Libby Summers' Knitting Story
I am inspired by vintage patterns, by bold contemporary shapes and by the natural beauty of the places I have lived. My choice of colours reflect the wide clear skies of the fenlands where I was brought up and where I now live with my three daughters; the dramatic sunsets and coastline of Scotland where I spent my childhood holidays and where I attended university for four years, and the rolling Surrey hills where I lived when the girls were little. I bring my love for each of these places to the jewel-bright yarns that I chose for my range of home, personal accessories and fashion garments.
I was originally encouraged to set up my business in the early 2000s, when I was living as part of a close village community, and befriended other women who were finding outlets for their creativity in felting, bread making, soap-crafts and bespoke lampshades. I started knitting at the age of seven and carried on in secret all my life, feeling that it wasn’t a cool hobby to have. But being surrounded by people who were realising their creative potential, I finally brought my knitting needles out into the daylight and have not looked back since.
I noticed an increasing preference among my family and friends for handmade individual gifts rather than factory-manufactured goods. I felt that there was a market for my vision of creating products with lasting value and a touch of individuality among people who were turning their back on mass-produced consumerism.
At the outset, my vision was to be a manufacturer as well, as a designer and I was passionate about keeping production in the UK. I realised my ambition of my designs being available ready made on the high street when my unique hand knitted hot water bottle covers in luxury boxes went on sale in John Lewis. My ready made designs have had high profile attention. My Minty Owls were featured as number One of The Financial Times Magazine Top Ten Valentine Gifts in February 2012 and my Ruth Hot water Bottle as Best Buy in Living Etc. February 2012.
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I am no longer designing for a living, but am still an enthusiastic knitter. Moreover, are still be able to buy the same lovely Peruvian yarns from my friend and fellow knitter, Debbie, on her website findmeknitting.co.uk in July. She is also selling many of my knitting pattern designs, and of course, you will still be able to buy all my knitting patterns on ravelry. I also intend to keep my Facebook page and Pinterest page going to share knitting stories and ideas you might be interested in and to show you my knitting projects, so you can keep in touch with me on one of these forums.
I was originally encouraged to set up my business in the early 2000s, when I was living as part of a close village community, and befriended other women who were finding outlets for their creativity in felting, bread making, soap-crafts and bespoke lampshades. I started knitting at the age of seven and carried on in secret all my life, feeling that it wasn’t a cool hobby to have. But being surrounded by people who were realising their creative potential, I finally brought my knitting needles out into the daylight and have not looked back since.
I noticed an increasing preference among my family and friends for handmade individual gifts rather than factory-manufactured goods. I felt that there was a market for my vision of creating products with lasting value and a touch of individuality among people who were turning their back on mass-produced consumerism.
At the outset, my vision was to be a manufacturer as well, as a designer and I was passionate about keeping production in the UK. I realised my ambition of my designs being available ready made on the high street when my unique hand knitted hot water bottle covers in luxury boxes went on sale in John Lewis. My ready made designs have had high profile attention. My Minty Owls were featured as number One of The Financial Times Magazine Top Ten Valentine Gifts in February 2012 and my Ruth Hot water Bottle as Best Buy in Living Etc. February 2012.
********************
I am no longer designing for a living, but am still an enthusiastic knitter. Moreover, are still be able to buy the same lovely Peruvian yarns from my friend and fellow knitter, Debbie, on her website findmeknitting.co.uk in July. She is also selling many of my knitting pattern designs, and of course, you will still be able to buy all my knitting patterns on ravelry. I also intend to keep my Facebook page and Pinterest page going to share knitting stories and ideas you might be interested in and to show you my knitting projects, so you can keep in touch with me on one of these forums.