Game of Wool - Q&A with Holger

AGE: 55

LOCATION: London

JOB: Fashion Designer

You’re going to be competing in the first competitive knitting show. Are you thrilled? 
I will be once this has had a chance of sinking in.

What is your unique style of knitting? 
Hard to tell - I like traditional methods and styles. I passionately hate the expression “with a twist”, but I would call my style “irreverent”.

What is the most ambitious project you’ve knitted 
I don’t know about ambition - I have done blankets and sweaters that have certainly taken a long time to finish, but that was more perseverance than ambition. In terms of complications, I would probably nominate a fisherman’s gansey I made for myself in traditional 5 ply yarn on 2.25mm needles. I was also trying out the shape and fit while knitting it, so there was a LOT on ripping out involved.

What is it that you love most about knitting? 
Other than most of the other crafts I do, knitting usually results in something wearable, so you are making your hobby not just part of who you are but also part of how you present yourself to the outside, and this in turn influences the projects you may tackle in the future. Mainly though, it is just a perfect way to wind down and reflect while keeping your hands busy.

Go on, there must be a part of the knitting process that you dislike - what is it? 
Anything that involves two identical parts will come with the dread of having to repeat something you thought you had already completed. It is usually referred to as SSS – Second Sock Syndrome or Second Sleeve Syndrome.

How do you go about preparing for a competition like Game of Wool? 
I wish I had found a definitive answer to that one - I frantically try and think of every eventuality to cover, and no doubt I will forget everything once they start the timer.

What are you hoping some of the challenges will be? 
I would hope for something where we can demonstrate skills that we have without having to compromise too much due to time constraints. 

Are you just a knitting wiz or are you multi-skilled? 
I sew, knit, crochet, needlepoint, cross stitch and quilt. Whatever takes my fancy, and whatever is appropriate for the finished item I have in mind.

How does knitting make you feel? 
The process of creating anything will never fail to amaze me somewhat. You have a heap of balled wool, and a month (or two) later, you have a sweater you can actually wear. It also links you to generations of previous knitters that may have worked that exact same stitch pattern or design before you, and, if so inclined, you can compare their motivations and circumstances with yours.

Knitting is becoming cool again, why do you think this is? 
It’s the Internet, innit? Ravelry revolutionised the local knitting communities into one global force, and social media has discovered that handicrafts can make very impressive and attractive content.

If you had to give one piece of advice to someone picking up needles for the first time, what would you say to them? 
Firstly, if millions of people around the globe are able to do it, chances are so will you. The trick is to know the best way for you to acquire a new skill. Some people learn best from books - if that’s you, then ask around for the most recommended books to start with; your local yarn shop can start you off there. Others learn best through personal teaching. YouTube is a great tool, as it will allow you to pause, slow down and repeat ad infinitum, but it won’t replace the interaction with someone that can actually show you. But if you learn it from a loved one, you always will have that special connection going forward. I was lucky enough to be first taught by my grandmother, and this will always stay with me.

Game of Wool: Britain’s Best Knitter starts Sunday 2 November at 8pm on Channel 4.

ENDS