Knitter of the Year 2018 - The Winners Revealed!
We're excited to announce the winners of our fourth Knitter of the Year competition!
The votes have been counted and the winners revealed. It's been a close call this year and we've loved hearing your choices for Knitter of the Year 2018. With over 3,000 votes across all our nominees, we'd like to say massive congratulations to everyone to everyone who was shortlisted and nominated!
Five winner from each category have been selected and will be invited to attend out money-can't-buy prize of a day out at West Yorkshire Spinners on 14th March.
This is what you have to say about your winners...
Designer of the Year
Woolly Wormhead
Woolly Wormhead truly is the grand architect of hats! There's literally no one better out there when it comes to headwear, there doesn't seem to be any end to the possibility of her designs.
Karie Westermann
Karie's designs are so inspiring and combine beautiful classic techniques with gorgeous colour combinations. I always get excited at the prospect of a new pattern release.
Felicity Ford (Knitsonik)
Felicity's approach to design and stranded colourwork is incredible; her work really speaks to me and I love the way she incorporates sound into her designs.
Francesca Hughes
Francesca manages to blend classic and contemporary in a way I've never seen before. Her use of colour and texture is incredibly sophisticated!
Helen Metcalfe
Helen is an excellent designer who gains inspiration from really regular things! Her attention to detail and intricate designs are flawless!
Charity Hero
Linda Robinson (Fundraiser Blue Light Babies)
Linda works tirelessly for Blue Light Babies, not only knitting but collecting, washing and bagging up hundreds of blankets and hats. She is an absolute gem.
Sarah Holmes (Organiser - The Flower Power Fund)
Sarah is a selfless person who, as well as being a doctor for Marie Curie, has personally raised a considerable amount of money for the charity. She was behind the #sockquest that resulted in every person in a Marie Curie hospice being gifted with a pair of handmade socks.
Countess Ablaze (Organiser The Tits Out Collective)
Countess Ablaze should be applauded for helping organise and raise money for women's charities by bringing together knitters and dyers from all over the world.
Christine's Wool Shop (Fundraisers Marie Curie)
The team at Christine's Wool Shop has been dedicated to raising money for Marie Curie with the sale of its limited-edition yarn. The teams efforts are sure to have made a big impact.
Rosemary Wood (Knitter Yorkshire Air Ambulance)
The only time Rosemary stops knitting is when she is either asleep, (even then its doubtful), or when she's working hard raising funds for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
Local Superstar
Emma Varnam (Volunteer Aiding firefighters during summer wildfires)
When wildfires hit during the summer, Emma gave her time and dedicated herself to working tirelessly to support the firefighters who were battling against the beyond-harsh conditions.
Allison & Rachel (Organisers Yarn in the City)
Yarn in the City celebrates the knitting community by bringing us together through a range of events. Allison and Rachel are so dedicated and their efforts are much appreciated by so many of us.
Belinda Harris-Reid (Owner The Knitting Hotel)
Belinda has set up and run a superb Knitting Hotel in Dawlish, which has inspired many like-minded woolly folk to challenge and raise their knitting aspirations while enjoying themselves in unparalleled surroundings!
Kate Roberts (Owner A Good Yarn)
Kate is so friendly and supportive of all her customers and I can't think of a more deserving person. She's so hard working and always has the best quality products.
Julie Cowan (Owner Truro Wool Shop)
Julie is so helpful and friendly even to holiday makers who don't use her shop all year. She has an amazing selection of wool.
Online Innovator
Marianna ceaselessly designs garments that she posts on her blog and they are absolutely free. Marianna's work makes a real difference to people who want to knit for charity.
Elis podcasts are always so much fun to watch. Her bubbly personality is perfect for keeping me motivated with my knitting.
Christine is the queen of socks. Her blog is filled with great patterns and ideas and fun monthly musings. I think the way Christine communicates with and helps her readers really sets her apart from other blogs.
Louise is a real champion of the British textile industry, which I think is really important. Her passion really shines through in everything she does, whether it be her fantastic podcast or pattern designs.
Caroline offers such a refreshing take on a knitting podcast. Each episode is filled with humour and inspiration and she isn't afraid to just be herself, which is 100% part of her charm.