If you're a fan of Neil Gaiman, you'll already be eagerly awaiting the release of Coraline, the animated film adaptation of his 2002 novella.
As you might imagine, the film is set to be a visual treat; a feast of colour and texture. The tiny models used to create the characters will be wearing miniature hand-knitted creations by Althea Crome. But if you'd like to be able to wear the costumes yourself - or make them for someone else - Jenn of Nipperknits is who you need to talk to, as she's been commissioned to make lifesize versions of the outfits. I spoke to Jen to get the lowdown on working on Coraline, where to find the movie patterns, and on what inspires her.
Follow the jump for the interview
Related: Bugknits miniatures to star in new Neil Gaiman movie
1. Where can I find a pattern for the jumper?
The pattern is hidden on the movie website. You can either search for it, or [spoiler alert] you can find the pattern in the second drawer of Coraline's dresser in "Coraline's Room". In the top drawer there's a fantastic little video about Althea Crome, her sweaters and Coraline's little tiny sweater.
2. Why did you make it look the way it does - what inspired you?
I loved how the stars glowed in the black light lit scenes of the movie, so I know I wanted bright white stars. In the close-up shots of the the puppet sweater, it looks as though Althea did little felt stars appliqued on. I didn't think that would translate so well to a person-sized sweater, so I suggested white velour stars.
Also, I wanted a yarn that would be easy to find, so I chose Lorna's Laces Shepherd Worsted. Their China Blue was just the perfect shade of Coraline blue. But in using an easy-to-find yarn, I sacrificed some of the sparkle that's in Coraline's puppet sweater. If you'd like some of that sparkle, you can find a blue metallic sewing thread at your nearest fabric store and hold that along with your main yarn. It won't affect your gauge and will add a little bit of sparkle.
I changed the fit of the sweater a little bit to make it a little more wearable for people. I don't know about you, but I'm not really shaped like Coraline. :)
3. Are you working directly with Althea Crome?
Sadly, I did not get to work with that mad genius, Althea Crome. I've been a fan of her work since I went to the Radical Lace and Subversive Knitting show a few years ago. But I was sent a sneak peek of the Althea Crome video (the one you can find on the movie website) and a few close-up shots of Coraline in her sweater. I re-imagined/re-sized the sweater from those.
4. How long have you been a knitter, and what other projects are you working on at the moment?
I've been knitting for about 10 years and have been designing and pattern writing for about 3. I just finished up a cardigan for the Spring issue of Twist Collective, I'm working on a sweater for an upcoming issue of Yarn Forward and I always have a ton of knitting Technical Editing jobs going.
