It’s fascinating how every designer has a style that becomes quickly obvious when you start scrolling down to see their images.
Harper, knit designer, and maker behind “Disyarning,” are the perfect designer if you love all the witchy things, Halloween, and think of knitting as an ancient craft based on handcraft, sustainability, and anti-capitalism.
I had the pleasure of having Harper as a tester for the Moon Cardi last year, and, I have to admit, I quickly became a massive fan of theirs.
Behind their beautiful IG feed, I discovered one of the sweetest and clever souls.
If you search for a deeply meditative knit and a meaningful project with a clever name, you need to add Harper to your knit designer’s favorite list.
Also, please take a look at their Instagram for Laika, the most beautiful tortoiseshell cat.
1. Could you introduce yourself to my readers?
Hello, I’m Harper Bee! When I’m not knitting, I’m a technical writer/editor, avid board gamer, reader, and other things suffixed “-er.” I live in the traditional territories of First Nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat, also known as Toronto, Ontario, with my partner and my extremely sassy cat. Most people online know me as that one person who really, really loves crows 😛 2. Let’s start at the beginning.
2. When did you learn to knit and crochet?
I’ve been knitting as long as I can remember: my mom taught me the basics when I was a little kid, and I had an old copy of the Reader’s Digest Guide to Needlework, which I referred to so frequently, the pages fell out. In my adult life, knitting is a constant source of comfort: I knit the way some people journal, to figure out my feelings and clarify my thoughts.
3. What moved you to start your adventure as a Knit Designer?
I’ve kind of always designed my own stuff, since I was a teenager. I was an angsty kid in a small rural town, without a lot of access to the clothing and accessories I was interested in. I didn’t know how to sew, but I knew how to knit! And yes, I did try to knit my own corset once. No, I don’t want to talk about it. Anyway, when the pandemic hit, I suddenly had a lot of free time, so I figured I would try my hand at writing down my design ideas and formalizing them in pattern form — and I just haven’t stopped.
4. What inspires your design style?
It’s pretty clear when you glance at my pattern portfolio that I’ve got a serious obsession with colourwork, and Halloween, which is a year-round mood for me. While I admire many knitting designers, I see a lot of classic designs and patterns, and my personal style edges more toward the swamp witch side of things. I take inspiration from literature, folklore, witchcraft, and, of course, my favourite animal: crows.
5. What is your basic process… from design inspiration to pattern release?
I’m both deeply chaotic and extremely tactile. I have the utmost respect for designers who can math out their entire pattern before working a single stitch — I’m not that. I tend to sketch out an idea for the item I want to make, and then I more or less work my sample on the fly. Once I have that basic sample done, I finesse my numbers, grade for size, run it by my tech editor, and then the real fun: test knitting!
6. What is your favorite part about designing patterns?
Honestly, seeing other people’s versions of my designs. I’m endlessly enamoured with new colour combinations and modifications people come up with — it’s both inspiring and humbling. I’m still blown away that other people like my silly ideas enough to want to knit their own versions.
7. Do you have a favorite pattern of yours?
It probably goes without saying: The Possibility of Crows cardigan, affectionately referred to as the #crowdigan. It’s my ultimate knit garment: big and cozy, with a big ol creepy crow skull on the back. I like to call it the ultimate grandpa cardigan, if grandpa was a witch.
8. What’s in store for the next season?
I have SO. MANY. IDEAS. Keep your eyes peeled for more moon phases, folklore, and spoopy goodness. My big goal for next year is to have one of my designs accepted by a publication, but who knows!
9. How do you like to spend your time outside of your work?
I take #NeverNotKnitting extremely seriously: I am, quite genuinely, never not knitting. However, I do love reading, playing board games, and hanging out with my cat and my hedgehog.
10. Where can we find you?
@disyarning on Instagram is the best way to get in touch with me! My patterns are available on Payhip (payhip.com/disyarningdesigns) or on Ravelry (disyarningknits). If you’re looking for the Possibility of Crows cardigan, head over to bistitchual.ca!
