Is there anyone who doesn’t love Stephen West’s shawls? His patterns, published under the Westknits brand, have been knitted by thousands of knitters around the world. His architectural designs, simple, clean lines, and innovative use of color have made him one of the most recognized and respected designers internationally.
Stephen was born in Tulsa (Oklahoma, USA). He studied dance at the University of Illinois. It was in the city of Urbana, where he met Klose Knit, the wool store whose creative atmosphere inspired him to create his first patterns. Soon after, she appeared with her Colonnade shawl in the Fall 2009 issue of Knitty. She moved to Amsterdam, where she continued to publish her designs and launched a series of pattern books under the Westknits brand.
Today, Stephen continues to publish pattern books and each year organizes several KALs. He is also co-owner of Stephen & Penelope, a wool boutique in the center of Amsterdam.