Designers' Corner

Elsebeth Lavold
Fall-Winter 2008

Fall is here and gone, we've entered the twilight time of no longer fall and not yet winter. The only good thing about it is that it is perfect for curling up in the couch with a cup of tea and a good knitting.  There are two new books out this fall.  The Out of the Blue Collection features a number of favorite yarns from my yarn line: Silky Wool, Baby Llama, and Silky Flammé.  This collection consists of designs where the patterns behave in unexpected ways or with shapes or design features that are unusual.  Exactwith its egg carton pattern which is actually a simple lace pattern that hasn't been blocked, and using the purl side as the right side. Enigma, my ... [read more...]

Debbie Bliss
Autumn/Winter 2008

On Debbie Bliss: I think I am immensely privileged to have the career that I have.I studied Fashion and Textile Design at Art College on what was a very fine art based course which gave me the opportunity to create knitted plants, hats made out of bin liners and cardboard coats for three years but left me unemployable when I left! For some years I worked in a succession of jobs that I didn’t fulfil me. I don’t regret this as it has not only made me very respectful of cleaners and waiters but also every day I feel very grateful that I now do something that inspires and excites me. Recently I returned after thirty years to my old college where my daughter was modelling in the ... [read more...]

Louisa Harding
Some thoughts for spring

I can't say that I have a favourite technique. It is usually a combination of three factors that determine the stitches I use. Inspiration, Yarn and who the design is for. In my publications I always work to a central inspiration theme. This season the book 'Dauphine' was inspired by Sophia Ford Coppola's beautiful and feminine film 'Marie Antoinette'. I wanted to reflect the mood and feel of this collection in the yarns and designs, soft colours and stitch structures, so I used a lot of lace patterns and fitted garments which enhance this feminine inspiration. When I was given the opportunity to put together my own yarn range I thought it important to select yarns that really inspired ... [read more...]

Leanne Prouse (Ella Rae)
Hello from Downunder

Work for me is such a joy, my love of fibre, texture and colour is something that is always with me...I'm often told “ you need to take time out and have a break from work”, but "time out" for me means looking for ideas, swatching and sourcing for the next collection! Designing and knitting is my passion and it never leaves me - fortunately my family has learned to accept this (or learnt to live with it and all the yarn that comes with it!). When my kids were younger, if asked what does your Mum do? they would reply “she just knits”...I'm sure most people think I sit home knitting all day...not such a bad thought, but unfortunately not true. For ... [read more...]

Jenny Watson
F/W 2008 Update

Dear Knitters: Just an update on my latest collections. Over the past 5 months I have been working on two publications for Knitting Fever, the first book is for Noro, using the popular Kureyon,Kureyon Sock Yarn, Silk Garden and Silk GardenSock Yarn. The book consists of 16 designs across the four qualities, producing Cardigans, Sweaters, Jackets and Hats. It has been photographed at Ripley Castle in North Yorkshire, England, UK, the setting for my own wedding, therefore a place very close to my heart. It is a beautiful but small castle which has been privately owned by the Ingilby family for the last 690 years. The second publication is for the Araucania range, introducing all your ... [read more...]