Paula Narkiniemi: “Knitting Was Love at First Stitch”
Paula Narkiniemi, also known as Poolaknits (@poolaknits), is a Finnish knitwear designer behind the most fun and colourful knitting book of the season. Everyday Knits: Easy Wardrobe Essentials is perfect for anyone who wants to add relaxed, modern and versatile garments to their wardrobe. We chatted with Paula about her new book, inspiration, style and music tips — and the meaning of knitting in her life.
Tell us a little about your everyday life! When do you find time to knit?
“I live in a rural setting in a small town in Kirkkonummi with my husband, our eight-year-old son and our teenage dog. Since we live quite far from everything, my daily life largely revolves around taking my child to and from school and hobbies. In recent years, I’ve perfected the art of knitting on the sidelines of the football field, and in general, I try to knit whenever and wherever I can.”
You only learned to knit as an adult. What made you pick up the needles?
“I saw a colleague’s adorable hand-knitted hat and thought, I want to learn to make one like that! I complained to another colleague that I had no one to teach me how to knit step by step, and they suggested I check out YouTube tutorials. And that was it — It was love at first stitch.”
What does knitting mean to you nowadays?
“It feels like I’ve come home. When I was younger, I dreamed of becoming a fashion designer, but, lacking the confidence, I ended up working in business, where I stayed for quite some time. Now, as a knitwear designer, I get to explore a different creative side of myself compared to my previous work in communications and marketing. Knitting combines many things I love, like problem-solving, creativity, and the satisfaction of seeing the tangible results of my work. Even though knitting is also my job now, it remains my best way to relax, find inspiration and express myself.”
How would you describe your design style?
“My style is modern and relaxed, and I love colours. I design clothes that I want to wear myself — pieces with an interesting twist or detail. I don’t want to limit myself to just sweaters, cardigans and accessories; I’m fascinated by creating whole outfits and the kinds of garments you don’t so often see knitted, such as skirts and shorts.”
The knits in your book are named after songs performed by female artists. What role does music play in your life?
“For me, the most important aspects of music are relatable lyrics and the mood a song creates. The most meaningful songs in my life are the ones that remind me of a specific moment or period when I listened to them. The songs I chose for the book take me on a journey from childhood to adulthood, from heartbreak to falling in love, and through life’s key turning points.”
Give us some music tips! What are you currently knitting to — and what’s on your needles?
“Right now, I’m listening to Teddy Swims and my all-time favourite, Satin Jackets, mixed in with my second grader’s rather eclectic music choices. I listen to almost everything except classical music. On my needles, I have all sorts of fresh, springtime projects after a winter of thick and warm knits.”
Everyday Knits is your first knitting book. How was the process of making it?
“Writing the book was a hugely educational process. The hardest part was simply the fact that it was my first time doing it, which of course meant that I couldn’t prepare for everything. That sometimes caused stress. But overall, it was a fun and exciting experience. The best moments were seeing the book come to life through photography and layout and realizing how it all materialized into a final product that truly reflects me.”
Is there a particular design in the book that is especially meaningful to you?
“There are many designs in the book that are special to me, but the I Follow Rivers top stands out. It was one of the first pieces I designed for the book, and when I finished knitting it last spring, it really hit me — that I’m writing my first book. So, it carries a lot of big emotions.”
What do you hope knitters will take away from your book?
“I hope the book inspires knitters to try making different kinds of garments and to create their own wardrobe staples that stand the test of time. The best feedback I could receive would be hearing that someone succeeded with my patterns and has become even more passionate about knitting.”
Learn more:
Everyday Knits: Easy Wardrobe Essentials by Paula Narkiniemi