Debbie Bliss is the best-selling author of more than 30 books on
knitting design, including Knits for the Home, Baby Knits and New
Baby Knits. After starting her career by creating and selling knitted
plants to department stores in her native England, she went on to
become one of the world’s foremost experts on knitwear design.
She has developed collections for such retailers as The Gap and
Marks & Spencer and has launched her own successful yarn line,
traveling the world for new inspiration. She lives with her husband
and teenage daughter in London.
posted July 3, 2008
On Debbie Bliss:
I think I am immensely privileged to have the career that I have.I studied Fashion and Textile Design at Art College on what was a very fine art based course which gave me the opportunity to create knitted plants, hats made out of bin liners and cardboard coats for three years but left me unemployable when I left! For some years I worked in a succession of jobs that I didn’t fulfil me. I don’t regret this as it has not only made me very respectful of cleaners and waiters but also every day I feel very grateful that I now do something that inspires and excites me. Recently I returned after thirty years to my old college where my daughter was modelling in the student’s Fashion Show and was touched to see their inspirational collections and their excitement at putting together textures, fabrics and shapes.
I love working from my studio at home in east London, it is important to me that it is in the heart of my home. I am happy to work by myself with my radio on but like to hear my husband in his study, our old blind dog skidding down the stairs, and teenagers in and out of the house. I look onto a very urban, multi cultural landscape which energises and inspires me. I carry sketch pads around me constantly but if I don’t have one on me I can be seen scribbling on paper napkins in café’s!
I don’t think I am inspired by any one thing. I like to absorb life around me ,I am interested in fashion trends and predictions but the most important thing for me as a designer is to create styles that flatter women’s bodies and I take great care over proportions and shapes that flatter all sizes
On A/W 2008:
Como is a brand new yarn (with its own book) that is perfect for the fashion trend of chunky but lightweight garments for Fall. It is a super chunky roving that knits up quickly and easily and I was excited by the way that it made me design in a different way, with simplicity being the key. Como produces large, defined stitches that is also an on trend look and as it is knitted on 10mm (US 15) needles instant gratification also gives add on value for those knitters that want to make something for the weekend!
At the other end of the scale I have introduced Rialto 4ply to the ever popular Rialto range .Inspired by 1940’s knits I have included simple fairisles in Rialto Classics, a collection of designs for men, women and children that also uses the double knitting and aran weight.
Also for the fall season is Winter Essentials, with designs in new shades in my cashmerinos, the Donegal tweeds and alpaca silk that celebrate my favourite season of log fires, hot chocolate, and cosy evenings with family and friends.
