About Fráda

Frada Kaplan moved to the North Country of New Hampshire in 1996, having formerly been a New York City Board of Education Principal. For Frada, transitioning to country living has for the most part been an effortless process. Today in her leisure time, she enjoys spinning fleece and knitting pieces for her family and friends.

While Frada knits, she reflects on positive, comforting and inspirational thoughts that she feels becomes part of every stitch. Surrounded by the beautiful White Mountains and gardens, she was inspired to turn a lifetime hobby into a new venture, designing and creating what she terms "elegant essentials". She has created a line of beautiful hand knit handbags which complement outfits for special occasions.

When asked what part of making elegant hand knits she enjoys the most. Frada reflects on the process. To begin, she researches new trends, and considers old favorites. She plans the design combining different colors and textures as she visualizes the different outfits that the new handbag will compliment.

With materials close by, sitting in front of the wood stove, or in nice weather, out on the deck or in the garden, she begins to knit her newest creation. Once the handbag is off the knitting needles, she chooses complementary material for the lining and hand sews it in place. During the next phase of the process, she considers several possible embellishments than makes her selections and puts on the finishing touches. Holding the handbag in front of her, she smiles, knowing someone will enjoy having and treasuring her special creation. "All of my knitting is an expression of myself and meant to celebrate life."