My history as I was ten years ago…. (see update at the bottom of this page)
By day, I’m a music teacher, friend to many, and mother to a darling blue point Birman cat and two sweet Satin Angora rabbits. Most people call me by my given name, Ellen Stratton. I enjoy gardening, photography, sailing and painting. But when evening comes and I sit down to unwind, I pick up my current knitting project and become “elle”. Knitting is my life’s pleasure and I find it to be very relaxing and rewarding. I spin yarn, weave, and sew as well. I have many dear friends with similar fiber interests, and they began calling me “elle” one day. This fiber nickname is not capitalized, because that creates a symmetrical, balanced appearance, just like a well spun yarn.
I have been knitting since childhood. My mother and grandmother both taught me. Grandma was a professional seamstress and milliner as well. Grandpa even used to knit every evening as he sat on the back porch to relax. I still have sweaters that they made for me. They were my inspiration and I thank my family every day for teaching me to make things with my hands. It is so rewarding! And I strive for the excellence that they demonstrated to me.
I have recently enjoyed doing test knitting for other designers, and sample knitting for published knitting pattern books. I have found the process of assisting with testing, designing and writing patterns to be challenging and intellectually rewarding. I began to have ideas of my own, and set out to write patterns myself. I hope that you enjoy them!
Update: I am now retired and married for the second time. My last name is Cooper now. I continue to be creative as I have taken up quilting! It’s somewhat nostalgic because my grandmother used to quilt by hand, and I still have the quilt that she made for me! What a role model she was! I always thought it was silly to cut up perfectly good fabric, just to sew it back together again. Then I saw the artistic side of things! The geometry and the color selections are fascinating to me! I particularly enjoy the G Easy method using the stripology rulers and the amazing patterns from Gudrun! Stay tuned for more info regarding this new adventure!
