A PURITON knitwear designer has released her fourth book.

Alison Crowther-Smith has collaborated with South-Wales designer Donna Jones to produce Elements: 24 hand knit designs inspired by nature and outdoors.

The book is inspired by the area in which both designers live, with Alison creating her work on the Somerset countryside.

The collection is also based around the four seasons of the year, with 12 projects by each designer.

The book consists of a range of products such as shrugs, small garments and clothing, as well as home wear, suitable for knitters with all levels of expertise.

“It was a very long project,” said Alison. “It took about 12 months to complete and we came together with our work in September 2014. Donna and I came up with the idea of doing a collaborative project after we met working for Rowan Yarns as consultants about nine years ago.

“We ran knitting workshops together and had been talking about doing a book for the last five years.

“Rowan Yarns took on the publishing of the project and we were careful to set ourselves proper deadlines.”

Alison and Donna directed all their own photography for the book, which Alison said was the most challenging part of the process.

“It was difficult because I had never done that before but we got there,” she said.

“The end results are fantastic and the book has quite a homey, comforting feel about it.

“I’ve seen the PDf finished version of it but am yet to see a hard copy.

“They should be arriving in our warehouse in Somerset from Germany on Thursday.

Alison added: “I’m really proud of what Donna and I have created and feel very excited to see the final product. Somerset is my county and so to see that come through in my designs is just amazing.”

Elements was launched on October 1. For more information Visit smithandjonesknits.com.