Mieka John
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Instagram: @saltandstoneknits
I’m Mieka (she/her), and I’m the designer behind Salt & Stone Knits. I’m based in Amsterdam, Netherlands. When I moved here from Brooklyn, New York in 2017, my knitting and crochet supplies were the only crafts that came with me. After the initial chaos of moving, I found myself with a lot of alone time and so, I picked up my crochet hook as a way to fill those idle hours. It wasn’t long before I was ready to go out and make some new connections so I ventured out to my LYS. Getting involved in my local crafting community is what led me down the path of knitwear design.
I get excited when I imagine the life of a knitted object as it’s taking shape on my needles. I ask myself questions like: what would make a pair of slippers extra cozy for when I’m standing in my kitchen on a cloudy morning making coffee? Will this scarf be used to bundle up against the wind or be worn loosely on a spring afternoon by the sea? When I can picture my designs taking up space in the real world, I get a better sense of how they should look.
Another major aspect of Salt & Stone Knits is my teaching. I enjoy connecting with students from around the world both virtually and at festivals. Often, a technique that’s featured in one of my lessons will become the central focus of my design. It delights me when I can find a new application for a familiar technique. You could say that the designs of Salt & Stone Knits are grounded in technique.
Visually, I’m drawn to designs that are rich in texture with densely repeated motifs and deep, plush fabrics that are pleasing to both the eye and the hand that makes them. I think about not only how it will look, but also how it will feel to knit. I aim to find the balance between a new technique and mindless knitting.
Thank you for visiting my page. I look forward to sharing my ideas and designs with you!
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