ABOUT JEAN

One of Britain's leading knitwear designers, her innovative combinations of intricate textures, striking colourways and sophisticated styling have been widely influential over the years. A self-taught knitter, she has been producing her own unique collections of handknits for more than twenty years, as well as designing for Rowan Yarns and many international fashion houses such as Ralph Lauren, Laura Ashley and Benetton. She lectures in the UK and Europe and is a regular visitor to the US, where she teaches sweater design courses extensively.

Jean is passionate about good design- William Morris said it all in Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful. She is an ardent maker - stitches, clothes, food, music and gardens immediately come to mind - and has always believed that good design should be available to all who appreciate it, not just the few who can afford to buy couture. With this in mind, she has written many books, the most recent being In The Mood

Jean has three sons and lives in York and Mid-Wales with her partner Philip. To reflect her twin passions of gardening and knitting, she hosts two-centred tours in the UK, where participants can meet Jean and other star designers in the relaxed atmosphere of some of the UK's most beautiful cities and gardens. Ex-singer/ songwriter and half of folk duo Scarlet Vardo, music is another love and she frequently enjoys sessions with friends and family playing guitar and spoons - recently recording a session, spooning the blues, on tour in Edinburgh with non-knitting US blues guitarist, Heath Tuttle. She is a committed vegetarian, and enjoys cooking with home-grown organic produce.