Once upon a time knitting was reserved for nans & nerds, but in recent years along with the rise of geek chic knitting has become cool, and fashionable. Fashion houses such as Missoni have been bringing  knitwear designs to the catwalk for years and now knitting has become a firm favourite hobby for young and old women alike.

A lady who has always had a love affair with this ancient craft is Joy Bates, designer and founder of Seven Gauge Studios. To celebrate her beautiful new collection coming soon to Amara we caught up with her to see how see went from creating designs for renowned fashion labels such as Donna Karan & Ralph Lauren to building her own business from her attic…

Your mum taught you to knit when you were a child – did you always know that this is what you wanted to do?

Not at all, I didn’t have a clue what I wanted to do – I just wanted to do something creative. Hand knitting was a hobby but I got impatient with it, it was too slow, I wanted quick results! My dad bought me my first knitting machine and I taught myself how to use it. I seemed to take to it pretty quickly and loved experimenting with different techniques and yarns. I’ve always loved pattern and colour so it was a natural progression for me to take this into knitted fabric.

What led from designing knitwear for prestigious fashion names such as Ralph Lauren to creating your own label in 2010?

Instead of putting all my effort into designing for other people I decided it was time to do it for myself! I like working under my own steam, making my own decisions – being in charge of my own destiny.

What do you think is the hardest challenge UK designers are faced with in the current economic climate?

I think one of the hardest challenges is keeping products made within the UK. It’s difficult finding suppliers and manufacturers to produce small runs at an affordable price but worth the effort – I’m very proud my collection is made in this country, I try to keep suppliers and manufacturers as local to me as possible, we need to get manufacturing back in this country!

Why do you think that the vintage retro style has stayed in vogue for so long – do you think there will always be a market for this look in the home?

I think people are always drawn to a bit of nostalgia and you can still pick up a vintage bargain so in this current climate that probably helps it stay in vogue. A vintage piece of furniture has so much character, it’s unique – you know no one else will have that exact same piece and it’s more fun searching for it! I like to see a mix of modern and vintage – I’m sure it will always be around, it’ll just keep moving on a decade…

Can you briefly describe a typical working day for you?

It varies but always starts with a strong coffee and catching up on emails. Depending on the time of year, it can be spent researching and developing new designs, visiting manufacturers or I’ll spend the day knitting orders at my home studio.

How would you describe your own home style?

My home is full of vintage furniture and bits and pieces, we collect coloured glass from the 1960’s and 1970’s adding bright pops of colour here and there – it’s a constant source of inspiration for me!

If you could collaborate on a new soft furnishings line with anyone– alive or dead – who would you choose and why?

Sir Terry Frost – His paintings are an inspiration to me, I love his bold geometric shapes and energetic use of colour.

What would you spend your dream day off doing?

Spending it with my husband Paul – a leisurely breakfast of boiled eggs and soldiers and looking through magazines then a stroll into town doing spot of shopping, lunch somewhere nice and then off to the cinema in the evening.

What are your top three tips for a quick room restyle?

Paint, wallpaper and cushions! Wallpapering or painting just one accent wall would be a quick way to change the feel of a room and cushions have to be the easiest way to achieve a quick restyle – If we’re talking bathrooms then towels would do the same job.

What advice would you give to any young designers looking to launch their own brand?

You need determination and hard work, hold your nerve and stay true to your ideas. Share your knowledge and people will be generous in return.

What’s next for Seven Gauge Studios – have you ever considered creating your own full fashion line?

I wouldn’t want to create a full fashion line, I already have scarves in my collection and that’s enough! I am thinking of expanding the home range though – I think my patterns would translate very well into wallpaper, printed fabric and maybe ceramics so watch this space…

The knitted trend is huge for interiors this season, get the look and brighten up your living space with the Seven Gauge Studio cushions & throws available now at Amara – the new collection will be available soon.