By Ingrid Keneally
For an authentic slice of designer Anne Weil ’s life, visit her blog called flaxandtwine.com. The former banker and financial investor turned knitting and crochet afficianado is a master of living inspirationally. Having literally transformed her life and career into the artistic pursuits she loves, Weil’s blog is stuffed with renovation tips and soothing recipes, as well as some loving anecdotes on family life and vacation snaps alongside the designer’s collection of patterns and catalogue of current and past projects. ‘When I started spending more time on the things that made me happy, making things and being creative regularly seemed to make my business develop organically,' Weil explains. Not surprisingly, the rest of Weil’s business has flowed since she gave herself the creative freedom to grow. There is a book and store - both called 'Knitting Without Needles’ - and more to come. And the secret to managing to shape her own reinventive success? Weil credits everything she has achieved to her natural enthusiasm. 'It is so thrilling for me to see a business build out of something that comes from a deep and abiding joy within myself,’ she says. Of course, a lot of talent goes a long way too …
- How do you work with wool?
I design simple and modern knitting and crochet patterns. I create traditional designs, as well as projects which involve both arm knitting and hand crochet … I love doing smaller needlework with wool as well.
- What is a pivotal moment in your early career?
I remember designing my first finger knit pillow and thinking, 'this is so beautiful, it really could be a mainstream craft’. I submitted the project to Design*Sponge and remember jumping up and down when I found out they wanted to share it online. That was the moment I realized that knitting without needles was something that people in the making world would appreciate. It inspired me to pursue writing a book about it, which is exactly what I did with 'Knitting Without Needles’.
- If anything in your childhood influenced what you do now, what would it be?
I grew up with a deep love for making of all sorts. My mother taught me to knit when I was seven; my grandmother taught me to crochet when I was eight, I learned to cross-stitch when I was nine. Making things with my hands brought me excitement and joy that wasn’t easily matched. I still feel that way today. Beyond that, in my childhood, I developed a deep love of looking and seeing. I spent hours pouring through magazines appreciating color, texture and light in photographs …
- What is the professional achievement you are most proud of?
I am most proud of my book, which came out this year. The book is filled with 30 beautiful finger knitting and arm knitting projects that are perfect for beginners. I loved how the whole book came together with beautiful photos, projects and styling.
- The one thing you wished you’d known when you were starting out in wool:
I wish I had known how much space it would all take – not that I would change anything based on that.
- Why do you think working with textiles is so popular right now?
I think the softness and texture of wool textiles attracts people in this current age of technology. The hardness of advanced technology and electronics, as well as the virtual world of the internet, drives people to seek out and crave the softness that wool provides.
- If you have a dream wool project, what would it be?
I would love to create a piece of furniture out of a sturdy arm knit or hand crocheted fabric …
- Textile artists you admire the most:
I love the work of Jacqui Fink who makes gorgeous oversized knit pieces, both with enormous needles and her hands. Also, I love the way artist Lisa Solomon plays with color, repetition and size of made objects in her gorgeous installations.
- Your favourite woolen item in your home or wardrobe
Right now, I am totally in love with my new hand crocheted bowl. I love the change in scale that crocheting with my hands provides. I’m working with a pre-felted roving that creates an astonishing structure and hand for this piece.
- Where do you work? Can you describe the space for us?
I am lucky to have just moved into a house where I have my own studio. The room has two exposed brick walls and a fireplace. I have a cozy chair for knitting or crocheting in, a beautiful white table for photographing on, an extra chair for my family members to come hang out with me for a bit, and a closet full of yarn and makerly materials and tools. I also have a computer desk, at which I spend more time than I would prefer. The room has two beautiful south and east facing windows that bring me tons of light and air and generally put me in a very happy mood.
- Your idea of a good beginner’s task:
One of my favorite beginner’s tasks is winding yarn. There is something so mindless and simple about this task, yet the movement of the hands and arms so soothing and meditative.
- The KPC Yarn hue that speaks to you and why:
It’s so hard to pick just one color. If I had to, I think that Ballet Shoes would be my choice. I love that light and airy peach.