What kid wouldn't love to snuggle up in a cozy sweater handmade by their Grandma? Even if no one in your family is the crafty type, never fear because it's still possible to get that special made-with-love feeling with one of the beautiful hand-knit sweaters or hats made by Elaine Curtis of GrannysKnits.

Tell us a little about yourself and your work. My name is Elaine; I'm "Granny" of GrannysKnits. I'm a work-at-home grandma, I'm raising my ten year old grandson, who is special needs. His primary diagnosis is autism. I live in Phoenix, Arizona. I have a daughter, son-in-law, two-and-a-half year old grandson, and a 'grand-dog', a Siberian Husky, all living in Seattle. I have been knitting since kindergarten or first grade. I took my birthday money, went to the store and bought knitting needles, some yarn, and a Learn How to Knit book, and taught myself. The first thing I made was a pair of slippers. I haven't stopped knitting since! I am currently designing and hand knitting baby and toddler items ... sweaters, hats, and mittens. I'll be adding scarves and baby blankets soon.

How did you get started as a designer? I had a Barbie doll, and she needed clothes! I had varying amounts of yarn left over from other projects, and starting designing clothes for my Barbie. By the time I was in junior high, I was designing sweaters for myself, and as gifts.

What inspires your work? The first thing that inspired what I'm designing now, is becoming a mother, and then a grandmother. I love designing baby items, and I often use yarns in bright colors. When my little grandson was born, and I was making sweaters and hats for him, my son-in-law asked me to use anything but light blue. I already was using some bright colors; his request got me into more rainbow colors. So I think that knitting these little baby items in unexpected colors is inspiring, and fun!

Who are your favorite designers? I like designers like Versace and Donna Karan, who aren't afraid to be daring with design and color.

What are your top fashion & beauty must-haves? I'm a casual dresser, I love L.L. Bean! My beauty must-haves would be scented body wash, and Blistex!

Any advice you would give to aspiring designers? Make what you love! You can fall in love with a yarn or fabric in a store, and then decide what to do with it after you buy it. Or maybe have a rough idea of something new that you envision, and the right yarn or fabric will appear in your life. It's easy to just go with whatever your heart and soul tell you to design.

Where can people find your work? http://grannysknits.etsy.com


We love all of the amazing independent designers out there and we wanted to find out more about what makes these creative types tick. If you do too, check out more of our Indie Designer Interviews.