Designer visits Wa Waa's Wools n' Bits

Proprietor of Wa Waa's, Fran Bardsley said she was delighted to have Debbie visit her shop, and that the occasion had proved to be very popular with her customers.

She said: "It's been a real success and many people have asked for Debbie to make a return visit."

The event was clearly enjoyed by the many ladies in attendance with one lady stating: "This is a lovely morning, I've thoroughly enjoyed myself - there should be more events like this in Bexhill."

Debbie, who designs a range of stunning, fashionable, classic knitted garments, has, for the past eight years, also had her own brand of luxury fibre yarns.

In addition she has recently launched her own magazine, aptly titled, 'Debbie Bliss Knitting Magazine'.

Debbie is based in London but said that, time permitting, she loves to make trips to yarn shops in different parts of the country; taking garments made from her patterns and yarns, to meet the retailers and knitters who buy her products.

She said: "I love to be out meeting people, to answer questions, and talk through the various yarns; to show what the garments look like made up, and to give them the opportunity to see if they would like to knit the items, and also for them to try them on and see what shapes and styles suit them."

She added: "It's a fantastic leap of faith for people to buy my designs and yarns and it's the loveliest thing to meet retailers and knitters."

Debbie said her own brand of yarns are made from luxury fibres (eg

silk) and are smooth textured enabling the knitter to get "lots of stitch textures."

When asked what colours are 'in' for the Autumn she said the good news is that some beautiful shades of purple and pink will be in fashion.

She said: "This autumn is all about the lovely berry shades, strong fuchsias, purples and cerises."

In addition her magazine contains a collection of knits celebrating what she describes as her, "favourite shades of grey", which she said, "also happens to be the on-trend colour this season."

Debbie used to own a shop herself but because she became so busy she now works from home where she has a design studio.

At the moment Debbie's magazine, which contains an outstanding selection of designs, patterns, information on yarns, tips and advice on knitting, will be produced twice a year - Autumn/Winter and Spring/Summer '“ and is available from Wa Waa's Wools n' Bits at 3.75.

For further information visit either Debbie or Fran's website at: www.debbieblissonline.com or www.wawaaswools.co.uk