There HAS to be Inspiration!

I had the pleasure of meeting Louisa Harding on Saturday. She was on a tour of the Midwest showing off her new line of yarns and upcoming book. My Sister's Knits in Beverly was her last stop before returning home to the U.K.

The workshop was jam packed with Louisa Fans.

We all had the chance to knit with Louisa's yarn - Sari Ribbon, Impressions, Mulberry and more. All very yummy.

I learned a lot about Louisa's background and her success story. But most importantly I learned from her that "There has to be inspiration." She was taught this in design school, and continues to put forth this philosophy into all her work. Louisa gets her inspiration from her family, her garden, places and things. Her book Venezia: Felice Mai Dopo (Happy Ever After) was inspired by a trip to Venice. Gathering Roses - The Design Collection was inspired by her 4 year old daughter, and Louisa's childhood memory of gathering flower petals from her mother's garden.

Louisa and her husband work closely together on her books. He helps out with his desktop publishing skills and some - not all - photography. All of her photos in her books are taken in their backyard and an old mill near their home. Louisa is personally responsible for the watercolor drawings in her series of Miss Bea's patterns.

Louisa is now associated with Knitting Fever. Her line of yarn and books can be found on their website.

Rating: Five of Five Stars

On the needles: Louisa Bag