Lori Wagner came to knitting design the way a lot of great designers do: she hit a wall, figured out why, and never looked back.

A Vogue Knitting Live class in 2014 sparked the question, and the Cabello Cowl was the answer.

Since then she’s built a body of work defined by stitch patterns that flow, that stay interesting and that reward the knitter without overwhelming them.

She now teaches at the Boulder City Parks and Recreation Center in Nevada, and designs with the same focus and intention she brings to everything else. We asked her five questions to find out what makes her tick.

Your nemesis?

Stranded knitting. It can make me break out in a cold sweat.

Favorite color right now?

The brightest fuchsia pink, though I usually reach for neutrals.

What does a typical morning look like?

Peloton at 5am, tea, emails, knitting, then design work.

What design deserves more love?

The Cabello Cowl. I’ve knit it many times and still fall in love with it every time.

When you moved to Nevada, what was the first room you set up?

The craft room. My husband will tell you that himself.