MFPP Collection: Cutiltarian Knits Collection by Kavitha Raman.

To help celebrate Arroyo Week, we are taking some time to appreciate the Cutiltarian Knits Collection, designed by Craftdoodlin Kavitha Raman.

An enjoyment of knitting and crocheting as hobbies led to an interest in designing, which was an excellent way to combine her fiber hobbies with her math skills. She started self-publishing her patterns in 2016 as CraftDoodling Designs and continued to explore fibers and techniques throughout all her designs.

This entire collection uses Arroyo, a sportweight yarn, showcasing three colors: Light Neutral A, Dark Neutral B, and a pop color C. Some of the projects in the utilitarian collection may not use up a whole skein. For example, if you start with Vivir shawl, you might have almost 3/4th of color C left, which may be used to knit Kiran Cowl. If you are planning on knitting one or more patterns from the collection, knowing these details might help you plan your yarn purchase:

For Vivir Shawl, you would need approx. 332, 285, and 76 yards of A, B, and C. Using approx. With two hundred thirty-eight yards of C, you can knit Kiran Cowl.

Using less than 50 yards of each color, you could knit a pair of Amphi Mitts, Size B. Amar Hat Size C can be incorporated using approximately 110 yards of color A and 164 yards of B or C.

We are pleased to share some additional information about the designer and the designs in this collection:

1: What is your favorite part of your design and why?

Simple stitches like knit and purl can be just as satisfying to knit as more complex patterns and can also produce sophisticated finished items. In my Cutilitarian Knits collection, I explore this idea using primarily knit and purl stitches, except for the Kiran Cowl, which features twisted stitches. This is my favorite aspect of the collection, and I hope others will also enjoy it.

2: What should knitters pay attention to when working this pattern? Do you have any tips or tricks to make knitting this pattern easier?

Reading the CONSTRUCTION section of the patterns is generally advisable before starting. They give you an overview of the way. You will also find helpful Notes relevant to that section in pattern sections. These Notes are italicized for easy identification.

Here are two specific tips I would like to mention :

● For the more prominent stripes in Vivir Shawl, it is easier and cleaner to cut the colors and join them. Colors can be carried along the sides for smaller lines.

● Keep the floats relatively loose when slipping stitching in Amphi Mitts. Tighter floats will create too much gauge difference between slip stitch and stockinette.

3: What do you think knitters will enjoy the most about this project?

I love knitting for its comforting qualities, as well as how it allows for experimentation and learning. And I try to share the joys and learnings through my designs.

These are some aspects of the collection I hope knitters will enjoy:

● The patterns within this collection are centered around comforting elements like stripes, checks, ribbing, and clean lines.

● They are designed to be accessible to knitters of various skill levels, with no intricate stitch patterns to navigate.

● Because no intricate stitch patterns are involved, the smaller accessories would double up as quick gifts and can be knitted up repeatedly.

● All patterns, except the shawl, can be knit with one skein, and it is an excellent opportunity to use up some leftovers.

4: What does your design process look like?

Every design begins with a spark of inspiration, which can come from anywhere: a memory, a book, nature, a piece of fabric, or even another piece of knitting. I usually sketch out my ideas, even rough ones, and write down any features or possibilities I’m considering. If I don’t have time to work on a design, I keep these sketches for future reference.

Once I have a general idea of my creation, I swatch to test different stitches, patterns, and yarns. If I’m happy with the results, I’ll choose the best adventure for the project and start making the sample. I also write up a draft of the design at this stage.

If things don’t work as expected during the sample-making process, I’ll return to the sketching or swatching stage to fix them. Once the sample is ready, the design goes through editing, refinement, grading, testing, etc., until it is prepared for publication.

This is a long and detailed process, but creating a design I’m proud of is worth it.

5: Was there any particular inspiration you had when creating this piece?

When Malabrigo invited me to design a collection last year, I knew it would primarily feature basic stitches. I have seen firsthand the widespread love for Malabrigo’s colors in the knitting community, so it was easy to let the colors speak for themselves and keep the stitching simple.

Since the stitches would be simple, I looked for other ways to keep the knitting interesting. I included a hidden element of fun for knitters in each pattern. For example, Amphi Mitts can be worn with either design showing, depending on which side is facing out. Kiran Cowl tapers naturally as knitters switch from flat knitting to working in the round. Amar hat uses two-color stripes to make 2X2 ribbing look like a fascinatingly complex gingham check. Vivir is knit using garter stitch only, but it has interesting lines and colors.

6: What is the one thing you wish people knew about you as a designer?

How much they have helped me evolve in my journey as a designer. Some people trusted me with their yarn and knitting time even when I was starting and didn’t have anything to show. Whenever I felt lost, it was always a kind word or action from someone who gave me purpose and inspiration and put me back on track. I am always eager to learn and share with every knitter.

Ravelry links for the collection & individual patterns

https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/cutilitarian-knits

https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/amar-hat

https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/amphi-mitts

https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/kiran-cowl

https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vivir-shawl

Payhip links

Cutilitarian Knits Ebook

https://payhip.com/b/gFb5x

Cutilitarian Knits Patterns Collection Page

https://payhip.com/CraftDoodlingDesigns/collection/cutilitarian-knits

You can find more about Craftdoodling on Social Media at:

IG: @craftdoodling

Facebook Group: The Knitting People Facebook Group

Ravelry ID: craft doodling

Website: https://payhip.com/CraftDoodlingDesigns