Wednesday 25 April 2012

3KCBWDAY3 - My Knitting Hero

Blog about someone in the fibre crafts who truly inspires you. There are not too many guidelines for this, it's really about introducing your readers to someone who they might not know who is an inspiration to you. It might be a family member or friend, a specific designer or writer, indie dyer or another blogger.

My knitting hero is Anne Hanson - you can find her over at Knitspot. I discovered Anne's designs and blog at the start of 2010, when the class list for Knit Nation was released. I saw that she was running a finishing class, and since that was one of my issues at the time, I decided to enrol. At the same time, I began to follow her blog. If you've never read it, then you should! Anne is a very entertaining and informative blogger, giving her many readers a glimpse into her life as a knitting designer and teacher. As well as that, she throws in a bit of gardening and cooking for good measure, and photos from her travels too! It's a great read!
KnitNation 2010 036

The class was just brilliant. Anne guided us through the mysteries of blocking and seaming, and was amazingly generous with her knowledge. It is without doubt the best class I have taken, and the finish of my garments has dramatically improved. Since then, I have also become a huge fan of Anne's many designs. Her patterns are so well written, nothing is left to doubt. I rarely find myself looking elsewhere for designs these days. Let me just share one or two of my favourite Knitspot designs.
Les Abeilles is the first of Anne's shawls that I've knit, and I know it won't be my last. This is my most recent knit, using some of my own handspun. It's knit from the bottom edge up, so is getting smaller with each row. The garter stitch part almost knit itself!
Les Abeilles (3)

The Almost Ovals scarf was my first lace pattern, and I actually test knit this for Anne. She is a very prolific pattern writer and it's not unusual for her to release a pattern almost weekly. This scarf is a light as a feather yet providing warmth on a chilly autumn or spring morning.
Almost Ovals (11)

Anne has designed many socks too, and being a bit of a sock addict, I've tried a few pairs. I think my favourites are the Roger sock. The design is so simple, but is a perfect fit and looks great with semi solid yarns.
Roger socks 001

In the last year, Anne has branched out and started a club, with exclusive patterns and yarns. I signed up for the first season of Fall in Full Color 2011 and had 6 months of delicious yarny parcels arriving at my home. This is my favourite of the yarns and patterns, Longshadows. It's a beautiful silky scarf.

Longshadows (3)

Since then, Anne has done a Bare Naked Knitspot club, looking at different natural undyed yarns. The chapters each month are a joy to read, they're so informative. Signups are currently open for the next season of FIFC2012, so if you're interested, take a look here. My aims for the next few months are to knit one of Anne's sweaters, and to try and take her sweater finishing class next time she is over teaching in the UK. I just hope I manage to book a place - you'll probably all want to take it too after reading this post!! haha!

PS
Oh yes, I also have Anne to thank for my bag addiction! Take a look at the photo of her at the top - do you like her flowery knitting bag as much as me? Anne gave me the card for the Etsy shop where she got it from - ThreeBagsFull. It's a very slippery slope, this bag acquisition! Just look!
Bag Lady (2)


11 comments:

Stacy said...

Thank you for introducing Anne! The Les Abeilles shawl is gorgeous and I love your yarn. I am going to check out her other designs and those cute bags.

Crafty Intrigue said...

The Almost Ovals and Longshadow patterns are beautiful.

Jessica @ Sunny Stitching said...

Oooh...I love all of those! Now I really need to learn to knit again! I need more time...

Hi, I'm Vicki said...

wow thank you for introducing Anne, I didn't know her designs but they are wonderful. I particularly love the blue lace - it's really pretty. have a knitty wednesday xxx

juicyknits said...

I got to try her designs. I have a friend who is in love with her patterns just like you.

Kell said...

Excellent choice! I love her designs. I'm making the butternut scarf right now. I love it

Ramona G. said...

She has such beautiful designs. I've never knitted one yet, but I may need to put one of hers higher up in my most knit list. Your socks are terrific!

Kim Sonksen said...

Oh WOW you are right, her patterns looks awesome and what you created from them is divine. I will so have to check her out!
Thank you so much for introducing her

Kim said...

Nice post. Don't we just love Anne!? We love her for the wonderful designs and patterns she writes, but we also love her just for the person she is!

Jen Hagan said...

Oh good choice! Anne rocks!

Stefanie said...

Ooh! Nice projects bags you own. I was on a mission for those at Stitches.
What lovely patterns of Anne's you've knitted. She has great detailing which make each one so eye-interesting.