Interview with Knitwear Designer, Tif Neilan - Ritual Dyes Skip to main content

Interview with Knitwear Designer, Tif Neilan

Interview with Knitwear Designer, Tif Neilan

I was so thrilled that Tif Neilan was willing to collaborate with me on the Fall Equinox 2020 Offering. I am a big fan of Tif's style! She is a knitwear designer based in New England with a professional background in Interior Design. She has an evident love for color and texture with a hard lean for Fall colorways. She also incorporates texture into much of her work. She did so with her new design, the Autumn Falls hat, our special collaboration for this seasonal offering.

I chatted with Tif about her style and her work. Read on for our Q&A! 


RD: What inspired you to start designing knitwear? What keeps you inspired? 
TN: Don't laugh! "Outlander" certainly played a role in my inspiration to start designing knitwear, haha, but really I have always felt like i have a bit of a quirky style and would essentially dream up garments and accessories that i couldn't find to purchase. As a longtime "do it yourself-er" the process of conceptualizing and bringing an idea to life is extremely fulfilling. I'm not sure I could identify one thing that keeps me inspired - inspiration really comes from everywhere. I can't knit nearly as fast as my brain creates.
 
RD: Would you rather...
Knit with one base for the rest of your life?
OR
Knit with the same color forever? 
TN: Tough one! I suppose I would go with knit with the same base for the rest of my life (especially since I love to hold multiple strands together), there would still be so much opportunity to create different fabric weights. 
RD: What are your hobbies outside of knitting and all things yarn related? 
TN: Definitely photography! And plants! One could say i am a bit of a crazy plant lady - I currently have close to 50 houseplants. Before knitting took over my life, I worked in Interior Design and I think home design will always remain at least a hobby.
 
RD: Sweet or salty? 
TN: Salty salty salty!!!

RD: I love the texture and modern shapes you bring to your work. I would happily wear any one of them!! Which design of yours do you grab for out of your closet the most?  
TN: Another tough one!! I try not to play favorites with my knits, but I wore my Zoetic sweater a ton last winter - it's definitely a "comfort" piece for me, and Comfort Zone tank is a close second especially since I love to layer and can wear it nearly all year long! My Drift Blanket shawl has been in heavy rotation recently. As the mornings and evenings have been getting cooler, I enjoy snuggling up in that one!

 

Thank you Tif for playing along! Check out all of Tif's designs and more on her website. 

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