This Woman’s Gonna Make You Want to Knit. Hard.
Guess what? We just launched four brand spanking new e-classes! One of these classes is Knitting 101, taught by the awesome, dynamic and hilarious Jade Harwood, co-founder of Wool and the Gang. We virtually sat down with Jade to chat with her about what inspires her, why she started Wool and the Gang and what advice she has for budding creative folks.
First, a little more about Knitting 101: Knitting can be sexy. For real. In less than an hour, Jade will fill you in on all the basics of knitting. First, you’ll learn how to choose your yarn and how to hold the needle. From there, she’ll walk you through starting a project and three basic stitches. She’ll finish the class by teaching you quick and easy fixes for common problems or mistakes. At the end, you’ll have your very own knitted snood.
Read on to learn more about this inspiring designer, maker, entrepreneur and teacher.
What inspires you? Why do you love to design, create and make?
We’re inspired by the endless possibilities of what you can create with a pair of knitting needles and the wool that you choose. We’re inspired by the connection you create between your clothes when you make something for yourself or someone you care for.
Tell us more about Wool and the Gang.
Powered by our community of makers around the world, WATG believes fashion should be #madeunique with love. No mass-produced clothing, just quality fashion produced in a sustainable way. Each Wool and the Gang item can be handmade by you or by The Gang.
How did Wool and the Gang begin?
I met Aurelie Popper while studying Textiles Design at Central Saint Martins in London. After school we gained experience together at Alexander McQueen and Balmain in Paris. That’s when we met by former model, world traveller and wool lover Elisabeth Sabrier. Together we founded Wool and the Gang on a mission to change the way fashion is created and consumed.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share with other makers?
Keep calm and cast on.
Tell us how technology has changed and supported what you do.
Technology has been a huge player in what we do; for example, teaching people how to knit used to be a one-to-one experience. Now with YouTube you can teach one-to-millions. Technology has helped us build our community of makers.
How do you get into the creative flow? How does it feel?
It feels like a form of meditation, where your mind has totally disconnected and is fully absorbed in the moment of creating.
What do you love about teaching people to make?
<span class="s1"><b>Knitting 101</b></span>
Wild Spirit Snood Knitting Kit as well. Remember what Jade said: Keep calm and cast on :)