Introducing Paul, the first team member to come on board with Meg at No Frills Knitting! You can expect to find him bringing his knitting knowledge and expertise to our Bristol based shop every Tuesday and Friday afternoons. When he's not serving knitters and giving out yarn advice in the shop, Paul is likely to be found lifeguarding at Henleaze Lake or teaching the Shaw Method swimming technique.
I'm catching up with Paul today to chat about his go-to knitting tip for beginners and his favourite finished object, which impressively featured a whopping 23 different colours of yarn!
Paul, what’s your favourite:
Yarn?
My absolute favourites are Jamieson’s of Sheltand Spindrift or Studio Donegal Explorer Tweed 4-Ply, but I do enjoy knitting with Lettlopi too.
Needles?
I use metal or wooden needles depending on the yarn but I have found the Chiaogoo Lace needles to be the best all-rounders for me, with the KnitPro Zings coming a close second.
Type of knitting project?
My main criteria when picking the next project to cast on is to choose a knitting pattern with a novel or challenging construction. This helps to sustain my interest and offers the opportunity to learn new knitting techniques. Stranded colourwork project and steeking fit the bill nicely.
Finished object?
It has to be the colourwork long johns I knitted for my partner a few years ago. The plan was to finish it in time for his birthday but, this being a secret knitting project, I had no choice but to work on it in fits and starts. Inevitably, one birthday ran into the next and it took me a total of 18 months to complete. I used 23 different colours of yarn and 40 plus pattern variations, some in traditional Fair Isle and some of my own design.
You'll often catch Paul wearing this beautiful colourwork sweater during the winter months, but it's his impressive colourwork long johns he knit for his partner that take the title of his favourite finished object.
What are you knitting at the moment?
I'm knitting a Medusa Sweater by Elizabeth Zimmermann using six shades of Warth Mill 4-Ply. This pattern has been on my wish list for years and I was recently inspired to finally embark upon it after reading Stone Blind; Natalie Haynes’ brilliant retelling of the Medusa myth. It has taken forever to knit and I’m beginning to wish I’d used a DK yarn instead of a light 4-ply, but I’m pleased to say that the time has come for the union of body and arms, after which comes the far more exciting serpentine colourwork of the yoke.
What yarn features most in your stash?
It's probably the Studio Donegal Explorer Tweed 4-Ply
What are the latest 3 projects in your Ravelry favourites list?
Fisherman’s Jumper by Mati Ventrillon
Baby Surprise Jacket by Elizabeth Zimmermann
Do you follow any knitting blogs, YouTube channels, or online communities?
I enjoy Norman at Nimble Needles, Spinning Fibres and Sockmatician.
What's your best tip for beginner knitters?
It's something we say in the shop time and time again, but if you're a beginner knitter i'd always recommend starting out with a DK weight yarn when learning how to knit. Grab a ball you like with a pair of 4mm needles and just start practicing your stitches. We have a really useful postcard on the shop counter with the No Frills Knitting's Six Skills of Knitting. On it, Meg recommends a few swatches to knit which is a great place to start.
Paul chose the wonderfully warm Lettlopi to knit this simple sweater.
Quick Fire Questions
Knitting or crochet? Knitting
Jumper or cardigan? Jumper
Magic loop? Yes!
Must have knitting tool? A stitch fixer. It's basically a crochet hook with a point on it to pick up dropped stitches.
What's up next in your knitting queue? A pair of shorts for wearing at Henleaze lake, although I've not decided on a pattern yet.
Best yarn weight to work with? 4-ply
How do you get to work in the morning? Cycle
Must have shop snack? Bread and cream cheese from the Polish shop a couple doors down.
Socks and sandals, yay or nay? Yay
Fruit or veg? Veg
What are you having for dinner tonight? Something with aubergine - my favourite vegetable