There was a time when a new baby meant lots of handknit treasures from grandma.  Every day she would settle down in front of Days of Our Lives with her box of Brach’s and knit the most beautiful blankies, adorable sweaters and precious little booties.  Sure, these heirlooms usually came with a gift that you couldn’t quite identify, (“It’s a Kleenex box cozy…   I had leftover yarn.”),  but that was part of the charm.   The best presents growing up were the ones grandma made for you, by hand, with love.

Today’s (“Don’t call me Grandma!”) grandmas are more likely to be parasailing in Maui than they are parked in front of the tv.  Days of Our Lives has made way for Time of My Life,  and the knitting, well, who does that anymore?   

Suss Cousins does.

Suss Design is Handknit Heaven, piled high with everything from classic baby layettes to cutting edge cardis.  Since this shop opened ten years ago,  a wistful public has beaten a path to her door for knitting lessons, paraphernalia,  and oh yes, gorgeous Suss creations.  Half of Hollywood is either shopping here or taking classes here,  and Suss, well Suss has become nothing short of a superstar, appearing in House and Garden, In Style and Vogue Knitting.   A line of books soon followed, and her apparel is now carried in Bergdorf’s, Saks, and Bloomies.  

This site offers a Suss sampler,  featuring her best selling items:  signature “Happy Face” and Letter sweaters for the little ones,  and exquisite fashion-forward separates for the grown ups .  (Halle, Paris, Paula, Juliana, Kristy---they just can’t get enough.) 

If you aren’t yearning for yarn, you will be.  You’ll be missing grandma, too.---B.F.