w h at ’ s s p e c i a l a b o u t m a k i n g Change
SPRING 2019
s to r i e s m a g a z i n e ?
With Making Stories Magazine, we strive to feature companies and makers who focus on sustainability, transparency, fairness and equity in their work. We love telling their stories and hope to inspire and enable crafters to make conscious and informed decisions about the materials they use and companies they support.
We’re (to our knowledge) the only ad-free knitting magazine on the market today. We believe in preserving our independence when it comes to deciding who we feature and work with through not accepting any ads for this magazine. We’re printing on 100% recycled paper, one of the few that’s certified not only with the EU Ecolabel and the Nordic Swan Ecolabel, but also with the Blauer Engel certificate.
m a k i n g s to r i e s m a g a z i n e
We’re keeping production and fulfilment as local as possible, working with Druckhaus Berlin-Mitte as our printer, the first printer to be certified with Blauer Engel, and with Urbanmail as our fulfilment and shipping partner, both here in Berlin. w h o ’ s b e h i n d m a k i n g s to r i e s magazine?
Making Stories GmbH is an independent knitwear design publisher based in Berlin, owned and run by Verena Cohrs and Hanna Lisa Haferkamp alongside their small but growing team.
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We share scenes that tell not just one story, knitwear that works on more than one body type, pieces that are being worn as we’d wear them in our everyday life. www.making-stories.com
ISBN 9783962740078
9 783962 740078
Issue 1
We believe in choosing to use resources and capacities, be they human, environmental, social or financial, in a way that can be sustained in the long run. We believe in being aware of and actively reflecting on all parts of our (work) process and communicating them openly and honestly. We believe in treating all living beings involved in our work fairly, respectfully and lovingly and in caring about and for their physical and mental well-being. We believe in not discriminating against anyone based on gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, health, physical appearance, economic situation, education or any other factor, being mindful of what that means for their life and their stories and working towards a world where everyone is free to create the life they wish to live.
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In Issue 1, you’ll find thoughtful accessories and versatile garments that are designed with change in mind - change in seasons, in the way we work and live, in our choice of materials. We’re proud to be able to share the fantastic work of writers and visual artists with you with pieces that range from disability and knitting to body image, from queering the knitting status quo to what change means for our lives. Enjoy!
Designs by Adrienne Larsen Armenuhi Khachatryan Cheryl Eaton Jennifer Barrett Joanna Ignatius Lauren Wallis Linolimon Maddie Harvey Nataliya Sinelshchikova Contributions by ash alberg Camille Rosselle Felicity Ford, Lorna Hamilton-Brown & Ocean Rose Rhiannon Owens Skeinwalker
Issue 1 Change Issue 1
Change
CO N T E N T S “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.� - Margaret Mead -
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welcome
borobila
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fluent
pilier
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from need
queering the (knitting) status quo
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18 inverse
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62 change
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disability, knitting & self care
traversing
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tidal
columella
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how my body became my home
patterns
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W E L CO M E !
editors-in-chief hanna lisa haferkamp & verena cohrs
their work around sustainability, transparency, fairness and equity, tell their stories, educate and inspire crafters and enable them to make informed decisions. We share scenes that tell not just one story, knitwear that works on more than one body type, pieces that are being worn as we’d wear them in our everyday life. We publish pieces from a diverse range of voices, we’re interested in exploring and learning from different perspectives and strengthening our community, and we offer a platform for writers who express what they care about in their work. Issue 1 is inspired by change. We have a wonderful array of knitwear patterns for you, and are just as proud to be able to share a few fantastic pieces of writing and visual art. From exploring what changing your perspective when creating new patterns means for a knitwear designer to talking about knitting and disability, from queering the knitting status quo to learning to love your body and live with change, we can’t wait for you to dive in, read and learn. We hope you enjoy reading our first issue as much as we loved working on it. We can’t wait to hear what you think about it. Let’s change this world. It needs us. With love, Hanna Lisa & Verena
It’s the middle of February as we’re writing this. The temperature has sprung to Spring-like temperatures over the weekend, birds are singing outside and the first tiny stubborn blossoms are making their way through the barren ground towards the sunlight. Nature never ceases to amaze with its relentless circle of life, with the changes that we can witness day by day, especially during a change of seasons like right now. It’s an apt metaphor, we think, to start this letter from the editor with because, let’s face it, it’s time to change. It’s time to change for us as Making Stories, and the first product of this process you hold in your hands right now. We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve shared with you in the past two years, and yet found ourselves at a crossroads last year. We felt we needed a change to continue telling the stories of the wonderful makers we want to introduce you to, to keep breathing and living our creativity in this business of ours, and last, but very certainly not least, to use our position, platform and privilege to push even more and harder for the changes we need in this world. So allow us to introduce you to the very first issue of the Making Stories Magazine. With this new magazine, we aim to showcase companies and makers who centre
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FLUENT “I wanted to bring together elegance and comfort through this cardigan. Oversized in the body for ultimate comfort, and fitted in the arms to give it the right amount of structure and poise. I can’t wait to wear mine with jeans, over dresses, and pretty much any chance I get!” - Armenuhi “Our Romney/Merino is the perfect marriage between two classic breeds: the Romney brings just the right amount of rustic, while the Merino balances it out with a delicate touch, making this a beautiful and extremely versatile yarn to work with.” - Armenuhi, Oysters and Purls
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“Oversized in the body for ultimate comfort, and fitted in the arms to give it the right amount of structure and poise.�
FLUENT design armenuhi khachatryan yarn oysters and purls
Pattern on pages 76-82
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R A I N FA L L “As an artist, I spent a lot of time observing surroundings, nature and people. I like to notice even the smallest changes and its precursors and use it as a starting point for my works, and this shawl is no exception. I tried to reflect the moment when the rain seemed to stop yet you can feel a lot of moisture in the air and it seems that it is still drizzling. Rainfall is an asymmetric triangular shawl using simple 1x3 twisted ribbing pattern combined with eye-catching ‘drop’ stitch.” - Nataliya
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“I tried to reflect the moment when the rain seemed to stop yet you can feel a lot of moisture in the air and it seems that it is still drizzling.�
R A I N FA L L design nataliya sinelshchikova yarn blacker yarns
Pattern on pages 84-87
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INVERSE “I was inspired by embracing change. When faced with change that is perceive as negative, often looking at it from a different point of view allows for the positive to be seen.This sweater is reversible, representing that shift of thinking. The reversibility has additional benefits such as allowing for experimentation with color outside of one’s comfort zone as it can be bold or subtle depending on which side is facing out and also is one solve to approaching knitting in a more sustainable manner as it’s two garments for the time, energy, and money spent on one. “ - Lauren “Lauren Wallis used for her brioche pullover design our Gilliatt base. Gilliatt is a woollen yarn, made from merino wool sourced from flocks raised respectfully in Provence in France (Mérinos d’Arles) and from black merino from Portugal for our heathered colorways. It is spun traditionally in France to create a beautifully rustic yet very soft and airy yarn. Its unique character makes it a versatile yarn easy to knit and suitable for all range of garments and accessories.” - Solenn, De Rerum Natura
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“When faced with change that is perceive as negative, often looking at it from a different point of view allows for the positive to be seen. This sweater is reversible, representing that shift of thinking.�
INVERSE design lauren wallis yarn de rerum natura
Pattern on pages 88-95
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T I DA L “These Tidal socks represent another step in my journey towards building a more sustainable handmade wardrobe. In a literal sense, they symbolise the embracing of nylon free sock blends, as sock yarn is the last area of my making to still incorporate synthetic fibres. The design also represents waves of change through the simple, sinewy, crossed stitches which reflect the increasing awareness and knowledge of our impact on the natural world. Our return to more sustainable ways of living is echoed in the way that the pattern stitch begins and ends with the ribbing, coming full circle.” - Cheryl “Scylfing Sock is a high-twist sock blend of Bluefaced Leicester, Wensleydale and grey Gotland wool. The blend of lustre wools yields glorious colours, with the grey Gotland giving a lot of depth, and the combination of high twist and Wensleydale fibre gives you a robust non-nylon sock yarn with a small environmental footprint.” - Caerthan, Triskelion Yarn
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“The design also represents waves of change through the simple, sinewy, crossed stitches which reflect the increasing awareness and knowledge of our impact on the natural world.�
T I DA L design cheryl eaton yarn triskelion yarn
Pattern on pages 96-101
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BOROBILA “Borobila is a jumper for dynamic persons in constant evolution, active persons. We´ll wear it with casual and comfortable clothes.” - Linolimon “Ask is a soft rustic yarn that’s woollen spun from Norwegian wool. This lofty yarn is ideal for stranded knitting like the traditional Norwegian mittens or cardigans.” - Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk
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“Borobila is a jumper for dynamic persons in constant evolution, active persons.�
BOROBILA design linolimon yarn hillesvĂĽg ullvare-fabrikk
Pattern on pages 102-106
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PILIER “Worked in the round, this light-weight beanie uses a simple slip stitch pattern and two contrasting colours to create an eye-catching, wearable design. Drawing inspiration from the woven work of Bauhaus artist Anni Albers, the proportions of colour shift gradually throughout a series of vertical stripes while the raised slip stitch columns gives the fabric a checkered effect. Knitted at a relatively loose gauge, the beanie has a relaxed, slouchy fit, perfect for those Spring mornings when there’s still a chill in the air.” - Jennifer Barrett
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“Drawing inspiration from the woven work of Bauhaus artist Anni Albers, the proportions of colour shift gradually throughout a series of vertical stripes while the raised slip stitch columns gives the fabric a checkered effect.”
PILIER design jennifer barrett yarn l’échappée laine
Pattern on pages 108-111
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RIMY “Rimy, inspired by the cold weather, walks in the woods and the need to keep warm, will be part of your key wardrobe, keeping you warm during those rimy autumn and winter days year after year. Whilst wearing your Rimy-jumper, you can brave the elements of changing seasons, keeping you feeling like home wherever you are. The lateral braids and shortrows give the extra little to the classical design.” - Joanna “Number 3 is a bouncy DK - a woollen spun 3-ply yarn that’s totally undyed and certified organic. It’s specially spun for us up in New Lanark mill, and twisted right here on the farm in our workshop. We love the heathery blends in each shade, and the depth of colour produced by blending up to 8 different undyed fleece shades!” - Jonny, Garthenor
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“Rimy, inspired by the cold weather, walks in the woods and the need to keep warm, will be part of your key wardrobe, keeping you warm during those rimy autumn and winter days year after year.�
RIMY design joanna ignatius yarn garthenor
Pattern on pages 112-117
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Traversing "
CHANGE author skeinwalker
moment: you can’t observe the whirlpool if you are in the midst of it. You need an opportunity to step back and observe from a distance. At a subconscious level, knitting does that to me. It’s as simple as pausing that train of thought for a microsecond so that I can step out.
Is there anything else than change? Everything changes around us and in us every single second. Circumstances, seasons, our body, our mind and thoughts... Change is the only thing that doesn’t change; the only constant in the world. All the rest is just passing by, crossing our lives for a moment before it vanishes again.
To me, crafting is a necessity in the midst of all these changes and as part of it. Stitch by stitch, I build a tangible thing in the world, a project that will give me and many others joy: the joy of doing, creating, learning, showing and wearing something we have made ourselves.
Of course, sometimes, change seems to be more present and insistent in our lives. There are those moments of physical and mental turmoil where everything seems to dance in a whirlpool around us while we stand still, wondering what’s happening or wishing it was all over. New job; new house; new phase in life; a new addition to the family, or the loss of a dear one... We all know this, and if not, we’ll most probably encounter it at some point in our life. Preventing change is impossible. Fighting it is a recipe to feel even more miserable. The only way out is adapting to the change. Over and over again.
Crafting is a training that gives me the patience and the skills to tackle some more challenging aspects of life. Crafting is a planned and controllable way to include change in my life, in full awareness, and to be content with it. In the end, the journey is the destination. Change is the only thing there is, whether we wish for something else or not. We can all welcome and embrace it.
What does crafting mean in the midst of all this? To me crafting, and especially knitting and designing is an anchor, a way to ground myself and detach from my ever-racing train of thoughts. It’s not a way to escape my life but rather a way to step back and watch things for a
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T R AV E R S I N G “I liked the idea of a cable appearing and disappearing in coordination with larger, overall cables.” - Adrienne “A real swiss product, ecologically and sustainable produced wool from old and rare breeds that are threatened by extinction. Almost all wool used for Lana Rara is from small organic farms or from passionate breeders for which the sheep are more like family. So, buying Lana Rara wool is not just buying some pretty wool, it is supporting a project that stands for rare breeds wool, local Swiss production and a sustainable lifestyle.” - Mirjam, Lana Rara
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“Buying Lana Rara wool is not just buying some pretty wool, it is supporting a project that stands for rare breeds wool, local Swiss production and a sustainable lifestyle.�
T R AV E R S I N G design adrienne larsen yarn lana rara
Pattern on pages 118-125
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CO L U M E L L A “Columella is inspired by the idea of a change in direction and specifically the chirality of some mollusc shells, which usually spiral to the right but occasionally spiral to the left. Several gentle changes in patterning throughout the design, allow the knitter to become familiar enough with Columella’s stitches for the shawl to become a meditative project. This large wrap-style shawl would be prefect gentle draped over the wearer’s shoulders or snugly wrapped closer to the body as a gorgeous layering piece.” - Maddie “Our yarns are spun from Welsh Mule - described as Bluefaced Leicester with character! Sourced from farms in the Cambrian Mountains Region of Mid Wales, it is worsted spun and sturdy while retaining drape and soft handle - infinitely versatile.” - Cambrian Mountains Wool
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“Columella is inspired by the idea of a change in direction and specifically the chirality of some mollusc shells, which usually spiral to the right but occasionally spiral to the left.�
CO L U M E L L A design maddie harvey yarn cambrian mountains wool
Pattern on pages 126-134
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“Nature never ceases to amaze with its relentless circle of life, with the changes that we can witness day by day, especially during a change of seasons like right now.� 73
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issue 1, 1st edition isbn: 978-3-96274-007-8 publisher
Making Stories GmbH, Berlin making-stories.com hello@making-stories.com @_makingstories #makersmakingstories photography, hair & make-up
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Copyright Š 2019 Making Stories GmbH All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced mechanically, electronically or by any other means, including photocopying, without written permission from Making Stories GmbH.