Alison Ellen

I have run a small business designing and making hand-knitted clothes since the 1980s. The process of designing begins with dyeing the yarns. Wool, hemp, cotton and linen are dyed and tie-dyed to obtain a range of subtle patterns and colours. I also experiment with construction and textured stitches, making jumpers, jackets, waistcoats, hats, scarves and cushions.

Ideas for textures and colours are often sourced from the surrounding countryside, gardens, landscape and visiting museums. Talking to customers and watching people try garments has made a major contribution to my approach in designing for different body-shapes, and with my interest in structure and knitting without seams I create garments which I hope give pleasure for many years.

Teaching knitting workshops has stimulated more research into technique and history, and inspired further exploration into designing, and I have had two books published on designing in hand knitting.