This past November, you probably saw the launch of Knit With Attitude’s 10th anniversary book of knitted and crocheted designs. If you have not, I will give you a little background information first. Knit With Attitude is a yarn shop based in Stoke Newington, London, that specializes in ethical and eco-friendly yarns. Owner, Maya Bing, started the business over ten years ago and wanted to mark the occasion with a special collection.
When the project began, back in the summer of 2019, we had no notion of Covid 19 and what kind of changes that would mean for small businesses and the craft industry. I know KWA, would have planned an in-person book launch party, signings, trunk shows, workshops and many toasts over drinks to accompany the book. However, in the reality of 2020, the launch looked much different but I am so pleased KWA decided to push on with the project. They’ve continued to bring designers and knitters together virtually and build a beautiful collection of those efforts. So here it is, Knit With Attitude - A 10 Year Celebratory Collection.
Portrait of Maya, photography by Jonna Hietala.
Cover of Knit With Attitude book.
This project has been a labour of love for Maya and the team at a KWA. I was approached back in 2019 about the idea of submitting a piece and immediately said yes to the opportunity. During the time I lived in London, from 2014 to 2016, I got to know Maya and her shop in Stoke Newington.
I used to live in North London, Manor House to be exact, and the neighbourhood, Stoke Newington, was close by. I often would take the bus through Stoke Newington, on my way to the old Pom Pom Headquarters in Dalston, where I interned for several months. I spent a lot of time between Dalston and Stoke Newington and have lots of fond memories of the restaurants, bars and shops along the high streets.
My Ashfield socks, which can be found in the book, are actually named after the street I lived on during my time in Manor House. I thought it would be fitting to have a North London name for this project!
Ashfield original sketch.
Ashfield original sketch.
When submitting to KWA, we were asked as designers, "how the term ‘attitude’ inspired us to do this design”. I often feel the process of making is a perfect way to capture emotion, feelings and leaves us with a visual representation of our inner attitude.
We can show this with the shade or mix of colours one selects for a new project. Or perhaps in the fibre and structure of the yarn base, whether it be smooth and silky or woolly and untamed. Maybe it’s the combination of stitches and textures that are used to build the design. No matter the way we choose to show our individual personality, knitting and making allow us to capture our attitude with infinite possibilities.
When talk of an anniversary book for KWA started, I instantly knew I wanted to do a pair of socks as my contribution. They are perfect little canvases to explore interesting textures and motifs. I also wanted to perhaps give knitters a new but fun technique to try out on this pair. Plus, I knew the vibrant selection of hand dyed sock yarns at KWA, would give knitters a lot of fun in the selection process for this project, or even a good excuse to dip into their stash for some beloved leftover yarn.
I was happy to let Maya and the team decide the selected yarns. I enjoy working this way to make it a true collaboration. I feel the intarsia chevrons embody my attitude when it come to designing. They are something different, a bit tedious yet very addictive. The colours speaks to the attitude of the shop, fun and energetic. As a designer, I love working on collaborations and feel both our personalities can be seen in this one design.
These socks are knit from the toe up and I used intarsia to achieve the vertical stripes you see. Other elements include a traditional slip stitched heel and a cuff of 1x1 ribbing to finish off the socks.
The yarns Maya chose for these socks were Hedgehog Fibre’s Twist Sock in the colour Raven and Garnsurr’s Søkke Merino in the colour Marisup / Caano. Unfortunately, Garnsurr is no longer in business. They were a Norwegian based yarn company that hired and trained refugee women. Garnsurr announced last year they would be closing the business due to lack of support from the government. It was very sad to see an initiative like this not be able to continue on. Maya introduced me to this brand and I am glad I had the chance to use Garnsurr’s Søkke Merino in this design. I am also happy to see that Maya made the decision to still feature Garnsurr in the book and didn’t have this sample reknit. I think it is a beautiful tribute to a company that made a difference.
I cannot wait to see what colour combinations you will come up with. I’ll leave you with a few photos of Ashfield and a quote from Maya. Jonna Hietala, editor of Laine, photographed the designs for KWA, just before Covid 19 closed the borders within Europe. If you would like to browse the other designs, you’ll find them all listed on Ravelry.
Picture of Ashfield, photography by Jonna Hietala.
Picture of Ashfield, photography by Jonna Hietala.
Picture of Ashfield, photography by Jonna Hietala.
This is the quote I love from Maya, on the changes of Covid 19 and publishing. “I did not see this coming, the world being put on pause and a different reality formed for all of us. There will not be an anniversary party, there will not be get togethers and celebratory workshops - but let me assure you there will be a book! When we announced the book back in the autumn we said that one of our goals was to create something beautiful that translated the experience of being in our shop, the atmosphere, community and conversations shared on a daily basis. We wanted to bring Knit with Attitude to you as a piece of us that could be kept and treasured in your home where ever that happened to be. This intention now speaks on so many more levels than when setting out to do it.”
Holding up a glass of sparkling for a virtual “cheers” to Maya and her team. Hope to visit you soon in person!