A FASHION event showcasing Alison Crowther-Smith’s knitting designs in her book ‘Elements’ has recently been held at the Barge, Bude, organised by Coastalyarns and the Barge.

The Barge hosted the Fashion Show, and is a new tearoom and restaurant, moored near the Coastalyarns shop on the Wharf.

Coastalyarns supply locally sourced and hand spun Alpaca yarns from Cornwall.

Taking place on Thursday, June 30, the event saw Alison present a five-hour workshop on how to make her Drift Mitts at Coastalyarns, followed by a book signing and the Fashion Show in the evening.

Alison is an experienced teacher, author, designer and blogger, with a passion for hand knitting.

Her latest book ‘Elements’, features 24 designs from her knitting collection, with knitting collaborative Smith & Jones. The book expresses the spirit of the British landscapes throughout the seasons, and the designs capture romance, comfort, folk-art, style and timeless grace.

During the event, Alison talked through the book’s design roots and displayed all the designs from the book. As well as this, there was also an opportunity for a sneak preview of the Barge, with the provision of prosecco and delicious nibbles for the guests by Kate, owner of the Barge.

A charity raffle also took place, with prizes donated by Alison, Rowan and Coastalyarns, and raised £58 for Bude Sea Pool.

Alison said: “I was thrilled to be back at Coastalyarns to teach a full-day workshop for them, and then to showcase all the items from my new book ‘Elements’ at a fashion show and reception that evening.

“The venue was absolutely beautiful and a very good setting for my designs. It’s great to be able to explain to knitters what the design inspirations were for the 24 designs in the book, and hopefully it makes it more personal when they knit one of my patterns.

“The whole day was lovely, and the knitters of Bude are a very talented group.”

Angela Locke and Janet Barraclough, owners of Coastalyarns, were thrilled with the event, and said: “It’s not often that this kind of knitting event is brought to the South West, so it was a fantastic opportunity to meet Alison Crowther-Smith, see the designs and the new yarns, and our customers loved it!”

To find out more about Alison and her work, visit www.alisoncrowthersmith.com. To purchase Elements, visit www.smithandjonesknits.com