Inspired by #knittersgonnaknit and the spirit of knitters historically making use of what they had to hand for both tools and materials, this work combines Desiree Isla Jeans’ usual sculptural stitches with yarn from her stash, along with some found alternatives, and improvised knitting needles.

www.seamcollective.org/desiree-jeans-goodall
@isla_design

Artist Statement for Warped and Wasted

‘Born in 1926, Isla Udy was taught to knit by her eldest brother, using six-inch nails and some old wool, when she was six years old. Knitters throughout history have used bicycle spokes, the spines of coconut leaves and cactuses, and more, as knitting needles for various reasons, although sustainability was never one of them. The Depression, Make Do and Mend, and various other periods, illustrate how commonplace reusing yarn, or making do with your stash, is. These samplers are my interpretation of how my grandmother learnt to knit – through a lens of sustainability.’

Details of individual work

Sampler, 2025

Materials: Wool, cotton fabric, guy ropes, string, found items for knitting needles (chopsticks, tent pegs, nails)
Dimensions: 20cm x (up to) 60cm for each piece
Series of three