When Life is Hard and Days are Grey...Knit A Rainbow
- Crystal | Factory Girl
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
The title of this post is from my dear friend Kimberly McAlindin's mom. I never got to meet this treasure but a part of me feels as though I have through Kimberly and her stories. I met Kimberly for the first time two years ago at a house dinner during the NY Sheep & Wool Festival (Rhinebeck). And let's just say she lit up the room like the happiest rainbow you can see!
We connected and support each other from afar and then were once again reunited in October for Rhinebeck and had more time to hang out and get to truly know each other...and wow did we have a lot in common. Oh and did we laugh...we laughed so hard at times we almost ...well you know!
It was during this long weekend where plans for the Winter Box finalized...during our chats, walking the shows and seeing all the things it just struck. Kimberly needed to be our featured designer for the Winter Box. She is so talented and I adore both her knit and crochet patterns. So it was just perfect to have her join us.
Read on to learn more about her....
1. When and how did you learn to knit? And Crochet? I learned to knit at an after school program when I was 9 (in 4th grade) I learned to crochet as a young married woman from a book I purchased at Michael’s.
2. What is your favorite type of project? I don’t think I can choose… I love them all, but I mostly design sweaters.
3. Do you have some go-to or favorite stitches/techniques? I love teaching techniques that make you proud of your projects.
4. What lead you to begin designing? I began designing quite by accident. I was with my local yarn shop at TNNA and they were placing their order with Stacy Charles. I was asked by Stacy if I wanted to send in some designs because he was putting together a crochet book. I had never designed before, but created 3 designs (2 sweaters and a belt) that I would want to wear, they bought all 3 designs and my design career began.
5. Where do you find your inspiration for your designs? My whole life I have been fascinated by the construction of garments. I remember as a young girl staring at other people’s clothing and figuring out how the garment was made. I love to create wearable garments for stitchers to add to their wardrobe and still be able to wear those garments 10 and 15 years later.
6. What do you enjoy designing the most? I love to design sweaters.
7. Do you dabble in other fiber arts or other crafts? I can crochet, knit, spin, weave and sew a little bit.
8. Can you share a little of what you have planned for 2025? Any upcoming events we can find you at in person? So far, I am will be attending Cakepalooza, Rhinebeck, NE Fiber Festival and I may go to Maryland Sheep and Wool. But you can always find me every week on my YouTube Channel Knit A Rainbow!
9. What is your favorite crochet hook? How about knitting needle? My favorite crochet hook is a size I ebony hook. I love size US 4 knitting needles and I am a ChiaGoo lace needle girl. The sharper the needle tips the better!
10. Do you have any “can’t live without” tools? A measuring tape and a sharp darning needle.
11. What are your favorite yarns to use? I love wool and silk blends and sock yarns… I have a re-obsession with sock knitting
12. Would you be able to share any details on your next pattern releases? Be sure to check out the recently released Loyal Fairy Sweater. It’s a really cool construction, top down with colorwork on the sleeve only. I really loved the way that pattern came out!
Ok…a few fun and personal questions…
1. Favorite band?
The Cranberries
2. Favorite movie?
Forest Gump or When Harry Met Sally
3. What’s the last book your read and would you recommend it?
The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson, it was really really good!
4. If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
I would love to be able to fly!
5. If you had to eat one thing for the rest of your days, what would this be?
Eggplant Parmesan
Thank you so much for being a part of the Maker’s Box! Is there anything else you’d like to share??
I loved being a part of the Maker’s Box and am very grateful for the opportunity to share a bit of myself here!
Below are all the places to find Kimberly so you can follow along with her in seeing new patterns and be sure to check out her YouTube channel. Every morning in December I would watch her Vlogmas and not only would I laugh out loud but I learned so much through her tips and tricks tutorials she shared!
Website: https://www.knitarainbow.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimberlymcalindin/
Below are the crochet version of the Mumford Mitts included in the Winter Maker's Box!
Stay tuned for more features on designers and dyers coming soon!
Cheers & Stitches,
Crystal
✨ Interested in learning more about the Factory Girl Maker's Box? Below is a photo showing the four inspiration images for the 2025 Desert Blooms themed Maker's Box. Each season has limited availability so check it out and sign up! ✨
Comments