|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
Sasha's Inspiration
When did you first learn to crochet? Age 4 or 5
Why did you decide to write a book about crochet? Having designed knitwear patterns for 25 years, I thought it would stretch my creativity whilst still using fibres. I wanted to see where hook and yarn would take me. In "Crochet Inspiration" I have only scratched the surface of possibilities with crochet. In book two I will go further on my journey. (Book one has to sell well in order for Sixth & Spring to give a contract for book two)
The book is a fabulous tool, a real building block book of crochet stitches. Why did you choose to place the emphasis on stitches rather than projects? The book was conceived as a crochet reference. There are plenty of books on the market full of projects but I wanted to lay out the building blocks for crafters to see the possibilities for themselves. The 11 projects are there as examples, I could have gone on and on, deadlines and the birth of 2 grandchildren in the thick of writing it, prevented me!
Why do you think crochet is only "catching on" again now? And why do you think so many knitters are loath to crochet? All crafts go round in 10-20 year cycles of popularity. I am so glad that it is now the turn of crochet. In fact not since the 60's has there been such a surge of interest.
What would you say to them to encourage them? Knitters sometimes make the mistake of not "thinking outside the box". I would say to encourage them "Give it a go and see where it takes you!" "What have you got to loose? You may find that you love it like I do, how will you know till you try?"
What aspect of crochet do you enjoy the most? I enjoy the three dimensional aspect of the crochet medium - e.g. the Flowers chapter in " Crochet Inspiration". Building up layers of petals for a flower is much easier in crochet than in knitting. I like the way you can join the yarn in anywhere and make a shape.
When starting to design does your inspiration usually come from a certain direction? Do you think of colour, shape, yarn first? It depends on my brief - if it is a design commission the magazine editor may have a "story" to fit in with and she wants my spin on it. Yarn, colour and design come first, the shape is tailored to my original swatch. I design timeless pieces so shape stays classic so as not to become outdated. If I am working for myself I design pieces that I would like to wear, home furnishings for my farmhouse or garments for my grandchildren.
Do you ever have a bad day when the ideas won't flow? What do you do when that happens? I do occasionally have a bad day, then I go for a long walk in the woods, throw myself into the garden and hack back some vegetation ( I have 13 acres that I see as my contribution to conservation, with the rain we have in Wales, growth is prolific!) If it is raining I play in my polytunnel and plant some more flowers or vegetables. Yoga is also good for getting a perspective on life. You have designed some of the most beautiful knitwear of the last 20 years. What have been some of your favourite pieces? 'Scotty Dog' from "The Sasha Kagan Sweater Book" ISBN 0-86318-051-5
Do you have any favourite yarns to design with? 100% Natural fibres - or blends of natural fibres.
There is not as much colour work in knitting as there used to be. Do you think that it will regain popularity as emerging knitters begin to challenge themselves more? I do hope so. My next book gives a in depth explanation of intarsia and colourwork techniques to this end.
The british yarn manufacturing industry is still struggling despite the popularity of knitting. We hear you are involved in a very exciting project, called the Bowmont Project, which is hoping to help turn the tide. Can you tell us a little about this? The Bowmont project is a European initiative designed to help Welsh farmers get a better return on their sheep fleece. (see the GLASU website: www.glasu.org.uk - email Lee Price - lee.w.price@powys.gov.uk. At the breeding station in North Wales, Merino and Shetland sheep have been crossed to produce the Bowmont. The yarn has a long staple, is very soft (almost like cashmere) and will spin very fine. On the husbandry side the sheep can be a little difficult.
You have successfully ridden the tide of change in the craft world before; Do you think the popularity of knitting and crochet etc will continue? Yes, crafters will always enjoy the satisfaction of making things. It is great to see the younger generation taking up knitting and crochet. It is the only way that these crafts will continue to develop into the future. What is next for you? What other projects are you working on? I have just finished "Knitwear by Sasha Kagan" a collection of 22 knitting designs previously published in 'Knitting', 'Rowan', 'Vogue' and 'Woman's Weekly' magazines. To be published Dec '07 by G.M.C. (who also publish 'Knitting' magazine). I hope to author "Crochet Inspiration II" with Sixth & Spring New York. They will give me the go-ahead when they see how well book I is selling. So please buy lots of copies everybody. Aug 4-5th '07 Crazy Crochet Workshop - Minerva Gallery, Llanidloes Sept 8-9th '07 Knitting from Nature workshop - Minerva Gallery Llanidloes. The Knitting and Stitching Show, Alexandra Palace, Stand TGM 17, in the textile gallery. October 25-Nov 12 - Exhibition at The Small Gallery, Hereford. Nov 3rd. - Inspiration knit and crochet playday, The Small Gallery, Hereford. Nov 10th - Slide lecture St Fagins Museum of Welsh Culture, Cardiff. Nov 10th-24th Llanidloes Crafts Fair - Minerva Gallery, Llanidloes
And finally, what can you see from the window of your studio? A large cherry tree, day lilies, foxgloves, roses, spectacular oak woods and a glimpse of my village Llawr-y-Glyn in the distant rolling hills.
Y Fron Llawr-y-Glyn Caersws Powys SY17 5RJ Telephone: 01686 430436 Email: sasha@sashakagan.co.uk More of Sasha's work can be seen at www.sashakagan.co.uk |
|
|
|
We talk to the internationally renowned knitwear designer Sasha Kagan about her life and writing her latest book "Crochet Inspiration".
All books both out of print and current can be obtained from Sasha's studio.
 | ||
 |
 |
 |
 | ||
|
 | ||
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
 | ||