Knitting designers of the month: October

The leaves are well and truly turning, and autumn is finally upon us, with reds, golds and oranges tumbling from the trees. We’re only a nod away from really cold weather on this side of the earth, so it’s time to get knitting with this month’s knitting designers - meet Suzie Sparkles and Nadia Crétin-Léchenne.

Suzie Sparkles

Knitting has been a lifelong passion of Suzie’s since her Nanna taught her to knit at age 5. She studied fashion design and after ten years in the fashion industry, decided to become an independent knitwear designer. Her patterns are multi-sized and full of helpful advice and information, as well as being deliciously sweet for babies, and sophisticated knits for grown-ups.

The Luella Cardigan is a classic Suzie Sparkles cardi with diamond lace yoke, knit in one piece with a clever little i-cord edging. As with most of Suzie’s garments, there is the option for short sleeves, ¾ sleeves or full length.

This is a sweet baby cardigan that would be ideal to knit if you are new to lace - the little lace motif is easy to work and this pattern is sized from newborn to age 5. It is also included in one of Suzie’s e-book collections.

Get ready, sock fans - you’ll love this lace and cable sock with its intricate repeat, which is included in Suzie’s Lace Socks collection. There is something delightfully indulgent about knitting your own socks and these are a treat with no calories at all! The pattern includes two variations - top down and toe up.

Nadia Crétin-Léchenne

Knitting is a way of life for Nadia, she says she knits all day, every day, anywhere. She creates her designs to be timeless, comfortable and wearable - and suitable for all knitting levels, from beginners to advanced. Nadia lives in Switzerland, and her patterns are available in English and French.

Bring on the tumble of leaves - now we’re into October you’ll need something to wrap around your shoulders to keep the chills away. The fabulous October Rendezvous shawl is perfect for striding through the woodland and elegant enough to swirl for an evening out.

This is a sweater that shows off simple stitches - knitted from the bottom up, seamlessly, in one piece. This is the adult version of Gretel - just as sweet in miniature as it is stylish for women. A retro-vintage feel and a perfect change of seasons garment.

If you’re looking for a sweet unisex baby cardi, this is it - a darling little cable down the button bands, raglan sleeve shaping and knitted in one piece, top-down. Sized from newborn to 24 months.