Live Chat with Debbie Bliss

Vogue Knitting live chats are online conversations between VK staff members and YOU, our online community. The conversation appears in a chat box much like instant messaging, and it’s super easy to participate.

PREVIOUS CHAT

WHO: Renowned author and knitwear designer Debbie Bliss

WHEN: Wednesday, June 17 at 12 p.m. EDT

WHAT: Looking for a lunch date? Debbie Bliss is stopping by to chat about her newest must-have book, Design It, Knit It, on June 17th at 12 p.m. If you have questions about the book or just want to chat with the fabulous Ms. Bliss, now's your chance.

Live Chat Transcript

[DEBBIE BLISS]: Hey knitters! Welcome to the live chat!

[diane]: Please answer this question:

[diane]: Dang; hit the return out of habit! I have saved the pattern since 2004 for the Marilyn sweater but live in a place too hot to wear that bulky of yarn. Have you designed another sweater like it in DK?

[DEBBIE BLISS]: I haven't designed anything like that in another yarn yet,but it's a good idea

[DEBBIE BLISS]: I'll keep that in mind!

[diane]: I adore it but fear it all the same; it would just be too hot.

[diane]: Thanks for doing this chat; you are my hero

[DEBBIE BLISS]: Oh bless you, that's lovely!

[DEBBIE BLISS]: thank you!

[diane]: I want to not monopolize the chat from other gals but do want you to know that when the family goes into my knitting stacks to choose things for me to knit for them they say things like " where are the debbie books?"

[DEBBIE BLISS]: People have been wondering what I'll be doing when I'm here in the states, on Tuesday I will be in WEBS in MA

[GotYarn.com]: Hi Debbie! In what book is that adorable hooded baby jacket on page 84 published?

[diane]: Are you talking about the summer magazine?

[KasieRN]: I cannot wait to get it as I own every one of your books!

[GotYarn.com]: Pg 84 in Design It Knit It

[DEBBIE BLISS]: Thanks KasieRN!

[diane]: I tried to own every one BUT could not get my hands on the first premier of the magazine no matter what I tried; I actually cried.

[KasieRN]: I have 6 daughters ans 17 grands and I have knitted a Debbie Bliss for all of them!

[DEBBIE BLISS]: GotYarn, I believe that pattern is in Simply Baby

[pamd]: I love your yarn cotton angora but find that it is extremely stretchy. Do you have a recommendation to control the stretch.

[rekha]: Hello Debbie, I love your knits, one question I have is where do I go to get care and maintenance instructions for your yarn and garments?

[KasieRN]: I have 6 daughters and 17 grands and each one of them has a Debbie Bliss creation!

[Cheryl S]: Hi Debbie,

[GotYarn.com]: DUH! I have that right here. How do you remeber it all? It was great to see you again at Marcella's. Please try to come to Richmond sometime soon. You have many, many fans here. We can rethink the Mint Julip idea. Yours, Danna

[DEBBIE BLISS]: rekha, I believe the care and matinence instructions are on the ball bands

[diane]: I wish Vogue would put on more photo previews of your new book

[KasieRN]: I do not think I saw any sweater in Ireland that compares to your Aran knit creations!

[diane]: Wait; Debbie was in Richmond? I am in williamsburg

[Becky]: Hello. Your new book Design It Knit it, where do you begin the process?

[elliottma]: How does your new book differ from your previous book, Designing Knitwear? It is a great book!

[GotYarn.com]: No I am trying to get her to come to Richmond. We were in Columbus. Perhaps we shoould start a petition?

[DEBBIE BLISS]: For care, after washing a garment, lie it on a towel and pat it in to shape, to preserve the garment

[diane]: ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh

[Rose D]: I agree a petition would be great...

[janice s.]: Hi Debbie, I thoroughly enjoyed meeting you at Needles and Pins, London Ontario a few years ago. I have so many of your sweaters. The cardigan that begins with 8 stitches in the back and is circular from there I love to wear and I receive many compliments which I pass along to you .

[Becky]: Back to your book: Where do you begin the process of design? Can you give a brief synopsis?

[diane]: Any clue how to find a Premiere issue of the Mag? I really want to see one. I had shops in 8 states searching for one for me!

[janice s.]: Janice S

[DEBBIE BLISS]: GotYarn, thanks, but my schedule is so busy, I wish I could be everywhere at once!

[rekha]: What I always wonder is right after I finish knitting a sweater, do get it dry cleaned, do I hans wash it, or just let it be?

[DEBBIE BLISS]: Janice, thank you so much for your feedback

[DEBBIE BLISS]: diane, unfortunately the issue is sold out

[Becky]: Debbie, How will your book help in plus size design?

[DEBBIE BLISS]: but the patterns are available on the Vogue Knitting web store

[Ruth S]: Would this new book help the uniiniatied learn how to design a garment with all the math problems etc.?

[Becky]: charts?

[DEBBIE BLISS]: The Design It, Knit It book is all about the process of the creating knits in terms of inspiration, how to think about shape and fit, color and texture

[Ruth S]: Pardon my spelling

[DEBBIE BLISS]: rather than number crunching

[Cheryl S]: I just got your new book, Design It, Knit It & it's a treasure. I am finding great info in the first section, Designing for the Body. I'm thinking perhaps I can wear styles I thought were off-llimits before. I'm having trouble deciding which to knit 1st - the Garter Stitch or Trapeze Coat. I'm a bit concerned that the Trapeze Coat will make my bust look bigger with when I would like to minimize it. Is the Garter Stitch a safer bet?

[KasieRN]: I just ordered the book at Vogue.com and they didn't say it was sold out

[diane]: Oh well have the second mag anyway now --- I just wanted to hold the premiere in my hands to see it entotal. The cover item on the Spring summer mag is absolutely excellent in design/simplicity. I am making one dead on same color in fingering silk with size 1 needles and it is absolutely divine.

[DEBBIE BLISS]: Ruth, it's much more about the inspiration process rather than the technical side of pattern compiling

[diane]: Kasie--did not mean to confuse ; we were speaking of the magazine

[Becky]: So you begin with the focus on the body you are knitting for?

[DEBBIE BLISS]: Kasie, the first issue of Debbie Bliss magazine is sold out. the book is still available and on sale, 30% off!

[KasieRN]: yes, I ordered the book

[Becky]: How will your book help me?

[KasieRN]: I was confused and didn't realize we were talking about the magazine

[diane]: Sorry Kasie; my fault.

[DEBBIE BLISS]: Cheryl, I would try the garter stitch jacket first. Both my daughter and I have this jacket, and we have totally different shapes. And I think it suits us both.

[janice s.]: I also love the Alex cardigan pattern with the large collar, double breasted. It is very soft and warm but light to wear too. Love it. Thank you.

[Rose D]: I love the inclusion of the swatches in the book, especially in the designing for your body section...the use of cables and smaller needles to bring the fabric in is great

[KasieRN]: Debbie can't design fast enough for me

[Becky]: Are these patterns in Debbie's new book?

[KasieRN]: hope so

[diane]: Where is the Alex ?

[Ruth S]: Would you ever consider doing a KAL of one of your designs?

[DEBBIE BLISS]: Beck and Kasie, those patterns just discussed are in the new book. There is a whole section on designing to flatter your body.

[DEBBIE BLISS]: Ruth, I think yarn stores have done KAL in the past, and it's proved very popular.

[Cheryl S]: Thanks. My second question - I love the Herringbone & Cable Jacket but it's sized to only 38 " bust and I'm a 42". After reading what you wrote about sizing, body shapes & styles, is there any way to adapt it to my shape or should I just focus on an other luscious sweater in your book?

[Marilyn]: What is KAL?

[Rose D]: KAL = Knit A Long

[luisa]: Hi. I live in Portugal and I'm a fanatic fan! I've knitted just about everything in your books and magazines. I order them from Amazon and I can't wait to get the new book. Tthey tell me I'll get it in August. I thank you so much for your work. I have loads of beautiful things made from your patterns. I think you're God's gift to knitting! I've started up a kntting group here and I've translated into Portuguese some of your patterns! I'm trying to get the portuguese to knit! No chance of you coming to Portugal???

[Becky]: Do you include any construction technique such as using cabling as a way to bring the sweater closer to the body?

[diane]: Debbie; are you familiar with Ravelry? We have a group 2000 strong for Debbie Bliss Knits there.

[DEBBIE BLISS]: Cheryl, the finished measurement is just slightly under your bust measurement, so you could add on extra stitches to the moss stitch at the front.

[DEBBIE BLISS]: Luisa, I would love to, so who knows? Perhaps in the future!

[diane]: For the gal who likes cables: did you see the gorgeous Summer Breeze sweater --page ll summer magazine?

[luisa]: It would be wonderful to meet you and get some hints and tips!

[DEBBIE BLISS]: Becky, there are construction techniques, for example, cables are decreased to shape, to create a flared A-line shape. Or to decrease into the bust line.

[diane]: How often are the magazines to come out ?

[janice s.]: Alex is on the cover of Debbie's "Luxury Collection" book, the circular cardigan is from Debbie's "Out of Town" book.

[DEBBIE BLISS]: Diane, I am familiar with Ravelry, and I intend to sign up shortly.

[Cheryl S]: Yeah - thanks! Can't wait to begin. I'm so jealous of east coasters. WEBS is my favorite place to order yarn & you are there tomorrow. I'm sure it will be fun. Wish I could be there. Oh well, maybe I'll order my Debbie Bliss Rialto tomorrow from WEBS.

[DEBBIE BLISS]: Diane, the magazine comes out twice a year.

[rekha]: Debbie do you plan on visiting the west coast any time soon?

[Rose D]: It would be great if there was someplace with a more detailed list of your upcoming appearances

[diane]: I wish I could get to WEBS too......boohoo

[Ruth S]: Can one subscribe to the magazine or is it only sold on newsstands?

[janice s.]: I finished "Ariel" from Winter Essentials book. A great easy pattern stitch which is very effective. It is a fitted wrap and very warm. Thanks Debbie. I have posted pics on Ravelry

[DEBBIE BLISS]: Rekha, Hopefully I will get the chance to next year.

[luisa]: We're very poor on yarns in Portugal. Is there any chance your yarns could be sold here? I would love to represent them!

[DEBBIE BLISS]: Rose, I do put them on my website, but due to the pressure of work this year, I haven't been doing many appearances.

[Bill D]: Hi Debbie. I just wanted to let you know that I knitted up your Baby Sailor Cardigan that you designed for Sirdar years ago and it was a big hit in the sweater contest. Many people were asking for the pattern and since it is out of print, you may want to republish it in an upcoming book, if you still have the rights.

[DEBBIE BLISS]: Ruth, you can't subscribe, but it's available in bookstores and yarn stores as well.

[Karen B]: Hello Debbie, love your patterns/ mag/ books - currently making the Cropped Rib Jacket for my Australia bound daughter to see her through their summer months. Second on the west coast question - a trip out to Vancouver Island would be wonderful ! Getting your book - any thought of giving a course for upcoming designers?!

[rekha]: Well, if you do your are very welcome to the city of Roses (Portland, OR). I am sure the roses will be a great inspriration for your color choices for your next line of yarn

[DEBBIE BLISS]: Hi Bill, I'm delighted to hear that you did well in the competition, I will keep it in mind for inclusion in a future collection.

[Becky]: Looking at the #11 cables in Spring/Summer magazine. I'd like to change the ribbed collar. Where would I begin?

[diane]: What kind of torture was it putting out the magazine? Are they ALL your designs alone? Egads what a lot of work.....

[DEBBIE BLISS]: Karen, Vancouver is one of my favorite cities! I was there a couple years ago at Urban Yarns, I hope to get back there soon.

[DEBBIE BLISS]: Becky, depends on what you want to change it to.

[Rose D]: I agree, it must be time-consuimg doing the books and magazines...I loved your photos of you knitting while traveling though, so keep making time for your leisure traveling too!

[diane]: #ll cabled: Think long and hard about changing it; I made the sweater and a BIG part of appeal is the collar......... It is really great design and not a fold over so nice and unusual

[DEBBIE BLISS]: Diane, I LOVE working on the magazine! Most of the designs are my own and I work closely with a few freelance designers on the others. it's very hard work, but my dream job!

[diane]: It is a lovely lovely one of a kind magazine; somebody please find me a premiere issue to buy!!!!!

[diane]: Every pattern better than the last

[FLYFISHDEB]: Will you ever have subscriptions to your magazine?

[rekha]: diane, try ebay, that is where I got mine.

[DEBBIE BLISS]: I agree with Diane about the collar on #11. It's the boatneck that makes it look different.

[Becky]: I agree about the appeal of the collar. I'm a little older and concerned about wearability rather than fashion.

[diane]: thanks rkha; I am checking that right now as we chat

[luisa]: I buy two copies of the magazine every time, just in case I lose one!

[Rose D]: Diane are there none up through Ravelry or eBay? You're making me VERY glad I grabbed mine when I had the chance!

[diane]: It is the sexiest cable aran I have ever seen; bar none maybe even Marilyn!

[diane]: Everyone has good collar bones

[DEBBIE BLISS]: Becky, I think the problem in changing it would be that it's got such a wide neck, before you knit the collar, it would be difficult to change the collar. You might find that by knitting the length of the collar double and having it roll over, you might like that better.

[luisa]: I buy mine from sites in the uk like www.paivyarns.co.uk

[Becky]: Thank you Debbie for allowing a clod from Abilene, Tx to join in this event. OK I'm sold. Won't change the boatneck collar! Thanks

[Rose D]: There's at least one on ebay Diane!

[diane]: I tried to get the first; what a run on them; no one had them everyone frantic to find one! Debbie you are a star!

[rekha]: I did not hear about the magazine until feb 09 and tried every bookstore possible. Then luckily found one on ebay. Had to pay a little bit extra but it was totally worth it

[Rose D]: I think it would be worth it too...I love Debbie's designs, and I love the background on what inspires her designs

[DEBBIE BLISS]: FLYFISHDEB, there are no plans for the magazine to be available for subscription, but the Spring/Summer 2009 is available in the VK store, along with the Fall/Winter 2008 patterns.

[diane]: www.paivyarns.co.uk is out;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;

[Bill D]: Debbie, did you say you were going to be at WEBS tomorrow or next Tuesday?

[rekha]: Thank you Debbie, for the wonderful colors and tectures. You are truely an inspiration. Do you have a exclusive outlet in London where we can come see all things Debbie Bliss

[DEBBIE BLISS]: Bill, I will be there next Tuesday, which I believe is the 23rd.

[Bill D]: Yep, the 23rd. Excellent. Thanks.

[DEBBIE BLISS]: Rekha, I don't have an outlet, I did have a shop for a few years, but the lease ran out, unfortunately.

[Becky]: Debbie, it's the wide neck I was a little uncomfortable with. Not a big deal. The patchwork aran jacket in your Family Knits book - is it oversized like a swing jacket?

[DEBBIE BLISS]: Becky, good decision! You'll love wearing it!

[rekha]: Speaking of west coast, will your website carry your tour dates?

[Rose D]: I know you received lots of feedback after the premiere issue, but I just wanted to say I love the Blissful life section and the individual descriptions of each pattern

[DEBBIE BLISS]: Rekha, any tour dates I have, I will put up on my website.

[diane]: Hubby won't let me to pay pal; back to the search

[diane]: Thanks kntting sisters.

[rekha]: Thank you.

[DEBBIE BLISS]: Rose, thanks, I'm glad you like it. i really enjoy planning the Blissful life section.

[elliottma]: Please tell us more about your new book. What inspired it? How does it compare to Designing Knitwear, your previous book?

[Becky]: I'm about a 2X size and would like a loose fit. I could adjust with gauge. What would you recommend? How do I figure for more yarn?

[GotYarn.com]: Debbie - which yarn in your line is your current favorite?

[DEBBIE BLISS]: Elliottma, I was talking to Trisha Malcolm waving my hands around and getting excited about how thrilling it can be putting ideas together and balancing cables, thinking about shapes that flatter women, when she said, why don't we do a book together?

[diane]: Delightful.

[DEBBIE BLISS]: Becky, it can very risky to play with gauge for a larger size, because if your tension is looser, you will get a bigger sweater, but your fabric will be unstable. And may not hold it's shape. Also, you're row tension may not be as loose on larger needles as your stitch tension, which means that the proportions could change from the original sweater.

[luisa]: After going through your magazines I only wish I'd been born with an extra pair of hands!

[DEBBIE BLISS]: GotYarn, like my children I love them all in different ways.

[GotYarn.com]: Good answer!

[DEBBIE BLISS]: At the moment, I'm particularly loving my new yarn, Fez, which will be out in Autumn, and it's a mix of extrafine merino and camel hair.

[Rose D]: Speaking of your kids...do you knit for them often?

[GotYarn.com]: Sounds yummy. Is that named after the dog or the city?

[Becky]: looking forward to fez

[DEBBIE BLISS]: Rose, dare I say...never.

[Rose D]: That's alright, I think once my son gets bigger I may not knit as much for him either!

[rekha]: Debbie, what is the anticipated release date of the next issue of your magazine?

[DEBBIE BLISS]: Now that they are older, they are more interested. Nellie is 19, Billy is 24. But as teenagers, they had other style choices.

[Becky]: When you are creating a new magazine or book, how do you get all the sample pictured garment made?

[DEBBIE BLISS]: GotYarn, I wanted there to be a connection between the camel hair in the yarn and the name, so it's after the city.

[Rose D]: Well my sone and nephew have been pretty particular themselves, they're 4 and 5 and I wound up knitting them Superman sweaters last year...with capes, so hopefully they'll start liking more traditional choices soon!

[DEBBIE BLISS]: Rekha, the release date will be somtime in September.

[Bill D]: Debbie, speaking of yarns, where does the inspirations for new yarns come from? An idea for a new blend, a new texture? Do you ever create a yearn with a specific pattern in mind?

[GotYarn.com]: Have you had the good fortune to have been there - on a camel? And all those gorgeous tiles?

[DEBBIE BLISS]: Becky, I have a group of about ten knitters who are fantastic knitters, but are also used to working to very tight deadlines.

[Rose D]: You're knitters must be fantastic...all the projects look flawless!

[Becky]: I commend you on publishing so much in such a short time.

[diane]: Debbie; you are absolutely prolific.

[DEBBIE BLISS]: Bill, I go to Pitti Filatti, a trade show in Florence twice a year. There I see the new yarn products that have been developed by the Italian manufacturers for the following year. Many of my yarns come from Italy. And I rarely choose a yarn without making changes, it may be adding more wool to make it more elastic or silk for sheen, and then I will liase with the manufacturer until I get the yarn that I am happy with.

[Rose D]: I agree on the commendation, it's great for us fans, but must be hard on you at times!

[diane]: The Italian yarn is simply different than from anywhere else. I have a wall of it.

[luisa]: I agree with the quality of Italian yarn. We use it alot iin Portugal.

[Ruth S]: Any release date for the next magazine?

[Bill D]: Thanks, Debbie. How exciting! And it sounds like a rewarding experience.

[Becky]: Debbie, I want to make the Lily sweater in your Cashmerino Collection. I have been thinking of add stitches for additional rib in the center back and perhaps both fronts. Would this work?

[DEBBIE BLISS]: We'll start wrapping things up soon. So any last questions, please ask!

[rekha]: Is Pitti Filatti only for designers and buyers or can we ordinary folks visit the trade show as well?

[diane]: Please remember us petite gals! We do not like sweaters to our knees!

[Becky]: Thank you, Debbie, for your time with us today. Kind of a thrill for West Texas

[Rose D]: I agree, it's been great chatting with you!

[luisa]: Great talking to you Debbie. You've made my day here in Portugal!

[diane]: Thanks so much from me in Virginia!

[Cheryl S]: Debbie,

[DEBBIE BLISS]: Rekha, I think it's just for the trade, ready-to-wear, etc. You would probably find it very frustrating, if you fell in love with a yarn that never made it to the shelves of your yarn store!

[janice s.]: Keep the great designs and yarns coming Debbie. From London, Canada

[Bill D]: Any plans for a men's pattern book? ;-)

[DEBBIE BLISS]: Diane, I think you have a very valid point. I do try to include 32/34" sizes as well.

[GotYarn.com]: Well you gotta do what you gotta do. That light is so beautiful in your Eco Book. I am sure it doesnt look like that any where else. Nell looks so beautiful - she's a wonderful model.

[Cheryl S]: Debbie, Please continnue with designs for the home in your magazine. I am making several sets of the padded hangers as Christmas gifts. So easy yet so elegant. I love projects like this. Any hints on what 's in your next magazine?

[Karen B]: I agree, going to check out your website to see your tour dates - hope you get a chance to occasionally knit for pleasure, as we all get a lot of pleasure from knitting your patterns.

[DEBBIE BLISS]: GotYarn, Nell is sitting beside me, you've made her day!!

[GotYarn.com]: Yes - a book for men would be great. Nell I hope you got paid you're worth it!

[rekha]: Thanks for the information and taking time to chat with all of us. It was truely a pleasure. And thanks to Vogue knitting for giving me a chance to talk to my favourite designer

[diane]: Rekha please sell me a premiere issue!

[Rose D]: I second that Rekha

[diane]: hahahaha

[DEBBIE BLISS]: Cheryl, I love doing the home section, so there will always be that part of the magazine. THe next home feature is based around Brit style so look out for Union Jack cushions, and my dog sitting on a argyle dog cushion! In the recipe page Nell is dressed as a 1940s waitress holding a tray of her fantastic fairycakes (cupcakes).

[Rose D]: Not the selling of the magazine, the thanks to Vogue Knitting!

[diane]: can't wait; that sounds really cool!

[Rose D]: EEE...I can't wait now until September!

[DEBBIE BLISS]: Bill, I would love to do a men's book, I'll drop a hint while I'm sitting here in SoHo's offices!

[Bill D]: Thanks!

[DEBBIE BLISS]: Thank you everyone for joining me in the live chat! I've enjoyed answering your questions!

[DEBBIE BLISS]: Don't forget the book is on sale today only at 30% off!!

[Bill D]: And thanks so much for taking the time to talk to us. Take care!

[Ruth S]: Tra La

[DEBBIE BLISS]: Sale ends at midnight, EDT.

[diane]: la la

[Cheryl S]: Speaking of Men's patterns, my husband would love a zippered cardigan with a hood. (Hint - hint)

[DEBBIE BLISS]: A transcript of this chat will be available on the VK website soon!