Each day this week we have been profiling women who dress with intent. Today, photographer and manager of Mt Eden independent bookstore Time Out Jenna Todd shares the story of a "jumper project" she shares with her Gold Coast-based Nana Sandy. She hand knits jumpers and other knitwear for Jenna, with the pair choosing designs from vintage pattern books or from PDF patterns found online. They tell us more about their charming collaboration.
How did you and your Nana start this “jumper project”?
Jenna: I wear a lot of high waisted skirts and trousers, and I found it really difficult to acquire decent knitwear that sat on my waist. We found an old Crucci pattern book of hers and she made me the most incredible cardigan, with a double moss stitch, inset ribbed shoulders, cables and a crochet waist tie. She then made me a series of monochrome staples in different styles and ever since we are getting more adventurous in colour and pattern.
What do you enjoy about collaborating with your Nana on the jumpers?
Jenna: Nana and I are very close but don't live in the same country. To look at patterns and talk about wool colour over Skype as well as knowing that Nana has me in her thoughts throughout each stitch is incredibly special. She helps me out with my own crochet and knitting over Skype - she is an encyclopaedia of knitting knowledge. I just finished my first cardigan from a 40s pattern, I needed a few pep talks to get it completed. Customers at Time Out always ask, 'Is that another one by your Nana?', her work is well admired!
Tell us about some of your favourite jumpers.
Jenna: My last jumper is amazing - it's a 40s pattern, mint green with red lovebirds. I remember when I received it at the end of last year, it was going into summer but I still sweltered in it for a day. I have a gorgeous little mid sleeved, coral, grey and white striped top that we both love. It's always so fun talking over colours together and watching its progress over Skype. Sometimes, we will be chatting and she will say - oh, I made you this with some leftover wool I had - and hold a surprise creation up to the camera.
Sandy: I love them all! The parrots were very challenging, I felt they weren't up to my usual standard - but it's one of Jenna's favourites!
Why do you like to wear handmade and vintage pieces?
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Advertise with NZME.Jenna: A love to wear clothes that have a story, which are well made and that I plan to wear for years to come. I love to reuse and repair as much as possible as it seems such a waste to buy more new when many of these items already exist. Handmade is extra special as it's made for my size and I can make sure this "new" item is exactly what I need.
Why do you think making your own clothes or supporting people who make their clothes is important?
Jenna: I like to touch and try on clothes, so don't want to be buying from offshore, online companies. I also like to keep my money in the New Zealand economy as much as possible, so buying directly from an NZ label, from a charity shop or a local vintage store means a lot to me.
Sandy: When you make your own clothing, you put your own individuality into a project; by choosing your own wool, fabric, colour and design. You are putting all of your creative talent and love into the finished product - and you have to love it otherwise there's no point in spending all of this time making it. I always knit with 100 per cent wool, something that lasts!
What do you like about knitting?
Sandy: For me, knitting is therapeutic as well as productive. It gives me a sense of calmness, I guess you can say I knit away my worries. I think better when I'm doing something with my hands.
How did you get into knitting?
Sandy: My Mum and five older sisters were all big knitters and I just tagged along on the chain gang. Mum always had something on the needle. A picture of Mum always pops into my mind, of her sitting by the fire (we lived in Dunedin) knitting away. I look back of this image of Mum with great fondness.
Do you make other things?
Sandy: I do like to crochet, sew, embroider and quilt. Anything that I can create from nothing, gives me a wonderful sense of pleasure.
