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The Peira sweater, designed by Joanna Filip
- Knitty Woolly
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
It gives me great pleasure to introduce you to the magnificent Peira sweater, imagined and created by Joanna Filip, a knitwear designer in Brussels, which she knitted using Peira Sport yarn from my new range of yarns.
This collaboration was born out of a shared love of natural, authentic wools, which make it possible to create long-lasting pieces for your wardrobe. I'm delighted that wool from the Pyrenees has made its way to Brussels! It's such a wonderful way of showcasing the wool from the lourdaises and tarasconnaises ewes of the Val d'Azun, nestled in the heart of the French Pyrenees.
The pattern will be released at the end of May (all the practical info is at the end of the interview) and for the occasion, Joanna gave me an interview in which you can find out more about her, her work and the Peira sweater.
Enjoy the interview and see you at the end!
Hi Joanna, could you introduce yourself in a few words for those of us who are just discovering you?
Hello, my name is Joanna, I'm Polish and I've been living in Brussels with my French partner for almost ten years.
How did you get involved in knitting, wool and design?
My story is probably similar to that of many people. When I was a child, my mother taught me to knit and crochet. These activities have been with me ever since.
Even though I've always knitted with straight needles and considered it a grandmother's hobby, I've remained attached to it. In fact, my grandmother was a passionate knitter and crocheter, which no doubt reinforced my love for these skills. Even though she died when I was five, her passions made me feel closer to her. I've always taken great pleasure in creating with my own hands. During the Covid period, I explored a bit of sewing as well as making objects with a zero waste approach. I've always been drawn to the creative side of things.
At the beginning of 2023, I discovered just how much the world of knitting had evolved. It was no longer just a traditional activity, but an art form in the midst of a renaissance!
What kind of wool do you like to work with and why?
I particularly enjoy working with natural wools. I'm particularly drawn to wools that have a story behind them, a know-how passed down from generation to generation. I think they have a unique character that tells a deep story. I also love the smell of wool, and the fact that it contains straws. These wools have that authenticity and warmth that give them a soul.
How do you find inspiration for your knitting designs?
Everywhere: through travel, painting, nature and objects. Recently, I saw a plate with beautiful patterns that inspired me. It's amazing how the richness of textures and shapes found in everyday life can be a source of inspiration.
What kind of designs do you like to offer?
Lately, I've been loving jumpers with dropped shoulders and a loose, relaxed fit. I get a lot of inspiration from that, and I've got lots of ideas for this type of design. My aim is to create timeless pieces that don't go out of fashion, but are still affordable. For me, knitting should always be fun. I don't like knitting things that are too complicated, with diagrams that are hard to remember. I like to be able to sit down in the evening and knit quietly, without worrying.
Can you tell us about your new model, the Peira Sweater, which you knitted using Knitty and Woolly's Peira Sport wool?
The jumper is seamless, knitted from top to bottom. It has dropped shoulders and a positive 31 to 35 cm roominess at the chest. Very comfortable, it's worked in a lace pattern, light and airy, perfect for spring and cool summer evenings. Easy to make, diagrams are included in the pattern.
What did you like about this yarn?
It's the texture! It's so pleasant to work with and really brings out the openwork. It would also work perfectly with cables. What's more, the grey colour really enhances the details of the knitting. It's a real pleasure to knit with this yarn!
Do you already have any new projects in mind?
Yes, I've got a thousand ideas in my head, and just as many samples piling up at home! My partner asked me recently, a little desperately: "Aren't there too many samples? At the moment, I'm knitting a jumper entirely covered in pretty cables. And... I've also got a few secret projects on my needles.
I'd also like to create a cardigan or vest, or do a little Peira collection.
And finally, where can I find the models you offer?
For the moment, it's only on Ravelry, but I hope to be able to create my own site and offer my designs there too.
~ Thank you so much Joanna for sharing this lovely story ~
I hope you enjoyed this interview and that you now know more about Joanna and her work as a knitwear designer :) Now you know what you have to do: sharpen your needles!
Now here's all the practical information about this pattern and the wool:
The pattern will be available for sale on Joanna's Ravelry page towards the end of May.
Joanna has knitted the Peira sweater in the natural mottled grey colour, but new colours handdyed with plants will soon be available in the Peira range! You can also use Azun Sport yarns, the same thickness as Peira, to knit this pattern.
Yarn kits will be available on my webshop.
Keeping up to date couldn't be easier: all you have to do is subscribe to my newsletter from my website! It's the best way to find all the information you need in your inbox when the time comes, and to make sure you don't miss out on any of the latest news.
If you liked this article, don't hesitate to like it and share it with others!
See you soon!
Fanny
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