Selvedge Fair: Sasha Kagan
This March, Selvedge is hosting one of our popular artisan fairs in the beautiful city of Bath. Today, Jessica Edney speaks to knitwear designer Sasha Kagan, who will be exhibiting at the Selvedge Spring Fair.
Who first taught you to knit?
I was first taught to knit by my Mother at age four or five; she and my Aunt were both avid knitters, dressmakers and experts in crochet, so knitting was “in my blood”.
What led you to start up your own knitwear company?
I set up Sasha Kagan Knitwear when I moved to Wales in 1976 and my designs were instrumental in forming The Knitwear Revolution of the ’80s. I wanted to start a business making hand-knit sweaters with exciting colours, patterns and designs that were unique. My cottage industry grew as the demand increased from the early days at Browns of South Molton Street to Henri Bendel’s department store in New York.
What will you be exhibiting at Bath?
At Bath, I will be exhibiting my latest collection of wraps, shawls and scarves hand knitted in luxury fibres such as cashmere and alpaca. The collection features my favourite floral and leafy motifs. Hand knitted coats, jackets, sweaters and waistcoats will also be on display.
How do you find inspiration for your designs?
My inspiration is all around me as I am lucky to live in a beautiful valley in Mid Wales. I am a keen gardener so I often design from the flowers and trees on my land.
What would be your ideal Sunday?
An ideal Sunday would be to go for a walk in the woods, do a bit of gardening and spend some time playing with my grandchildren.
Buy your tickets for the Selvedge Spring Fair here. Enter FAIR2FOR1 at the checkout to get two-for-one tickets.