I learned to knit as a child in England at a time when children were taught knitting in school. 'Woolies' are important in that damp climate but knitting became more than utilitarian in the early 1900's. I started with a pot holder for my Mum and a soft ball on which I learned increasing and decreasing. I knit some cardigans for myself in the 1960's, however, after immigrating to Canada in 1966.

Mum on her Swiss Magic knitting machine in the Early '60's

Early in the1970's after much unsuccessful shopping I decided to knit myself the simple cardigan of quality of wool I had been seeking. This lead to more for myself and for anyone who asked, at the cost of materials. I taught myself anything I hadn't learned 13 years before as a child from my Mother and in school.

Though I studied fashion at Sheridan College, and learned much, I did not like the styles of the early ''70's so I fulfilled another childhood dream and became a nursery school teacher.

1982 saw the birth of Carolyn M. Barnett Designs when I decided to try marketing my 'homey' talents, I had a successful Summer with my cotton hand knits.

Early Days - Handknit 1982

In 1984 I learned to operate a very basic domestic knitting machine to see if I could break my hand knitting bias and progressed to using a more advanced one the following year. I discovered a new (to me) avenue of creation: domestic knitting machines have been around for over 400 years.

Although I have spent many years focusing on custom garments I have enjoyed participating in theatre costume and commercial work. My styles now are more technically refined (more sofisticated buttonholes, banding, collars etc.) and it takes longer to make one cardigan. Also, I devote a day every couple of weeks to making the buttons for the newest pieces, both custom orders and new stock. Working in polymer clay has opened up a new creative outlet and introduced me to more wonderful artisans as colleagues and friends.

Coned yarn with paired with colour matched polymer clay for buttons.

Working in 100% wool and 100% cotton and making my own funky buttons to complement the cardigans, my approach is simplicity of style with a lot of fun thrown in. Because the garments are made to last both stylwise and structurally, my wish if for the wearer to be able to pull my cardigans out of their closet for many seasons, just as I do.

The artist at her knitting machine.