Hi knitters!
Today in our series, we are introducing you to Noraya, a knitter from Barcelona, who is Majorcan by adoption, with American memories… and very proud of being a knitter! If you want to know more about her, we are leaving you with an interview that talks about her beginnings, interests and much more.
When did you start knitting?
One day when I was 13 or 14 years old, my mom took out some needles that she had saved in a memory chest and it really drew my attention to watch her knit. She taught me how to cast on stitches and the basic knit stitch, but it wasn’t until 6 months ago that I bought some needles and some balls of yarn and began… and now I cannot stop!
What is your favorite stitch?
There are so many stitches that appeal to me… various new stitches that I’ve been discovering on your posts and tutorials, but the truth is that I still haven’t had the opportunity to knit many of them…. But, yes, I do have a preference and it is Moss stitch. I love how it looks and above all I love its texture, it’s very fluffy and soft.
Do you prefer to knit for yourself or to give gifts?
Well, it’s a little of everything! I began by making gifts – scarves for my daughters and my sister, backpacks, little bags…. My first “big project” was a sweater that I knitted for my little two-month old niece, and I have some projects underway that I will give away as gifts…. But the sensation of knitting something for yourself and wearing it for the first time is inexplicable! It is immense self-satisfaction! In the end, the reward is equally gratifying in both cases!
What time of day do you most prefer to knit?
For me, any time of day is perfect for knitting. I always bring my needles with me… to the beach, to the park, on an outing to the mountains, to the hairdresser, to bars… Once I knitted in the waiting room at the public notary!! I take advantage of any little bit of time to knit one or two rows (it always ends up being 5 or 6 J), although I love to knit when I wake up in the morning, while I have a coffee and my kids are still sleeping… sometimes I wake up a half hour early just so that I can knit for a little bit before beginning the day! This time is mine and it gives me a lot of peace!
How did you find out about We Are Knitters?
I was searching for wool online and it came up in the search results. I immediately fell in love with your designs and your “proud to be a knitter” image. Knitting is not just a thing for grandmas, it’s so much more than that, it’s sophisticated and becoming stylish again! Your designs are magnificent; I believe that your success lies in your simplicity, and the extraordinary quality of your wool and Pima cotton. It was love at first sight.
What is your favorite We Are Knitters kit?
This question is impossible to respond to! I really enjoyed knitting the Dill Tee as much as I enjoyed the Juliet Tee, and I love the Pacific Sweater and Sunset Tee for the summer. I’m obsessed with the Sienna Beanie, and this winter I will definitely knit the Vertigo Sweater and the Udon Blanket!
What is the most difficult thing that you have ever knitted?
Until now the most difficult thing that I’ve knitted is the eyelet part of the Juliet Tee, and it’s not too difficult, but at the beginning I found it a little difficult to get the hang of the trick! I believe that you set yourself to something and don’t give up!
Do you have a knitting trick that you want to share with the knitters?
The only thing that I can say to the knitters who are just starting like me, is not to be afraid of trying new challenges and taking risks… with the WAK tutorials you can do anything, and after all, messing up is how one learns, isn’t it? J
What is your favorite city in the world?
The world is so big and I still have so many things to see!!! But, of the cities that I have been to, I have fantastic memories of San Francisco and one day I would love to be able to return with my daughters and knit in the Japanese gardens in Golden Gate Park, while drinking a green tea and eating a fortune cookie. Palma is also a marvelous city; it’s becoming more and more cosmopolitan and avant-garde with a wide range of cultural offerings. I feel very fortunate to live on this island.
What is your favorite song?
I love music, when I’m at home I almost always listen to jazz, although it also goes by time period and according to my mood. If I were to choose one song, I believe that I would stick with “Take This Waltz” by Leonard Cohen, although if you ask my friends, they would tell you that the song “More Than Words” by Extreme reminds them of me… and I’m not going to say why! hahaha
My perfect date would be with…
The truth is that a meal surrounded by my family and the people I love is the best date I could have!
The best advice that you have ever received…
My parents always told me: Be yourself, love yourself, believe in yourself, pursue your dreams and fight for what you want, don’t be afraid to be different and don’t be afraid of messing up and you will be successful!
Do you have a favorite actor or actress?
The award goes to Ewan McGregor, without a doubt!
Which person, living or dead, would you like to meet?
I would love – I would die – to spend an entire day with Mary Poppins so that she could teach me the finger snapping trick and I could take a stroll with her on the rooftops of London… and sing with her “in every job that must be done, there is an element of fun, you find the fun, and snap, the job’s a game!!” I’ve adored her since as far back as I can remember!
Noraya is wearing the Juliet Tee in natural, the Dill Tee in deep blue and the Downtown Snood in aquamarine.
