A textile artist has knitted a stunning portrait of the Colne Valley countryside after being selected to showcase her work at the Dales Countryside Museum.
Visitors to the Hawes-based attraction will be able to share Elizabeth Smith’s fantastic everyday views which she enjoys from her home in Scapegoat Hill, thanks to her creation of several large installations.
Created from wool using knit, crochet and stitch, she has created intricate modernist pieces using traditional techniques.
These include Fair Isle designs, which proves that the craft is not just a pastime for the retired.
It is the first showcase in several years for Elizabeth, whose love affair with the thread began when she was only four and blossomed after university when she studied for a City and Guilds Certificate in embroidery.
She said: “I was delighted to be invited to exhibit at the museum because it’s an impressive space in a lovely setting and it seems very appropriate as I’ve been inspired by the knitting in the collection and the surrounding landscape which are always an important influence on my work.
“I add new elements to my knitted and crocheted colonies for each new exhibition venue, so each exhibition is different, but it has been a few years since I exhibited my work, as I’ve been developing my new projects.
“I’m influenced by the folk art of many cultures and my work is a celebration of the everyday, the small and the overlooked.
“My work was created with the help of friends, students and knitting and stitching groups, so I’m glad it is on display again as it puts their hard work on show again too.”
Elizabeth’s exhibition at the museum will run until June 2.
