I will be showing some of my knitted jewellery in "Wearable Works of Art", a virtual exhibition in the SpringUp Gallery (https://www.springupgallery.co.uk/), 1st March to 11th April.
I will also be taking part in Bucks Art Weeks (https://www.bucksartweeks.org.uk/) in June as one member of a group of four artists and makers who collaborate as Coniston Creatives in Chesham Bois. I'll be showing my complete range then and demonstrating some wire knitting and other techniques. Dates and times t.b.c.
Hand knits with a twist: scarves & cowls, necklaces, wire and bead bracelets, fingerless mitts, muffs & cuffs; plus some whimsical curious creatures. All perfect for special occasion gifts or as a personal present to yourself. All "objects of desire".
Prices vary but are generally in the following ranges: scarves £28-£45; bracelets £18-£36; necklaces £18-£24; cuffs £25-£30; muffs £20-£24; little cats £7.50; Curious Creatures £26 each, £50 for a pair; other whimsical or festive decorative items £7.50-£15.
Commissions considered.
Email me for further details.
Based in my “studio” (i.e. mainly my box room, but in reality almost every room in the house) in Berkhamsted I knit uniquely decorative and/or functional textiles.
I began my craft life as a fairly straightforward hand knitter, who didn’t enjoy the sewing-up involved in garment making, and so focussed on my trademark “Elspeth Jane” scarves – distinctive and eminently wearable pieces in a range of materials and in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, textures and colours.
I find the rhythm of knitting relaxing, and enjoy the intellectual challenge of working out how to create different shapes and patterns using needles and two basic stitches: knit and purl. By combining different types or colours of yarn a simple structure or plain colour can be metamorphosed into something much more interesting.
I am inspired by the materials with which I work – the huge array of commercially available threads and yarns, as well as by the colours and textures of the natural world. I tend to work out my ideas as I knit and my pieces evolve and develop their own distinctive style and character which, in turn, is reflected in the title of each scarf.
In more recent years, I have taken a walk on the wild side in my hand knitting journey. I started making jewellery – yarn necklaces and cuffs, with and without beads, and wire bracelets incorporating beads, buttons and semi-precious stones – and also indulged my whimsical side by creating a small range of felt-headed knitted cats and other Curious Creatures (also generally perceived as cats – but make of them what you will!). The latter come with a name and a character reference.
Knitting may seem like a homely pursuit, but I am still learning and each piece is an adventure - I never quite know how it will turn out till it's done.
I have taken part in Herts Open Studios for a number of years. I also usually take part in Bucks Art Weeks, and show at fairs across Bucks, Herts, and Oxon.
I took part in the HVAF Dacorum Creatives pop-up in the Marlowes Centre, Hemel Hempstead, during September and October 2020.
I was also one of the group - Coniston Creatives - showing in Chesham Bois during Amersham Art Unlocked, 26th September - 4th October 2020.
Contact me on elspeth.hector@btinternet.com or message me via Facebook or Instagram.