Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Meet Heather Dixon of "Army of Knitters" & Enter to Win 1 of her Patterns!

Congratulations to Miki! She was randomly selected and now has 24 hours to contact me to receive her free pattern!

In late December 2010 I had the privilege to meet the UK designer Heather Dixon of "Army of Knitters" and I was overjoyed at the opportunity to bring you her sophisticated & sexy pattern line.



Each season Heather's collection includes garments and accessories that will take you through the entire season in style, be it causal or dressy, her pieces mix & match with each other and your existing wardrobe with ease. And judging by the amount of traffic her patterns have received on my website I think I was spot on in my assumption that you would love her work as much as I do!

For this official introduction Heather has kindly granted us an interview and donated one of her patterns to the lucky winner of this blog giveaway, more on that later....


Meet Heather Dixon: Born and bred in Nottingham, England, Heather Dixon taught herself to knit at an early age. She designed clothes and accessories for her toys, herself and various family members before graduating with a degree in Knitwear Design from The Nottingham Trent University.

Heather freelanced in the UK and Italy before moving to New York City in 1999, where she worked with indie designers as well as corporate companies whilst honing her craft. After a couple of years designing Sweaters and Embellishments for Urban Outfitters, Heather decided it was time to run away to the country where she could turn her hand-knitting obsession into her full-time career and give Army of Knitters all the energy it needed to become a roaring success.

Heather now lives in a converted barn in the Catskill mountains of New York with her actor/artist/chef fella and Lucky, the sweetest dog in the world.


1. Hello Heather, please tell us about yourself and what got you interested in knitting and designing knitwear.

I learned to knit and sew when I was quite young. Designing seemed to come naturally to me as I made clothes for my dolls, then myself and family members. It wasn't until my friends asked me to make things for them that I realized that I was really good at it as well as being a hobby that I thoroughly enjoyed. I studied Fashion Design then specialized in Knitwear at the Nottingham Trent University. After graduating, I spent over 10 years designing for various companies in the NYC fashion industry. It's a dream come true that I can now design my own collections and publish finished patterns.

2. Who or what inspires you the most in your design process?

There is no one place where I find inspiration. I design my collections with a theme in mind, each season I'm drawn strongly to a story that I express through my knitting. For the collections I'm working on at the moment my stories are Flamenco for Spring and the film, Pretty Baby for Summer. I'm currently attracted to all things connected with the late Victorian era, especially the under garments so my Summer collection is heavily inspired by corsets, bustles and nighties.

3. What direction do you see yourself heading in as a designer?

My ambition is set to "high". I'd like to start producing finished product to sell worldwide. Editorial spreads in high-fashion magazines and catwalk shows in Paris. Why not?

4. How have the advances in technology and the internet helped you (or hindered) you as a knitwear designer?

I would not have attempted to do what I do without the internet. It's where over 90% of my business comes from. I'm constantly hooked up to my internet connection. I don't have a television, or time to read newspapers and as I live in the mountains, it's how I stay in touch with the rest of the world.

5. Your website is fantastic and your photography is very sophisticated but I'm really intrigued by the name you selected, how did you come up with "Army of Knitters?"
Thank you. I stole the name from the 80's dance band Army of Lovers. I loved how Army of Knitters can be shortened to AoK. It just makes everything seem all right.

Heather thank you so much for taking the time to talk to with us, it was a pleasure getting to know you.

One lucky winner receive an Army of Knitters' pattern of their choice, rules for entry are below, and the winner will be selected on Feb. 28th. Sandrasingh.com carries Army of Knitters' Winter & Fall 2010 Collections.


Winter 2010: Precious
Linger a while over a glass of mulled wine.
Dance beside the roaring flames of an open fireplace.
Taste the warming flavours of a berry flambe.
Envelope yourself in layers of rich, deep jewel tones.
Because baby, it's cold outside.

Citrine Cowl

Fall 2010: Sugar & Spice
What are little girls made of?
Sugar and spice and all that's nice,
that's what little girls are made of.


Chambord Truffle and Hat

Enter this Giveaway:
The more ways you enter, the more chances you have to win and make sure to leave a comment telling exactly what you did to enter. And please make sure to include your contact information. Winner will be announced Feb. 28th and the pattern will emailed to them as a PDF.

1. Leave a comment about your favorite Army of Knitters' pattern, under this blogpost.
2. Blog about this Giveaway on your blog and link it, leave a comment under this blogpost with the link back to your blogpost.
3. Join my Ravelry group Sandrasingh.com and introduce yourself in the "Welcome Tell us About Yourself..." thread.
4. Announce this Giveaway in your Ravelry group or in another Ravelry group that allows you to announce Blog Giveaways.
5. Friend me on Facebook: Sandra Singh and say you "Like" my post about this Giveaway.
6. Announce this Giveaway (with the link) on Facebook
7. Follow me on Twitter: Sandrasingh
8. Announce this Giveaway (with the link) on Twitter.
9. Sign up for my Newsletter on my Home Page.
10. Sign up to "Follow my Blog."

87 comments:

tgknits said...

Not your grandma's knitting. some really cool things.

tgknits

Shirley (shirlthegirl43 on Ravelry) said...

It just isn't possible to have a favourite AoK design! They are all gorgeous. I love the way Heather will work with you to help you tailor her designs to fit your body.

billicummings said...

I think I can make the Parfait tunic and of course it is beautiful! Thanks for the contest,
Billi Cummings
billicummings@gmail.com

Jolene (JoboDesigns on Ravelry) said...

I like the Toffee Apple Armlets!

Interesting designs... and the photos are crazy! I wonder what some of the items would look like on regular people?

Jolene (JoboDesigns on Ravelry) said...

heading off to "like" this on Facebook... :)

Elspeth said...

I loved the parfait dress! Amazing!

Emily said...

Chambord Truffle is gorgeous!

KJo said...

Howlite, is my absolute favorite! I've had that cabled beauty on my "One day I will be able to make something that complicated" list.

Thanks for a chance to the pattern!
KJo on Ravelry

thatgrrl (rav id) said...

I LOVE the Tanzanite set

Unknown said...

tanzanite set is my favourite. But oh my goodness- all her stuff is stnning!

Possum of the Grotto said...

Wow, those are a lot of great patterns! I'm torn between the Parfait Tunic and Rhubarb and Custard. I'd probably have to flip a coin to choose one!

Unknown said...

i love all of the AoK patterns, but my favorite is onyx. it looks like a fun knit, and would be a versatile option for many different outfits.

knitta!
knitmiki@gmail.com
freemiki on ravelry

TAOJ said...

Beautiful patterns, it is really hard to pick a favorite, but I would have to say the chambord truffle and hat are something I would love to wear.

DarrinDee said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
DarrinDee said...

I LOVE the parfait dress and have in as a "once I lose some weight" goal. But I also have the citrine cowl and toffee apple vest in my queue. I love all her designs and it's always hard to pick what to knit next!

Darrindee on Rav

Julia said...

I LOVE Tanzanite!!

Ellie said...

Love Rhubarb and Custard.

Ellie Putz

Web Log said...

My favorite is Parfait.

Unknown said...

I love most of her design, I wish I ca design like her

Knittingdancer on Ravelry said...

I like the Parfait Tunic pattern.

Mindy said...

I love the Parfait Dress. It was lovely to make a dream to wear. I got tons of compliments on it!

HermioneWeasley on ravelry said...

My favorite is Pumpkin Pie! It just looks so comfy!

MamaMay said...

I like the stockings.

Ravelry name MamaMay

Heather J said...

I really like Rhubarb and Custard but all of the patterns are gorgeous. Very wearable but different.

Lauren said...

All of these are gorgeous,but I find myself drawn over and over to Howlite. How I would love to rock that this coming winter!

I am knitter-pixie on Rav.

lorraine said...

pumpkin pie is oh so nice

Caryn said...

Wow, I love the Tanzanite shorts & stockings. And I also love the styling in the winter photo-shoot - such beautiful hair and makeup!
caryn.alper@gmail.com.

Pris said...

I love the Nougat cardigan. Really love how the colours and the patterns fit together. It's so pink and feminine!

Emily said...

Ow owww! Sexy sexy sexy! It's really refreshing to see some knitting designs looking fresh and fierce. I am loving those Tanzanite shorts and stockings. :)

Zilliah said...

Oh gosh, I can't just pick one pattern! If I had to, I guess I'd choose Rhubarb and Custard.

zilliah on ravelry

Rachelle said...

Tanzanite Stockings & Shorts is my favourite pattern.

Rachelle said...

I follow your blog

Rachelle said...

I'm now following you on Twitter
Sewsable

Knititall said...

Her designs are so awesome! I love Onyx. Yum!

Knititall said...

I'm a follower of your blog.

Knititall said...

I'm signed up for your newsletter too :)

Knititall said...

Tweeted @knititall

Knititall said...

And following you on twitter too :)

Knititall said...

And following you on twitter too :)

Sara said...

Certainly hot patterns - love a bunch of them...but, I would have to go with Nougat...I think it is gorgeous...

autumngeisha said...

What a talented designer. It's hard to decide on a favorite, but Pumpkin Pie is calling my name just now. Thanks for the great contest. I also signed up to follow your blog and to receive the newsletter. Great site!

nanaliestte said...

This designer is amazing. I love some of the patterns and know my Granddaughters would love for me to knit one or two or three for them. The older ones are 23 & almost 19...perfect for them.

Unknown said...

I liked at lot of her designs but Rhubarb and Custard has caught my eye!

stashmuffin said...

Mmmm.... hard one. Which is my favorite? Off the cuff, I'd have to say Onyx. I like the twinning of yarns.

I'dratherbeknitting said...

Something for everyone! Even for me...a "knitter of a certain age"!

Diana (dianac on rav) said...

My pick would be the Rhubarb & Custard cardi, although they're all gorgeous!

Anonymous said...

I love these designs...very couture! Precious is stunning. I'm going to check out more of Heather's work...

Diana said...

Very interesting design. I'm wondering how well they are sized for women of abundance.

rebelyarnmuse said...

I love all these patterns so much, its hard to pick a favorite, although I think I am most fascinated with 'Howlite' at the moment. All I can say is wow to them all :)

Crysta said...

Lovin' Howlite!

NanaMay said...

Onyx and Garnet are my favorites!

NanaMay on Ravelry

angie said...

Thank you for introducing me to AoK. Heather, your work is spectacular and much needed spice in hand knitting! Howlite is gorrrrgeoussss, Parfait tunic is parfait, and love the rhubarb - surprise me!
Angie
aflidster@yahoo.com

Elaine said...

The Parfait tunic is great as is the dress!

Unknown said...

I love the Howlith and have bougth yarn and pattern.

Gina P. said...

I love all the designs. Each have their own unique style and interesting twist to make it definitely not your Grandma's knits! These are amazing and I would love to knit all of them!

Unknown said...

I love her designs. It's tough to pick a favorite, but Howlite, pumpkin and onyx rate up there.
By the way, Sunday is my birthday. Winning would make a wonderful birthday gift!!

HannasMom97 on Ravelry

Unknown said...

Love her patterns. There are so many beautiful ones!

Laurinda said...

I really love the Tanzanite stockings & shorts. I wonder how large they go?

I'm Laurpud on Ravelry

Debbie said...

I love the Parfait tunic. Great stuff, it was hard to choose! Debbie in Alaska gussek on Ravelry

Debbie said...

I also liked your post on Facebook. I'm already your friend! Debbie in Alaska

Debbie said...

I'm also following your blog and I'm already on your newsletter list. thanks, Debbie in alaska

Karen9877 said...

I love Pumpkin Pie!

Karen9877 said...

I love Pumpkin Pie--in purple

Diane Eskritt said...

Rhubarb and Custard caught my eye but maybe because it's pink, I like Parfait.....
Diane

The Sexy Knitter said...

Another fabulous interview and giveaway! I've been a fan of Heather's for some time now - her Rhubarb & Custard is my fave, but I really love the styling in the photo shoots! :)

Following you on Twitter, Sandra!

Katha said...

wow! amazing designs!!
i really find it hard to choose... but i think i like howlits and rhubarb & custard best...

Katha said...

and i follow your blog now =)

Katha said...

and i signed up for your newsletter!

Katha said...

and i shared your giveaway on faceboook!
to contact me look for CatKnitting on ravelry or send me an email via my blog.

Dendiane said...

I love her patterns! I try to find patterns that are different than the main stream and hers are. Would love to knit a couple of hers - if not more.

Sarah said...

I can't choose just one, although Pumpkin Pie in a cotton for spring will be lovely!

Sarah said...

Love them all, but Pumpkin Pie in cotton will be a perfect spring sweater!

New Jersey Laura said...

It is a tossup = parfait tunic or chambourd cardie and hat...I guess parfait tunic! Love them all, erally.

Marie and Chris said...

I love cardigans, and I love pink, so my favorite pattern here is Chambord Truffle and hat. I also love Chambord!

glongley said...

Wow very beautiful I don't thing I can wear much but my daoughter's would love them.

Elly said...

My favorite pattern is "Erquy".

Thanks for the giveaway C:

EB

Elly said...

I'm following your blog C:

EB

Elly said...

I've introduced myself in your Ravelry group :)

EB

Elly said...

I've signed up to your newsletter

EB

Elly said...

I'm following you on twitter, and I've mentioned giveaway under Ilove2knit

EB

Elly said...

I've "Liked" your facebook status about this giveaway :)

EB

Elly said...

I mentioned giveaway on my facebook status, under Eliana BW

EB

Katha said...

and now i also joined your ravelry goupe and inrtoduced myself...
CatKnitting

Darcys Knotty Knitter said...

Tanzanite Set has me itching to knit it but I also love the Hat and Sparkly wristlets stunning love everything and especially her story:)((((Hugs))))Darcy
Rav Id knottyknitter40

Kat said...

I love the use of AoK. That will always remind me of Heather's patterns now that I have seen it in her interview. I signed up for the newsletter. I love Heather's patterns. They ARE sexy, edgy and stylin. You can make the look your own. She is someone to watch out for!

Amanda said...

Malachite is so beautiful! Love the texture.

Elizabeth said...

I love all of this woman's patterns - so hott with 2 ts. Malachite is giving me heart palpitations. I want to knit it now and then snuggle up on the couch in it.