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You are here: Home > SHOP > LOCAL DESIGNERS > Phyllis Campbell

Phyllis CampbellMeet the newest addition to our design family! Phyllis Campbell, wife and mother of 6 children ages 9-25, is also a designer and Omaha resident. Aside from knitting, Phyllis enjoys sewing, quilting, gardening, playing piano, singing, snow skiing, tennis, and reading! She has been knitting since she was six years old! After seeing what her sister had learned in Girl Scouts, her interest was sparked. She began by watching her grandmother knit. Phyllis remembers, "She was a beautiful knitter and, as long as I was quiet and didn't talk, I was allowed to look over her shoulder. I'm a visual learner, so it worked!"

Although she enjoyed knitting, life got busy. It's no wonder, either! She did knit a few scarves and even tried a few sweaters, but was disappointed that the sweaters didn't fit very well. Knitting fell by the wayside. A few years ago, a friend of a family member introduced her to "knitting in the round." She was fascinated by the new technique and was back into knitting! Phyllis walked into String of Purls for the first time in 2005. A stocking cap caught her attention...and, well, everyone got hats and scarves that year! She confessed, "Just walking through a yarn store excites me."

Phyllis' gift for visual learning is evident. After learning to do basic stitches from watching her grandmother, she picked up the rest from studying pictures and patterns in stitch books. Her gift proved essential to her knitting success as well. Phyllis explains, "They say, 'Necessity is the mother of invention.' With me, that is true. I’m over 6’ tall so I have to change every pattern to fit myself." After doing that several times, it became apparent that it would be easier for her to design her own patterns.

"I literally design in my head all the time. It’s something I don’t seem to be able to stop. I see a 'ready-made' item in a store, and I think about how I could make it. I read a pattern, and automatically, my head goes to how I could change it. I don’t do it on purpose. It just happens. I'm amazed when people like my designs and buy them. It's a nice compliment."

When asked what she'd like to see more of in the world of knitting, Phyllis responded "I would like to see more "busy hands" everywhere!" She'd like to start a Children's Sit-N-Knit and wishes we could get more men interested. As for designs, she started her designs to focus on the beginner knitter who is sick of scarves. (I think most of us can relate to that..!) We hope to see more designs in the future from Phyllis that are "challenging for the beginner and will teach them some new skills without scaring them off."


Anna's Lace Scarf by Phyllis Campbell
Anna's Lace by Phyllis Campbell
String of Purls Price $2.95

This long narrow piece is versatile. As a scarf or sash, it will adorn a summer outfit beautifully!
Basket Weave Cable Scarf by Phyllis Campbell
Basket Weave Cable Scarf by Phyllis Campbell
String of Purls Price $2.95

Texture is what it’s all about with this simple but elegant design. Made up in a solid color yarn, the basket weave background really shows off the center cable.
Bella Basic Yoke Dress by Phyllis Campbell
Bella Basic Yoke Dress by Phyllis Campbell
String of Purls Price $5.95

This precious infant dress is knit in Pure Pima by Berroco.
Celebration Scarf by Phyllis Campbell
Celebration Scarf by Phyllis Campbell
String of Purls Price $2.95

A long lacy scarf is perfect for adorning a spring or summer outfit.
Cozy Cables by Phyllis Campbell
Cozy Cables by Phyllis Campbell
String of Purls Price $5.95

Cables and picots abound with this darling set! Choose a hat or headband (or make both), and pair it with mittens to keep your little one warm this winter. The headband and hatband are knit flat, while the crown of the hat and the mittens are knit in the round. This is a great project for the intermediate or advanced knitter.
Cozy Checks by Phyllis Campbell
Cozy Checks by Phyllis Campbell
String of Purls Price $5.95

Keep your little ones warm with this darling set! Choose a hat or headband (or make both), and pair it with mittens for a full set. A basket weave pattern creates a checkerboard look on the hat band and back of the mittens. The headband and band of the hat are knit flat, while the rest of the hat and the mittens are knit in the round. This is a great project for the intermediate knitter or advanced beginner ready to expand his/her skills.
Emma's Graden Shrug by Phyllis Campbell
Emma's Garden Shrug by Phyllis Campbell
String of Purls Price $4.95

This intermediate pattern features the “Little Flowers” stitch and is edged with crocheted shells. (Children's Sizes)
Flirty Swim Cover by Phyllis Campbell
Flirty Swim Cover by Phyllis Campbell
String of Purls Price $4.95

This lacy skirt adds a feminine flair to any swimsuit.  A well laid out pattern by Phyllis Campbell in Sizes XS - XXL.
Gym Wrap by Phyllis Campbell
Gym Wrap by Phyllis Campbell
String of Purls Price $5.95

A fast, easy, seemless shrug is perfect for keeping your shoulders warm.
Kimono Scarf by Phyllis Campbell
Kimono Scarf by Phyllis Campbell
String of Purls Price $3.95

This beautiful lace scarf is knit in Berroco's Ultra Alpaca Fine and was designed to coordinate with Auntie Judith's Kimono Wrist Warmers.
Lacy Linen Vest by Phyllis Campbell
Lacy Linen Vest by Phyllis Campbell
String of Purls Price $5.95

A long, lacy vest with drape ruffle to wear year round.
Makayla's Top by Phyllis Campbell
Makayla's Top by Phyllis Campbell
String of Purls Price $4.95

This toddler girl's top is perfect year around!
Maui Magnificence by Phyllis Campbell
Maui Magnificence by Phyllis Campbell
String of Purls Price $2.95

Inspired by the magnificent waterfalls and ocean waves of the island of Maui, this scarf is a great addition to a casual summer outfit.
Reversible Basket Weave Cable Scarf by Phyllis Campbell
Reversible Basket Weave Cable Scarf by Phyllis Campbell
String of Purls Price $2.95

The reverse side is as beautiful as the front. Made up in a solid color yarn, the basket weave background shows off center cable.
Ruffle Shrug by Phyllis Campbell
Ruffle Shrug by Phyllis Campbell
String of Purls Price $4.95

Adorn your fairy princess with ruffles in this adorable child's shrug!
Sassy Sally Skirt by Phyllis Campbell
Sassy Sally Skirt by Phyllis Campbell
String of Purls Price $4.95

This toddler girl's skirt is sure to be adored by the little girl in your life.  Ruffles and ribbon make it fit for a princess!
Scallop Stitch Short-sleeved Sweater by Phyllis Campbell
Scallop Stitch Short-sleeved Sweater by Phyllis Campbell
String of Purls Price $5.95

Phyllis gives you a beautiful feminine fit with this loose fitting top down sweater with stockinette stitch yoke and lace body.   Delicate edging and classic pearl buttons complete the look.  Knit entirely in the round, there are no seems to sew! Knit in one of the many DK weight cotton yarns available.
Summer Linen Scarf by Phyllis Campbell
Summer Linen Scarf by Phyllis Campbell
String of Purls Price $2.95

A long narrow panel of diamond rib makes a perfect adornment for spring and summer! Made out of linen, it softens with washing. A breeze for the intermediate knitter, this is the perfect project for the advanced beginner desiring to move into more difficult stitches.