Today’s interview is with Svetlana Volkova.

Svetlana Volkova, modeling Aurys

How did you get started designing?
I started designing in early childhood when my doll desperately needed a new dress :), since then it was part of my life – I designed for myself, friends, home, etc. I always had ideas in my head. But never thought about it as profession till I found Ravelry and published my first design in 2010.

What inspires your designs?
Everything around: nature, art, different cultures, music, but yarn and people the most of all.

Jango mitts

Which comes first – the yarn or the inspiration?
Usually inspiration comes first, then I start seeking for a perfect yarn… And when I think I’ve found it, the yarn gives me even better inspiration.

What characteristics do you try to incorporate in your designs?
I love my designs to be simple, fun and wearable. Also there should be something unusual about it – new construction, interesting stitches, etc…

Origami Leaves

What is your favourite type of item to design?
Sweaters, I wear them more than other things.

Your desert island yarn? (if you could only knit with one yarn from now on which would it be?)
Do I have to choose one? My latest passion is Malabrigo Twist.

What’s your “comfort knitting?”
Anything, but intarsia.

Which is your most under-appreciated design?
Padovane, I love everything about it, maybe I published it in a wrong time.

Padovane

Which three GAL designs are top of your list to cast on?
This is hard to choose, especially when I know that I’ll have no chance to knit them. Howlcat, and Ballymeade Boot Toppers would make great presents I think.

Continental or English? Continental.

What’s the best thing about knitting?
Knitting is like a meditation. It helps to relax, reduce stress and to restore balance. And it is such a pleasure to wear or to gift finished projects!

Star Anise

What’s the one piece of advice you’d like to share with other knitters?
Enjoy the process!

Any knitting/designing New Year’s resolutions?
Well, I’ve promised to make my own group on Ravelry. But couldn’t find time. So it remains a challenge for next year. And maybe to master intarsia?

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View all of Svetlana’s patterns here. All photos are copyright Svetlana Volkova and used by permission.

What is the Gift-A-Long? The GAL is a big knitting and crochet designer promotion with prizes and more than 5,000 people participating in a giant KAL/CAL. Come join the GAL group on Ravelry!