About Alison

I'm Alison Ellett, and Alison Ruth Designs is the name under which I sew, knit, crochet, embroider and generally mess about with textiles and fibres.

As long as I can remember, I've been comfortable with needle and thread. Growing up, we were not allowed to watch TV unless we were doing something else at the same time. Knitting, sewing and embroidery were just what you did in our family. You wore handknit sweaters. You sewed your party dress. You made the art that decorated your home. As a kid, I assumed everyone had needlepoint tapestries on their walls.

In 2008 I left the corporate world to pursue my creative endeavours full-time. I soon connected with the vibrant knitting community, both in person and online, which led me to create a line of handmade project bags for hand knitters. I've also discovered the joys of tech editing and a whole new use for my Bachelor of Mathematics degree!

In 2017 I moved myself and my business (not to mention a husband, four cats and a not inconsiderable fabric and yarn stash) across the Atlantic from Guelph, Ontario, to Perth, Scotland.

I currently serve as chair of the Perth Needlecraft Circle and am a founder member and treasurer of Stitch-Colour-Cloth, a Perth-based group of textile enthusiasts.

My latest body of work is a series of embroidery kits, hand-stitched cards and wall art featuring counted thread techniques (such as cross stitch, blackwork, canvaswork and needlepoint) on perforated paper. I have been selling these at local makers' markets and will be setting up an online shop soon.

Some aspects of Alison Ruth Designs have grown out of things I've learned along the way, while others are things I've always wanted to try. It is a varied portfolio of products and services that will continue to grow and shift over time, but one that I hope you find interesting, stimulating and useful.