I had the most fantastic day today! The sun was shining on another glorious balmy autumn day and I set off with a good friend to meet the wonderful Debbie Bliss. If you are not a yarnster then you might not get the significance of this, but Debbie Bliss is British Knitting Royalty.
She probably is one of the reasons why I returned to knitting about fifteen years ago. Her patterns always look fresh, comfortable and achievable. Her aesthetic is modern classic British, a hint of Cath Kidston, with a pinch of Toast, a dash of Muji – well actually 100% Debbie Bliss. If you knit a Debbie Bliss pattern then you can bet your bottom dollar that people will remark on the hat/jumper/cushion. It is Debbie Bliss patterns which people secretly want you to knit for their new born baby.
I went to one of my local yarn stores and spotted her coming down the stairs, for a knitter it was a bit like Madonna brushing past you in Harvey Nicks. Anyway I glanced at the wonderful sales assistant and we did that knowing look of ‘THAT’S HER!’
Later I plucked up the courage to speak to her. My friends, this lady is the most kind, generous, self effacing person you could ever meet. She spent time talking to people, showing them tips and tricks on her needles and had endless patience we me asking her endless questions. Perhaps the most accessible and enthusiastic professional I have met for such a long time.
I bought a number of books and her magazine, which I will share with you in the next week. But I have to say that if you are thinking of picking up those needles again, then I would turn to one of her patterns to start with. I have knitted this cable beanie from her book Baby Cashmerino, about 7 or 8 times. I have sized it up several times for Little B. It is an enduring classic. Obviously there are more simple patterns to get your hands on, but the yarn choices are just glorious.
If you think I sound a bit gushingly star-struck – you’re right I am – and you know what sometimes we might fear to meet our heroes, but sometimes they surpass our expectation and encourage us to keep going – Thank you Debbie x
I completely understand how you feel. I met Debbie too at Fibre and Clay in Knutsford. She’s completely down to earth. Like you, I love her patterns and books, and yarn too – there so inspirational. Sounds like you had an amazing day xx
Yes, know exactly how you feel, met her last year at Fibre and Clay, we sat and knitted together, laughed over our worst mistakes and she was delightfully down to earth, easy to talk to and just as lovely as you would hope her to be. So glad you enjoyed meeting her and sad I couldn’t be in Manchester today too. Txxx
That’s amazing!! Fab pic 🙂