What, if any, challenges did you encounter during the design process?
I won't lie there were moments when I worried it might be too complex. But as I kept refining the pattern and seeing how each technique enhanced the overall design I realized the complexity wasn't a flaw. It was exactly what made GORI special.
If you were to knit this design in another colour, what would it be?
Warm caramel for the body and deep charcoal for the cables would be gorgeous. I think earthy neutral tones really complement the design's cozy feel. Another idea is using two strands of hand-dyed Flutter yarn from amirisu with a vibrant nuanced colour palette for the cables while keeping neutral tones for the body to add depth and dimension.
How did you start your knitting journey?
I still remember when I was in elementary school in South Korea we could buy kits to knit hats for newborns in communities in need. That was the very first item I ever finished knitting. Looking back I realize I've always enjoyed knitting for the people I love more than for myself.
What made you decide to become a designer?
From 2016 to 2022 I ran a bakery café and it was intensely busy in the best way possible. I'd wake up at 4 am and come home around 9 pm every single day. But here's the thing. Somehow during that exhausting time I knitted even more passionately after I got home right up until bedtime. After six and a half years I had this realization. No matter how crazy my life got I always came back to knitting. That's when I knew. I jumped into pursuing my own designs in knitting and crochet full time.
Among the patterns you've designed so far, which one is your favourite?
Putting GORI aside since it just released I'd choose Roseraie. It was featured in a special crochet magazine called Let's Crochet published by Laine. When I started brainstorming I noticed there weren't many crochet sweaters made entirely with mohair so I decided to use only mohair and it worked. I really love how it turned out and it makes me so happy when other makers enjoy making it too.