After studying graphic design at university, a million years ago, I worked as a packaging designer for a year. After that I went back to school and studied textile design and printmaking. I painted portraits for some years and did a bit of knitting and pattern publishing in magazines. I started making props for the film industry, worked as a wardrobe stylist for a year, as a props master and set dresser for a few years and then as a set decorator for many years.

I forgot all about knitting… but I learnt to get up very early in the mornings and work seven day weeks. It taught me true grit - something you need when you decide to leave that life behind and start a yarn business on your own!

It all started because of my life-long struggle with insomnia - I found that knitting a few rounds calmed my jumbled thoughts and often allowed me to fall asleep for a few hours. I wasn’t finding the yarn I was yearning for and decided to experiment in the kitchen. Since being banned by my long suffering love, I now work from a rustic, semi-outdoor dye studio in our garden. I use rain water from large collection tanks, and any waste water goes into our small vegetable garden.

Wishbone Yarn has been going strong since 2016 and my foray into pattern design since 2018.

Nothing gives me more pleasure than seeing your interpretations of my designs!

Thank you and warm wishes from the tip of Africa,
Lily