Throughout August, we’re sharing more about our 2023 Knitter’s Planner designers. The next designer we’d like to share with you is Meghan Jones of Little NutMeg Productions, who designed the beautifully-textured Baluster Sweater!
Meghan Jones has a BFA in Fibers and Textiles. She designs knitwear fulltime and loves to create tutorials to accompany her patterns. She lives in the Inland Northwest with her husband, four kids, two dogs, three cats, and eight chickens.
The Baluster Pullover has minimal shaping for maximum textural impact. The wrapped stitches and garter rib are contrasted with simple stockinette stitch in a quarter square design. Dropped sleeves and a crew neck keep this pullover casual and easy to wear in the light and lofty classic Galway from Plymouth Yarn Company.
Tell us a little about the yarn you worked with for your project.
The Baluster Pullover is worked in Galway Worsted, which is a classic wool yarn from Plymouth Wool Company and this back to basics handwash wool has so much character, strength, and durability. The longer I knit, the more I appreciate a great 3-ply wool. It has terrific definition for the texture in this garment, is way warmer than a superwash, and won’t stretch or pull. Basically you swatch that baby and it’s telling you exactly what size it will be after blocking, no fooling, no tricks!
What was the most fun part of doing this project?
I loved designing this project with its oversized 80’s vibe. Instead of using color blocking to give the checkerboard pattern, I wanted three sections of differing texture for a more modern and subdued look. Both of my girls are now teenagers and they both gave this design a nod of approval, so I am hoping it appeals to many different ages, genders and styles.
What is your design process?
Before anything, I knit at least one large swatch that I block and dry according to how the finished piece will be laundered. Then I write the entire pattern from start to finish, I usually do the math first on some graph paper, type up the pattern in the needed format, and then I knit the sample. I typically add any pattern notes to the pattern while knitting it, so I remember tips while they are happening.
Would you say you have a distinctive style?
I think I do. I am very interested in texture and the intersection of horizontal and vertical patterning. So that might be lines, or different textures, or colors. For this pullover, I wanted one of the textures (the broken rib) to be vertical and the other texture (wrapped stitches) to be horizontal.
Where in the world are you located? Can you tell us a bit about how your area inspires your work?
Although I am originally from Canada, I now live in Spokane Washington- and I really love it here. Hot enough for great tomatos, cold enough for a snowy winter, I have loads of gardening time in the summer and knitting time in the winter. I am really inspired by the plants here in the inland northwest and I am happiest in my garden, or walking in Manito Park looking at all the botanical flower beds (and their name plates; I really love knowing what each one is called!).
Do you work on one project at a time, or several at once?
I always have more than one project going at a time, but no more than 4. I prefer to only have 3 on the needles since I’m addicted to progress and too many things going at once means I don’t notice the progress!
Tell us about your other hobbies.
I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts and graduated from the Fibers and Textiles department, but before that I actually did a lot of acrylic painting. I recently have started a new series based on the emotive and spiritual qualities of interpersonal relationships, so I have been painting a lot lately. I also am an avid gardener and creative cook, which tend to go together! So I love to be out planting and weeding all summer, and turning that produce into delicious food for my family.
You can find more of Meghan’s work at www.littlenutmegproductions.com or follow her on Instagram @meghanjoneslnmp.
Leave a Reply