Anne Brandly, Needlefelter & Fine Knitter

"I have been knitting for 60+ years, always loving the idea of creating something beautiful and useful from sticks and string! I use quality wool fibres and create socks, hats, especially enjoy FairIsle colour techniques with bright colours!

Discovering needle felting techniques (needle felting is sculpting with wool fibre) has led me to create whimsical creatures, sometimes using clay faces, hands and feet. I love colours in needle felting and knitting!" For Anne, the most fun items to make are " caricatures of real people, such as St. Francis of Assisi."

Workng from home, Anne focusses on uplifting and humorous creations. When asked where she gets her inspiration, Anne says, "All around me in God’s beautiful creation!" She also says, "I am addicted to sock knitting! As each pair comes off the needles, I immediately cast on another pair! There is nothing better than cozy hand-knitted socks to caress your feet!"

When asked how she occupies her mind while working, Anne says, "When knitting a complicated pattern, my attention must be strong, so then I like to be in silence. At other times, I like to have silence which allows my mind to travel and find inspiration and ideas. I am always at least a few projects ahead of what is being manipulated in my fingers. At other times, I listen to classic music. Mozart and Bach are my favourite composers. Recently I have also been listening to audio books from the library. "

For needle felting, the most difficult part of the process is getting the look she  imagines. "I don’t do sketches, although in my knitting designs I do graph out the colour work. As I specialize in one of a kind creations, I love them all!
But I did enjoy creating “Sister Joy”, who sadly, is sold."

"I want to make people happy and joyful with my creations, be they sculpture or knitted socks." When note creating, Anne is "reading, walking, praying, dreaming of new creations yet to come!"

Come meet Anne on May 5th at 90 Hunter St East, 10 - 2!