Introducing: RhiRhi Knits 🧸

We are so very excited to introduce our next Mystery Box designer - Rhianna Ellington of RhiRhi Knits! The childhood nostalgia inspired Mystery Box will be open for pre-orders from 5th June, 9pm BST (1pm PDT, 4pm EDT, 6am AEST).

We asked Rhianna what inspires her, how she grew up in the world of textiles and what she is looking forward to making next.

Do you remember your first-ever craft project?

I was very lucky to grow up in an arts-and-crafts household, so pinning down my very first project is nearly impossible! One of my earliest memories is collecting wood with my dad, painting it, and collaging it into a large photo frame, which still hangs in my family home. I also remember making a teddy bear with my mum when I was about 5. We bought that classic brown teddy-bear fabric and little glass eye beads, used old tights for stuffing, and she helped me hand-sew it all together. I also chose a green tartan ribbon to tie around its neck.

My grandma is a textile designer and quilt maker, and as a child, I was completely transfixed by her studio, all those yarns, sequins, beads, and bolts of fabric. Around the age of eight, she took me to a silk painting class, and I went on to study printed textiles for my degree. I genuinely think that spark started with her.

Photo from Rhianna's studio.

When do you feel the most inspired?

Mostly in the evenings, when I have time to decompress and space to be creative. I'm also a mum to a nearly two-year-old called Bunny Lou, so these days my knitting time is pretty much dictated by his sleep schedule, but honestly, there's something quite lovely about that quiet window when the house settles down, and I can pick up my needles.

You mentioned studying textiles - how has this influenced your craft practice?

I have an undergraduate degree in Printed Textiles and Surface Pattern Design from Leeds College of Art, and an MA in Textiles Print from the Royal College of Art. My textile background has shaped absolutely everything about how I approach knitting, from the way I think about colour and pattern, to my instinct for surface and texture.

The knit connection started at the RCA, where I collaborated with a knitwear designer, and from that moment, I wanted to learn. Then, two years after graduating, during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, my good friend, a knitwear designer, taught me how to handknit. I haven't put my needles down since.

The moodboard for the Mystery Box, courtesy of designer.

Is there anything you would really like to make, but haven't (yet)?

On the knitting front, my list is long and ever-growing. At the top of it right now: Danny's iconic rocket jumper from The Shining, a patchwork jumper inspired by a blanket I made when I was pregnant, and a full Halloween-themed knitted collection. I also have my eye on the Karoline Maria Barfod jumper and the Loupy Studio cardigan, which have been living on my "one day" list for far too long.

Beyond knitting, I've always been desperate to try glass blowing and make my own glass beads - there's something so magical about the whole process. And the big dream? To write my own knitting book one day, filled with all my motifs and characters. That one feels a little scary to say out loud, but it's very much on my creative bucket list.

What are you up to when you're not making or designing?

Honestly? Mostly being a mama - that pretty much covers it! When I'm not chasing a nearly two-year-old around, I work four days a week, so by the time the evenings roll around, knitting and sleep are competing for the same slot.

When I do get the chance to come up for air, I love being outdoors and spending time with family.

What is the best crafting advice you've heard?

Two pieces of advice have really stuck with me.

Do it for yourself first, and for others second. When you create for yourself, the work is honest. When you create for others first, it becomes performance, and that's when the joy starts to drain out of it.

Know your worth and never work for free. The moment you stop charging for your craft, you teach others not to value it, and somewhere along the way, you stop valuing it yourself, too. It sounds simple, but it takes real courage to hold the line on that, especially when you're starting out. When I was in my 20s, I did many unpaid internships and collaborations, and I was never valued in these situations. 

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Rhianna is best known for her colourwork designs that capture the essence of sweetness and childhood nostalgia. Her accessories like bonnets and scarves all carry this elegant delicateness, like a memory from your bedroom as a little kid. 

We're so happy to be working with Rhianna on our new Mystery Box! This one will use our Super Floof DK, our cuddliest yarn base yet. We can't wait to share more.