What's your earliest knitting memory? I remember my mum knitting me an aran pullover when I was quite small. I loved the bobbles all down the front, and called them "popcorns". When I was older, I asked my mum to teach me to knit because I'd seen her working on a blanket. Sadly, she was too busy, and I never asked again.  Although I didn't knit as a child, I did sew quite a lot. I was mostly allowed to use scraps, so I made doll clothes and small soft toys. Many of them didn't work out, or were never finished. But I remember making a few that are still around today: a giraffe made from a pair of blue socks, a lamb made from a bit of white stocking and some batting, and a duck sewn from a floral knit.  

How did you get into designing toys? I finally learned to knit as a graduate student at university. One of my office-mates had a knitting group, and between their help, and some struggling on my own, I finally managed a scarf. Then I made a hat. The third thing I knit was a small toy rabbit in a pullover. It was a very steep learning curve, but I wanted to learn all the basics as soon as I could, and the toy was perfect for that.  After university, I worked as a gardener for a few years. One winter I was looking about for something to do, and thought I would knit up a few toys to sell on Etsy (which was fairly new at the time). Almost immediately, knitters found my toys and asked if I would write up and sell them the patterns. It seemed a fairly easy way to make a small income during the winter, so I gave it a try. With every new toy I knit to sell, someone would ask for the pattern, and so I would write another one. Soon I had a dozen or more patterns, designing became my part-time job, and I made fewer and fewer toys to sell. Now I dedicate most of my time to designing knitted toys.

Where do you find inspiration for your designs? When I need a bit of cheering up, I look at photos of cute animals on the internet (as I suspect many people do)! So inspiration is never too far away. At first I knit the toys I loved most: cats, dogs, rabbits, bears. Then I made others that I knew were popular, like a pug, a horse, and a bat. Once in a while a toy is inspired by a yarn I find, like the fringe yarn I used for a squirrel tail, or the fuzzy deep-russet yarn I used to knit an orang-utan. Sometimes I like a challenge, such as trying to make a cute rhinoceros.

Barbara Prime animals

What else do you like to knit apart from cute critters? I mostly stick to smaller projects, because after knitting so many small toys, an adult size garment seems quite overwhelming! I've knit a lot of hats and mittens for my family, scarves for myself, a few baby garments, vests for my two little boys. I like to have at least two projects on the go, besides work knitting: one simple project that I can knit while watching my favourite TV shows, and one more complicated project to engage my brain.  

Which of your designs is your favourite to date? My favourite would have to be my Pookies pattern. The idea can from a bean-bag toy my older son was given. I loved the size and shape of it, and wanted to design something similar, in my own style. The pattern came together so easily, and was just what I wanted. And after all the ones I've knit, I still enjoy making them whenever I have a chance.  

What do you think makes a really great design for a toy? For my own designs, I try to make something that will be engaging, such as an adorable animal, an amusing personality, or an object you just have to pick up and play with. I want to make people smile or laugh, and remember childhood toys and storybook characters. As for the knitting part, I want my toys to be interesting to make, to teach new skills, and to encourage creativity in the knitter.

Are there other knitters who you particularly like and look to for inspiration? I'm always inspired by Mochimochi Land. I discovered her just after I started designing, and I love her quirky and cute toys. She does so much with them too, from books, to art shows, to stop-motion films. I aspire to try some of those things myself, one day.  Another designer I follow is Planet June. I love her crocheted softies, and I'm always impressed by the skill and attention to detail she brings to her work. I also greatly admire her dedication to her customers, and her prolific and varied collection of designs.  

Are there particular yarns and fibres which you enjoy working with? My favourite yarns are ones that are super soft and cuddly, with great texture and colour. I'm always very careful to match the yarn to the toy I want to make, making sure the colour and texture will enhance the knitted stitches to give the toy as much personality and tactile enjoyment as possible. I'm particularly fond of yarns with alpaca for fuzzy animals, and merino wool for cuddly ones. Also, bamboo gives a beautiful shine for animals that have silky fur. I spend a lot of time with the yarn in my hands, and I want to enjoy it as much as possible!

Issue 24, featuring Barbara's designs is on sale now in the UK and on www.moremags.com