As a toy lover and designer I can hardly walk past other designer’s cute creations and Cilla’s adorable creations need to be shown here, too! My next project for the GAL2017 is Bigglesworth the Bat (cover picture) and I cannot imagine anyone who wouldn’t love to have one, so It’ll be a tough choice to whom to give it for Christmas… But read more about

Priscilla Webb (aka Slaatje on Ravelry), England

Priscilla is 33 years old and living in England with her husband and 2 wonderful little boys, Zander (age 9) and Taylan (age 5). She was born and raised in Belgium. After studying to become a primary school teacher she moved to England when she was 20. Now she is studying to become a teacher of the deaf, while teaching year 1 full time and doing evening classes to reach her British sign language level 2, hence publishing patterns has taken a back seat for the last 2 years. She has published 3 books with a traditional publisher and several patterns with magazines. Now Priscilla is exploring the self-publishing route and working on 2 books which will hopefully be published at some point next year.

Cilla will give away three of her incredible patterns to two lucky readers of this blog. Please comment with your favourite of her patterns below!

What started your crafting frenzy and when?

I was one of those kids who was always making things. I remember getting arts and crafts books from the library and trying to recreate the wonderful things on the photos (they didn’t always turn out so wonderful). My mum was an avid knitter and taught me and my sister to knit at a very young age. There was always yarn in the house and plenty of knitting books to keep two young girls occupied! I love Mystery Knit Alongs and try to do at least a few a year. They are often free for the duration of the MKAL and then revert to a paid pattern. If you’d like to join, make sure to keep an eye on my website, sign up to my newsletter or join my Ravelry group.

What was your first ever design and why did you make it? Tell us what’s special about it! (I’ll need Ravelry link and would love to show a picture)

My first knitting pattern was Elefred, a cute little elephant with a tracksuit outfit. Zander was very young at the time and loved teddies but got frustrated when their outfits were sewn to them as he wanted to dress and undress and swap their clothing about. I hadn’t been knitting much, as working full time and looking after an infant took up pretty much most of my time. I started looking for a pattern but figured I might as well just make up my own; which I did. Zander loved Elefred and played with him all the time. I published it for free to see what feedback I would get and the positivity on Ravelry inspired me to continue publishing.

Are there any ticks of yours we should be aware of?

Not sure if the question refers to as ticks or tricks… I don’t think I have any ticks lol. When it comes to tricks… I guess my go-to-trick is to ask my husband and kids if something looks right… they’re brutally honest that way! Also, don’t over stuff!

Show us your stash!

My stash is wildly out of control…. To the point where my dad bought me a cupboard to stash it in. I have to admit, it doesn’t all fit in!!!!

What is your kryptonite?

According to Craig, I care too much. I am a very emotional person and am easily upset by injustice, especially when it is towards someone I care about, such as my family, friends or the children I work with. I’m sometimes too outspoken about this too, which can get me into trouble.

What are you working on right now? (A wip pic would be great! Please include pattern link if possible – if not, tell us what it is!)

I’m working on my first hat pattern, inspired by my little own little monsters 😊. I love publishing toy patterns but would like to branch out into accessories.

Which are your weapons of choice? (aka knitting gear/notebook…?)

I used to write my patterns in a notebook but found I made too many errors typing it all up. Now I knit with my laptop beside me, which is so much more efficient, however my cat Boomer sometimes likes to get creative and sit on the keyboard. I also love a sketchbook and have my fair share of stationary to enable my doodling 😊.

 

Which designer/s participating in the GAL caught your attention and why?

I love Jenise Hope’s designs, especially Persian Dreams, which I purchased about a year ago but still haven’t started! It is my ‘when life slows down and I finally have some time’ project which I hope to complete before retirement.

What’s next in your queue?

My next project will probably be a nativity scene, which I hope to finish in time before Christmas. I love Willow Tree nativity set and I’m hoping to make something similar.

Cilla will give away three of her incredible patterns to two lucky readers of this blog. Please comment with your favourite of her patterns below!

Happy knitting!