The Designer Edit: Kristabel Plummer

I’ve always loved the freedom of creating textiles from scratch, so I started knitting when I was around 8 years old, abandoned my projects, then picked it up again as a teenager. Yes, I was that girl knitting in the school canteen! I always wanted to be a fashion designer, so decided to specialise in knitwear to give myself a bit of a niche. 

I got to Graduate Fashion Week with my collection loosely based on blogging and worked for a High Street company before deciding to focus on blogging opportunities. I still pick up my needles from time to time and love the fact that I can look at a knitted jumper and figure out how it’s constructed. Crochet has always been a little trickier for me to understand though, so I really want to challenge myself and prove that I can try something new. This is my fourth time learning and it's finally starting to make sense!

Why do you make?

I love making because it’s given me such an appreciation for traditional skills. It’s so fascinating to see what can be achieved by using certain stitches and colour combinations, plus it helps you understand why buying a hand knitted jumper can cost hundreds of pounds. I think that it'll be so important to understand the value of items, with the increasing conversations around sustainability and buying better.

What does self-expression mean to you?

It’s definitely been a journey! Creating content online has really helped me hone my style when it comes to fashion and how I express myself in terms of decor. I’ve had so much time to work out what I really love and what I was perhaps forcing myself to try out because it looks great on something else. I’m now not afraid to showcase all the things I’m drawn to, whether it’s handwoven products from Mexico or a terrazzo tray.

What's your number one tip for expressing yourself through colour?

If you feel daunted, then try a more muted version of a colour such as teal or burgundy. It’s one way to add a pop if you’re making a knitted scarf or hat. 

What are you making right now? 

I always have a few projects on the go! I have a chunky scarf that I need to finish (I lost one of the needles when moving house) and I’m trying to teach myself the basics of crochet.

What's your next project?

I'll probably be making Katie Jones' Spots + Stripes blanket for a while! It's so rewarding each time I finish a new square. 

What’s inspiring you right now?

I’m loving all the pastel interior accounts on Instagram, such as @pearly_interiors. I’d love to translate some of the colour palettes into granny squares once I’ve figured out the technique.

What’s the one craft supply you can’t live without?

Definitely a latch tool, makes weaving in loose ends so much easier!