There are only 5 days left until the release of Crocheting Clothes Kids Love, and I was thinking that it might be interesting to share my
background with designing for children, and why I felt that this book was a fantastic opportunity for me!
I was so excited from the first moment that Creative
Publishing approached me about writing this book. Besides having a 7 year old
daughter who serves as a wonderful inspiration for the 6-12 year old age range
that this book is written for, I have actually been designing for children for
over 20 years. I became interested in designing for children when I was
studying fashion design in college in London. The head of the design department
recommended to me that I take a childrenswear course because my womenswear
designs often included whimsical details. I am glad that I took her advice,
because I really enjoyed the course, and my final project was sent to Italy to
be exhibited at Pitti Immagine Bimbo as a finalist in their international young
designers competition.
![](http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mhoUqGQxqfk/UuVQcajOd-I/AAAAAAAAEQk/_a--U-xeT3I/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-01-26+at+8.59.44+PM.png) |
My First Childrenswear Pieces, Exhibited at Pitti Immagine Bimbo |
Since my first foray into designing childrenswear went so
well, I chose to design my graduation collection for kids aged 9-12. It was a
niche market, and I was the first student to design a collection for this age
range.
![](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-07h9mrt4gks/UuVF3e8j9KI/AAAAAAAAEPk/2IkQqoZwGJI/s1600/collection+storyboard.jpg) |
Storyboard from My Graduation Collection |
![](http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_EmeDGHUP6U/UuVGR2HuGbI/AAAAAAAAEPs/Y35fN8eiF2w/s1600/fairy+princesses.jpg) |
A Mini Collection I Designed, Inspired by a Vintage Fairy Embroidery Transfer |
That was just the beginning of my love for childrenswear. I
graduated from college, moved back to the US, and got a job working for an
embroidery design firm. Some of my favorite clients were childrenswear
companies, such as Garan (remember mix and match Garanimals clothing?), and
Judy Lynn Children’s Clothing, whom I continued to design appliques for after I
moved to Kuwait. I also entered design contests in the embroidery industry, and
I won 2 years in a row in the children’s category.
![](http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IeffGeBhZxY/UuVGVl4MtLI/AAAAAAAAEP4/VWIt5CCkneU/s1600/circus+dress.jpg) |
Circus Dress from Stitches Magazine Contest, Designed, Digitized and Made by Me |
![](http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v08fscXfZ8k/UuVGWBevS_I/AAAAAAAAEP8/8NSWUD3Zcs0/s1600/cuckoo+clock+dress.jpg) |
Cuckoo Clock Dress, Designed, Digitized, and Made by Me |
In 2010, I won the grand
prize in the Crochet Guild of America’s annual design contest with my Kyoto
Coat. It was the first time a Children’s garment won the prize!
![](http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NEBDVKx4_uQ/UuXnkVa2H8I/AAAAAAAAERA/w3iOthcJAHI/s1600/Kyoto+Coat.jpg) |
Kyoto Coat
The most popular project I have ever designed for Interweave Crochet was a children's pattern: the Piper's Chain Scarf.
I am thrilled to have achieved my goal of writing a book
about a subject that I love, with co-author Ellen Gormely. A partner that couldn't be beat! As a team, we worked hard to design a collection of 28 garments and accessories that I hope will appeal to wide audience. I can’t
wait to share more about the projects in our book with you, as well as other ways you can use the
patterns in the book. Stay tuned!
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