The August T&M Maker Spotlight is on Sasha Hyre (aka @veronaknits)

Sasha was the first ever addition to the T&M team back in October 2020, a couple of months after we launched. As Sam went on mat leave and Olga moved across the continent, Sasha single-handedly packed and shipped every one of our customer orders and worked her magic to get us through our first holiday season. Since then, she’s moved on to focusing on her own venture as a knitwear designer, working with independent dyers to give their colourways and fibres beautiful form and texture. While Sasha no longer works with us on a permanent basis, you’ll find her helping in our booth at the upcoming Twist Festival next weekend and Knit City Vancouver in September 😉

Kicking off our Q&A, our first question for Sasha:

Q1: Where do you get your inspiration for new designs? Do you have a particular creative flow/process you tend to use?

“I draw inspiration from everything around me. From raindrops falling on leaves to repetitive patterns found on tiles in hardware stores or in old homes to city landscapes and everything in between. 
As a creator, my mind is always busy. I never leave home without a notebook. Whether it be to sketch down random thoughts or bursts of inspiration or to make adjustments on pattern calculations.

I don't have a particular process. Sometimes my designs are born from swatches of patterns that I found interesting and I do some rough calculations, whereas other times an idea pops in my head and I just cast on right away. 
There is so much joy in creating, and the best part is that there is no right or wrong way to go about it.”

Q2: What tools, resources or ideas help you in your work as a fibre artist/designer?

“As for tools that I use, I like to keep things simple, two sticks and a thread. That's how one of my brother-in-law refers to my craft :)
I appreciate all types of fibers: wool, cotton, silk, linen and the list goes on and on. I may be an island girl at heart, but I live in a city that (occasionally) has 4 seasons. And as a result, I knit and design for all seasons.
I love mixing and combining fibers in my designs. I don't have a go-to fiber, I can appreciate them all. “

Q3: What's next for Verona Knits, where do you see yourself in 5 years?

“I have so many exciting things in the works! From my very first design, the Avery sweater, I have been collaborating with hand dyers. I find it adds a more intimate relationship with my patterns. 
Thus far, I have worked with independant dyers and my local yarn shop. As I am preparing to launch my website in the coming weeks, you should sign up to my newsletter to be in the know of whom I will be working with next.
Something good is coming later this year and early next year :)

In the next 5 years, I will have built a large portfolio of designs that you will all be very familiar with. And I am also looking forward to publishing a few special collections. Stay tuned :)”
- Sasha

Check out her recently launched website veronaknits.com for patterns and creative inspiration, including her recent debut of the Bailey Sweater, knit with our Worsted Weight Yarn 💙

-------------------------

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with us, Sasha!

Stay tuned for next month’s edition of Maker Spotlight!