Over the weekend I met up with one of my all time crafting heroes, April Williams of Winsome & Saucy, and caught up on the latest from her studio. Equal parts cute, clever and bold, her winter collection of hand knitted jewellery combines the softest merino, cashmere, mohair and silk with bespoke silver pieces and perfectly understated beadwork.
You began your creative career as a stencil artist hanging round dark alleyways. How did you move from that adrenalin sport to the relative sobriety of knitting?
Knitting came first! I remember knitting with my Mum, but I’m not sure who actually taught me. I’d made the occasional thing for myself or friends over the years, but then a gift of some chunky needles and wool in 2005 kindled my interest and I’ve had the knitting bug ever since. I’m always learning more techniques and taught myself to crochet recently.
You’ve worked on more traditional knitted designs for a few years now, such as your celebrated handwarmers, mittens and ribbon scarves. Knitted jewellery is a new direction for you. How did you get the idea?
There wasn’t a eureka moment… I had been studying silversmithing, so I started introducing bespoke silver pieces. I had the beads and wanted to use them. I did a bit of scribbling and some maths and wrote the patterns as I went along. I’m rubbish at following them a second time! I like that you set something up and then follow the rules, but it’s always fun to change direction.
Perfect for winter.
Yes, definitely warmer than most jewellery! It’s all natural yarns. Merino, cashmere, mohair, silk blends. No itchy or scratchy. I have a lovely lady in south east London who jumps through hoops for me when I need large quantities fast!
What are you inspired by at the moment?
Simply the season. The cold. The style and lifestyle of people who experience winter further north. Scandinavian design and wrapping up and knitted Fair Isle type patterns and the use of what is available to you locally. I’m heading off to Iceland soon, so I’m researching their craft scene at the moment.
In terms of other makers, Feleike van der Leest. An amazing, amusing crochet / silver fusion. I’ve never seen anything like her work. I admire Apothecary, an American brand who display their products in inventive ways. Freddie Robbins for meeting art with knitting. All those old ladies throughout the UK who knit everything for the fashion industry. Wool production is the only manufacturing done from start to finish in the UK. And the last factories are under threat.
Can you give us a clue about what you’re planning for next season?
Bigger and bolder. More bespoke silver pieces. More pattern. I have always hand knitted everything, but there may be a machine in my future. Knitting is very time consuming, so often your brain works faster than your hands.
For knitting and jewellery commissions, call April on 07983 704849 or email via her website at www.winsomeandsaucy.com
Written by Jo Dimbleby
