That’s Not My Age Podcast Episode 8: Debbie Bliss
Photo: Claire Pepper
I’ve known my next podcast guest, Debbie Bliss, for many years. We met last century when I was a fashion assistant stepping in for the fashion editor to style one of Debbie’s knitting pattern books. The most published knitwear designer in the world has over 35 books, 20 booklets, her own range of yarns and her own knitting magazine. If you want to know anything about knitting, Debbie Bliss is your woman. After working together, we initially kept in touch but living at opposite ends of the Victoria Line came between us, so I am thrilled to have made contact with her again. She cares deeply about democratic design, carefully develops collections to complement the qualities of each yarn – and is very, very funny.
In this That’s Not My Age podcast episode, Debbie talks movingly about having breast cancer, which has seen her undergo a mastectomy, lymph node removal and over six months of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. ‘Anyone who has ever had cancer will understand, you’re never quite removed from the fear that it will come back, and you’ll have to go through it all again,’ she says. ‘People tell people who have been diagnosed to be positive; but I think that bring realistic works better for me.’
We discuss hot flushes (aka power surges), the joy of spending time offline and the benefits of being kind. Chat about how she runs her business and what knitting means to her. On style, Debbie now aged 67 says she found her confidence in midlife, ‘ I think having your own style is much easier when you’re older,’ she adds, ‘When you’re younger there is more pressure – now it’s all Instagram and pouting lips. I think when you’re older you do know your style and you’re more discerning.’
Debbie is reading Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield and watching The Politician on Netflix and all of the Real Housewives. She loves food from the ‘local caff’. Her latest health update is, ‘ The removed thymus turned out to be early stage, very rare thymus cancer but luckily not secondary breast cancer. My breast tumour was also very rare – so I’m feeling pretty special! Good news: no more treatment needed so I can watch my hair grow.’
Debbie Bliss knows her style:
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PODCAST LINKS
Listen to the podcast on Spotify HERE
Listen to Apple Podcasts HERE
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We’re also on Stitcher, Podtail, Poddtoppen, and Google Podcasts.
PODCAST CREDITS
Producer and audio engineer: Linda Ara-Tebaldi
Host: Alyson Walsh
Guest: Debbie Bliss
Music: David Schweitzer
Artwork: Ayumi Takahashi
Digital technician: Tom Hole at Stirtingale
Coordinator: Helen Johnson
Discussion (10 Comments)
Cindy says:
I adore this woman. Her knitting patterns- books I have. I have amassed many knitted items from her thoughtful designs. Her patterns are wonderfully written. I loved her yarn and sadly in the states we can no longer acquire. I will look forward to a listen.
Please know I wish her well as she marches past this diagnosis.
As well a thank you for her kindness and lovely designs.Nicola says:
Could you order from Love Crafts Cindy? They deliver to Australia so I’m sure they would send to the US.
Beverley in Canada says:
Loved this episode so much, especially as I listened and laughed while knitting some Debbie Bliss Angel yarn into the lace border stitches of my current shawl project. On a dreary November night no less. Tomorrow, red lipstick will be paired with sensible brogues (and hoop earrings) in appreciation!
maudie says:
I love this lady. I have lots of Rowan/Debbie Bliss knitting pattern books for their sheer beauty! I love the colours, textures and, often, vintage styling and Debbie’s sense of these is inspirational. I am actually a diabolical knitter and always imagined that I would improve. I didn’t! However, I still cherish and often look through those gorgeous books just for the delight of them. I wish her continuing improved health and thank her for so much enjoyment. Shall listen to the podcast tonight when I get some peace and quiet!
Mrs Tonia says:
I’ve made a start on listening to this new podcast, another good subject and topic. Though a knitter I am unfamiliar with her books or wools. My projects now made so I can just knit without having to follow patterns. More relaxing as a background activity I find.
I wish her well in coping with cancer treatment and its affects and in moving forward. She certainly has a lot going on in her life as a counterbalance.I have just finished listening to the entire conversation. I wish her the best going forward, what bravery and a sense of humour. And much laughter between you two. Clearly a sign of friendship.
My motto, like hers, is Do as You Would be Done By.Another good and interesting podcast provided by you and your guests Alyson. Definitely worth the efffort you and they put into making them. More please.
I listened to this podcast while knitting! I was familiar with the beautiful yarns that bear Debbies name and The Knitters Book of knowledge by Debbie Bliss is my go to book for learning or revising techniques but I knew nothing about Debbie herself. What a delightful person she is – I’m now firmly convinced we would be best friends if we met! So funny and honest and self deprecating. No wonder you so clearly like her Alyson- she sounds lovely.
M. McManus says:
What a lovely person.
I wish her good health.
And to stay well in these uncertain times.M. Figorotta says:
“Power Surge”? What a wonderful description! I am inspired and uplifted by the interview with Debbie. Thank you both for this bit of joy, today.
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Looking forward to hear this! Quite apart from the knitting wonderfulness, she has always been my red lipstick guru. Go Debbie!