[designer focus] Christine from Atelier des Glenettes

Hold onto your hats, folks! The interview you’ve been craving is finally here! Dive deep with Christine from Atelier des Glenettes (the designer behind this month’s Jogakbo stole) in this exclusive chat, bursting with juicy background and inspiration that’ll leave you wanting more. Don’t miss it!

Tell us a bit more about yourself. Where do you live? Who do you live with? How did you end up there? Where are you from originally?

I live in France, in Provence, with my husband and my two children.

Before we go further, I just have to know – where did Atelier des Glenettes come from?

The name “Atelier des Glenettes” means workshop of the Glenettes, which is the old name of the place where I live.

Who taught you to knit? And when did you start?

The first person who taught me to knit was my grandmother, when I was 7. Then I learned a lot with my mother, who knitted a lot too and taught me a a lot of technics. Once I was an adult, I improved my skills through books, videos and drawing inspiration from other designers.

Do you have any kids? Pets?

I have 2 children and 4 hens. I don’t have a cat, but several of my neighbours’ cats regularly visit my garden.

What made you want to do knitting design?

The first time I designed something was because I wanted to make a sweater for my son, but I didn’t find the exact pattern I had in mind. So I told to myself: well, do it ! And I haven’t stopped since.

Do you design full-time or part-time?

Part-time only, I have another job too.

What’s your favorite color?

Blue blue blue ! Blue is my favorite for sure, but I like green and brown too.

What are your favorite (other) things:

Yarn weights? My favorite yarn weight is sport. I know it’s not the most popular, but I like it because it is not too big, and it is thin enough, but not as thin as fingering, so it doesn’t take too long to work a sweater. But I like to try all yarn weights. At the moment I have a project in bulky yarn, which is very fun to work, as it grows so quickly !

Fibers? I like every natural fibers (I don’t like synthetic fibers much) and I am more and more attracted by non-superwash wool.

Types of objects (e.g., shawls, hats, etc.) I like designing all sorts of objects. I would find it boring to design only shawls or only cardigans. It is more interesting and challenging to change, and sometimes I like using the same motif (lace or textured) in different pieces.

Do you have a design that you think people should give a little love?

My cardigan Nougatine has received less love than I would have hoped. Maybe it is because it is in sport yarn ? I really loved working it and I really love wearing it though.

Can you tell us about your signature style?

I think I can describe my designs as classic and simple with a twist. I prefer simple clothes, easy to live in, but with a little something special. I don’t like sophisticated designs or designs that have a lot of techniques such as cables with colorwork with lace, etc.

Other than knitting and designing, do you have any other creative endeavors?

I like sewing too and make most of my clothes. And I like stitching from time to time.

Do you have a stash? Or, once you buy it you make it up pretty quickly?

I have a big stash – too big certainly ! It is difficult for me to restrain from buying a new color or a new fiber, and I try to sustain local indiedyers (there are several ones in France who do fantastic things). When I buy a yarn, I always have a project in mind, the problem is to find the time to do them all…

And, most importantly – where can we find you?

All my patterns are on Ravelry and most of them on Payhip too. You can get news from me on Instagram (atelier_des_glenettes) and if you have a question you can message me on either Ravelry or Instagram.

Knotions: Thank you for your generosity of time and wisdom, it’s been a pleasure to learn a bit more about you!