Hand knits with a twist: scarves & cowls, necklaces, wire and bead bracelets, fingerless mitts, muffs & cuffs; plus some whimsical curious creatures.
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 open studios in the Marlowes Centre, Hemel Hempstead, 3rd -26th September 2020.
I was also one of the group - Coniston Creatives - showing in Chesham Bois during Amersham Art Unlocked, 26th September - 4th October 2020.

Prices vary but are generally in the following ranges: scarves £28-£45; bracelets £18-£36; necklaces £18-£24; cuffs £20-£25; muffs £20-£24; little cats £7.50; Curious Creatures £24.
Commissions considered.