I have been a freelance knitting pattern designer and knitting workshop instructor since 2019 and live in Zurich, Switzerland with my partner.

Before I became a knitwear designer, I worked as an architect. It was a job that required good organisational skills, a lot of responsibility and accuracy. This helped me prepare for the next chapter of my career: designing knitting patterns and teaching knitting workshops!

A few rows a day, keep the doctor away.

My burnout a few years ago made me realise how important knitting is to me. For me, knitting is a balance to my hectic everyday life. With the clicking of the needles, stitch by stitch, I can relax. Preferably daily.

Why donnarossa?

“donna rossa” is Italian and means “the red-haired woman”. I used to be teased a lot as a child because of my hair colour. Today I am proud of it. And Italian because my great-grandparents are Italian.

How do I help you?

In 2009 I started knitting again. Thanks to Youtube and blogposts I muddled through – more badly than well. That’s why I’m keen to spare you these detours.

I help knitters improve their skills and find relaxation in knitting (again).

 

I believe…

… with precise patterns, you have less to worry about. You can switch off your head and just follow the instructions.

… with the right tutorials, you can save yourself the tedious search on the internet.

… with workshops you can seek help locally and meet like-minded people.

My work as a knitwear designer

I design knitting patterns that have just the right amount of simplicity and learning new techniques. I love enabling knitters to confidently expand their craft.

My designs are inspired by places I know through kitesurfing and paragliding. Outdoor sports take me into nature where I can relax and recharge my creativity. Through a design you get a memory of that place. I like to capture the textures of a place and transform them into a knitting pattern.

With my knitting patterns, I make sure that you can sit back comfortably and just follow the instructions. Without thinking too much.

KNITTING PATTERNS

My work as a knitting teacher

When I first taught a knitting class at a yarn festival in Switzerland in 2015, I knew immediately: I want more of it!

It makes me happy to pass on my knowledge in my knitting workshops. When I see someone ‘click’, I know I’ve done my job right.

Teaching knitting workshops is so much fun that I completed my training as a course instructor for adults (SVEB I) in 2020.

Whether Amsterdam, Cape Town, Leipzig – no matter where I teach: I enjoy motivating others. I love to get you further in your knitting. Be it in the form of my knitting workshops or tutorials.

WORKSHOPS

CUSTOMER VOICES

Companies I have worked with

The success and growth of donnarossa is mainly due to the support and collaboration with other brands in the knitting community. Here I would like to pay tribute to the companies that have contributed to donnarossa.

Are you a wool producer or dyer and are you interested in working with me?

Want a design that highlights the best qualities of your yarn while getting in front of my audience of yarn lovers? Commission me to design a pattern made exclusively with your yarn. Contact me at info@donnarossa.ch and you will receive an email with my offer within 48-72 hours.

Knitting

… is not only healthy, it also reduces your stress level.

… helps against anxiety and depression.

… improves your motor skills and memory.

… slows down the mental decay.

… makes you proud and happy.

… keeps you from going to the fridge all the time. 😉⁠

… connects. No matter what language, skin colour or religion – the common hobby unites.

Press

I am available for interviews and can be reached at info@donnarossa.ch.

  • Interview radio programme with Radio SRF 2 about the Swiss wool and knitting scene, July 2020
  • Article on SRF about the Swiss wool and knitting scene, July 2020
  • Newspaper article in the “Landbote” (Winterthur newspaper) about the shop N13, where I used to work, December 2019