Want to elevate your knitting with a blend of Bavarian tradition and modern style? Join us as Kristin Joél shares her expert tips on creating stunning knitwear that complements both dirndls and modern outfits alike.
Are you ready to knit stunning garments that seamlessly blend traditional charm with modern flair—perfect for life’s big events or just a casual trip to the German beer garden? Then grab your knitting needles, because it’s time to meet Kristin Joél!
Kristin is the creative force behind Joél Joél Handmade 4 Friends. As a true native of Munich, Germany, Kristin brings a unique perspective to the knitting world, drawing from her Bavarian roots and modern aesthetic sensibilities, all knit with a distinctively feminine touch.
Does this sound like the perfect addition to your wardrobe? Kristin has recently released three beautiful Tracht-inspired knitting patterns available for free download on the Hobbii website. These include a pair of chic socks, a versatile shawl, and an elegant stola, each designed to add a touch of traditional flair to any modern wardrobe.
In this blog post, Kristin shares her top tips and insights on how to knit the perfect knitwear to complement your dirndl or add that wow factor to your outfit!
1. What are 3 fun facts about you?
“1 — I guess I have to admit it ... I'm a knitting addict. 😊 A day without knitting? That doesn't exist for me. And if it does, then I'm really, really, really sick.
2 — There's always a sock project in the glove compartment of my car. You never know if you'll get stuck in traffic or need to take a sudden knitting emergency break!
3 — The only thing that can keep me from knitting is a good latte macchiato. But it better be exceptionally good.”
2. Your designs often feature a feminine touch and emphasize empowering the modern woman. How do you incorporate these themes into your knitting universe?
“As a knit designer, it’s important for me to integrate feminine elements like gentle lines, playful details, small eye-catchers, and elegant silhouettes into my designs. I also place great importance on ensuring that my pieces are not only beautiful but also comfortable and functional to support the active lifestyle and personal style of every woman. Additionally, I often choose colors and patterns that highlight the versatility and individuality of each person.
In the first aspect, I always see it quite selfishly and ask myself: What do I like? What suits me? What makes me comfortable? But I also incorporate criteria that I discuss and gather from conversations with many knitters. In the end, the guiding principle always applies… anything that anyone personally finds beautiful fits. My instructions and designs are like a basic recipe that everyone can adapt and refine as they like. We are all individuals, and all our knitting pieces are unique.”
3. From your perspective, how can a handknit wardrobe enhance personal style and confidence?
“Knitting is so much more than just passing stitches over the needles. It brings happiness, but it can also carry us through difficult phases and times, calming and relaxing us… just to name a few aspects.
For me, every hand-knit piece is a companion in certain situations, packed with memories and emotions, which can also be reflected in the choice of color and yarn. It encourages stepping out of the comfort zone, whether in knitting techniques or color choices, and brings pride when a piece is finished and can be worn. It also brings moments of happiness when you receive compliments for it.
I can put together my wardrobe and accessories according to my taste, individually and as I please. These freedoms fill me with creativity and pride in the things I wear. Many designs and knitting pieces accompany me for many, many years, or even decades.
Hand-knitted pieces offer a unique opportunity to strengthen personal style and self-confidence. Each piece is a unique creation, meticulously crafted by hand with love and care. By selecting yarns, colors, patterns, and designs, knitted pieces can be customized to suit the preferences and style of an individual. Overall, hand-knitted pieces help one feel comfortable and confident by emphasizing personal style and conveying a sense of uniqueness and connection.”
4. What is your personal connection to the Trachten style? How has this influenced your approach to creating these patterns?
“I am a true Munich native and have been exposed to the Bavarian and Alpine lifestyle since I was young, or rather, it was demonstrated to me. A dirndl is essential wardrobe attire for me as a Munich native. Whether for special occasions or a visit to a beer garden, one is always well-dressed. Thus, accessories and designs in traditional Bavarian style also play a significant role for me. It is my home, a way of life, and also the ambition to continue such traditions.”
5. The Trachten socks, shawl, and stola are all modern takes on traditional Bavarian garments. Could you explain how you modernized these traditional styles while still keeping their classic essence?
“Overall, modernizing traditional Bavarian clothing items and accessories is about respecting their roots and preserving traditions.
The Reserl Socks are essential for every Bavarian outfit. Yes, really for every outfit... whether with a dress, skirt, jeans, whether with traditional shoes, sneakers, or sandals. The delicate mix of patterns looks elegant and combines many different patterns that keep knitting needles from becoming boring. The secret is to combine the right patterns that visually appeal.
The socks are a wonderful mix of Alpine patterns.”
“The Vronerl Shawl is characterized by a classic lace pattern combined with a cable pattern. Two pattern categories that are part of every Bavarian knitwear. Here, the combination of yarns plays a significant role. The Soft Alpaca Lace is knitted together with Friends Kid Silk and creates a light, fluffy, and luxurious yarn blend. The combination of two yarns is currently very popular in the knitting world.
This versatile shawl serves not only as an optical eye-catcher but also as a warming companion on cool evenings. Whether elegantly draped over the shoulders or wrapped multiple times around the neck, there are numerous ways to wear it.”
“The Soferl Shawl is an indispensable accessory for every Bavarian outfit, perfecting every ensemble. The magic lies in the combination of colors, which, coordinated with the dirndl, is an absolute highlight and attracts all attention.
The fascinating and versatile combination of the classic garter stitch structure known from typical Bavarian scarves, paired with a bobble, cable, and lace pattern, promises not only varied knitting fun but also attracts attention when worn through its unique pattern and color mix."
6. For knitters looking to personalize these Trachten-inspired pieces, do you have any tips on making these designs your own while keeping within the traditional aesthetic?
“My best tip is COURAGE. Have the courage to use color or to boldly combine colors. Nowadays, traditional Bavarian clothing is no longer exclusively defined by traditional colors, and my designs also invite you to leave your comfort zone. Traditional Bavarian garments often use specific color palettes, but here you can wonderfully incorporate your own taste and surprise color-wise. Unusual color combinations and playing with color provide absolute individuality.
This also applies to yarn selection. The yarns that were previously popular as traditional Bavarian yarns were often very robust and rather scratchy. With today’s fantastic selection of various qualities, we can also benefit from modern Bavarian knitting.
Likewise, playing with traditional patterns like cables, lace, and bobbles is paramount. Through various combinations, new and interesting structures emerge.”
7. And finally, what are your top 3 tips for fellow knitters?
“1 — Knitting is not a competition. Take your time and enjoy knitting to the fullest.
2 — Rome wasn't built in a day. There are endless patterns and knitting techniques. Sometimes mishaps happen, and there's frogging to be done. You can't know and do everything. Sometimes it's also a test of patience – but we never stop learning. Knit what you like and how you like it. Be brave and experimental with different yarns, patterns, and techniques. Every mistake is an opportunity to learn and grow personally. Every knitting piece should fill you with pride!
3 — Knitting is beautiful. Knitting together is even more beautiful! I have been organizing a knitting group in Munich for almost 15 years and know how wonderful it is to exchange ideas, admire projects, share tips and tricks, and spend a nice time with like-minded people. This is such valuable support and a stimulating, creative exchange. Perhaps there is also a knitting group or similar in your area to connect with.”
Get the patterns from Kristin Joél here
Are you ready for a fun knitting adventure that will add classic and beautiful pieces to your wardrobe? Download the 3 patterns designed by Kristin Joél here:
