1. Please introduce yourself briefly…
My name is Kristin Joél, I’m 43 years old, and I was born and raised in Munich (southern Germany). I’m a passionate knitwear designer, and in recent years I’ve published many designs under the name Joél Joél – handmade 4 friends. I also create exclusive designs for well-known magazines, publishers, yarn brands, and stores. Since 2011, we’ve been producing unique, handmade items in our studio in Munich. This is also where our own bag collection, “Joél Bags,” was born. This is sure to make every knitter’s heart beat faster—there are designs in all shapes and sizes. For this collection, we place great value on exclusive materials and meticulous craftsmanship. One of the most enjoyable projects of my knitting career is the knitting club, which I founded in 2010. Every 2 to 3 weeks, we get together to knit. I have so much fun doing this! Building on this, the idea to organize a knitting vacation came about in 2012. We now do this about 1 to 2 times a year. Off to the mountains to knit to our hearts’ content! In recent years, I’ve also written a few knitting books. My first book was published in October 2015: *Stricken: Einfach, achtsam, kreativ* (Knitting: Simple, Mindful, Creative). It’s a book that focuses not only on the end result but also takes a closer look at the knitting process itself. Relaxation should come first. My other book has been on the shelves since January 2020. “Flauschrausch,” a collaborative project with other knitting designers, focuses on fluffy designs. And I can already reveal that something beautiful will be published again in early 2021. Finally, avid knitters might know me from my blog “Montags-Muster.” For over two years now, I’ve been posting a new Knitting Pattern every Monday, complete with instructions and information about the materials used. As a bonus, every first Monday of the month, you can also read an interview on my blog with a knitter, designer, or other type of craftsperson. By now, you’ll find about 130 different patterns on my blog.
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2. Knitting or crocheting?
That’s an easy one to answer: definitely knitting.
3. How often do you do crafts?
Every day. For me, knitting is part of my daily life. It doesn’t matter whether I’m working on a long-term project, have something to finish today, or am knitting just to relax. Knitting always brings me peace, just as mindfulness does for others.
4. Where do you like to knit the most?
I don't have a favorite place to knit. It's especially nice when I'm in good company, which is why knitting get-togethers are so important to me.
5. Coffee or tea, an audiobook or a TV series… in what setting do you prefer to knit?
Definitely coffee! A day without a latte macchiato or cappuccino is a day not lived. Leaving daily life behind for a moment and just enjoying the moment. Sometimes with Knitting Needles in hand—that’s pure luxury. Audiobook or TV series? I’ll go for a TV series. Preferably a really gripping one with tons of seasons, which gives me plenty of time to knit. Luckily, I still have plenty to watch, because I’ve only recently become a TV series junkie. And sometimes, I actually choose to have absolutely nothing going on around me. A quiet spot, plenty of time, just my Knitting Needles and me. That’s when the most beautiful ideas and dreams come to life. Peace and time are precious things in life. When you use your hands to turn those two elements into a project, it’s all the more wonderful.
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6. What’s one thing you can’t do without during your knitting time?
It probably sounds really old-fashioned, but a notebook is an absolute must-have. I love being able to sketch out my ideas and thoughts and jot things down on paper. I also jot down all sorts of things in it while I’m knitting. When a project is finally finished after weeks or months, flipping through it often feels like reading a diary. When it comes to accessories like Stitch Markers, I sometimes improvise. I use whatever’s lying around that I can get my hands on. Haha. What I really have a lot (a whole lot!) of are project bags. On the one hand, this is because I always have multiple projects on my needles at the same time. I store the supplies for each project in a separate bag so nothing gets lost or mixed up. And as for all those other bags I own, I blame my own bag collection. I love them so much that I’d prefer to keep one from every series.
7. How did your passion for knitting begin, and what was your first project?
When I was just a little girl, my mother taught me how to knit. She was often doing needlework, and pretty much everything was handmade. Of course, I always wanted to join in and learn everything. To be honest, I don’t remember what my first knitting project was. What I do remember is that I could never turn my work around at the end of a row. I always had to ask my mom to help me with that. Such a fun team effort! That’s where my passion for crafts began, and knitting has always been a part of my life. Of course, there were times when other things took center stage and the use of my Knitting Needles decreased. But they’ve never really been put away. It gives me a warm feeling that knitting and crafts have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.
8. What are your favorite yarns and colors right now?
To be honest, I don't have a specific type of yarn that I prefer to knit with. There are so many amazing yarns out there these days! And more are constantly being added. I enjoy working with as many different yarns as possible, because they’re all beautiful in their own way. Maybe it sounds boring, but the same goes for colors. Like everyone else, I often reach for the same colors. They just have a certain magical appeal. But I’m also finding myself drawn to completely different colors more and more often. Sometimes it depends on my mood. Once the project is finished, I’m surprised at how great that color looks on me. Somehow, a design can also do something special with a color.
9. Do you prefer to design on your own, or do you like to work from a pattern?
As a designer through and through, I love creating my own concepts and designs. So that’s what I prefer to do. Still, I also enjoy knitting from established patterns.
10. What do you always bring with you when you're on the go?
Guess what… my knitting. ??
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11. Which project are you most proud of?
I’m proud of every project. They all tell a personal story. That’s also my tip and wish for every knitter. Be proud of all the projects that have come from your hands. That’s true art.
12. What are your future plans in the field of crafts?
I look forward to seeing many more beautiful designs come to life. Many enjoyable hours with our knitting club. And many meaningful and creative encounters and collaborations.
13. You designed something for Yarnplaza. Can you tell us a little more about it?
For Yarnplaza, I designed the “Sweet Seventies” shawl. The pattern is simple, but by choosing bold colors, this shawl is a real eye-catcher. The design is perfect for beginners and easy to knit. You can choose the complete Knitting Kit or—if you’d rather pick your own colors—just the pattern for the Sweet Seventies shawl. Happy knitting!
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Are you knitting your own version of the Sweet Seventies Scarf? If so, share your creation on Facebook or Instagram using #sweetseventiesomslagdoek.
