Seven years ago, I was immersed in history books, living in New York City and working on a master’s degree. I wrote about fascinating topics like women wearing crinolines and the origins of lace. My world was one of dusty libraries and scholarly pursuits. After graduation, my life took an unexpected turn—I moved to Paris and stepped into the vibrant world of luxury fashion. While I left behind my academic studies for work reasons, I discovered a new passion: knitting.
Still not sure how it arrived… I think I needed a hands-on hobby amidst a hectic life. Maybe I missed doing crafts, longed for the sense of accomplishment from my academic days, or perhaps it was just part of my own personal journey?
The fact is that knitting truly saved me. I started knitting a few months before COVID-19, living in a tiny studio in Paris, seeking a hands-on hobby that didn’t take up much space. Paris apartments are notoriously small—about the size of an average American closet… Just kidding, but they are very small. When the world shut down, I spent up to 12 hours a day knitting at my dining table and this became my lifeline during a challenging time in my marriage, providing solace and a sense of purpose.
Since then, I have amassed a treasure trove of yarn, mastered knitting both right and left-handed, and created over 40 hand-knit garments, each a testament to resilience and creativity. I knit all the time—on my business travels, in meetings, you name it. Business class is my favorite knitting chair. I live most of the time in Paris, but my travels often take me to New York, London, Madrid, different parts of Asia, and Milan.
The luxury fashion industry is a kaleidoscope of creativity, yet I often found myself longing for the quiet contemplation and meticulous research of my academic days. Over the past four years, I’ve devoted countless hours to knitting, often accompanied by the soothing voices of knitting podcasts on YouTube. These podcasts have their own lore and wisdom, but being in my 30sm I believe the knitting world needs more voices—so, here I am.
At The Knitting Explorer, we’ll blend my love for knitting with my background in fashion history. Together, we’ll unravel the rich tapestry of knitting’s history, exploring diverse techniques from various cultures and eras. I’ll share my current projects, favorite yarns, must-visit knitting stores around the world, and more insights from the fascinating intersection of knitting, fashion, and history.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. Let’s connect, share, and grow together as we explore the boundless world of yarn and stitches, and peek into the captivating realm of high fashion. Do not forget to subscribe to get full access to the newsletter and publication archives.
Welcome to The Knitting Explorer—where every thread tells a story, and every stitch is a piece of history.
Looking forward to reading your knitting stories! :)