Craft Designing Begins At Very Young Age

Today’s sweater was created by a very talented young woman who works behind the scenes at the NeedleWorks. When she’s not designing projects for the column, she’s editing and producing the pattern leaflets each week. Traci Bunkers is a great sounding board for ideas and gives valuable help with the technical parts of the column you read each week. Recently we had a chance to talk with Traci about her craft.

Q. Traci, tell us how you got your start as a designer.

A. My mother taught me how to crochet a chain when I was about 4, and it all started from there. The first thing I remember designing was a crocheted granny square sweater for my dog when I was about 7. I didn’t learn how to knit until college, and I immediately started designing my own sweaters instead of using patterns. I never thought it was anything out of the ordinary as it seemed so natural to me - I thought everyone did it.

In college I got my degree in graphic design, and I feel that training has really helped me in designing knitwear. I have a small business called Bonkers Handmade Originals and sell knitted and felted garments and accessories that I design and make. I also sell hand-dyed and handspun yarns and spinning fibers, and I teach classes. It wasn’t until I started working for the NeedleWorks that I actually started writing patterns for my designs.

Q. We know that you raise angora rabbits. Do you use the yarn from them for designing?

A. I mainly use the angora from my rabbits in the spinning fiber that I sell. Through my business, I dye “raw” fibers such as wool, angora or mohair, and blend them together to create a wonderfully unique fiber and color blend for people who like to spin their own yarn. I love working with angora because it is so soft and warm. I also use it in the yarns that I spin and sell through mail order and at art fairs.

Q. You have such a multifaceted career. Tell us about your hand-dyeing of yarns.

A. I love dyeing! For me, that’s where it all begins. Besides dyeing fiber and spinning it into yarn, I also hand-dye commercial yarns to turn them into something out of the ordinary. I refer to my style of dyeing as “que sera” - meaning “what will be.” In other words, I throw caution to the wind and play. I always use multiple colors because I prefer the rainbow effect. During the summers, I let the sun do the work for me and do solar dyeing - it’s similar to making sun tea. You never know what you’ll get, but it’s always interesting. I also have fun dyeing with Kool-Aid. I just finished knitting a pair of socks with yarn that I dyed with Kool-Aid. It’s like wearing a rainbow of fruity colors on your feet!

Q. What do you see in the future for Traci Bunkers?

A. Although I will always have a need for the “hands-on” in fiber, I’m starting to concentrate more on designing, teaching and writing about my techniques. Who knows, maybe in the near future you’ll see some fiber book with my name on it!

Traci’s summery cotton pullover is worked from the top down in one piece on circular needles. Mock cables adorn the ribbing on the neck, sleeves and bottom, while the lower portion of the body of the sweater consists of a delicate stitch pattern of mock cables and lace. Finished chest measurements are 40, 42, 44 and 46 inches, and the gauge is 5 stitches to the inch.

MEMO: To obtain directions for making the Circular Summer Top, send your request for Leaflet No. 052696 with $2 and a long, stamped, self-addressed envelope to: The NeedleWorks, The Spokesman-Review, PO Box 419148, Kansas City, MO 64141. Or you may order Kit No. 052696 by sending a check or money order for $39.95 to The NeedleWorks at the same address. Kit price includes shipping charges, full instructions and worsted-weight cotton yarn in your choice of natural, lavender or sea green. For kit orders only, you may call 7 a.m.-2 p.m. weekdays to: (800) 873-9537. If afghans are your passion, feed your frenzy by ordering a copy of Pat Trexler’s popular book “A Collection of Afghans.” It’s available for $2.95 plus $1 postage and handling by writing to The NeedleWorks, P.O. Box 419148, Kansas City, MO 64141.