I’m really pleased to have the chance to design a pattern that includes larger sizes. This pattern goes up to a UK size 18-20. The original inspiration for the design goes back to the Vivienne Westwood retrospective exhibition at the V&A Museum in London in 2004, from her ‘Nostalgia of Mud’ collection. As soon as I got home I raided my wardrobe for a Fair Isle sweater I had made some years before, using Jamieson & Smith yarn in earthy shades of brown, green, ochre and purple, and a purply-brown velvet dress. I cut the sweater in half and cut a lower neckline (the sweater had become a bit felted, so it didn’t fray), cut the bodice off the dress, and stitched the two together. It was a big success. For the Let’s Knit version, I have used berry shades of yarn, which are very fashionable at the moment.