I N T E RV I E W W I T H
JEN GEIGLEY
Ground breaking Iowa handknit designer Jen Geigley
publishes her first collection in Rowan yar ns this autumn.
Rosee Woodland found out more.
RW: You studied fine art and graphic design at
college. How did you transition to knitwear design?
JG: Art and design have been a huge part of my daily life
since I was a child. I learned how to knit in 2008 and
quickly became interested in learning everything I could
about knitwear, patterns and construction. I began posting
patterns on Ravelry.com in 2010 and had great luck with
my first pattern, the Gap-tastic Cowl and that kicked off
my knitwear design journey.
From there, I submitted a few designs to magazines and
ended up getting published, which was unexpected and
exciting. I also began teaching classes at local yarn shops
and the various public schools in my city. I really enjoy
passing on a passion for knitting to new generations.
In 2015, I started putting together ideas for my first
collection. I made myself a firm deadline and decided I
wasn’t going to let another knitting season pass me by.
I wrote a note to myself on a sticky note and kept it on
the inside cover of my sketch book. And it just said ‘Don’t
stop.’ I was able to do the hands-on creative work with
my knitted samples, was the creative director/stylist for
the photoshoot, then I designed the book’s layout on my
computer at home, prepared the print files and proofs
and sent it to print. Since then, I have written and self-
published seven knitting pattern books.
RW: Where do you draw your design inspiration
from? How would you sum up your style?
JG: I am inspired by fine art, music and the fashion
industry. I really enjoy going to art museums, and also
just observing what people are wearing on the street.
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Newsletter October 2019 | Autumn Winter
I also love going to concerts and I listen to a wide variety
of music, especially while I work … everything from
metal to punk to alternative.
I would say my style is minimal, modern and wearable.
I also find myself somewhat inspired by how cold it gets
where I live in the midwest, here in the U.S. I find myself
wanting to live in cosy sweaters, layers and accessories
during the winter, so I want to make things I will wear
a lot.
RW: Your new book is called Modern Family Knits. If
I had to describe it I’d say it comprises classic knits
with a modern edge, in simple stitches and easy-to-
wear shapes. But is that how you see it?
JG: Yes! I would agree it’s classic and wearable. It’s fun to
create knits for the whole family. Many of the knits are
unisex and the samples are knitted in neutral colors, so
some of the garments can be worn by men or women,
boys or girls. This collection is inspired by my own family
and what we would wear.
RW: You’ve used a selection of DK and chunky
weight yarns for this collection; Alpaca Classic, Big
Wool, Brushed Fleece, Alpaca Soft DK and Cocoon.
You’ve also mentioned in the past that you “fall
hard” for chunky knits. What draws you to these
types of yarns?
JG: I do tend to gravitate toward chunkier yarns - not
always, but often. I love the stitch definition of chunky yarn
and I enjoy wearing dramatic yet functional accessories
like an oversized scarf or cowl. I also admire the modern
silhouette of pullover sweaters and cardigans knitted in a
chunky yarn. Simple, modern and fashion-forward.
RW: You’re an ambassador for Rowan. What do you
do in your role?
JG: Yes! I’ve had the honour of being a Rowan ambassador
since 2013, which has been a fantastic experience. Over
the years, I have become close friends with other Rowan
ambassadors and it’s been a very special, almost family-
like relationship, sharing our love of yarn and knitting but
also day-to-day life. Our role as ambassadors is to preview
seasonal collections and yarns and share new releases and
our Rowan knits on social media outlets.
RW: You used painting and dyeing techniques in
your previous Visions collections to create some
really striking pieces. It’s great to see designers
are still pushing the envelope. Do you think you’ll
return to that concept?
JG: Thank you! Visions really incorporated my love of fine
arts with knitting and was truly an interesting collection
to create. I used dye, fabric paint, stamping or bleach
to alter each piece. I enjoy pushing ideas outside of the
traditional box. I would definitely like to keep exploring
new and different ways to create handknits that are a bit
out of the norm.
Newsletter October 2019 | Autumn Winter
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