Jane Brocket - Domestic Artist

Jane Brocket is the creator of the renowned 'yarnstorm' blog, which receives over 38,000 hits a week. We recently had the opportunity to ask Jane some questions.

What made you first decide to write your book, The Gentle Art of Domesticity?

I'd been writing my blog for eighteen months and had started to receive some lovely emails and comments suggesting I write a book. For a while I just took it as all very flattering without doing anything about it. It was only when Simon, my husband, pointed out that I couldn't ignore both the responses and my own desire to write a book, that I got myself a literary agent, wrote a proposal and submitted it to a number of publishers. I was delighted that it was accepted by Hodder & Stoughton in December 2006.

For anyone who doesn't yet know about the book how would you describe it to them?

The Gentle Art of Domesticity delights in the synthesis of craft, style and intellectual pleasures, taking inspiration from art, literature and nature, and through the gentle arts of knitting, baking and sewing. It is not a pattern book or a how-to book but a celebration of everything that is wonderful about life.

You must be excited about your book being published in the US.

I am delighted that Melanie Falick has taken the book. I think she has changed the face of knitting books and I'm really excited to be working with her.

Why do you think we have all become such avid bloggers and blog readers: (I include myself in this). Which blogs do you enjoy reading most?

I was drawn to reading craft and knitting and domestic blogs because they helped me to realise that I wasn't alone in my passion for knitting and making and doing domestic things at home. I'd enjoyed domesticity for years but had never really met other people who did the same things, and blogs opened up a whole new world of inspiration, support and encouragement. I would guess that these are the reasons why others also enjoy reading blogs. I don't read a huge number of blogs, just a few really good ones where the writing and photography are excellent.

If you could only choose one activity to do out of baking, quilting, knitting which would it be? and why?

I couldn't choose just one and I'm lucky that I don't have to. Each activity offers different pleasures.

Is there any domestic art you would like to try that you haven't as yet?

I'd really like to learn more crochet techniques and skills.

Are you knitting anything at the moment? And if so, what?

I'm just finishing a Kim Hargreaves scarf and then I'm starting a tam o'shanter for my daughter. I'm currently planning a knitted bag, too.

Do you have numerous projects on the go at once, or are good at focusing on one thing and getting it finished?

I don't have more than one or two projects on the go at any one time. If I enjoy something I finish it, but if I really don't like knitting something I've started I can abandon it rather than make myself miserable.

One of things I love about your book is the sources at the back. If you were going to Paris and only had very limited time, which of all the wonderful sounding shops would you say shouldn't be missed?

Le Bon Marche - wonderful yarns, great haberdashery, fabulous food hall, great cafes.

Would you like to write another book? And if so, what would it be about?

Yes, I'm already writing my second book which will be published by Hodder & Stoughton in July 2008. It's a cookery book with recipes based on the lovely foods and treats found in classic children's literature (see my blog post of Monday 19 Nov 2007).

Did you enjoy yourself at the UK Stitch 'n Bitch Day? For those of us who missed out, could you tell us a little about the presentation you gave? Are you planning to do more?

I had a great time. I spoke about the crochet flower squares I am making for a blanket, about how I work with colour and pattern, and about the book.

What plans do you have for the future?

I am hoping it will be filled with colour and yarn and fairy buns and books.

Read more from Jane at her blog www.yarnstorm.blogs.com