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
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.
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.
More random facts about me
If I’m not knitting, I probably am:
- paragliding
- kitesurfing
- on the road with my camper van
- collect edible wild plants
- playing UNO
- trying to pet the next dog
A few of my favourite things:
- Colour: Petrol (actually all sea colours), coral
- Food: Peanut butter and liquorice
- Place: Cape Town (South Africa)
- Series: The Bridge, Grey’s Anatomy, Friends
Other facts about me:
- I love the number 3. Three, triangles, etc. That’s why I often try to integrate this number into my designs.
- I’m terrified of spiders. But by now I think I have the fear under control and no longer shake the whole house awake with my screaming.
- I keep putting my foot in it. Be it because of my direct manner or because I am forgetful.
CUSTOMER VOICES
Elke Uhlig – test knitter for knitting pattern “Stradbally mitts”
Barbara – Swiss Wulle Festival 2015, Zug
Bettina – Student from the workshop “Englische Strickanleitungen verstehen”,Swiss Wulle Festival 2015, Zug
Anna – Student from “Understanding English knitting patterns”, Swiss Wulle Festival 2015, Zug
Maria – Student from the workshop “Englische Strickanleitungen verstehen”, Swiss Wulle Festival 2015, Zug
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
… 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