A Life In Knitwear – Rachel Atkinson
Fancy taking a peek behind the scenes and finding out more about one of people that make up our extensive team of Loopettes? We caught up with technical editor, designer and talented baking friend Rachel Atkinson to find out more about her life in knitwear….
*This competition is now closed – but keep an eye out for more giveaways in the future!*
Plus we have a great pattern giveaway for three lucky readers! Check at the end of the post for how to enter!
Hi Rachel! Your life has a distinctly wooly theme with your dad as a shepherd and growing up around sheep -do you have a fondest memory?
My Dad has trained dogs for as long as I can remember. When I was a baby we had Danny, a German Shepherd who was trained for police dog shows. He and my pet rabbit Susie Poppet were particularly good friends, and on a night Danny would open the rabbit hutch and the two of them would curl up together in the dog basket.
Danny, along with another German Shepherd called Karly, left the house and Dad came home with a Border Collie puppy whom we named Beth and he started training sheepdogs which of course requires sheep!
So the sheep started arriving and the herd grew. You may be thinking we lived in the Yorkshire Dales on a big rambling farm but no, we were in a new build estate and the sheep were moved around various fields in the area. Dad went on to grow the flock and breed Border Collies so there were always lots of puppies and lambs many of which would end up in the garden!
One orphan lamb, also called Susie, became a part of the family. She arrived for a few nights and stayed for a few years!
As she grew it became clear the back garden wasn’t really a suitable place for her so before school Mum would bundle me and my sister Joanne into the back of her Mini and Susie would hop into the front passenger seat and off we would go! Susie was dropped off first at the village farm where she spent the day in a field with some horse friends and then Mum would drop us at school. At 3.45pm we went in reverse, so Mum collected me and Joanne then up to the field to collect Susie who would be waiting at the gate ready for home. In she hopped and off we went back home.
Dad loves his dogs and sheep and shepherding is a way of life for him. It’s amazing to see the dogs work the sheep and a visit to his home at Easter was filled with puppies and lambs and memories of being a child.
Who taught you to knit?
Like so many knitters I was taught by my Grandma and my Mum. Grandma taught me the basics and I began by making garter stitch dishcloths before progressing on to Jean Greenhow toys culminating in mohair batwing sweaters (well it was the 80’s) before my teenage years kicked in and I left it all behind. A long illness about 6 years ago reignited the knitting bug and I haven’t looked back.
Now you’ve picked up your needles again (and left the mohair behind) do you have a favourite thing to knit?
I love knitting socks, there so many techniques involved and you can make them as easy or as difficult as the mood takes you. I’m at my happiest learning a new technique, whether that be knit or crochet, and place myself firmly in the ’process’ crafter category for as much as I love finished pieces I probably enjoy the actual working of yarn and tools far more. It still amazes me that you can take a single length of fibre and basic tools and create something from nothing. Amazing!
Do you have a favourite wool to knit or crochet with?
Give me a nice firm bouncy wool or a smooth linen and I’m happy as a clam! I’m not one for a lot of fuss so good honest fibres tick all my boxes.
Image copyright of Rachel Atkinson
As well as creating your own patterns, your main activity is editing and proof reading patterns. How did you get into technical editing?
I spent a number of years as a bookseller and had hoped to get into children’s illustrated book publishing but coming from an Arts background meant I fell at the first qualification hurdle. Not so long after picking up the needles again I started doing test knits for designers where you knit a pattern and feedback any queries or issues and make suggestions as to how you think the pattern could be made clearer. This suited my inner-pedant to a tee, I really enjoyed it and the process knitter in me wanted more! A chance encounter with highly respected Technical Editor, Jen Arnall-Culliford on Twitter led to us having a long chat and I developed my trade from there. I now work with an incredible portfolio of people and the excitement of never quite knowing what project is going to pop-up in my inbox next is one of the things I love most about my job.
You have worked your magic on all of Loop’s own patterns – do you have a favourite ?
Oh gosh, that’s a tricky one! Is it terrible to say they are all my favourites? Each pattern has come with its own set of challenges; Pop Spots began as a 14 page pattern which I edited down to 2 clear and concise pages of instruction (I love love love cutting text!), Honeyblossom arrived as a Japanese schematic and was my first Japanese pattern translation, and the most recent Hygge Baby gave me the opportunity to work with one of my favourite designers,Vibe Ulrik Sonnegard. The diverse range of designers who work with Loop always makes this an exciting job and we have some amazing designer collaborations coming for winter!
What’s your biggest challenge with tech editing and your biggest pleasure?
I love my job, I really do and every day I pinch myself! I work with so many incredibly talented people. On more than one occasion a pattern has arrived and for a whole variety of different reasons I really don’t know where to begin! I love this challenge; taking something which makes no sense and editing it into a comprehensive and easy to follow pattern. It’s always my aim to deliver a finished edit back to the client which they can publish and then not have to worry about answering query after query about how to do a certain aspect of the pattern. Likewise, the person who has bought the pattern has a guarantee that it will be a clear and easy to follow pattern. Modern knitters and crocheters just want to sit down and get on without having to decipher an indecipherable code!
The best part of my job is seeing a final publication all done and dusted after what has probably been months, sometimes years of work and then you get to see various interpretations of the patterns appearing! I sit quietly in the background and smile at some of the wonderful feedback posted about patterns I have worked on. Hearing things such as ‘This pattern is super simple- really enjoying it’ makes my job absolutely worthwhile. But for me the best feedback is not hearing anything at all because that means it has all gone smoothly!
We love reading all about your work and life on your blog My Life In Knitwear – when did you start blogging and why do you enjoy it?
I started My Life in Knitwear back in July 2011 more out of a feeling of necessity than something I really wanted to do but I’m so glad I did. Blogging has become a big part of my life and if I miss a post (I post three times a week) then I feel as though something is missing. I blog an eclectic mix of knit, crochet and other crafts interspersed with bits and bobs from my everyday life including baking which is my other great passion, a weekend in Whitby, a rummage through my desk drawer or bookshelves or something completely random which I think might be of interest or that I want to record. It’s about the simple things in life and finding the beauty in the everyday, we have so much in our lives to be happy about and it’s all too easy to forget this.
Image courtesy of Rachel Atkinson
My Twitter timeline is also my ‘micro blog’ and I’ve met so many amazing people through it. Working alone from home can be quite lonely and social media is a great way to build a virtual office where you can share a laugh, discuss a hot topic of the day or simply catch up.
Do you have any advice for people who are thinking of starting their own business and working for themselves?
I’ve worked really hard to establish and build my business and I continue to learn and grow every day. It takes time and patience and can be hard and frustrating but don’t give in! The sign of a successful business is all about pushing through the tricky times just like a swan – serene above water and paddling like mad below! Most of all be happy in your work, be kind and gracious and don’t ever bite the hand that feeds you.
Thanks Rachel! As well as following Rachel’s adventures on her blog, you can also keep an eye on her knits and works in progress on Ravelry, as well as Twitter and Instagram.
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*This competition is now closed – but keep an eye out for more giveaways in the future!*
To pay tribute to our well edited knits, we are giving three of you lucky readers a chance to win a copy of the Loop pattern of your choice! There are eight to chose from and you can see the full selection here .
Simply leave a comment letting us know which pattern your heart desires (one comment per person) and we will draw three names next week.
This competition will close midnight on Wednesday 28th May.
Good Luck and Happy Knitting!
Ohhh if I could choose, I would like the Josphine pattern!!!
I’ve been waiting for the perfect yarn to make Pop Spots. It’s fabulous!
I’d love to knit the Mignon Baby Cardigan for my newborn.
Pop Spots shawl is my favorite.
I think Josephine would have to be my favourite at the moment.
I love the Loop Mignon Baby Cardigan. So cute and I have quiet a few babies I could knit it for. : )
wahoomerryf on Ravelry
I would love to knit Pop Spots! Thanks for the chance.
The Charmed Shawl has charmed me. Thanks for a fun and interesting interview and a generous giveaway. :-)
Josephine is my favorite. Thanks for the pattern giveaway.
Loop Pop Spots Shawwl is my favorite.
I love them all but especially hygge,
Oleander would be my choice to knit, although it is hard to pick just one! What a wonderful chance to gain a pattern…here’s crossing my fingers and toes
It would definitely be the Josephine Shawl :-)
I’d love to get my hands on Hygge before my best friend’s baby turns up in September!
I sat in the shop lovingly staring at the Double Dutch shawl for ages, would love to give it a go!
Honeyblossom cardigan would be my weapon of choice! thank you for the opportunity
No wonder the Josephine shawl is so beautiful…it’s named after my Granddaughter! It could only be that one for me.
I really love your Loop Double Dutch pattern, I like to dabble into the world of crochet it makes a loving change to all my knitting! X
The Reasons to be Cheerful, socks, socks, socks!! But all are so lovely!
My favorite is Loop Pop Spots Shawl. Thanks.
The charmed shawl is my favourite – lovely giveaway thank you.
I would love to attempt the Loop Charm Shawl…I just finished the Beginners Shawl and thoroughly enjoyed doing it.
Loop charm shawl is beautiful and understated – a great addition to any wardrobe.
My heart truly desires the beautiful Pop Spots Shawl.
I would love to make Pop Spots
My heart desire’s the Loop Double Dutch shawl. I’ve always done knitted shawls but would love to try crochet x
Loop Charm Shawl is my favourite – I would like to have a try at making it.
Loop Charm Shawl for me please!
Oh! I would love to give the Pop Spots shawl a try, fingers crossed for the giveaway!
I would love pop spots because it would keep me experimenting for years with colour combinations.
I would choose Hygge Baby to knit for my grandchildren. I am Danish and Hygge means all things cosy and good in Danish, so a good fit I think
I’ve already made one version of the Honeyblossom cardigan and am just beginning my second so that has to be my favourite! And of the others, my next favourites has to be the Oleander Lace Wrap – just gorgeous.
What a fab blog really enjoyed reading it. I would LOVE a copy of hygge as I found out yesterday that a dear friend is expecting her first baby and it would be a perfect gift.
Oleander would be the perfect gift to knit for my beautiful daughter Olea who will be 14 in June !
All the patterns are absolutely gorgeous – it’s difficult to choose just one! I love the baby Hygge pattern – shame it doesn’t come in a larger size (for my 5 and 8 year olds). So if I win I’d love to knit the Charm Shawl in a turquoise cashmere blend wool I’ve had for a while now.
The Loop charm shawl – such simple elegance in the mix of garter and wave stitches. And I’ve been meaning to make more shawls to use up some smaller stashes.
I’d love the hygge baby one – so beautiful!
I would love to knit the Josephine shawl! I’ve had my eye on that pattern for a while ;)
Pop spots for me. Its got enough going on to make it interesting to knit and gorgeous to look at.
I’d love to win the Josephine pattern. All lovely designs and interesting to read about the history behind Rachel’s career.
Oh! Thank you so much for this chance! However difficult it is to choose just one (they’re all lovely!), I would love the knit and wear the Charm Shawl – I love it’s simple elegance! Thank you:-)
I love them all but I planning on casting on Hygge soon for my nephew to be born in November, so I’d choose that one.
What a difficult decision – they are all so nice. But I think my overall favourite has to be Loop Honeyblossom cardigan.
I really enjoyed the blog post! I adore projects with two colors so I am partial to the Pop Spots shawl.
I’d love a copy of the Loop Charm shawl if I am lucky enough to be picked. Thank you!
I love lace, cables and beads so it would have to be the Josephine shawl for me
Top of my list just now would have to be Hygge! So many new babies arount at the moment, and this is just a little different!
If I could choose, I would definitely choose the Pop Spots shawl:-)
I just love Hygge. It could be my go to baby gift!
This is a marvellous chance! Thank you! And the best bit is the absolute necessity of choosing just the right yarn to knit it with… I cannot decide between the Honeyblossom or the reasons to be cheerful socks but if my arm is twisted I’d have to say the socks as I haven’t yet made any socks except plain wee ones for babies and children. This pattern is the next level and is in my queue on Rav.
Thanks again!
So many lovely patterns to choose from, but I’m very partial to the Loop Pop Spots Shawl.
Ooo Loop Pop spots want to knit it with two of the new Madeleine tosh colours.
Josephine shawl is soo lovely
Ooooh, what lovely patterns to choose from. Since my middle name is Josephine it has to be the beautiful Josephine pattern.
Thanks for the giveaway,
Bordergirl on Ravelry
thank you rachel, i so enjoyed getting to know a bit about you! such darling photos of you with all the animals! what a talent you are.
thank you loop for offering this giveaway, i love all the patterns, but probably josephine, i LOVE shawls!
lorix5@hotmail.com lorix5 on ravelry
I love the Pop Spots Shawl- thanks for the chance!
My choice would be Pop spots, I’ve been looking at it for sometime. Thank you!
Well, i would choose this marvellous one :
loop charm shawl…
Hi I am still in love with Hygge. This is the perfect winter sweater for ny sweet little boy.
I would have to be the Josephine shawl. My daugher’s name is Josephine (well, Josefin!)
I really enjoyed reading this – it is so interesting seeing how our background, training and abilities produce such a unique talent. And what beautiful sheep.
I am in awe of your ability to understand Japanese patterns and would love to they the honey blossom cardigan.
So hard to pick, but I’d have to say the Josephine pattern. It’s lovely, and it has a name that is very popular in our family, so it would remind me of my wee granny and my lovely niece/god-daughter. :)
I would so love to be able to rush into your gorgeous shop and buy ply these scrumptious yarns but I am far away in South Africa and can only drool from a distance. Please I would love the pop spots pattern.
If I could choose, I would choose Josephine :-)
Because I love lace, cables and beads.
Loop. Charm shawl would be an amazing present! Thanks for the article.
It was really inspiring. Francesca
Gosh, tricky but I think the honey blossom cardigan may just be my favourite…
My hearts desire… charm! Feel in love with it at the shop on my first ever visit to the shop last month
It would have to be the Josephine shawl, which I loved on Rachel’s blog in the blue. Just beautiful!
Am happily knitting my way through Juju’s Loops – but would lurv the Loop Charm Shawl (not easy choice – they’re all good).
I’d love a copy of the Josephine shawl, please! I loved reading your interview with Rachel. I’ve met her several times (in York) and follow her blog adventures regularly.
MelindaJ.
I would love Honeyblossom it’s a really flattering shape :-)
Loop_Honeyblossom_Cardigan is my favourite at the moment. Almost finished the pop spots shawl so there will be time to start a new project.
I’ve been dying to knit pop spots for over a year! I finally bought the yarn, but still need the pattern :)
What a great woollie life!
Loop Hygge baby is my favourite pattern…I love the concept of Hygge and lots of my friends keep having babies!
Love the idea of being able to make a blanket or a shawl so it’ll have to be Double Dutch.
I would love mignon baby cardie. Would like to see adult version of this! Too.
Thanks
What a facinating job! I love it when the instructions are easy but the technique is callenging. Thanks for your work. I would love to do the Pop Spots!
What a decision – with a grandbaby soon arriving it has to be Hygge. Enjoyed Mignon and Josephine is currently queued, in fact I could queue them all quite easily!
I have been in love with the Josephine pattern since it came out!
The Double Dutch pattern, as it’s the only Loop pattern I’m still missing in my collection.
I would love to win the Josephine Shawl pattern! Thanks for the chance!
Well it has to be a shawl. Shall it be Josephine or Oleander? I like oblong shawls but I love the Josephine stitch pattern and it is a nice shape. Yes, I choose Josephine!
I would love to make the Josephine shawl, please…?
The loop charm shawl pattern is lovely. Thank you for the chance to win the pattern!
Absolutely the pop spots shawl….its so cosey looking and will be fun to play with colour choices x
Pop Spots shawl is lovely and would be my choice.
I love the Pop Spots shawl – so lovely! Thank you
I like the Josephine shawl :)
I love the Josephine Shawl!!