Hi! I'm Denise, the founder, knitter and designer  at NiseyKnits. 

NiseyKnits is your gateway to beautiful, hand knit accessories, where each item is crafted with attention to simplicity, comfort and an oh-so-soft-feel to the touch, ensuring that every scarf, cowl, hat, mitt or shawl adds an extra level of chic to your outfit. 

I love working with customers to create their own one-of-a-kind accessory, as that gives me the opportunity to experiment with new designs and yarn materials, and helps me grow as a crafter and designer.

How it all began

In May 2006, my supervisor at the college library where I worked gave me a pair of US #8 needles, a ball of yarn, and an hour-long knitting lesson as my graduation present.

After graduation I spent one year conducting research on the responses to domestic violence in five countries. While traveling I took advantage of all the airport wait times and layovers to practice my newly acquired knitting skill (while watching Bollywood movies to keep me company). By the time I got back to the US I was not only addicted to knitting, but I had also accumulated a pretty sizable stash from all the countries I visited.

Getting into designing

I started designing items as a way to get through my stash and to justify the need for more yarn. The main thing I strive for when designing patterns is simplicity. I love creating patterns that look complicated but which are actually easy to execute.

Inspiration

I am often inspired by a stitch pattern, a yarn colorway, and by requests from friends and family for particular items. I also sometimes design based on a new knitting skill that I’m learning, so that my designing path closely follows my knitting growth.

Eight years later I’m still designing and knitting my fingers off, my stash is bigger, and I still “need” more yarn.