Our next designer spotlight from Vill is on Bundle Handmade! A talented up and coming maker and designer from Texas. Lindsay Oncken, designed a beautiful blanket in Vill, knit in Koigu Othello, inspired by the shakespearean play Othello. Lindsay worked on her design last summer when hurricane Harvey hit Texas, she powered through and still managed to trek to the post office! Get to know Lindsay of Bundle Handmade below:
What are some facts about you?
I am a 24-year-old Texas gal living with her boyfriend and pup down in Houston, TX. Currently, I am finishing up my last semester of graduate school. I love all things social science and research, but I also have a little flair for the mystical (I have a deep nerdy love for astrology and am just now dipping my toes into learning the tarot). I love dogs, good beer, and yoga (when I make the time). And of course, yarn is my most important, most comforting hobby.
What started you to Knit or Crochet?
I actually learned both from my college roommate originally. But most of my learning has come from the beauty that is Youtube. I would primarily consider myself to be self-taught.
How many years have you been crafting?
I have been crocheting for about 7 years, and knitting for a little over a year.
How has knitting or crocheting affected your life?
Both knitting and crocheting have been such an important source of stress relief and creative gratification. I don't think I could function without having some sense of constantly creating new things, and fiber-related hobbies have been so gratifying in that sense. Both of these crafts have also allowed me to connect to a really wonderful community of makers who inspire, support, and encourage me constantly. For someone who is chronically shy and a little bit awkward, it's been a really wonderful confidence booster to be able to connect with so many magical, crafty people who inspire me to be my best creative self.
Whats your favourite stitch?
I really love too many different stitches to pick just one, but I will say that I do not like lacework. I find it very frustrating to knit, even though the end result is super pretty.
Who is your designing idol?
Oh gosh, there are too many people I look up to in the designing community to name just one. One of my idols is definitely Andrea Mowry (isn't she an idol to us all?). Another is Caitlin Hunter of Boyland Knitworks. Both of those ladies produce such beautiful, unique pieces and I really admire them both for their careers as designers. But I should say that there are literally hundreds more fiber folks in the community who inspire me every day. There's so much talent out there!
Who do you make for most?
Most of the time, the pieces I make are for myself. Lately, I've been embracing selfish knitting and working on creating a handmade wardrobe. Also, a lot of what I create for my business is designs, so the final product is generally something I get to keep! That said, I'd say about 40% of what I make I am able to give away to friends and family, especially during the holidays.
Whats your ideal knitting or crocheting environment?
A weekend morning, in sweatpants, on my couch, with a cup of coffee nearby and something playing on Netflix (probably The Office, who am I kidding).
What is your favourite project you have ever created?
Weirdly, it's this Storm Trooper beanie that I made for a friend for Christmas. It was one of my first tries at fair isle knitting, and it's this silly nerdy thing that totally doesn't match my usual aesthetic, but my friend wears it constantly which is so gratifying to me. I think my favorite projects are the ones that I gift, and that become well loved and worn by the person receiving it.
Is there any form of crafting or making your interested in trying?
I would love to learn macrame and/or weaving. I really love the end results and would love to be able to create pieces for my home, but I have never tried either one.
What are you making now?
Right now I am working on several things, but the project closest to me is the So Faded sweater by Andrea Mowry.
Visit the following stores to purchase Koigu Othello:
- Personal Threads Boutique
- Yarn Scout
- Webs Yarn
- Michigan Fine Yarns
Purchase Bundle Handmade’s The Fourth Wall Throw Kit from Webs
PS... Calling all international makers: We are looking for designs and designers from around the world. If you think this could be you email Kersti@koigu.com with design ideas and for more information..
pps... Will you be going to going to H&H Koln and are interested in booking an appointment with Koigu? Email Taiu@koigu.com
