We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kacey Herlihy. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kacey below.

Alright, Kacey thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

When I was taught to knit and crochet, my grandma and I would improvise all of our projects. When I was in 7th grade I crocheted myself a pair of scrappy mittens, five different colors and totally mismatched. I nervously wore them to school for the first time and a bunch of friends said they wanted me to make them a pair! I offered to teach them how to make their own instead, and that was when I realized I wanted to create things and show people how to make them.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’ve been knitting since I was about four years old. I rarely followed patterns, preferring to improvise or combine elements I loved from stitch pattern dictionaries and ideas from commercially made items. After college and a 15-year retail career, I was unexpectedly laid off from a job I loved, and decided if there was ever a time to try to design professionally, it was then. My most popular patterns are ones that use up leftovers and mini skeins, and they’re all simple shapes with clean edges and thoughtful details. I design low-pressure knitting patterns that focus on success for any level knitter, and include tutorials and links to resources. I create accessories (and garments soon, too) that are timeless and wearable, easy to make and great for gifts. I recently started dyeing yarn, and I’m really enjoying exploring this new-to-me part of the process.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding thing about being a creative is that I get to work with and support other creatives all throughout the process. Whether I’m using a dyer’s yarn for a new design, sharing my favorite handmade notions makers, or hyping up a knitter’s finished object made from one of my patterns, it’s always amazing to share a creative space with other makers.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

Runining a knitwear design business requires wearing a million different hats. We’re not just the design team — we’re also marketing, customer service, accounting, and quality control. We’re writing copy, teaching, doing complicated math, creating intricate spreadsheets, managing helpers, and photographing and promoting ourselves constantly. Yes, I knit a lot, but there’s so much work that goes into getting a pattern from idea to publication beyond just making it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kaceyknits.com/
• Instagram: @kaceyknits
• Other: https://www.ravelry.com/designers/kacey-herlihy https://www.etsy.com/shop/happydogcrafts