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Spring 2008This season sees the launch of a lovely new yarn, Prima, a bamboo/wool. Prima is perfect for Spring/ Summer, it drapes beautifully and has a slight sheen that gives an elegance to the knits. I have designed garments that are simple and classic with a contemporary twist and are great for when you want to be casual but grown up. I have chosen 16 shades, ranging from the classic neutrals to some bright jewel like colours. There a three new books for Spring too, with 12 designs to accompany the introduction of Prima; Coastlines, a collection using my existing Spring yarns in the new shades and baby cashmerino three. Coastlines has designs to flatter all shapes with figure contouring ribs, a gently flared tunic dress and casual tops. I had a wonderful time shooting both books. In June I had been at a family wedding in the beautiful surroundings of Alcaufar Vell, a stunning 14th century farmhouse on the Spanish island of Menorca. I thought it would make the perfect backdrop for my Prima collection and so we went back later in the year to shoot in the wonderful grounds and to use the nearby beach for Coastlines. It was a family affair as I used Nell my daughter as one of the models.I have met some knitters who have told me that they have seen her grow up from a baby and pouting toddler through my books. She still has the pout but doesn't have to be bribed with sweets anymore! Mia,my favourite stylist who provided the pefect accessories, was revisiting the place where she had married my nephew earlier in the year. Unlike previous shoots for Spring books that I have had, the weather was perfect and I feel that the relaxed, holiday feel has come through in the shots. The baby cashmerino books have been really successful and I love working on them so I jumped at the opportunity to work on the third of the series. I have been mindful of the fact that I sometimes haven't included as many boys knits as I should have done so this collection has a smart cabled slipover, a star sweater, duffel coat, polo shirt and hooded top.There are also alphabet cubes and a bear themed pyjama case, rattle and carrying bag. In February I will be going to the Pitti Filatti fair in Florence to see the new yarns from the Italian manafacturers for Spring 2009! Working so far ahead can sometimes make me lose grip on reality, never hard for me to do, and it can be difficult to remember which month I am in "real time". I finished selecting the yarns for Autumn/ Winter 2008 some time ago and I am now working on the designs to showcase them. I am delighted to have been asked to the Grand Opening Day of the newer, larger location of K1 Yarns in Edinburgh at 89 West Bow on Saturday 1st March.There was a 10% discount on all my yarn and books and I was able to show garments from my new Spring books. I had a great day, it was a pleasure to meet Katherine the owner and her customers who had great fun trying the garments on. It is such a leap of faith when a knitter chooses a pattern and buys the yarn because no of us no whether the finished design will fit or suit us.This is why I enjoy having the opportunity to bring the garments to a shop.The day was made perfect by the arrival of fairy cakes! On 17th March I have the privelege to be book signing in a lovely shop, Le Comptoir, 26 rue Cadet - 75009 Paris. I will be there between 6-8pm.I look forward to meeting some very enthusuastic and creative French knitters there. |
