The Knitter Issue 141
The Fibre Co.’s Daphne Marinopoulos explains the
story behind her inclusive One Sweater project
One of a kind
THE ONE SWEATER
project started with a
simple idea: to create
a gender-neutral
knitting pattern in
a wide range of sizes;
a go-to piece that could be worn
and styled in so many ways; a new
wardrobe favourite for all the family.
It’s the brainchild of Daphne
Marinopoulos, the founder of The
Fibre Co., whose beautiful yarns are
beloved by knitters around the world.
The idea behind One Sweater came
from a photo essay showing the same
pullover being worn by people of
many sizes and ages. “The images
were powerful, and I was drawn in,
wanting to know more about the
people who had their own unique
looks despite wearing the same
garment,” Daphne explains.
“This inspired me to introduce
a simple sweater design for which
we would make samples in multiple
sizes and invite people around the
world to try on - and who then
perhaps would be inspired to make
their own One Sweaters.“One Sweater is a gender-inclusive
design in 13 sizes. It is knit in one
piece from the top down, with classic
raglan detailing and short-row neck
shaping for an improved fit. It can be
made for all body shapes and sizes
according to one’s desired styling.”
Daphne and her team are hoping
that knitters will share their images
and thoughts of making their own
One Sweater on social media using
the hashtag #OneSweaterProject.
“We feel a kinship with every maker
who works with our yarn and
patterns, and can’t wait to connect
with those knitting their own
One Sweater,” says Daphne.Inspiring creativity
It’s this close connection with makers
that drives everything the Cumbria-
based company does. “Our mission
is to nurture and inspire creativity,
provide products that bring joy and
a sense of wellbeing, and encourage
makers to achieve their goals,” says
Daphne. “In fulfilling this mission,
we work with the spirit of giving,
openness and caring. Sustainabilityis an essential ingredient for our
long-term success, and this drives
everything we do.”
Daphne and her design team are
keen to support improving knitters
in every way they can, helping to
boost their skills and confidence.
Their Foundations pattern series
was launched for this very reason,
offering relatively easy knits that
could be enjoyed by improvers as well
as more experienced knitters.
“Each pattern highlights a
technique and builds a set of skills
that are perfect for the enthusiastic
novice to help them build a lifelong
habit of knitting,” explains Daphne.
“There are currently seven
Foundations collections, with 38
patterns. Our AW19-20 collection
will also be part of the series when
the patterns release in September
and October 2019, giving us a total
of 45 Foundations patterns.”
The Fibre Co. has an in-house
design team, and also works with
independent designers to develop
its pattern ranges, which have
included the Borrowdale and
Fell Garth collections, Innisfree,
and April In Paris. “As a yarn-led
brand, The Fibre Co. depends on
the great works of the indie design
community, and I have championed
many designers over the years,”
says Daphne. “I’m humbled to have
worked with some of the best
designers in developing patterns
that use our yarns.
“In addition to our in-house
published designs, we have a formal
project, known as YSP (Yarn Support
Programme) to support independent
designers. Twice a year we put out a
call for new designs in certain yarns,
and select from 20 to 25 designs. We
provide yarn to the selected designers
who self-publish their patterns, and
then we help them with marketingDaphne Marinopoulos wearing
her own One Sweater1
Interview