Day 10: Crafty Chat with Allegra!

Today we’re spending time with another of my favorite folks – Allegra Wermuth.  Not only is she a fabulous designer with her own line at Fiddlestix Knits, she is half the brains behind one of our favorite publications – Petite Purls. And if THAT weren’t enough, she’s also a professional violinist.  (and she’s gorgeous, as you can see. If I didn’t like her so much, I’d hate her.  Seriously)  Enjoy my Crafty Chat with Allegra, and don’t miss the great deal she’s got for you on her newest pattern, Peekaboo Hoodie.

I have always been crafty. My father taught me when I was very young to knit.  I remember a very wonky ever-growing garter stitch scarf. Sadly, the knitting didn’t stick until much later. I also remember making woven potholders, and latch hook rugs. The summer before I got married (2003), my father knit me a really pretty scarf using Eros yarn and I demanded that he re-teach me right then to knit, so that I could knit all the women involved in my upcoming wedding scarves. So my first real project was knitting 10 scarves in three months. I should’ve known then that I was an ambitious knitter. I didn’t pick the needles up again until the next summer (2004), and I have been obsessed since.

Allegra + Brandy

What’s a typical workday in your life like?
There is nothing remotely “typical” about my workday.  My symphony schedule tends to be different each week, depending on what we are performing that week. My Petite Purls work usually happens early in the morning and very late at night. Along with being co-editor of the magazine, I am also the Ad Manager and the Designer Liaison. I am pretty much the writer of the magazine and blog as well. It’s really a miracle when I actually get to knit, and even more of a miracle when I can sit down and actually try to bring one of my designs to fruition. I have more ideas than time, that’s for sure!

What’s coming up that you’re most looking forward to?

I am very happy that I have just released my newest pattern, Peek-a-Boo Hoodie this past weekend, and have a few submissions that I’m working on that I’m pretty excited about. When it comes to Petite Purls, I always love each issue we come out with, but I am particularly excited about our Summer 2011 issue that will be coming out in June! Cannot wait! Of course, the Spring 2011 issue that will come out in March will be pretty great too  I am also excited to return to TNNA in June to meet up with my dear friend and magazine partner, Brandy, and visit with many of our designers and newfound friends. (editors’ note: and me, too!)

What is your favorite part of designing?
I think my favorite part of designing is when I’m struck over the head with an idea. I get very excited. Then when a design comes together and I see it photographed for the first time. That’s pretty cool too.What is your least favorite part of designing?
One of my biggest flaws is that I am a major procrastinator. I tend to be very last minute about getting things in on time, which isn’t so good, and my work suffers.  It’s one of my goals for 2011 to work on. That, and to learn more technique and to become better educated, knit-wise. But hands down, my least favorite part of designing, is not having enough time to do it!
Any advice for the aspiring crafter?
To just do it. We all thrive on what we are passionate about, and usually most of our best work comes from that passion. Also, it’s great to be inspired by what else you see out there, but stay true to your vision and believe in yourself.
Wrap-up Random: What’s your favorite book, tv show, and song?
Wow, these are the hardest questions! My favorite book would probably have to be The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho. I only watch two shows on television: Project Runway and Glee, and I am diehard fans of both. It would be way too hard for me to choose a favorite song so instead I’ll tell you what I’ve been listening to recently: anything by Pink Martini and The Seasons by Astor Piazzolla, an Argentinian Tango composer who based his four seasons on those by Antonio Vivaldi.

Allegra’s offering a great chance to get her brand-new pattern – for any of readers that buy the Peek-a-Boo Hoodie pattern, they will receive 50% off of either Boheme and Boheme*Mama (which are also being re-released this weekend) until January 31, 2011. Use code turtle for this fabulous discount.

photo by www.pixiepearls.com