Stephannie Tallent, Knitting Expert and Author

Stephannie Tallent, Knitting Expert and Author

Stephannie began learning crochet in junior high, from books, as she didn’t have family that knit or crochet. She set it aside after high school and picked up while in the military and stationed in Germany.  In early 2000’s threw herself into it again, while doing veterinary work. Tinkering with patterns moved her on to designing.

The Josephine Mitts https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/josephine-8 were the first that she used beads in the design to enhance the motif. She started submitting designs through Knit Picks and their Independent Designer Program, Knit Circus (later she did tech editing for them), the Sanguine Gryphon (now gone), and Cooperative Press where the California Revival Knits was published. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/california-revival-knits.  Later came Hitch https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/hitch-patterns-inspired-by-the-films-of-alfred-hitchcock  and the Wild West books. Stephannie has a lot of patterns published through e-books, by self-publishing.

The Wild West Collection  (there are three, Lace, Cable and Stranded) will eventually be 5 books. The reason for this is because everyone has different preferences, some like stranded and not cables, etc. Breaking it down makes it ‘interest specific’, you’re not acquiring patterns that you are not interested in using. The books that are out now include 4 to 5 patterns each.

Stephanies patterns for garments range in size from XS through 3X. She models most of her items, loves including waist shaping, yarn preferences are varied and wide. Like Elemental Effects for stranded work… She likes working with Bijou Basin (one of Marly’s sponsors!) She recommends Clara Parkes books about yarn, but there are a lot of resources to learn about fiber.

Her website is www.sunsetcat.com, she can be found on Twitter as @stephcat which is also her screen name on Ravelry.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Stephannie get started with crochet and knitting?

So here’s the thing… Stephannie learned crochet from books back in junior high, but she really picked it up again when she was in the military stationed in Germany. Then, in the early 2000s, she dove back in while working as a vet… and well, the rest is history!

What inspired Stephannie to use beads in her designs?

Honestly… she wanted to add a little something extra to her motifs! The Josephine Mitts were the first time she incorporated beads to really make the design pop. It’s such a neat way to enhance a pattern, don’t you think?

Tell me about the Wild West Collection books!

Yes! The Wild West Collection is planned to have five books eventually. Stephannie is breaking it down into Lace, Cable, and Stranded sections so you can grab just the patterns you’re really interested in… no more buying a whole book if you only like one style!

What kind of sizes do Stephannie’s garment patterns go up to?

Good question! Her garment patterns range in size from XS all the way up to 3X, which is wonderful. She also loves to include waist shaping in her designs… makes everything fit just right!

Where can I find more of Stephannie’s work or connect with her?

You can totally check out her website at www.sunsetcat.com. Also, she’s on Twitter and Ravelry as @stephcat… she’s super easy to find if you want to see more of her amazing designs!