The Knitting Studio

Made In Habersham Knitting Studio

Everyone should present themselves to the world wearing something that expresses their own sense of self. Deb Zilm of Made In Habersham creates expressive and unique handmade knitwear designs within the traditions of historical Fair Isle knitting styles. 

Each piece is hand made. Attention is paid to the details, seaming, cuffs, and collars. Some pieces take weeks to accomplish. Yarns are sourced from quality mills from the regions the style of knitting originates. Tradition is respected.

Fair Isle Hand Knitting

My primary focus is knitting in the Fair Isle tradition. I specifically use the term tradition because as any knitting purist will tell you, it’s only Fair Isle if it’s made on Fair Isle using only wool produced on the island.  Having said all that, I love knitting in the Fair Isle tradition. It is a type of stranded colorwork using repeating patterns and not more than two colors in any row. The yarns used are produced in the Shetland Islands and have a texture that lends itself to this type of knitting. Traditionally, fair isle knitting is done almost completely in the round meaning it is knit in a spiral of continuing circles. The texture of the yarn allows the knitter to cut arm holes and openings without the knitting coming apart or unraveling.

I began by knitting the patterns of others and now I create my own designs. The color palette of these yarns is just gorgeous. I am inspired by the colors of nature and the places I have been. Check out my growing selection of Fair Isle knitting patterns. 

Flat Bed Knitting Machines

Manual flat bed knitting machines are mechanical marvels.  

They allow the user to produce a truly handmade product in a time efficient manner.  

Rather than two needles, one in each hand, there are 200 needles, each holding a loop of yarn that is waiting to be pulled through another loop of yarn. These are manual machines that require a pass of the carriage, by hand, for each row. Knitting on a machine is not an automated process. Think of it as a loom to a weaver.  The user must create a design, cast on, change colors, plan a variety of stitches and cast off by hand.  The difference is that those processes can be handled 200 stitches at a time instead of one at a time. It is definitely not a factory type machine. It takes a strong arm and infinite patience. 

Ready To Wear Accessories

In addition to traditional and custom garments, Made In Habersham produces a line of fun accessories in machine washable yarns. They add an easy "pop of color" to the colder months. 

Bespoke Garments

Your special garment or accessory can be made in your color palette and to your size.  Contact me to discuss the possibilities.  We can talk about your vision and preferences then, make you something special and all your own.