Simple Chic Knits
by Karen Miller · Published by CICO Books
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Meet the Author
Hey there, can you introduce yourself?
I'm one half of Mrs Moon. My sister Susan and I started out setting up our local yarn store in 2009. We stocked gorgeous fibres, taught classes and designed our own knits. Two years ago we launched our own yarn brand called Plump. It is made from ethically sourced superfine merino and baby alpaca and is scrumptious!
We now sell Plump online at www.mrsmoon.co.uk plus lots and lots of knit and crochet designs.
Simple Chic Knits is our first book.
Tell us a bit about the book?
We like simplicity and as the title suggests, don't think that this means you have to compromise on the end result. All of the projects in the book use gorgeous yarns but also give information on how to substitute so you can try whatever you fancy.
The book covers everything including homewares, childrenswear, toys and accessories as well as adult garments - hopefully something for everyone!
What was the inspiration behind it?
We wanted a book that didn't put anyone off regardless of their knitting level. Although there are more complicated projects including things like bed socks and fairisle, we've introduced them gently so people can see that they're not scary!
Which is your favourite project?
I like everything but I think the thing that jumps out at me every time is the Floaty Tunic. It's so pretty, I can't wait for the weather to warm up so I can wear it!
What is your craft space like?
My craft space and writing space are one and the same.. my kitchen. Wool spills everywhere during the day and then has to be stashed away so I don't drive everyone bonkers in the evening... obviously the odd project sneaks into the living room for in-front-of-the-telly-with-a-glass-of-wine knitting!
Have you always been creative?
I think so! I knitted and crocheted as a child but that gave way to music for most of my childhood and young adult life. I play the violin and viola and can bash out a fair amount on the piano too!
When did you first start crafting?
My Great Auntie Doris taught me to crochet granny squares one holiday when I was 5. She had had her own yarn store on the Isle of Wight so it was obviously in the blood!
Who are your crafty heroes?
I love Jane Brocket's outlook on life. She has such an amazing eye and has a lovely relaxed approach to craft that I hope matches my own! Kate Haxell also is just so creative and talented in so many ways and has given us so much advice which we are very appreciative of!
Where do you find inspiration?
We start with Vogue and the catwalk... we like to be fashionable and want our projects to be too.. but not too 'out there'. They need to have some longevity.
We just generally create things that we want for ourselves... hopefully people like it!
What's next for you?
We hope to write more books. We continue to design all year round, publishing patterns on our website www.mrsmoon.co.uk
We are launching a range of Ready-Made Mrs Moon accessories which is very exciting. All made in Lincolnshire using our own beautiful yarn.
Publisher's Description
35 beautifully simple designs to knit in natural yarns. Karen Miller and Susan Ritchie, of online yarn store Mrs. Moon, bring you stitch-by-stitch proof that it can be super-simple to create modern-casual knitted clothes, accessories, and homeware. There are quick-to-knit pieces that you can make in a day, through to more ambitious projects that will take longer, and will introduce novice knitters to techniques such as cables, colorwork, and chunky lace. From an easy-knit Sloppy Joe sweater that will become a favorite wardrobe staple to a brioche-stitch scarf that uses a beautifully simple stitch pattern, from a zigzag-stripe throw in delicious colors to a textured bolster, from a delightfully droopy bunny to a cute baby beanie, there are projects here for you, your home, and your family, whatever your level of knitting knowledge. Karen and Susan's successful business and constant interaction with knitters of all levels of skill and all kinds of tastes, have given them a wonderful insight in to the types of projects knitters crave, and Simple Chic Knits is filled with items that will have fingers itching to knit.
