There's a lot more to knitting than well, just knitting.
- Jan Appleton
- Jul 15
- 2 min read
Being inspired to create a design, knitting swatches prior to writing a pattern and hoping that the knitted version of your idea is as good as your vision. I love the colours of nature and sometimes some colours just catch your attention.
The flowers in my garden and the hedgerow flowers nestled at the side of trees just shout colours and textures and I wanted to recreate that summer feeling with a piece of knitwear. This evolved into a "The Colours of Summer Collection", think brightly coloured parasols, fields of flowers and summer hats; sipping a cool drink next to the pool. This piece had to reflect that and more, something to slip over your swimsuit or wear with linen wide legged trousers, I knew I wanted to create a versatile piece.
The inspiration was there and an idea had formed in my mind as to what I wanted to design and create, a lovely stage of producing a knitted piece. Being inspired to create a design is just the start, then you have to knit swatches to check the drape and feel of the yarn prior to writing a pattern. Each stage you're hoping that the knitted version of your idea is as good as your vision. But you have to go through each stage before you find out if this is going to be the case or not. Once you've chosen the swatch that creates the correct drape of fabric, then and only then you can knit the full design.
But don't forget that then you need to soak the item to relax the fibres and release any excess dye. Once it's soaked for long enough, depending on the wool I knit with. It's then time to block and flat dry ready for steaming and sewing up.
After all that it's time to do the finishing details, like a handmade belt decorated with my signature handmade buttons and a raised edge on the sleeves.
Lastly I add labels and then "voilà" you have a finished item.
No quick throw away fashion here, this tunic's been made by my hands and designed by me and no one else will be wearing it, because I only made one. Oh, and I've knitted it with the most beautifully soft and silky merino wool. So, it breathes and wickes and you'll feel comfortable regardless of the temperature outside.
