About me

I’m Leyla Alieva, the designer behind Silk&Wool, where I share knitting and crochet patterns for yarn crafters who want to make beautiful, stylish pieces with confidence — no matter their experience level.

My designs are elegant and timeless, with a modern touch that balances classic charm and contemporary style. With a love for simple textures and subtle twists, I aim to inspire fellow knitters and crocheters to enjoy every step of their creative journey. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, my patterns are designed to bring both joy and a sense of accomplishment.

Since I often adapt existing patterns to match my own tension or yarn, I make it a priority to include plenty of practical information in my instructions — empowering you to do the same. I’m also always open to communication and suggestions, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch!

On this blog share all things about my passion in life – knitting, crochet, and who knows, maybe other crafts later on.

A bit of history

My first fibre art experience started with macrame when I was 5. There was a club in our apartment building, where you could come in during opening times, but without any fixed schedule. There were materials, tools and workstations available, and several adults to supervise, teach and guide.

Difficult to say now at what age I learnt knitting – my teachers were my mom, my grandmothers and my great aunt, I was probably 8 or 10 .There wasn’t internet or Ravelry at the time, and few patterns available were mostly for grown ups. So from early on, I was “designing” my own patterns – even though for a long time I did not use that concept to describe what I did. I would think of what I would like to do, choose a stitch pattern, and start working on the project, figuring out shaping as I went. That, of course meant, a lot of ripping back and starting again, but I also learnt a lot.

Even though I learnt knitting first, I quickly moved on to crochet. Using one hook instead of two needles was easier. I remember struggling with lost stitches in knitting what would ladder down to the very bottom, and I did not know how to pick them back up – so I had to frog the whole project and start again. Luckily, I shared my frustration one day with my grand mother, who suggested trying crochet.

At the age of 12 I saw an ad for a tatting course, and convinced my mom to sign me up. I was the only child among middle aged women, and spent one school year learning the craft. It has still a special place in my heart, but it’s very unforgiving to making mistakes, so I do prefer knitting and crochet.

When I was 14, I got really ill, and spent a bit of time at a hospital, and home schooled for a year. My mom encouraged me to lean in deeper into my hobby, to keep me busy. So we went out and bought a set of lovely Pony crochet hooks (I still have them), some pretty yarns and a crochet magazine (it was a special edition of Burda, which has lots of great projects in it – once again, I still have it and use it from time to time). I made quite a few things during that year, and crochet did truly, along with other efforts, help me through those hard times. I also discovered the joy of giving hand-made gifts then.

As I moved into late teens a I didn’t do much (but I did finish a beautiful lace project I had started during the illness) – there were things that were more fun at the time.

In my mid-twenties, I re-discovered crafts. At this stage, I got seriously into knitting. I made some shawls, a vest for me, and a huge sweater for my boyfriend (we’re still together since 2016, so don’t believe the curse!), based on swatches and a typing-machine sweater “recipe” I  had with me from childhood. I then started hunting for magazines, eager to learn new techniques, new constructions – some projects were more successful then others.

Then I found that Internet has plenty of knitting and crochet resources, and, eventually, Ravelry. This took me to a whole new level. I learnt so much in the next few years, it’s unbelievable. New techniques, new patterns, new approaches. I was also on maternity leave and had some time on my hands, so this was the most productive (so far) period of my life. This is also when I started writing up my designs, testing them and sharing them publicly.

What I do now

I have a family, work full time and study to get to the next level in my career. But, of course, I still knit and crochet, any time I can. While commuting, waiting for doctors’ appointments, in the evening while watching TV. I use existing patterns from other talented designers, and I create my own.

At this point in my life I feel a really strong calling to pass on to others what I know, what I’ve learnt over the years. So on this website, I share my experience, works and patterns. I also dream of creating a strong local crafting community here on Cote d’Azur (knitting, crocheting, felting, spinning, tatting – you name it!).

I love to hear back from you, so please feel free to comment! You can also contact me at silkandwool.eu [at] gmail [dot] com.