There are many stellar knitwear designers, but few inspire as much loyalty as Stephen West of Westknits. Westknits designs are edgy and modern, but they have a timeless quality that flatters all kinds of knitters. He plays with colors and shapes in fun ways, and pushes his fans to try new techniques and be bold with their knitting.
Stephen has already created some gorgeous designs with Verb yarn, including Helm and Rockefeller. Helm takes full advantage of the body and stitch-definition of Slick, in a bold cable pattern. Rockefeller combines two colorways of Even Tinier Annapurna in elegant stripes and geometric patterns. Stephen is someone who truly sees the potential in a yarn, and makes it shine. So imagine our excitement when he asked if he could give Horizon a try. Of course!
Here’s what Stephen had to say.
On his first impression:
I love love love this yarn. I swooned when I first pet the new Horizon yarn. It feels amazing and smells delicious too. I want scarves, hats, sweaters, and blankets with this scrumptious wool. It's top quality and definitely deserves another spinning run at the mill. It is a super soft, plump, and hearty wool yarn.
On what he’d knit with Horizon:
The only problem with the knitting is I want to eat it first! I would love to see the Drangey Pullover. The Windschief Hat and Dustland Hat are two of my favorite worsted weight designs. I would love those hats knit in every color of Horizon. I think the Raxtur Hat from Westknits Book 5 and the Kex Scarf would also look smashing with Horizon. Oh, and I'll be dreaming of a giant Kex Blanket knit with Horizon too. That would make an epic and stunning heirloom piece.
On his dream Horizon design:
I think my dream Horizon project would be a colorwork pullover full of textured stitches and bold geometric lines, sleek and simple with pops of color like orange, blue, and green. -SW
Thanks Stephen! Your excitement is delightful and contagious! We’re always watching to see what you create next, and we can’t wait to see what you knit up in Horizon. -HD