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I have been involved in designing knitwear since the mid 80’s. During the 90’s, I developed a range of luxury hand knitting yarns which became known for their richly harmonised colour palettes and natural fibres.

"My interest in hand knitting was reawakened when I was already a practicing artist working in acrylic paint and mixed media. Working with knitted fabric provided an avenue for me to explore colour, with the added dimensions of stitch and texture. My earliest yarn collection was made with one quality of pure wool yarn and a small range of unique colours. This first modest range was followed by yarns featuring silk, cashmere, kid mohair and cotton fibres. A balanced collection of timeless knitwear patterns have since been developed with new designs, and yarn shades being added each season.
Colour is a primary motivation in my work. I have collaborated closely with Italian yarn makers to create the yarns and shades that are incorporated into my collections. The yarn collections feature Australian Merino wool together with silk, cashmere, cotton & kid mohair. 
 
A signature element that I incorporate into my design work is a timeless, earthy simplicity. I am passionate about creating contemporary garments that are truly wearable, comfortable and easy to knit. I have created many designs suitable for beginners within my 
collections.
These days my studio is based in Albany, a historic tourist town nestled between mountains and sea, on the south coast of Western Australia. A  prime wool growing region, Albany is also home to winemaking, micro breweries, oyster farming and many other small scale agricultural ventures. Albany's mediterranean climate, breathtaking coast, forests & national parks make it a prized destination for tourists from around the world.
Currently I am working in oils on canvas, creating landscape paintings featuring local waterways & forests. I exhibit my work in local galleries from time to time. I also love to sing with small local bands at cafes and markets on the weekends, and I play ukulele and write songs.
Many of my extended family live here in Albany these days and I am a busy grandmother as well!
 

About Jo Sharp

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This photo of me was taken at Crusoe Beach on the Wilson Inlet near Denmark, on the South Coast of Western Australia. Crusoe Beach is close to Rudgyard Beach, which was the location used for an early hand knitting collection book called "Rudgyard Story". Its a classic vintage book and is available as a digital download on this website.

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