Introducing - Katharina Kuntz ♊
We are so excited to be working with the amazing Katharina Kuntz this May as part of our Gemini Season that celebrates the fun in colour pairing, the joy of contrasting and unexpected colour combinations. Katharina's double knit scarf designs popped into our heads almost immediately!
The Gemini Season will include kits to complete Katharina's special Zodiac Signs Scarf, written especially for this release and our Dashing Fingering yarn!
We asked Katharina a few questions about her process, her history with making and what happens outside of all that.
Can you remember the first thing you made?
Funnily enough, my very first knitting project was a scarf, just like for most people, I imagine. It consisted entirely of knit stitches and plenty of mistakes.
What made you make it?
Since I was doing a lot of sewing at the time, I loved visiting fabric stores; they always stocked beautiful yarn as well. Unfortunately, I didn't really know what to do with it. So, I learned to knit not for the sake of knitting a piece of clothing, but because I wanted to work with the beautiful yarn.
What is the best knitting advice you’ve ever gotten?
The best advice I’ve ever received is that if you don’t feel like continuing to knit a project, you should at least try to do one row a day. It may not seem like much, but even then, you will eventually finish. This tip has taken the stress out of some of my projects - and sometimes, you end up feeling like knitting a few more rows after all.
Is there something you’ve always wanted to make, but haven’t?
I would love to take on a knitting project that I can combine with sewing; perhaps a knitted jacket with a sewn-in lining, or a sewn jacket with knitted details.
Where do you find the most inspiration?
From my childhood: nostalgia guides me through life. I’ve always loved childlike and cute things, and that has never stopped, no matter how old I’ve gotten. I’m the kind of person who would rather watch the same movie for the tenth time than start something new - comfort shows for life!
What do you like most about working with yarn?
The way it feels: the different textures and the wonderful colors. I don't know why, but I have always had a fascination with fibers, whether it's fabrics or yarn. I always have the strong feeling that I want to do something with it.
What is your favourite knitting tool?
By far, my favorite tool is the tension ring. I always use it when double knitting. It helps keep the two colors separated, and the thread tension is more even. Once you get used to it, you just glide through the rows.
What do you do when you’re not busy making and designing?
To be honest, nothing. I’m either at my part-time job or I’m knitting/designing. I would really like to find the time to sew again in the future. I am a trained tailor, and I miss expressing myself through sewing.
At Qing we value our collaborations highly, as its the best way to see our yarn in action. We love when our fibres spark imagination and let creativity run wild!
See Katharina's design and our Gemini Season yarn pairings this Friday, 15th May, 9pm BST ((4pm EDT, 6am AEST)