Help preserve our future
West Dean is part of a registered charity and relies on the support of generous donors, friends, legacies to help us deliver world-class education in conservation and the creative arts and maintain our award-winning gardens.
Alison Ellen
After training in constructed textiles at UCA, Farnham, Alison Ellen has been teaching her special approach to hand knitting for 30 years. She teaches in the UK and internationally, is listed on the Crafts Council directory, and has published 4 books on the subject.
Describe your approach to teaching?
My approach to teaching is to explore how variations in scale,
stitches and the direction of knitting can create seamless designs,
encouraging people to gain confidence in experimenting,
understanding and designing.
What inspires your own work?
I am inspired by colour and texture, particularly in landscape,
gardens and natural forms, and by traditional textiles. Knitting is
endlessly flexible, portable and adaptable.