Knitting and Woolly Woofers Q&A with Debbie Bliss

Hi Debbie, I have been bought knitting pattern books (including some of yours) by my children over the years as gifts. However, although I would say I am a relatively experienced knitter, sometimes I struggle like the clappers with the patterns, because too much knowledge by the knitter is assumed. So ... I tend to gravitate towards buying patterns online, or even sourcing free ones, because often there is the opportunity of a dialogue with the pattern designer if you are stuck, and/or because it is an electronic version of the patterns, updates can be readily made if errors are picked up. (I print them out of course, but often revisit the website to check for comments when I am struggling).

So my question is - do you test your patterns on "ordinary" knitters? And what do you think about online sites being more suitable for sourcing knitting patterns than books (which are often expensive to buy)?

My yarn especially baby cash merino has a habit of splitting I use good quality needles bamboo or knit pro any tips to avoid this please thank u

How do you design patterns yourself. Its always seemed so terribly complicated to me about as complicated as rocket science. I have been knitting for years and can follow patterns but just can't see how people actually make them up themselves!.
Your book looks fabulous I am definitely going to get a copy I already have quite a library of books dedicated to dog and cat knits although I don't like dressing my dogs up to look like fairies etc I do like cute patterns for the less furry covered pooches to keep them warm in the winter.

My query involves yarn.
I have inherited an almost completed cardigan which was knitted in yarn bought over twenty years ago. The garment would be too big for me so I would love to unpick it and knit it up into a cosy jumper but there are no ball bands to tell me what the yarn was although I suspect it may be Sirdar. Is there any way of finding out what type of pattern I need to look out for? I wondered about knitting up a square and taking measurements but would this be sufficient do you think?

I don't knit, I crochet. My darling daughter insists on natural, (but machine washable) yarns for the children.
I love the feel of your yarns, but find they keep on splitting. It's probably me, but do you have any tips to stop it happening?
Also can you reccomend any VERY SIMPLE dress patterns for a 3year old child?
Thankyou.

I have a friend with four rescue greyhounds. She is always knitting them daft outfits, she would love this. So I hope they is a pattern that would fit greyhounds!

Their jewellery is better than mine! I love the collars she buys them.

I love knitting and would like to knit a stylish outfit for my son's lovely English Bull Terrier. I am concerned that she might try and scratch to remove it as she isn't used to wearing a coat. What kind of fastenings do you find are the most secure and the most comfortable for the dog. P.S. I don't like circular needles or knitting on four needles. Will there be patterns for traditional two needle knitting?