LynnAdell: The knitty gritty
Just when you thought it was safe to come out of the sewing closet... knitting has made a comeback.
Yes, the hobby traditionally associated with your grandma is back and everyone's doing it. Even Shortland Street stars knit between takes.
However for Lynette Harvey, knitting never really went away. Harvey's label, LynnAdell, specialises in knitwear for stylish, creative women.
The Kapiti Coast resident embarked on her knitting career as a four-year-old.
"I knitted a dress for a doll which was full of holes and dropped stitches and then I thought I've now got to knit the other side! That's where my designing started and I've been doing it ever since."
From humble beginnings, Harvey has branched into cardigans, ponchos, even a three-sleeved garment that could be worn in four ways.
"I'd like to do some more of that but not everyone is as wacky as that!"
Lynadell is a one-woman show: Harvey handpicks the wool and knits her own garments. It's a 40-60 hour week vocation, though Harvey assures me it's relaxing.
"My inspiration falls out my ears on a minute to minute basis! I'm never ever sure of the design. As soon as I pick up a pair of needles - the sooner the better - my mouth starts watering.
"It's like I'm driven by a creative life form that throws me on the floor when they're finished with me!"
LynAdell features in the exhibition hall at Fashion Week.
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