Maker of the Week #2: Jo @andsosheknits

Welcome to the second instalment of Maker of the Week. This week it is Jo from @andsosheknits. She posts the best knitting reels and I’m a total fangirl of her folklore cardigans! Enjoy and give Jo a follow!

Introduce yourself….

Hi I’m Jo from @andsosheknits! I'm a social worker by day and a knitter by night. My daytime career is in criminal justice reform; I currently do data and policy analysis for various states and individual agencies to try and improve outcomes for individuals who are justice-involved. I was born in San Diego, but grew up in Maine, which is the opposite of San Diego in many ways. I've lived most of my life in the north-eastern US, but recently lived in Texas for a year and am heading back there soon, probably forever (#texasforever -- iykyk).

A few fun facts about me are: I'm a quarter Mexican (and a white redhead, so you'd never know), I was on a hip hop dance crew in college, and I've eaten a scorpion. I love traveling, reading, moving my body, and of COURSE, knitting! :)

How do you like to craft?

I'm strictly a knitter, though I would love to try weaving someday. I really like the look of a woven wall hanging and plan to commission one when I settle into a home.

How did you first learn to knit?

I first learned to knit in third grade. Growing up in Maine, it was sometimes too cold to go outside for recess. On those days, my third grade teacher would have yarn and knitting needles for those that were interested in learning. I'm pretty sure my first project was a scarf -- classic! I enjoyed knitting it, but didn't make much at that time. I also learned crochet from my mom's friend around the same time, but couldn't seem to get the hang of it, so I didn't continue.

I took a long hiatus from knitting, though I've found pictures of myself knitting at various times over the years, including at a summer church camp I went to during high school. When I was in graduate school a few years ago, my mom and I visited my grandmother over spring break. My grandmother was losing mobility so we spent a lot of time sitting around. I don't like to sit still for too long, so my mom and I went to Michael's to grab some yarn and knitting needles. I started making baby blankets for friends who were having babies, and soon began making baby bonnets, hats and sweaters for all ages, pumpkins, dishcloths, etc.! I started my knitstagram account and Etsy shop in the fall of 2019 and have been having a really fun time running my small business since then.

Who are you biggest inspirations?

I'm really inspired by makers like Amy @pineandpoppyshop and Brooke @behappedesigns. They both have really consistent content, and seem to be able to balance their maker careers with motherhood, which I admire and aspire to someday. I’m also in love with Kelly @knitbrooks. She radiates kindness and creativity and I am obsessed with her patterns and hand carved hooks and needles!

Favourite projects?

How could I possibly choose one project? There is something to love about every project. The quickness of a hat, the intricacy of lace, the satisfaction of a cabled cardigan. I don't think I've met a project I didn't like. I tend to knit things, especially big things, only once, but I have now made three Folklore Cardigans (pattern by Lion Brand Yarn, inspired by the Taylor Swift cardigan) and am working on a fourth. It's a really enjoyable project, but I can't say it's my favorite because it takes a long time and there's quite a bit of seaming involved, which is not my favorite part of knitting. :)

Favourite yarn?

My favorite yarn has to be Malabrigo Rasta. It's by far the softest, prettiest yarn I've ever worked with. The colorways are all stunning, and the feel of the yarn is unmatched. The super bulky weight makes for fun and quick projects like hats and mittens.

Favourite accounts?

One of my most recent faves is Vanessa @oshenknits. She has the coolest style where she's both low-key and a bit avant-garde. She's a scientist and super nice and encouraging of others. I'm really impressed by her pattern designs, knitting, and general social media presence. It doesn't seem like she takes herself too seriously which I appreciate. The knitstagram is a really fun and supportive place where I am constantly discovering new stitches, drooling over beautiful yarn, and impressed by creative designs.

Visit Jo’s Etsy shop here!