Sknitch

Last batch of piccies from 2010 - a trip to the Clothes Show Live in Birmingham to man the Kal Media stall. It was the coldest December I recall, we awoke in our B&B on the second day to a magical frosty countryside and the car thermometer showing a temperature of minus nine, but it looked amazing.

The main show was a real disappointment - loads of screaming girls and cheap, boring clothes, it was a real homage to fast fashion and a homogenised high street, all very depressing for a craftsperson and hand maker. The Sknitch section, dedicated to the hand made side of fashion, was a sight for sore eyes amongst all the mass produced tat. Other exhibitors were Cloth Kits, the UK Handknitting Association, Josy Rose and lots of other inspiring businesses.

I managed to max out the credit card at The Eternal Maker, a shop I had been meaning to visit in Chichester since a friend from West Dean had recommended it, so I was over the moon to see the stall right next door to ours.

I could easily have bought up the entire stand but in the end I settled for as much as my tiny suitcase could carry home.

I indulged in a fabulous Oliver + S pattern, for a friend expecting a baby girl next month - I had wanted to buy one of their fabulous patterns for ages, but had not had a reason to myself, but a gift -why, that feels as good as spending money on myself, if not better!

For myself I bought some fabulous cute baby buttons in the shape of clouds and raindrops and an extra long tape measure - very handy indeed, and comes in a tidy little tin - great news for a messy crafter like me. I also bought a great array of fabrics in some of the prettiest and most quirky, fun designs I have ever seen. Lots were Japanese made, along with some of the buttons available, which added to the quirkiness and originality of the stock. You just cannot buy anything like most of their stock anywhere else in the UK.

I also enjoyed a catch up with Susan Crawford. You can see her eloquent and likeminded thoughts on the Clothes Show at her blog, Just call me Ruby. I was excited to find out that she is bringing out a vintage inspired crochet book - just what the crochet world needs, as there are so very few good quality crochet books around. She has also launched some fabulous kits - if you like vintage knitting, you should search them out.

spinning a yarn!

When I was asked to become a regular columnist in the UK magazine Yarn Forward I was unbelievably excited! While it may not bring in enough of an income to buy myself a wardrobe full of expensive shoes, like a certain infamous fictional columnist, it will keep the old stash ticking along nicely and it gives me even more of an excuse to witter on about knitting! (like I needed one)
Next month I shall be talking about the stresses of moving for a knitter with as much stash as myself - don't miss it!!

coatigan

The new issue of Yarn Forward dropped onto my doormat this morning and inside was my Coatigan pattern. I like it as the stripes and little bow remind me of Dr Seuss' The Cat in the Hat for some reason and that makes me happy!

Hope you like it too.

houndstooth cardigan

I have been so busy recently that I totally forgot to post about my pattern in the last issue of Yarn Forward. It is influenced by the Autumn/Winter 2010 trend for houndstooth and checked woven fabrics, which I translated into a simple yet effective all over Fair Isle pattern. It also has pockets which you can wear hidden or as a plain garter stitch contrast to match with the collar and edging, which isn't shown fully in the spread.
Alexander McQueen's collection especially was a great inspiration here and I was extremely saddened to hear of his untimely death this month. I for one will miss the anticipation of wondering what he will do next in his theatrical catwalk shows.

yarn forward

I have an article in the latest issue of Yarn Forward about my design process and it looks very lovely! I have tried to give an insight into how I came up with my Spring/Summer 2009 collection (last pattern will be published very, very soon, I promise!) and I have also provided a summery hat pattern from the very same collection. Hope you enjoy reading it.

university of string

My first attempt at journalism has been serialised in issues 13 and 14 of Yarn Forward (issue 14 out now!). The articles give an overview of my textiles education and how to go about getting one for yourself, as well as featuring Editor Shannon's interesting interviews with other knitting designers who have taken different textiles courses.

I, of course, think it is great but that may have more to do with the lovely Shannon's editing..only time will tell, as I hopefully get more words in print! I really enjoy writing and loved researching and producing the piece, so will have to get started on some similar articles. I have some in mind, will let you know if they get published!

inside crochet

The postman finally delivered my copy of Inside Crochet this morning and I was delighted to see a double page spread featuring my studio space; my front room as it is otherwise known! It looks really bright and inspiring and has made me realise just how important all my little bits and pieces are in my design process (or is that just an excuse never to tidy up again?!)

I also contributed a small pattern, a cute little children's cardigan called Ellie. I couldn't resist the colour combination of neutrals with bright pink, violet and turquoise, and wanted to create something very simple yet pretty, using the traditonal granny square pattern as inspiration.

The magazine is looking really lovely, it is edited by Julie Holetz and Amy O'Neill Houck and is from the fantastic KAL media team who already publish Yarn Forward and Sew Hip. They have done a great job and I think the first issue bodes well for its future, I look forward to reading the magazine for a long time to come.

home sweet home

I hope I am not spoiling a surprise which will be in the new magazine Inside Crochet but while thumbing through the latest issue of Yarn Forward I noticed the illustration for a piece on working from home was a little picture of my very own 'studio corner', the place I do all my designing and knitting. I must say, it looks unusually tidy....!

Keep an eye out for my first foray into journalism in a Yarn Forward near you soon!

yarn forward

I have been incredibly busy recently trying to finish my new book by the deadlines, so haven't had much time to sleep, let alone write new posts, but I had to pop up a quick note to say that I was mightily cheered by a glimpse at the new Yarn Forward today. One of my designs has made the cover! It is a very cute little fairisle tank, even if I do say so myself. After a brief thumb through at a quiet moment in loop, I feel that I must say that the magazine is going from strength to strength. The articles and patterns this month are really great, I am going to have to pencil in an hour or two to read it properly.......!