For Jennifer Kent, a TKGA Certified Master Knitter, instructor, technical editor, and owner of Tactile Elements, knitting is a nurturing craft with healing potential.
Learn more about her multifaceted creative process and passion for helping others experience the joy of knitting in our latest Designer Showcase.
What first drew you to the craft and later to designing?
I learned to hand knit around age 5-6 and later became a knitwear designer for different commercial brands after studying at the Fashion Institute of Technology and Nottingham Trent University. After 25 years in the fashion industry designing styles primarily produced on power knitting machines, I left to follow my true passion: hand knitting.
How would you describe your design aesthetic or signature style?
Traditional with a twist has been a recurring theme across much of my work, but I try not to limit myself to one particular style. I love using many different knitting techniques and applying them where I feel they make the most sense.
Crochet Knit Shrug
Yarn: Eco+
Where do you find creative inspiration these days?
I am constantly inspired by patterns found in nature and how they can be interpreted into a knitted fabric. I am immediately drawn to texture and the beauty of natural colors.
Dual Nature Cap
Yarn: MeriSeta
Can you share your design process, from initial inspiration to the finished project?
I typically start off finding or developing a stitch that suits the initial inspiration. Then, I experiment by swatching with different yarns that I think are suitable to convey the idea. Once a yarn is chosen, I will sketch some garment ideas and work out the fabric gauge. I create a rough schematic and figure out initial measurements to get started. As I start working, I make additional notes for changes or corrections I want to make. Once the item is complete, I will write up the final pattern and grade for additional sizes if applicable.
Which part of the design journey brings you the most joy?
Knitting the sample and watching the initial idea come to life right in my hands always makes me smile. I still find it fascinating what you can make just by looping yarn around itself stitch by stitch.
Lacy Diamond Poncho
Yarn: 128 Superwash®
What’s the most challenging step and how do you tackle it?
Grading multiple sizes after the sample is done is always a challenge for me. I really just want to keep knitting! There are so many calculations involved that it can be easy to make a mistake somewhere along the line. I check, recheck and check one more time before any style goes out.
What do you look for in a yarn when starting a new design?
When I am deciding on a yarn, I first think about the end use of the item. Then, how well it fits the concept and mood of the season it’s designed for.
Twisted Rope Cowl
Yarn: Eco Duo
Do you have a Cascade Yarns favorite, and what makes it special for you?
I love so many Cascade yarns! It’s hard to choose, but I guess my newest favorite is Woolpaka® in all weights. I love Alpaca, but it can be tricky to work with. Woolpaka® gives you the feel of Alpaca with the versatility of wool. It’s a real pleasure to work with.
Up in Flames Cowl
Yarn: 220 Superwash® Aran
Where does the inspiration for your Cascade Yarns projects come from?
The yarn itself can be the catalyst for a new idea. I love when the Cascade team sends me the mini balls of new yarn. Testing out new yarns in interesting stitches offers me endless inspiration.
What tips do you have for makers working through your patterns?
Take your time and highlight all the numbers for your size. I strive to make my patterns clear and easy to follow, but if someone is struggling, I am always happy to help.
Both Sides Scarf
Yarn: MeriKash
What advice would you share with a new maker?
I always tell any of my students (especially if it’s the first time they pick up their needles) to “just keep knitting”. Don’t worry about perfection, don’t worry about mistakes, and don’t rip back when you are newly learning. Just keep going! When you start to make fewer mistakes and can actually see your progress, you will be inspired and will want to make more.
Trellis Cardigan
Yarn: Anchor Bay
What are you passionate about creating these days, and what is the next challenge you are looking forward to?
I love combining different techniques in the same piece, like lace with cables, cables with fair isle, or slip stitch with knit & purl patterns, because I love the added textural possibilities and the interesting results you can achieve. This also helps keeps the knitting itself interesting when working on a larger piece.
Perennial Tee
Yarn: Hampton
What excites you the most about the future of fiber arts?
I am excited that it continues to offer a way to be more connected to the analog world. Working with your hands is a pleasure as well as a skill, and I think it will continue to flourish as everything around us become more digital.
Explore Jennifer Kent’s creative world using the links below.
More Designer Showcase features coming soon!
Be inspired by the creative journeys of other designers behind your favorite Cascade Yarns patterns.