Olga Putano Blends Trends with Classic Elegance
Olga Putano’s new book Field Notes: 20 Textured Knits for Everyday Beauty is full of inspiration. The collection explores various techniques and stitch patterns: from richly cabled sweaters and creativity-sparking colourwork to comforting garter-stitch knits — all with a fresh take.
We chatted with Olga to learn more about her book, life and design work!
Hi Olga! Introduce yourself briefly.
“I’m a 39-year-old mom of four and wife to one. I live with my family in the beautiful Endless Mountains region of Pennsylvania, USA. Though I’ve spent over two-thirds of my life in the US, my Ukrainian roots run deep, influencing every part of my life.”
Your second knitting book has just been published. How are you feeling at the moment?
“Words can hardly capture what it means to have my book published with Laine Publishing. From the moment Laine released their first books, a quiet dream was born in my heart to create something with this iconic company — a wish I shared only with my husband, like a secret kept after blowing out birthday candles.
When Jonna Helin, Laine’s CEO, invited me to write a book, I was overwhelmed in the best way — it was the pinnacle of my seven-year knitting career. Holding the finished book in my hands feels surreal, a tangible testament to a dream fulfilled, though my heart is still catching up. I feel profoundly grateful and deeply blessed.”
The book’s patterns feature various techniques and stitch patterns. Is this typical for you as a designer?
“When I first began designing knitting patterns in 2018, I dove headfirst into colourwork, captivated by the art of ‘painting with yarn’ through vibrant swirls and florals, inspired by my Ukrainian heritage. Over time, I noticed my wardrobe gravitating toward quieter, timeless styles, revealing a new facet of my creative voice.
Known as a colourwork designer, stepping into subtler styles felt daunting amidst the knitting world’s vast talent and ever-shifting trends. Yet, my passion for diverse techniques — from cables to brioche and beyond — keeps my work evolving. My style blends modern flair with classic elegance, designs that feel fresh yet endure beyond fast fashion.”
What are your first memories of knitting?
“My mother, Galina, taught me to knit when I was six in Ukraine, where craft supplies were scarce. Being resourceful, she created beautiful clothing for my sisters and me from unexpected materials like bedsheets and curtains, which was such a big inspiration for me.
I’d pick up my needles now and then over the years, but it wasn’t until after my third child was born in 2014 that knitting truly took hold. The vibrant Instagram knitting community I stumbled upon ignited my passion — I was blown away by all of the talented knitters, modern patterns and luxurious hand-dyed yarns. Eventually, that spark pushed me to start designing my own patterns.”
What kind of role has knitting played in your life?
“Knitting is my creative outlet, my connection to fashion, and the heart of my work-from-home life. It lets me pour my imagination into every project, creating patterns that feel like an extension of myself. And as knitting became my career, it gave me the gift of working from home, letting me balance my passion with family life.”
You live in the US but are originally from Ukraine. How does your heritage show in your designs?
“Ukrainian knitting traditions — rich with symbolism, vibrant colours and floral motifs — deeply shape my colourwork designs. I often draw inspiration from intricate Ukrainian cross stitch patterns, their vivid patterns dancing in my mind as I begin each project. While my patterns may not directly mirror these designs, their beauty infuses my work.
The Vyshyvanka shawl featured in my book reflects this heritage, inspired by the traditional Ukrainian blouse. Its garter and slip stitches burst in bright contrasting colours, echoing the vivid cross-stitch patterns of my childhood.”
Describe your everyday life! How do you find the time for knitting, and where do you get inspiration for your work?
“Living in Pennsylvania’s beautiful mountains with my family is a gift. The quiet woods and peaceful nature inspire me every day, slowing my pace to allow for creativity. In my free time, I garden — growing vegetables, a few fruits, and lots of flowers — drawing inspiration from their colours, textures, and the calm they bring. Alongside my Ukrainian heritage, nature fuels my designs, whether I’m working on our deck, walking through the woods or tending my garden.
As a mom of four, I’m busy nurturing their dreams, which can make finding quiet time for grading patterns or answering messages a challenge. But staying home with my family drives me to give my all, grateful for this life.”
If you had to pick one of the book’s knits to live in this winter, which would it be?
“Oh, picking a favourite pattern feels like choosing a favourite child… But if I must, it’s Candyland! Its roomy fit and split hem make it perfect for layering, while those chunky cables add cosy warmth and texture. It captures that modern-yet-classic style I love. I’m thrilled to have Candyland grace the cover of my book — it’s the heart of my collection and a true reflection of my design style.”
What are your biggest dreams and goals as a knitwear designer?
“Publishing a book with Laine Publishing has been my ultimate professional dream, and now that it’s real, I jokingly wonder what’s next! This milestone feels like the pinnacle of my knitting career, but I’m far from done. I want to keep inspiring people to try knitting, or any craft, because there’s so much to gain from creating something tangible with your hands. I’m looking forward to weaving fashion design into my work, blending fresh trends with timeless style to keep pushing my creativity forward.”
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