“What strikes me the most about this collection is that even when Annie and I spend time at the same place, we see different things. She has captured the spirit of the people and the places in this book as surely as thousands of words could ever do.” – Doris Kearns Goodwin, Introduction to “Pilgrimage” by Annie Liebovitz.
“In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different.” – Coco Chanel
(Above) Deirdre Bushnell is a knitter and designer. She and husband Greg Driscoll own Still River Fiber Processing Mill in Connecticut, and develop new yarns, custom blends and innovative products – plus unique patterns using their own often exotic fiber blends. (And they are raising a young family too.) Here she is in her pasture with two of her fiber flock. Story.
Here are some more people and companies worth watching -
• Sally Melville, whose books published by XRX showcase her lively sense of exploration, design and style – as a knitter and designer, she inspires anyone who opens one of these volumes. Designs are clear, concise and conversational-style tips make the reading process like chatting with a valued friend. From her own site: “As a young girl, I couldn’t get gauge so had to write my own patterns. As a young woman, I made a truly weird sweater that, when fixed, was oddly appealing . . . enough that I could begin selling my work.”
• UK-based designer Sasha Kagan offers insight into her creative process with a new exhibition ‘My Life in Textiles.’
For inspiration and great designs:
• Cat Bordhi, author who relates that when asked what she does “once on an airplane I replied, ‘I’m a forensic topologist.’ Witty, fresh ideas on life and knitting plus free patterns online. Cat is also breaking new ground with her marketing of a new e-book.
• The late great Elizabeth Zimmermann, legendary knitter and designer, who also launched Schoolhouse Press (her daughter, Meg, continues her legacy).
• Elsebeth Lavold, Designer’s Choice, yarns and books – but also her innovative with three-dimensional knitting and cables, historical sources such as the Vikings, and forging her own path.
• Jared Flood, Brooklyn Tweed
• Marianne Isager, Isager Knit
• Twist Collective, online magazine, showcase
• Hannah Fettig, author of “Closely Knit”
• Laurel Murphy designs on Handknitting.com, a company she owns with husband, John. Based in Maryland, USA, her designs such as a delicate butterfly cap for cashmere can be found on the site.
• Knitting couture, Catherine Lowe
• Philosopher’s Wool Company, strong/bold color designs, yarns, kits.
And a great resource to consider for getting your work out there: Deep South Fibers
