My Knitting Story
Hi I’m Jewell, I’m a southern belle turned Midwesterner and the NorthKnits knitwear designer and content creator. I taught myself how to knit in college and delved into crochet during grad school. After graduation with my BA and MS in mass comm, I worked full time in journalism and news media while simultaneously learning all that I could about knitting, crochet, and the art of wool fiber. I created NorthKnits in 2014 to fuel my hobby love, pattern design, create quite the yarn stash, and to courageously participate in the fiber community.
I currently work full-time in corporate marketing, a good cup of coffee close by, while designing knit accessories and garments. I also love sharing my favorite yarn brands, teaching others how to knit, and meeting up with fellow makers at Our Maker Life events.
I REALLY LOVE YARN, and also content creation, living in downtown Chi, coffee, craft community and diversity, millennial everything, yoga, fantasy romance books, Star Wars, The Office, writing, editing, reading, podcasts, kitty cuddles, dating, family time, and travel.
My Design Philosophy
I believe in creating Northknits knitwear that embodies the essence of warmth, simplicity, and authenticity. Rooted in the art of slow living and easeful style, my designs are driven by a minimalist yet deeply thoughtful approach where modern aesthetics and timeless techniques meet. My piece showcases knit skill highlighted through minimalist design, cozy texture, and Midwest city lifestyle.
My philosophy champions:
Intentional Design: My stitches are purposeful, and I create garments and accessories that are functional and beautiful.
Sustainable Craftsmanship: I value eco-friendly practices, making sure that the materials are ethically sourced and how I create is environmentally mindful.
Accessible Materials: I believe that knitting should be an accessible and inclusive craft for everyone. That’s why I prioritize using yarns that are both high quality and affordable, including acrylic and other budget-friendly fibers. These yarns allow knitters to create beautiful, lasting pieces within budget and making low-cost digital craft downloads more accessible to all.
Comfort and Style: Knitwear should look and feel good. My pieces are designed to be worn and cherished, embracing versatility and comfort without compromising on elegance.
Technique and Tradition: I honor the history and tradition of knitting, drawing from age-old techniques while casting them into fresh, contemporary influences.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): As the owner and designer of Northknits, I am committed to fostering an inclusive community that celebrates all backgrounds, cultures, and identities. I strive to make my brand a welcoming space where every maker feels seen, valued, and empowered. I keep DEI at forefront of mind in both how I design and the storytelling around those designs as I feel that honoring diversity is who I am as a black woman and a key thread in our creative journey.
Joyful Teaching: Beyond design, I believe in the power of knowledge sharing. Northknits is dedicated to teaching others how to knit, fostering a community where beginners and seasoned knitters alike can learn, grow, and connect through the craft. I offer guidance, inspiration, and support to those embarking on their knitting journey, empowering them to create in a way that feels individualistic, natural, and fun.
Community: Northknits is more than just a brand—it’s part of the broader Our Maker Life community. As the founder of OML, I encourage meetups, workshops, and events where creators can come together to connect, inspire one another, and celebrate their craft. Whether in person or online, I believe in building a supportive environment where makers can share their passions, learn new skills, and find inspiration.
Northknits isn’t just about what I knit; it’s about fostering human connection—between what we make, style, and how we choose to share that with the world; how we feel creative, inspired, and empowered from the beautiful craft energy around us.