Welcome to my little knitting corner of the internet, I’m glad you are here. Grab a cup of something yummy and let’s get comfy.

My name is Joanne and I am the knitter behind Snowy Thistle Knits.
The Chief Knitting Officer, if you will.

And I am Fibre Obsessed. There, I said it.

I love the way the fibres sing when they pass through my fingers and onto my needles. I know that the recipients of my projects will feel the love and hugs in each stitch as they wrap themselves up in the cosy garment or accessory they received. And of course, I love that all the swearing and teeth-grinding that goes with the process doesn’t actually show in the finished masterpiece! (Tell me that’s not just me…?)

Where did it all begin?

I learned to knit at school. Knitting and sewing were still part of the primary curriculum in Scotland in the 1980s. Of course, we had a typically outlandish choice of fabrics and yarn to choose from. I distinctly remember the straight needles and orange acrylic yarn that felt like knitting with plastic. I found it so boring!!!! One small square took FOREVER to knit. Of course, and not surprisingly, I gave the needles back to my mum and didn’t pick them up again until years later. 

We moved our small family to Canada in 2009 and I left behind a career in dentistry in the UK. In 2010, we were on a limited budget and I was looking for something to keep me busy. Before long, I picked up those needles again, determined to make some low cost gifts for friends and family. Ultimately, I never looked back.

I spent those first few years growing my confidence and skills and exploring the world of patterns and yarn shops. Eventually I even took part in a couple of Christmas Craft Fairs and had heaps of fun showing off my knitted hats and scarves. This is where Snowy Thistle Knits was born.

Hiatus in the States…

It was a move to the northern suburbs of Houston, Texas in 2018 and the discovery of Instagram that really blew this hobby into an obsession. I knew there were lots of designers and resources (University of You Tube, anyone?) and products out there, but I really didn’t know any other knitters.

Also, I needed a way to boost my mental health. Being a stay-at-home mum was great, but when the children were all at school, even my introverted soul was beginning to feel lonely. So I set out to look for some kindred spirits. I had “met” dozens of wonderful crafters on Instagram but I needed a real life connection.

Armed with a pattern I wanted to knit and a list of supplies, I went to The Yarn Store Boutique and there I found my knitting family. Cue knit nights and yarn crawls and far too much stash enhancement! It really is a game-changer when you find your people, isn’t it?

Designer in the making!

My husband and my eldest daughter are my biggest cheerleaders. In 2019 I released my very first pattern. I knew that no-one would be interested – there are so many talented designers out there after all.

I was wrong. So, very wrong.

In the last year and a bit, I have worked with some unbelievably talented makers and yarn dyers and have found a superb group of testers. I have released ten patterns to date and there are many more coming soon.

I continue to be astounded and grateful to my very core any time a knitter downloads one of my patterns. Seeing my ideas come to life through other crafters’ yarn and colour choices blows my mind every single time.

Join me on this ever-evolving knitting journey! I want to see what you’re making too!!

My patterns are all available on my patterns page. Which one is your favourite?