The Remarkable Revival of Liz Newman: From Knitwear Fame to Resilience
By Editor • August 16, 2026 • 2 min read
Once a celebrated name in the knitwear industry, Liz Newman is experiencing an inspiring resurgence nearly four decades after her designs took the fashion world by storm. The 80s icon recently attended a surprise exhibition, "Knitwear: Back to the Future," at the 2026 South Australian Living Artists Festival, where she marveled at a collection of her vibrant and whimsical jumpers.
Newman's journey began at just 20 years old when she launched her knitwear label, which gained immense popularity after being sported by television personality Jacki MacDonald on the show "Hey Hey It's Saturday." The exposure led to a flood of inquiries, with viewers eager to know where they could purchase her unique creations. During the height of her career, Newman supplied over 150 stores in the United States and operated multiple boutiques across Australia, including locations in Sydney and Melbourne.
Her designs, characterized by Australiana themes, captured the hearts of celebrities such as Princess Diana and Olivia Newton-John. As the fashion craze for all things Australian surged, particularly after the release of the movie "Crocodile Dundee," Newman found herself at the forefront of a cultural movement, employing more than 500 hand knitters across the country.
However, the glittering success was not to last. A series of unfortunate events, including the collapse of the South Australian Bank, led to the downfall of her label in the mid-90s. "The state bank was going under, and they took me with them," Newman reflected, recalling how devastating the experience was.
In 2011, Newman faced another significant challenge when she was diagnosed with a large brain tumor. The diagnosis prompted a life-changing operation followed by extensive rehabilitation, during which she relearned everyday tasks. It was during this difficult time that she resolved to make profound changes in her life, including leaving an unhappy relationship. At her lowest, she found herself relying on a disability pension while her vintage jumpers fetched high prices in the market.
Serendipity struck when a social media interaction with vintage collector Amanda Blair led to the rediscovery of Newman's lost patterns. Blair, who admired Newman’s work, embarked on a quest to locate the original designs that had been sold off with the business. Remarkably, she found 300 patterns stored away in Birdsville, rekindling Newman's hope for a comeback.
After a 12-year journey, Blair returned these treasures to Newman, and with support from the Hand Knitters Guild of South Australia, 34 of her original designs were recreated for the exhibition. This revival has reignited Newman's passion for her craft, allowing her to embrace the joy and creativity that once defined her life.
Source: www.abc.net.au
