Sue McCain

Hand Knitting Patterns

Sue McCain

Hand Knitting Patterns

Sue McCain

Like many knitters, I learned how to knit from my mother at an early age, then promptly forgot about it as life got in the way. I returned to it for a short time as a student in Paris when a friend convinced me to try it again. The third time was the charm—my mother retaught me while I was in grad school. I was tired of trying to find sweaters with long enough sleeves to fit my 6′ frame, so I decided I’d just make my own. I fell madly in love with knitting, and eventually slipped into designing for myself when I began reworking existing patterns with elements that I liked better. And, of course, adjusting the sleeve and body lengths.

In 2003, I decided to publish my own line of knitting patterns, and Vermont Fiber Designs was born. In 2012, I added Basix, a separate line that would be dedicated to the design of only top-down set-in-sleeve patterns that are worked in Stockinette stitch.

Both pattern lines are designed for a wide range of sizes. I believe every person is special—no matter their size or shape—and deserves to be able to find patterns that they will love knitting and wearing.

When I began my publishing journey, I lived in a mountain town in Vermont. Today, I live in the heart of horse country in North Carolina. I enjoy hiking in the beautiful state park outside my door, and horseback riding through thousands of acres of woods and horse farms.