It’s snowing here in New England and we are cozying up with the thought of projects. We caught up with designer Sari Nordlund, who has new patterns launching with us today on Stone Wool.

Sari is working her dream job as a knitwear designer and offered us great insight into her design process and inspiration, and we’re so excited for you to see her new patterns on Stone Wool in Corriedale!

How long have you been designing hand-knitting patterns?
I have been designing my own knitwear pretty much ever since I started to knit. Because I love how knitting lets you be creative. I wrote my first patterns five years ago, but I started taking pattern writing to a new level two years ago.

Do you have a “day job” or are you only designing these days?
Designing is actually my day job these days. Until the beginning of this year I worked as a professional furniture conservator in a museum. But when the opportunity presented itself I didn't hesitate for a moment. I haven't looked back since - this really is my dream job.

Did you have specific inspiration when designing these patterns for Stone Wool, and, what do you love most about working with Stone Wool Corriedale yarn?
I draw inspiration from my Nordic heritage and minimalistic Scandinavian design. I love creating timeless classics, because knitting is a slow process, so I want to make sure what I create is worth the effort. For these three patterns I was playing around with the contrast between simple and complicated: How simple ribbing turns into cables, the contrast between twisted stitches and stockinette and how a surface can be plain and smooth on one side, and really intricate on the other side. The theme was modern heirloom so I wanted to create pieces that can be used for years to come.

Stone Wool Corriedale is a lovely smooth yarn with a perfect stitch definition for creating textures and twisted stitches. It is aran weight so it knits up really quickly – which is great because you can't wait to wear it!

Where is your favorite place to knit besides home?
I haven't yet found a place where I wouldn't have enjoyed knitting. But I really enjoy knitting beside a pool with a cocktail.

What has knitting brought to your life and why do you knit?
Knitting started out as a way to relax and be creative, but it has turned out to be so much more. I have been able to connect with people on so many levels, find friends wherever I go, inspire and be inspired. Knitting has taught me patience and how making a mistake isn't the end of the world.

Do you have knitters that inspire you, or designers whose patterns you’ve knit the most?
I am inspired by people who have found their own style. When you enjoy what you are making, it will also bring joy to others. My favourite designers are Julie Hoover and Michele Wang. Julie is my style icon, she makes complicated look effortlessly chic and simple. Michele is the queen of cables, and if I could only knit her patterns for the rest of my life, I would die happy.