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