It’s been almost nine years since my first day on the job at Berroco. I’ve enjoyed my time…learning, stretching, growing and spending time with all of you. And all that time, I’ve been commuting weekly between two states.
Berroco is a great place to work, but I’ve been feeling the call to settle down and live in one place (and live with my husband full time, too). For my final post, I thought it would be fun to do a retrospective of all the different “eras” I’ve experienced here in the design studio.
My position started out as a design partnership with my long time mentor and great friend, Margery Winter. Peso is an example of some of the work we did together. I am proud to say that this sweater, IMHO, has stood the test of time. I would still like to wear it.
Margery highly encouraged my first Norah Gaughan collections for Berroco and even did the styling, picking out all of the clothing to go with the sweaters. This photo of Violette le duc, is a fantastic example of Margery’s boundless creativity. I never would have thought to put the cardigan on our model upside down and that brilliant move made the cardigan a hit!
The next era was ushered in by the arrival of Cirilia Rose. We’ve always worked as a true design team at Berroco, so every new designer exerts a strong influence on the over look of the collection. I’ve really enjoyed this evolution. This photo of Cirila’s scarf, Weston and my hat, Woolf serves as an illustration of the melding of of two styles.
Then came Amanda Keep (now Amanda Keep Williams). Amanda and I designed Cassia as a team and we honestly didn’t know who should take credit for it. There was a definite overlap in our tastes!
When Amanda left to go to grad school (and get married), she was followed by Emily Nora O’Neil. Emily’s middle name has nothing to do with me, but I can’t help loving that we have a name in common. Nora(h)s unite! Here is a sneak peak of a sweater Emily and I dreamed up together as part of the upcoming Fall ’14 collection.
Next week, I’ll be passing the job of design director to Amy Christoffers and I’ll leave knowing the company is in good hands. Emily and Amy are a great team and they’ll have some extra fire power with Alison Green on board as a design resource, as well as the ongoing talents brought to the team by our tech editor, Brenda York.
Oh, and lest I forget…though I will no longer be on staff, Norah Gaughan vol. 15 will be released in about 6 weeks…and I am very excited to announce, that there are plans for a vol. 16 to be released next spring as well!
‘Til next time,
Norah
Best of luck, Norah.
Thank you!
Thank you!
I have enjoyed your posts and wonderful designs…my only regret is that I didn’t start knitting sooner, and therefore, did not know about you or Berroco.
All the best Norah,
I’ll miss seeing your work at Berroco but look forward to your independent designs (another book would be wonderful). You’ve been my favourite designer for years! Congrats on the changes and adventures that await! P.S. What yarn was used for the sneak peek? – It looks like another “must knit”…
Thank you, Nora. For your years of wonderful patterns. You will be missed. Enjoy 🙂
I have loved all of your patterns, they are so beautiful and I will hate to see you go! You’re a brilliant and fantastic designer and I hope that we will continue to see your creations for many years to come. I’m happy for you since you will not be running from state to state. I don’t know how you did it for so long. Thanks for sharing so many beautiful items!
I am so looking forward to having all of my clothes in one closet – well, truth be told they will be in 2 closets, but one house 🙂
Thanks for the kind words!
But why?😵😱😲😭😖😟
Awww thanks for the sentiment. You’ll still be able to follow me. It’s not ready yet, but I expect to have a site up within the month at norahgaughan(dot)com
Norah, I think YOU’VE defined a hugely successful era for Berroco! Best of luck in your future endeavors. 🙂
Thanks for your nice words!
What a wonderful retrospective! Here’s to your next adventures in knitting and living in one state. All thebest!
Thanks Tara!
You’ll be missed Norah but I can’t wait to see where you go and what you do next. Good luck with everything. 🙂
Thank you, Norah, for this delightful trip down memory lane. You are so generous with your time for knitters, and we all wish you well in your next knitting venture, or just taking some time to relax at home xxx
Norah, thank you so much for posting. I was very sad to read in a KnitBits that you were leaving and I didn’t understand why everyone seems to keep leaving Berroco — Cirilia, then Amanda, & now you. I thought it seemed like such wonderful yarn and such a homey, good quality company. I was hoping it was not because anyone was mistreated. So thank you for letting readers/knitters/crocheters alike into the world behind the scenes at Berroco. I’m glad you’re going to keep designing, though!
Your amazing work has been a joy for all knitters, especially those of us who love the challenge of integrating interesting geometrics into wearable designs. I’ve always knit for the love of fiber and for the fun of watching simple stitches morph into wearable art. Good luck in whatever path you follow next.
Norah, Thank-you for your beautiful designs, the sharing of your heart through knitting. I currently sit awaiting a flt. home in, Peace. I have loved knitting while I travel and while I do “life”. You have been an inspiration to me. I did your ” starfish shawl”,….. And had trouble, I called the office and I spoke directly to you. I was so honored, you helped me with just one sentence….. And I was so honored to have spoken to my ” hero”. I will miss you and your beautiful designs. I will continue to look about Ravelry and try to catch up on the latest but I will miss the one who helped inspire me and take me to a higher plateau of this timeless craft. The craft that my beloved Grandma shared/taught me while living. Enjoy your next chapter. Thank-you.
You have done such beautiful work during your time at Berroco. I am so glad to know that there will be at least 2 more of your design collections available. I really do hope the NG Volumes continue. They are truly inspiring.
I love your work. Thank you for sharing your great talents. I hope for you a happy life!
Congratulations on nine great years. May the next ninety nine be as wonderful. You have done a great job. Every success to you and your family.
Best BER
I need help understanding directions for Norah’s Pern pattern. Any help available?
You can write to patternsupport@berroco.com for assistance