Designer Profile: Kolibri by Johanna

How did you become a knitting designer?

I was at home with my little baby during the first COVID restrictions and started spending a lot of time on Instagram. That’s where I discovered a whole new “knitstagram world.” I had already been designing and knitting my own patterns for years, but now I also began posting about my self-designed knitwear. After that, everything happened quickly; I received enthusiastic comments about my patterns from all over the world, and people started buying and knitting them, sharing their creations on social media. Shortly afterward, I began professional collaborations with several yarn producers. My small business is still growing every day.

How would you describe your style as a designer?

The sweaters I design are simple, but they always have a special detail. It might be a particular texture or a color combination. All my patterns are also suitable for beginners. I personally wear my sweaters mostly with high-waisted jeans and skirts, and that’s reflected in the length of the designs I create. However, everyone can adjust the length to suit them, as the patterns are often knitted top-down.

What kind of sweaters would you like to design for the new Novita Signature collection?

All my Novita Signature sweaters are favorite pieces that work for both everyday wear and special occasions. For example, the wool sweater Laurenz is a cozy companion for a lazy Sunday on the sofa with a cup of hot chocolate and a knitting project, but it works just as well paired with stylish trousers and a shirt for work or brunch with friends. The same goes for the wool sweater James and the cardigan Salvador: They suit many different situations – hopefully in your life too!

Where do you find inspiration for your sweaters?

Art is a source of inspiration for me, and many of my patterns are named after my favorite artists, such as Claude Monet, Andy Warhol, Piet Mondrian, and Max Bill. But life itself also gives me ideas! When I lived in Berlin, I found something inspiring every day—on the streets, in people and their styles, in shops, and in the surrounding environment. Sometimes, the idea for a knitwear piece also comes from a thought about what I personally need in my wardrobe.

What is knitting culture like in Germany?

In Germany, the popularity of knitting has grown significantly in recent years. When I used to knit as a teenager, I was always the youngest customer in the yarn shop—everyone else was at least 30 years older than me! Today, there are knitting enthusiasts of all ages and patterns for every style. Even older knitters are increasingly interested in learning new techniques. Especially in Berlin, many new yarn shops have emerged where knitting is more of a trendy lifestyle than just a hobby. Sweaters that you’ve knitted yourself are like wearable works of art that people wear with pride.