Spotlight on Heather Zoppetti
Fairmount Fibers is proud to have established relationships with so many talented designers. In today’s post we’d like to put a spotlight on designer Heather Zoppetti. In the top photo she's wearing her Feroce hat, knit in Manos Maxima. The Trifoglio Shawl is Heather's latest design in Manos del Uruguay Fino. We reached out to Heather asking if she would share a bit of her background and experience working with Manos del Uruguay yarns. She was generous and kind with her time and we’re pleased to share her responses with you!
How did you first come to work with Manos yarns?
I first started designing with Manos yarns when I used Serena for my Dahlia Cardigan in Interweave Knits, Fall 2011. When Lisa sent me the yarn we realized that I live very close to the distributor, Fairmount Fibers, and so we began working together on various projects. I did a small collection for them and have tried to contribute to their pattern lines on a regular basis.
[caption id="attachment_4666" align="aligncenter" width="500"]
Top: Ricardito in Maxima, left, and Flan in Fino, right.
Bottom, left to right: Dulche de Leche in Serena, Tarta in Silk Blend, Bizcocho in Silk Blend[/caption] How did you get started knitting and designing? Who taught you?
Top: Ricardito in Maxima, left, and Flan in Fino, right. Bottom, left to right: Dulche de Leche in Serena, Tarta in Silk Blend, Bizcocho in Silk Blend[/caption] How did you get started knitting and designing? Who taught you?
I taught myself to knit from a book during college. My roommate wanted to learn to crochet, but I had tried that before without success, so she picked up crochet and I learned knitting. I think fell into designing like most other designers...I couldn't knit a pattern without changing it. Soon I was changing so much, I decided I might as well simply design my own pattern just the way I wanted.
Do you have a favorite yarn or colorway in the Manos Yarn line?
This is a hard question! So many of the colors are simply gorgeous. Right now I'm really into blues and greens, so I'm going to say my favorite color is Steel. My favorite base is probably Serena because it's so unique. It's such a curious blend of alpaca and cotton. It's got a great drape and the perfect hand---really lovely to work with. Shown above is the Vasca cowl in Manos Serena.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
Inspiration is everywhere. Sometimes something as simple as a color or a shape will spark an idea; other times a stitch pattern will jump out at me. Sometimes the yarn itself tells me exactly what it wants to be. Shown above left, the Millersville Blouse in Serena, and right, the Spathe Shawl in Silk Blend.
[caption id="attachment_4667" align="aligncenter" width="500"]
Tromen Cowl in Maxima, and Rocha hat in Wool Clasica[/caption]
Tromen Cowl in Maxima, and Rocha hat in Wool Clasica[/caption]
Do you have any Manos yarns currently on your needles?
I do! I'm currently working on three accessories for fall. Of course they are secret...
We are looking forward to sharing Heather's new designs this fall, stay tuned! Until then, cast on one of her designs in your favorite Manos del Uruguay yarn today!
