me from the story or character. I sketch it out and figure out what the measurements would be and I knit it up, writing down what I do as I go along and making changes as I go. I designed a Rapunzel piece inspired by the actual rampion (or rapunzel) plant.

Your new book Once Upon a Knit is a marvellous collection of fairytale projects. Would you say that having children of your own encouraged you to explore the fairytale theme?
I’ve always loved fairytales, and was originally going to write a Halloween knitting book full of costume pieces based on monsters and fairytales alike. I’m also a big fan of the TV show ‘Once Upon A Time’. Having kids definitely encouraged me. My girls love fairytales and princess stories! My son loves sci fi and adventure. As a kindergarten teacher I always read fairytales to my students as well. My girls love wearing things that I knit (and they’re learning too). In fact, my first attempt at the Ruby Red Riding Hood was pilfered by my youngest child for her Halloween costume.

How do you find teaching children to knit?
It’s both frustrating and fulfilling at the same time. I teach a small group at a time, which can be challenging because the kids are all learning at different paces. When they “get” it it’s fantastic. Even if they are struggling, usually the kids are engaged and giving it a try. Whether it’s finger knitting or using needles, having kids smile, tell me “thank you”, tell me “this is really relaxing” or get excited at learning how to do this new skill makes my day.

Your fairytale designs are wonderfully imaginative. Which one are you most proud of?
Thank you! The design I’m most proud of is the Charming Cardigan. I was inspired by the leather jacket Prince Charming wears in the Enchanted Forest in ‘Once Upon A Time’. It’s the first sweater I’d ever designed and I almost gave up in the middle of it!

Your first book, Vampire Knits, appealed especially to fans of Twilight and Vampire Diaries. Tell us more about the background to that book and the secret to its success.
That book was inspired originally by Twilight, but also all vampires in general. I know that I lost readers for making it more general and I have been criticised for being inspired by Twilight at the same time! You can’t please everyone. I brought up my idea to a group on Ravelry and people got really excited, so I started brainstorming ideas with fellow knitters and designers. I think it has the right mix of dark, whimsical and classic pieces. When it comes to designing knitting projects influenced by pop culture and TV shows, the possibilities are endless!

Looking ahead, what are your plans for future projects and collections?
I have several projects and book ideas, ranging from monsters to ballet garments. I’m taking a break right now - I just finished a few projects for an upcoming book by another author.

Finally, do you have any tips for new knitters?
Keep trying! Find a group or a more experienced knitter to ask for help if you’re getting frustrated. If you have to rip something back and start over again, try to take it as a learning experience instead of giving up. Sometimes it just takes one little mistake to make something look “wrong” - just keep knitting!

Once Upon a Knit will be published on 7th April 2014 in the UK by Potter Craft. Find out more about the book at genevieveknits.wordpress.com