My aunt taught me to knit when I was 7 and at 17 the only knitted garments I owned were those I had made myself. I bought a knitting machine in my 30s which killed my passion and did not knit for many years. My interest was rekindled when I began making stuff to raise money for trips to India to lecture and train staff in person centred practices and self determination who are supporting people with disabilities.
I love the textures and colours of modern yarns and the effects they create. However I prefer the feel and flexibility of natural fibres and seek to avoid contributing to the plastics and artificial waste which is polluting the oceans.
I am inspired by Hansi Singh’s Amigurumi Knits and have made over half the creatures in her book. Also Alan Dart whose Leprechaun is the basis for the little people I made for a local Irish Bar. Although I have designed my own patterns for many years, more recently I have written them up for publication. I live in Spain and the UK and have a craft stall in Stamford in the late summer and sometimes Javea on the Costa Blanca on Sundays.