If you’ve poked around on my website a bit, you might have gotten the impression that I am equally or more obsessed with nature photography than I am with knitting. It’s true that I can’t stop taking pictures of birds and flowers and leaves and that I love sharing those images with you all! That practice is more intertwined with my knitting and design work than you might expect. In fact, it’s an essential part of my process.

It has always felt intuitive to me that I need nature time in order to work on other things effectively, but writing this post has helped me clarify just why that is. My time in nature and taking all those bird photos reminds and trains me to notice details, to go slow in the world, and to appreciate my experiences. I would argue that noticing is one of the most foundational parts of being a designer and learning how to notice isn’t accidental but purposeful. I don’t expect the skill of noticing to come to me automatically. Instead, it’s something I know I have to practice. Just like I get better at knitting colour work by doing it a lot, I get better at noticing by practicing. (I hope you’re realizing that this means that such a practice is available to you too.)

Why is noticing so important to design work? Every time I start a new pattern, there are thousands of elements that need attention and thought, from the texture, shape, and colour of the design to the font and spacing I use in my pattern layout. Each one involves aesthetic and practical considerations. And if I neglect any of them, my work will suffer. So when I train my eye to catch when the light is at the best angle for photographing that heron or follow my curiosity when I see a flower I don’t recognize, I’m exercising all the same mental and artistic muscles I need in order to make the best patterns possible. That exercise makes me better at design.

It’s also true that I’m inspired by the colours, textures, and beings that I get to see while I’m wading in the ocean or clambering up a boulder. In a practical sense, I’m inspired by nature because I often make sweaters and socks that I want to wear on my outdoor adventures. (My Witty’s Trail Mitts are a prime example of this.) My colour sense is influenced by the rich, saturated colours of the forest and the beach. And occasionally I find more direct connections, creating motifs inspired by actual plants or textures I’ve seen or seeking out colours for projects that match palettes I’ve seen outdoors (Botanical Beach toque, for example.) Also check out my recent post on the upcoming bird-themed knitting I’m working on with Catherine at Gauge Dye Works!

Finally, spending time breathing in the crisp air and looking closely at all olive snail shells and the wings of western sandpipers refills my well of inspiration and soothes me. I do love my job, but I’m not looking to just have a job. I want a full and satisfying life that includes a job, but also includes just being and making art for its own sake. I wish the same for all of you.

Andrea walking on the beach on a sunny day. She’s knitting a colourful striped sock as she walks.

Here’s one last thought about nature and knitting — if you’re a relatively confident knitter, socks are a wonderful project to take with you on a relaxing beach walk or hike. Just stick the ball of yarn in your pocket and knit away! The pockets of the Jalie swim shorts I’m wearing in the photo and video above are perfect for this, as they’re nice and stretchy. I used Supplex from Bra Makers Supply for maximum stretchiness. (ou might consider these nature-inspired sock patterns: Sun & Moon Socks, Wildflower Meadow Socks, Saxe Point Socks, Three Seasons Socks.

Thanks to everyone who responded to the query in my newsletter about your knitting level. It’s so helpful to know who I’m talking to! If you’re not yet a subscriber and want to stay up to date with my knitting and my nature posts, you can sign up for my weekly newsletter here.

How does being in nature or knitting inspire the rest of your life? Do you enjoy that practice of noticing too? Leave a comment and tell me about your experience!

Because I couldn’t resist including some nature photos in this post about nature photography, below are some pictures I took while on a recent trip to Tofino, BC.