Devon


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1499" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/Lauren-Aston-Designs-Shop-4.jpg" alt="Lauren Aston Designs " class="wp-image-81191" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/Lauren-Aston-Designs-Shop-4.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/Lauren-Aston-Designs-Shop-4-534x800.jpg 534w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/Lauren-Aston-Designs-Shop-4-667x1000.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/Lauren-Aston-Designs-Shop-4-768x1151.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Gracing the gorgeous Claudia on BBC&#8217;s<em> <a href="https://www.laurenastondesigns.com/blog/knitting-our-roll-up-knit-down-jumper/">The Traitors</a></em> and hanging from the Beckhams&#8217; magnificent mantel &#8211;  <a href="https://www.laurenastondesigns.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lauren Aston Design</a>&#8216;s chunky knits are seen in all the right places.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1499" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/Lauren-Aston-Designs-Shop-1.jpg" alt="knitwear designer Lauren Aston sorting wool at her Exeter store " class="wp-image-81206" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/Lauren-Aston-Designs-Shop-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/Lauren-Aston-Designs-Shop-1-534x800.jpg 534w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/Lauren-Aston-Designs-Shop-1-667x1000.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/Lauren-Aston-Designs-Shop-1-768x1151.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Since launching her business in her loft in 2015, the knitwear queen has made herself a name for her bold, contemporary gear and knit-your-own patterns. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1628" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/laurenaston-instagram.jpeg" alt="Lauren Aston Designs Instagram " class="wp-image-81219" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/laurenaston-instagram.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/laurenaston-instagram-491x800.jpeg 491w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/laurenaston-instagram-614x1000.jpeg 614w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/laurenaston-instagram-768x1250.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/laurenaston-instagram-943x1536.jpeg 943w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit <a href="https://www.instagram.com/laurenastondesignsstudio/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lauren Aston Designs Instagram </a></figcaption></figure>



<p>The LAD look is thick yarns, oversized knits, relaxed silhouettes, perfect for dressing up or down, for size 6 to 26. Think slouchy jumpers, vests and cardies in joyful colours, huge scarves and drapey shawls (spotted at the BAFTAs) and cheeky homeware, from hot water bottle covers and Christmas decs to her Terrific Tits pompoms. She opened a store on Exeter Quay in 2023, and now works remotely between there and her Midlands home.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/HarryandICinnamonCardi-3-2.jpg" alt="knitwear designer Lauren Aston and dog Harry in chunky orange knits and sunglasses " class="wp-image-81192" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/HarryandICinnamonCardi-3-2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/HarryandICinnamonCardi-3-2-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/HarryandICinnamonCardi-3-2-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/HarryandICinnamonCardi-3-2-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/HarryandICinnamonCardi-3-2-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Lauren and her team are also available to commission along (if your knitting skills are as rubbish as Muddy&#8217;s). We caught up with the mum of two (Livi, 5, and Norrie 2), wife to Alex, and owner of a &#8216;a crazy cooker-poo&#8217; called Harry who regularly models Lauren&#8217;s designs for her Instagram (and is paid amply in treats) to find out more.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hey-lauren-how-did-you-get-into-knitting">Hey Lauren! How did you get into knitting?</h2>



<p>My nan taught me when I was 12, but I was dreadful! My dad was keen for me to get a degree so I studied fashion and textiles. When he found out I was specialising in knitwear my dad was like, <em>&#8220;Whaaaat?</em>&#8221; He&#8217;s eating his words now. I took knitwear because I didn&#8217;t feel cool enough for fashion. It&#8217;s still creative but felt like a safer space.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-did-you-turn-it-into-a-business">How did you turn it into a business?</h2>



<p>I moved to Devon with my boyfriend at the time (having said &#8216;never follow a man&#8217; &#8211; he&#8217;s my husband now and we&#8217;ve got two kids so it worked out!) I worked at Blakes in Topsham, and the owner asked me to make chunky cushions. No-one was doing anything like it at the time and I ended up getting on Not on the High Street. I was 23/24 at the time, working away in my loft, and it was a huge boost to my confidence.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-describe-your-style-in-three-words">Describe your style in three words.</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/Aeroplane-3-3.jpg" alt="Lauren Aston Designs airplane collage " class="wp-image-81203" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/Aeroplane-3-3.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/Aeroplane-3-3-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/Aeroplane-3-3-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/Aeroplane-3-3-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/Aeroplane-3-3-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Colourful, cosy and fun.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-devon-in-a-colour">Devon in a colour?</h2>



<p>Blue, like the sea, of course. It&#8217;s the sea I think of when I think of Devon.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-your-perfect-jumper">What&#8217;s your perfect jumper?</h2>



<p>Easy to knit and easy to wear. Chunky knits are always quick to make up, y&#8217;know Friday-to-Sunday quick. I&#8217;m not a fan of small, precise knits &#8211; I&#8217;m more about oversized, go-with-anything and with a little detail. You won&#8217;t look overdressed at the school gate, but you can jazz them up when you need to.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-on-your-needles-at-the-moment">What&#8217;s on your needles at the moment?</h2>



<p>I&#8217;m knit testing a Christmas jumper. We always test the number and makes sure the patterns work before they go out. This one was designed by a memebrr fo team, Sally. My brief was: &#8216;I want it look like Christmas thrown up me&#8217;. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-did-it-feel-to-see-claudia-wearing-your-jumper">How did it feel to see Claudia wearing your jumper?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1227" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/claudia-laurenaston.jpeg" alt="Claudia Winkleman in Lauren's roll up knit down jumper for The Traitors Season 2 / Credit BBC" class="wp-image-81194" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/claudia-laurenaston.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/claudia-laurenaston-652x800.jpeg 652w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/claudia-laurenaston-815x1000.jpeg 815w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/claudia-laurenaston-768x942.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Claudia Winkleman in Lauren&#8217;s roll up knit down jumper for <em>The Traitors </em>Season 2 / Credit BBC</figcaption></figure>



<p>We knew she had the jumper, but had no idea when she&#8217;d be wearing it, if at all or for how long. I was heavily pregnant and away on a baby-moon with my husband at the time. She ended up wearing it in the penultimate episode for half of the episode! It took so much stress from me, and created an amazing uplift in sales. It&#8217;s been a much tougher trading year in 2025, but thanks to Claudia, the pressure was off just when I needed it the most.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tell-us-about-the-beckhams-ordering-your-xmas-stockings">Tell us about the Beckhams ordering your Xmas stockings? </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1179" height="1168" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/beckhams-xmasstockings.jpg" alt="Bechmas at Christmas next to Lauren Aston Design knitted Christmas stockings " class="wp-image-81201" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/beckhams-xmasstockings.jpg 1179w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/beckhams-xmasstockings-800x793.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/beckhams-xmasstockings-1000x991.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/beckhams-xmasstockings-768x761.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1179px) 100vw, 1179px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Beckham boys at Christmas / Credit Victoria Beckham Instagram </figcaption></figure>



<p>The order came in from an assistant, but when I googled their address I knew it was THE Victoria Beckham. And it was for six stockings. There was a bit of to-and-froing with emails, swapping the large for smaller ones. Finally, I had an email telling me I might see something special on VB&#8217;s instagram, and there were my Christmas stockings! I really admire Victoria and she&#8217;s always been my favourite Spice Girl which made it even more meaningful. I emailed the assistant to say how thrilled I was and that I couldn&#8217;t believe that VB ordered them. And she replied saying, &#8216;Actually it was DB.&#8217; </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-about-tom-daley-s-new-show-on-c4-the-wool-game-starting-2-nov">What about Tom Daley&#8217;s new show on C4, <em>The Wool Game </em>(starting 2 Nov)?</h2>



<p>We aren&#8217;t involved with the show, but he’s used our yarn for a few projects and made one or two of our kits. I did a TikTok live on his TikTok a few years ago too as he asked me to.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-the-reaction-you-most-love-to-hear-from-customers">What&#8217;s the reaction you most love to hear from customers? </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1499" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/Lauren-Aston-Designs-Shop-2.jpg" alt="Lauren Aston of Lauren Aston Designs in front of shelves of colourful yarn " class="wp-image-81212" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/Lauren-Aston-Designs-Shop-2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/Lauren-Aston-Designs-Shop-2-534x800.jpg 534w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/Lauren-Aston-Designs-Shop-2-667x1000.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/Lauren-Aston-Designs-Shop-2-768x1151.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>It&#8217;s the beginners who are learning from our knitting patterns. Knitting is so mindful and meditative, bringing you back to basics, choosing the yarn, doing something with your hands. For me it&#8217;s such a gift, I&#8217;m passionate about it. So, if I can be a part of bringing that to someone else, it&#8217;s wonderful.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-your-knitting-soundtrack">What&#8217;s your knitting soundtrack?</h2>



<p>Anything by Taylor Swift. I&#8217;m a total Swiftie.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-messy-studio-or-perfectly-tidy">Messy studio or perfectly tidy?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1333" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/Cabin-painted-2.jpg" alt="Lauren Aston Designs studio cabin and orange dresser " class="wp-image-81197" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/Cabin-painted-2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/Cabin-painted-2-600x800.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/Cabin-painted-2-750x1000.jpg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/Cabin-painted-2-768x1024.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA</figcaption></figure>



<p>It&#8217;s like Monica&#8217;s closet on <em>Friends</em>. It&#8217;s really tidy everywhere, but then there&#8217;s a pile of mess in one corner. As long as I don&#8217;t have to look at that pile of cardboard boxes or whatever, it&#8217;s fine.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coffee-tea-or-something-stronger">Coffee, tea or something stronger?</h2>



<p>Tea. I&#8217;m not much of a drinker and coffee isn&#8217;t good for me, so I stick with ridiculous caramel oat milk lattes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-which-celeb-would-you-like-to-see-in-your-knits-next">Which celeb would you like to see in your knits next?</h2>



<p>Taylor Swift.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-favourite-stitch">Favourite stitch?</h2>



<p>Knit. Knit and purl are the easiest, but you can do anything with knit.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-favourite-yarn">Favourite yarn?</h2>



<p>Merino. I can&#8217;t wear mohair as it makes me itch.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biggest-knitting-disaster">Biggest knitting disaster?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/KnittingAgain.jpg" alt="Lauren Aston knitwear designer with knitted crown on head " class="wp-image-81210" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/KnittingAgain.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/KnittingAgain-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/KnittingAgain-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/KnittingAgain-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/KnittingAgain-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>I make mistakes all the time. The great thing about knitting is you can just unravel it and start again. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-if-you-weren-t-a-knitwear-designer-what-would-you-be-doing">If you weren&#8217;t a knitwear designer, what would you be doing?</h2>



<p>I&#8217;d be a midwife. I like supporting women. My pregnancies were both hard, but I loved the births. During my last pregnancy, I found the consultants a bit tick-boxy. I like the more holistic approach of midwives. And you&#8217;d get to witness the most incredible things. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-anything-you-re-excited-about-in-the-pipeline">Anything you&#8217;re excited about in the pipeline?</h2>



<p>Yes! We have three scarves in <em>Vogue</em>, styled as part of their November Edit.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-any-local-devon-businesses-you-want-to-big-up">Any local Devon businesses you want to big up?</h2>



<p>Ooh, I love a local business! Chambers &amp; Beau Jewellery, SBH pottery, Rosie Johnson Illustrates, Niaski, Along Avec Anna and Cake or Death.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-are-you-up-to-for-the-rest-of-the-day">What are you up to for the rest of the day?</h2>



<p>Finishing painting my dado rail and then on the school run. At five to three! There&#8217;s so little time to get anything done in a working day.</p>



<p><strong>Fancy visiting Lauren&#8217;s LAD store IRL? Pop in to  <em><a href="https://www.laurenastondesigns.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lauren Aston Designs</a>, 27 Commercial Road, Exeter EX2 4AE</em> Open Mon, Weds, Fri, and Sat, 10am-4pm.</strong></p>


Devon’s Queen of chunky knits (as seen on Claudia!), Lauren Aston Designs

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