WHEN a hand-knit designer from Skipton had a chance meeting with a representative of a yarn company based in Ilkley, it was the start of a magical journey which has culminated in the publication of Simple Knits, a book of easy-to-knit patterns.
The patterns were designed by Jane Ellison, owner of Purl&Jane Knitting Emporium and Design Studio in Skipton. There are eight patterns in the book – five cardigans and three jumpers – and Jane has taken her inspiration for the garments from the beautiful Kilcarra Tweed, produced by Knoll Yarn. All the images in the book were shot on Ilkley Moor.
Kilcarra Tweed is spun in a traditional spinning mill in Kilcar, Co. Donegal, Ireland, and distributed from Ilkley, West Yorkshire, where the photoshoot for the book took place.
Jane said: “The Kilcarra Tweed combines all the elements that I love in yarn: a rich heritage, beautiful, intense shades with hidden flecks of other colours, and a pure new wool that holds the stitches firmly to create beautiful stitch patterns. Knitting with Kilcarra Tweed is a joy, like the experience of wearing garments made from it as the yarn keeps you just the right temperature because wool regulates your body heat. This is why I designed garments that are for outerwear as it’s perfect for unpredictable weather, especially here in Britain where it can go from warm and sunny to cold and drizzly in one day!”
Rebecca Shaw, of Knoll Yarns explained how the collaboration came about: “Since I started working at Knoll Yarns, customers have been calling me to say they can’t find a pattern for our Kilcarra Tweed, so when I stumbled across Purl&Jane on a walk around Skipton and discovered Jane wrote books and patterns, I knew this was the perfect opportunity!”
Simple Knits is the 72nd book of knitting patterns that Jane has produced and the second released under the Purl&Jane by Jane Ellison brand. It follows last year’s Knitted with Love, a collection of 24 patterns for babies and children.
Simple Knits is available to buy for £11.95 from Purl&Jane Knitting Emporium, Skipton or www.purlandjane.co.uk.
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