Interview: a moment with Vibe Ulrik Sondegaard

When did you first learn to knit?

I was quite small, probably 5 or 6, and was taught by my nan. I didn’t knit much, only when I visited her, but then I took it up again when I went to university. My mum worked many years as a knitwear designer so I learned to have an appreciation for knitwear.

Can you give us a brief history of your career?

After I finished Kingston University I did an internship for a fashion company. I was very interested in knitwear and preferred a slightly slower pace and more creative freedom than you often get at ‘fast’ fashion companies, so I started making swatches for a knitwear agency on a freelance basis. At the same time I put together ideas for a knitting book and sent them to publishers of craft books.

What do you enjoy most about designing for babies?

I think I just like the ‘miniature’ look of a sweater or cardigan.

What do you think is the most important thing to remember when knitting for young children?

Overall I think practicality is important both with regards to washing and wear and tear and the overall comfort of a garment. But it is just as important that it is something the children are happy to wear and like the look of. (Those who are older than babies, that is.)

Where do you get your design inspiration?

I’m constantly curious about what people around me are wearing, as well as looking in magazines, shops, films – everywhere.

How does it feel having your designs published?

I’m really happy that Collins & Brown trusted me to do it, and I think they have made both books look really lovely. I have had a few photos of projects sent to me by family members and that’s fun to see. It’s one thing to see a piece you have made yourself and photographed for the book, but it’s quite another to see that someone ‘out there’ actually took the time to make your design for someone they cared about. That can be a bit surreal.

If you could only knit with one type of yarn for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

I think it would be wool; I love good quality natural wool blends of alpaca and merino, cashmere, camel… typically all the expensive, soft yarns. I just can’t help it!

Lullaby Knits costs £16.99 and can be purchased from the Anova Book Store here.

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