Skip to content

Dear Kay,

Part of the fun of creating a Field Guide happens right at the beginning, when Melanie Falick, the creative director of the series, gets us all together and we listen to what the designer has in mind.

With Erika Knight, the conversation was all about the journey of making, about the way her career has come full circle, to the point that she’s interested all over again in the process as much as the result.

We opened our email one day to discover her vision for the projects she wanted to design for Field Guide No. 20.

Here are the design sketches she shared with us. The words are hers.

Escalator Scarf

“The journey of the process. Not about the destination but about the meandering pathway that brings us from one place to another.”

Knight Hood

“The space and time in between the beginning and the end of the journey. Starting from the skein, taking time to u n w i n d, following the thread. In, over, under, off. A meditative rhythm.”

Old Friend Pullover

“Garment as the souvenir of the journey. A worn sweater—revealing its own story in its idiosyncrasies—a hand me down, made by hand, warm and familiar to the touch. An old friend, enveloping you for the journey ahead, a layer of protection and comfort, soft armor.”

Stepping Stone Throw

“The blanket that has been well travelled, repaired, not unblemished but revealing of its own journey.”

Scrap Tote

“Inside out, patched, fringed, embellished, worn, mended. Practical but more importantly deeply personal, with feeling in every stitch.”

There’s something fascinating about seeing a designer’s idea take form and shape. I’m carrying Erika’s words with me as I begin my own journey of making her designs.

Love,

Ann

17 Comments

  • This was actually breathtaking for me. The richness of her words and the stories and emotions evoked stopped me in my tracks. Thank you so much for sharing.

  • It is literally amazing to experience this “proof” of Erica’s clarity of vision and ability to create stunning knitted objects inspired by beautiful yarn. Thank you for sharing this with us.

  • These drawings are so cool – the blanket wrapped around like a long skirt! That bag and scarf. This peek behind-the-scenes plus hearing Erika’s stories on Zoom make me adore her even more.

  • Seeing the blanket and tote using just one color is a game changer, more possibilities.

  • This was truly special.

  • Reading this reminds me of two things.
    There’s creative (me).
    And then there’s Creative (Erika).

  • Seeing these drawings and words has convinced me, that I need to make all the projects.

  • Delightful read! Fascinating to hear the designer’s version of the stories I think of as I knit.

  • These behind the scenes and in the imagination peeks at Erika’s creative mind are fab!

  • Love Erika’s little story for each design! Fascinating.

  • This glimpse into her design process really resonates with me. I find the sketches and differing colors much more appealing and they make me realize that I could make some of them!

  • Thank you for transforming these collages of thoughts and sketches into usable, wearable garments and accessories that allow each of us to incorporate them into our own stories.

    The “Old Friend Pullover” is first on my list. I have been looking for a sweater like this for a long time. It is the perfect piece for any journey of exploration and adventure. Even it just from an armchair by the fire. Perfect with bare feet and rolled up pantlegs on the beach, to leggings and boots for city sightseeing, or a skirt and tights for something a bit more polished.

  • I’ve whittled down my stash to 5 projects and a bag of worsted wool, fingering wool, acrylic, and unknown scraps so I thought I’d use them for the bag or blanket. One of my projects may be switched to that scarf. The Atlas really tempted me but my resolution was no new yarn buying until my stash was gone or at least down to fit in my yarn basket without overflowing.

  • I so know the process of thought and idea. I myself have found that journaling a key component to the growth of an idea to a finished and loved project..
    Some ideas may only make its way to only a sketch, but not all ideas have to be successful. The ideas from the unsuccessful can lead to other ideas just like the scribble and sketch is to the final art piece

  • I really love seeing these drawings. You can really see the structure of the piece. Please consider including drawings like these in future field guides.

  • تکرار رمز عبور تایید لطفا جهت دریافت کد تایید، شماره موبایل خود را وارد نمایید.

    رویه‌ی داخی این هودی زنانه نیز پنبه
    است که باعث می‌شود با پوشیدن آن حس نرم و
    لطیفی منتقل شود.

  • مشکی آبی سبز زرد قرمز سفید نارنجی
    سرمه ای کرم نقره ای طلایی برنزی عسلی بنفش قهوه ای خاکستری صورتی نوع سویشرت و هودی

    سلام! روی پیامرسان مورد نظر کلید کنید و با کارشناس فروش گفتگو کنید

Come Shop With Us

My Cart0
There are no products in the cart!
Continue shopping