ELLKA knitwear and accessories

Image from Ellka winter 2008 catalogue

The Christien Meindertsma post received a lot of lovely comments and interest on Wednesday... Thankyou! I think all this freezing wintery Melbourne weather certainly helped spark some interest in that little article... I know I've been thinking about cosy, chunky knits ever since the weather turned cold. For some stunning knitwear closer to home, look at this gorgeous work by Melbourne textile designer Danielle Sanders.

Jane scarf (available in antique white, red and grey marle) and Kate hot water bottle cover (available in antique white, red and grey marle)

Sasha scarf available in black and antique white (as above) and Willow cap (available in grey marle, red, antique white and butter)

Danielle Sanders established her freelance textile design business ELLKA in October last year. In addition to consulting for various homewares and fashion clients, Danielle has also designed a range of stunning knitted accessories under the ELLKA label. The pieces are made using the highest quality yarns, and Danielle uses all natural fibres where possible. The winter range (pictured here) is 100% lambswool, and her summer range (due out later in the year) will primarily use soft cotton/bamboo yarns.

Before starting ELLKA, Danielle worked for many years for Country Road Australia, first as a textile designer, and later as Textile Design Manager. Her work there included textile design across Womens and Menswear, Homewares, kids wear and accessories. Wow! That's a big job!

Some of Danielle's work for Country Road Homewares - Summer 2007/08

Danielle's years of experience at Country Road and elsewhere are certainly evident in her stunning first range... Her colours are classic yet current - I especially love that butter-coloured scarf... delicious! Prices range from $44.95 for hot water bottle covers, to $49.95 for berets/caps, to $69.95 for scarves.

In Melbourne you can find ELLKA products stocked at the following stores:

Emia in Sorrento , The Shed in Flinders, Lulu-E. in st Kilda, Winkle/Drift in albert park, Nique in prahran, Ostara in Brighton and Milk in Hampton.

Danielle also takes online orders and inquiries through her website. AND she will also be exhibiting at Magnolia Square Design Market in May, and Lifeinstyle in August. Busy busy!