Both the English and Japanese editions of amirisu Issue 24 were released earlier this month on June 10. The twelve designs in this issue are all inspired by each designer’s heritage and personal story. We will be showcasing the designs here on our blog by sharing some short conversations with designers who contributed to this issue.
Today we are talking with Megumi Sawada about her chic design Breeze, how she got started knitting, and two of her favorite places in Tokyo. Let's start the interview!
amirisu: What challenges did you encounter during the design process?
Megumi: I always start with the yarn or a sample of knitted fabric when I go to start a new design. The knitting fabric with Stra is really interesting, I enjoyed experimenting with it so much that I used a whole skein knitting up different swatches. I used two stitch patterns for this design, and I think that the yarn combines with these stitch patterns for a really unique fabric.
I wanted the shape of the garment to follow the line of the body when worn so I paid extra attention to the section from the upper back to the neckline as well as the shape and depth of the armholes. I reworked them several times to make sure everything was how I wanted. The completed design is exactly as I had envisioned it, so it was well worth the effort.
amirisu: If you were to knit this design in another color, what would it be?Megumi: I’d like to knit one in S7 for that hint of green.
amirisu: How did you start your knitting journey?
Megumi: I started knitting when I was around 10. I was reading a craft book for kids and it just happened to include a pattern for knitted socks. I really wanted to try making them, so that was my inspiration to start knitting.
One of my mom’s friends taught me how to do knit and purl stitches and I got started following the pattern from the book. I remember being so excited to see the heel taking shape. After that I kept knitting little by little.
amirisu: Tell us a little bit about a favorite place of yours in the town or area you grew up in or where you live now.
Megumi: I live in Tokyo and I like to visit the large parks in the city like Yoyogi Park or the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden to soak up a little power from all the greenery. Entry to Shinjuku Gyoen requires a small fee, but there are so many different plants there that there’s always something interesting to see. It’s a great place to just relax and walk around.
amirisu: What is one handicraft or traditional art or skill from your country or region that you like or have an interest in?
Megumi: I think my favorite traditional Japanese craft is Sashiko. It’s a type of embroidery where you create designs using running stitch. Now there are all sorts of designs to choose from, everything from really traditional motifs to playful modern ones. The simple, repetitive stitches help me clear my mind and it’s fun to see the design come together as you work.
Thank you for your time, Megumi!