Having trained in textile design and worked in textiles while bringing up her family, Alison Ellen began making hand knitwear in the 1980s and went on to teach short courses and textile groups. Inspired by her research into knitting history and technique, she wrote three books on knitting, including the bestselling Hand Knitting - new directions and Knitting - colour, structure and design for Crowood. This new book captures her passion for knitting with bold experimentation, and draws on her thirty years' experience of designing, teaching and exploring the versatile technique of hand knitting.