Interviewer: Good morning. Today we got Susan B. Anderson, a popular knitwear designer and an author of some famous books. She is also a blogger with a well organised legion of fans. Enjoy. Hello, Susan, nice to meet you.

Susan: Hello, nice to meet you too!

Interviewer: Did you always want to be a fashion designer?

Susan: Both of my grandmothers were fashion designers, but I didn't really know that until I started college. One had her own label, and the other one worked as a woman wear designer at a fashion house in Dublin. For as long as I can remember, I was always interested in fashion. I started to modify my clothes from a very young age. My mother taught me to knit when I was 6. Definitely, I thought about other occupations, such as being an architect, but as soon as I knitted my first dress from a ball of wool, I knew knitting was my calling in life.

Interviewer: Where did you study?

Susan: When I was in high school I took a tech theatre class, where my professor, after seeing me create patterns without formal background, introduced me to the idea that I could study and, in fact, work in fashion. None of my guidance counselors knew about schools or careers in fashion at the time, so I turned to the internet. I found summer programs and developed a portfolio that got me into the Fashion Institute of Technology.

Interviewer: Could you talk us through your fashion C.V?

Susan: Last year I worked on my own label and launched my first collection spring-⁠summer 2013 at New York profile during New York fashion week. While I picked up the best woman swear designer award, I also took my collection to Tokyo, where I had a fashion show and an exhibition. Just recently, I had my debut show at London fashion week, showing my AW09 collection at Rockshall fashion scout.

Interviewer: It is really gorgeous. What inspired your AW09 collection?

Susan: My trip to Tokyo 2 years ago, where I met Japanese designers and was introduced to Japanese culture. I was amazed by the bold architecture and the contrast of delicate patterns often found on the facades. My aim was to create a collection which was both modern and bold and sophisticated.

Interviewer: How do you describe your style?

Susan: Simple, but funky. I like unexpected colours or interesting patterns with a little rock 'n roll or vintage décor nod.

Interviewer: Any new projects in the works?

Susan: Yep, I'm currently writing my seventh book, but first for chronicle books, which will focus on projects using intermediate knitting skills. I'm working on my new collection but it's a secret.

Interviewer: What's your favourite part of blogging?

Susan: My favourite part of blogging is the interaction I have with the readers. I've had so many mothers and grandmothers send me photos of their new babies and children. I have had emails and comments from people with elderly or sick family members who have knitted a toy to brighten their days. I've heard from countless charities all doing so much good in the world through knitting. I also get to hear from new and experienced knitters who are inspired to try something new because they saw it on the blog. It's the heartwarming stories, big and small, and the words of appreciation and encouragement that made blogging so worthwhile. I have fun with it and I always look forward to posting a new entry.

Interviewer: Thanks, Susan, for taking the time to talk.