On the needles

We get the inside scoop on how his creations come to life.

BEST KNITTING MEMORY I first learnt to knit on an old Passap knitting machine when I was about 4 years old, and then took up hand knitting a couple of years later.

BEST KNITTING HERO My mum, because without her I wouldn’t have this career.

BEST FILM Fanny and Alexander by Ingmar Bergman, and my favourite scene is when everyone dances round grandmother’s apartment at Christmas singing, “Nu är Det Jul Igen”.

BEST KNITTING LISTENING A mixture of Classic FM,

Radio 4 and Radio 2.

BEST BOOKS The Mapp and Lucia series by E.F. Benson

and the RHS Encyclopedia of Garden Plants.

BEST KNITTING TEACHER My mum taught me to knit, but I used to take my right hand off the needle to work each stitch, until my friend Pamla Motown showed me how to speed up by holding onto both needles and simply moving my index finger.

BEST PLACE FOR YOUR KNITTING STASH I have two huge wicker hampers full of standard DK yarn, and quite a few calico boxes which hold fancy yarns. For my patterns I need to use yarns that are currently available, but as so many useful and favourite shades have been discontinued I still keep those, which means I need to double-check when selecting colours for a new design.

BEST CURRENT PROJECT My next feature for Simply

Knitting, but I can’t tell you what that is because it would spoil the surprise!

BEST WORST SKILL Answering questionnaires. [ Oh dear,

and we thought we were being quite gentle!]

BEST place to knit I sit next to my desk with the pattern and tools at hand, and then there’s a place for the toy to stand while I gradually assemble it.

BEST FAVOURITE THINGS The people who work on Simply Knitting magazine, because they’re all adorable!

[ You’re making us blush, Alan, we love you too!]

Best inspiration. I love European and American. folk art, and have collected a. lot of knick-knacks over the. years. These probably spark. off an idea here and there.. Best colour combinations I love the dark jewel-like colours in Amish quilts. Best...

The desk where the magic happens!

Best knitting triumph The Jultomtar, which were the first feature I. designed for Simply Knitting. They have been my most popular pattern to date.

Best first project A hat and scarf combo for my teddy bear, Mum Ted, in mustard yarn with a multicoloured silky slub.

Mapp and Lucia by E.F.Benson