For generations of Tasmanian children, a Ronnie Avery sheep jumper has been more than just a woollen garment. It’s been a favourite winter layer, a treasured gift, and often a keepsake carefully tucked away to be worn again by future generations. Today, Ronnie’s iconic sheep jumpers and jackets remain as popular as ever. We had a chat with Ronnie about her beloved designs, and why she believes hand-knitting is an art form worth preserving.
Looking back, did you ever imagine your knitwear would still be loved by families all these decades later?
I had no idea my knitwear would still be being knitted decades later. I started at Salamanca Market to supplement my pension as a single mother. My background in small business in Sydney and Darwin gave me the knowledge to keep it going. At one time it became too much and I wanted to stop, but I found the knitters came to rely on the income. They are the ones who have kept it going for so long. Over the years, some knitters’ husbands have died and the knitting has given them something to do. Because they receive less pension and it costs the same to run a house, it has been a support system that has helped keep them in their homes.
Your sheep designs are instantly recognisable. What first inspired them, and do you have a favourite design?
I had a few designs, but found the sheep design was the favourite with buyers, so I kept knitting that one and just played with colour so they were not all the same. I have had to keep my designs as simple as I can for the knitters. Now and again I found someone who could knit more intricate designs, but these days I find it hard to find any knitters.
What do you think makes handmade wool garments so special compared to mass-produced clothing?
Woollen hand-knitted garments are a keepsake to be handed down through generations. They are long-lasting compared to mass-produced clothing that only lasts a short time. Knitting can be an art form. The straight-cut sleeves and bands on my jackets and jumpers allow for growing children, giving them long durability and wear, often for generations to come.
What keeps inspiring you to continue designing and creating after all these years?
Designing and playing with colour is what I love most. In the future, I hope to start teaching advanced knitting.
Charlotte Scott in her Ronnie Avery, 1997
Ronnie's Designs on the Catwalk