Meet Iowa-based knitwear designer, Jen Geigley. One of Wool and the Gang’s very first party hosts, she’s just self-published a book, Weekend: Simple, Modern Knits.
Tell us a little about your book, Jen…
Weekend: Simple, Modern Knits is a collection of knits that you can wear on the weekend and make in a weekend. Knitted using bulky and super bulky yarn, this collection of sweaters and accessories exudes comfort and ease. My mission is to create casual, contemporary, wearable hand-knits that can serve as foundation pieces in anyone’s wardrobe. I’m a minimalist at heart and I truly believe less is more, and simple is good. To me, simple equals wearable. Simple equals doable. And there’s no greater satisfaction than finishing a hand-knit piece, trying it on and falling in love with it. My goal as a knitter is to make go-to pieces that feel just right, like my favorite soft gray pullover from college. If you spend precious time knitting a garment, you want to love it and wear it a lot. It’s as simple as that. That, to me, is the definition of hand-knit success. And that’s what I hope to share with knitters.
When did you first pick up your knit stix? Who taught you to knit?
The knitting bug bit in 2006 when I was pregnant with my daughter. I tried to teach myself to knit but it didn’t quite stick. In 2008, I discovered that two of my friends were knitters and they taught me how to knit, took me to my first yarn store and introduced me to Ravelry, a social network for knitters and crocheters. After that, I devoured every knitting book, blog and video that I could find. I was obsessed.
What’s your proudest maker moment?
Self-publishing Weekend! This book took two years to write. I wrote and re-wrote the patterns (again and again), knitted the samples and then did the design/layout, all by myself. It felt like my secret project for a very long time. Going through the whole process from start to finish was challenging but extremely rewarding.
Who or what is your knitspiration?
I am inspired by architecture, music and fashion designers like Alexander Wang. I’m not afraid of simplicity and I love the beauty of miles of plain stocking stitch. I’m also inspired by the cold midwest winter weather; I often think about what kind of accessory would get me through a blizzard or polar vortex. 
What advice would you give to any aspiring knitwear designers?
Jump right in. Draw lots of sketches, jot down ideas, cross things out, try again … and then make it happen. The only thing holding you back is you.
What’s on your needles right now?
I am knitting Undone from my book and also working on a new cowl design.
Who would you invite to your dream knit party?
Bjork! OMG. Knitting with her would be absolutely magical.
What’s your purl of wisdom?
No matter how busy life gets, make sure you make a little time to knit on the weekend.
You can buy Weekend: Simple, Modern Knits from Jen’s website here.
The PDF of the book and the individual patterns can be downloaded from Ravelry.
I don’t know HOW I missed this, but I tell you I absolutely adore this book! It is a fat fiber lover’s dream! Great interview!