I started learning knitting basics when I was six or seven years old. My mum and both my grandmothers knit, so I grew up seeing what can be done with a bit of wool and some free time.
Egle Zulonaite from Fir Tree Knitwear learned how to knit as a necessity in the cold winters of Lithuania. Since moving to the (slightly) warmer climes of London, she has built a name for creating beautiful hand-knitted socks, scarves, gloves and accessories that reference Fair Isle patterns and Scandinavian style. We talk to Egle about her knitwear, and find out why she may have to replace the red star on top of her Christmas tree with something a little less ‘Communist’…
Can you introduce yourself and describe what you do?
My name is Egle Zulonaite and I’m a 28 year old knitwear designer/maker and I run Fir Tree Knitwear. I’m originally from Lithuania but now I’m based in London.
I first came here to study for a BA degree in film studies and German. I liked it here, so I stayed and now I call England my home.
What brought you over to the UK?
I first came here to study for a BA degree in film studies and German at the University of Kent. I liked it here, so I stayed. Eventually I met my husband, started a family and now I call England my home.
How does the craft scene in the UK compare with Lithuania?
This is such a hard but interesting question. I feel that knitwear, especially wool knitwear is more valued in Lithuania due to the cold snowy winters. Probably every baby and child in Lithuania owns a hand-knitted wool hat, scarf, socks, mittens and several jumpers. Adults definitely own a pair of woolly socks. However, here in the UK, I’ve seen more originality – people are not afraid to experiment with colours and textures.
How did you learn to knit?
I started learning knitting basics when I was six or seven years old. My mum and my both grandmothers knit, so I grew up seeing what can be done with a bit of wool and some free time. In my school in Lithuania the girls were taught crafts like needlework, crochet and knitting as well. But it was only in 2009 that I started my little shop, Fir Tree Knitwear on Folksy.
In Lithuanian, my name Egle means Christmas Tree or Fir Tree. I’m actually surprised how long it took me to think of the name because it’s so simple.
How did you decide on the name Fir Tree Knitwear?
At first I was called Legyviel in Rivendell, because I was a huge Lord of the Rings fan, however as the business grew I felt the need for something that made more sense. In Lithuanian, my name Egle means Christmas Tree or Fir Tree. I’m actually surprised how long it took me to think of the name because it’s so simple, but once I had it, I knew it was perfect for me.
Are you a city or a country person at heart?
I was always a city person until I had my daughter. Now I find myself wanting to live in a quiet seaside town, but with nice places to shop and eat, decent cultural life and not too far from a big city.
Inspiration comes from the unexpected. It could be a new ball of yarn in a colour that I’ve never used, it could be a piece on the catwalk that catches my eye
Who or what inspires you?
Inspiration comes from the unexpected. It could be a new ball of yarn in a colour that I’ve never used, it could be a piece on the catwalk that catches my eye, or it could be a passer-by with a funky scarf.
How do you start a piece?
Before starting a piece I usually have a rough idea of what I want, for example, I want socks with foxes on them. Usually I then search the internet for free knitting patterns. Once I’ve found something similar to what I want, I start doodling and counting the stitches. Then begins a rather long process of trial knitting to see whether the colours I chose work well together and whether the pattern that I wrote down beforehand needs any tweaking – it usually does!
My favourite part of the making process has to be when I’m creating something totally new, maybe an idea that I had in my mind for a long time and it starts to become something real.
What’s your favourite part of the creative process and why?
My favourite part of the making process has to be when I’m creating something totally new, maybe an idea that I had in my mind for a long time and it starts to become something real, something that people are excited to purchase and wear.
Wool knitwear is more valued in Lithuania due to the cold snowy winters. Probably every baby and child in Lithuania owns a hand-knitted wool hat, scarf, socks, mittens and several jumpers.
Are there any other crafts or techniques you would like to learn?
I dabble a bit in silk painting and crocheting bead necklaces, but there are so many knitting techniques that I would like to learn. Right now I’m trying to master knitting jumpers and cardigans!
Can you describe your workspace?
It’s a bit of space wherever I can get it or where my two-year-old daughter can’t reach. Usually it’s our dining table that turns into my little studio.
For me, craft is a profession that requires a vast amount of knowledge and skills to produce a good quality product.
What’s the best thing about making for a living?
Making is very personal. It feels great when people choose to buy my work for their loved ones and to give them as birthday or Christmas presents. Every December I feel like Santa’s elf, working hard to make someones’ holidays a little bit more special. It’s great.
If you’re thinking about selling your own work, go for it. Keep it small at first, see what people like and buy, and grow from there.
What would you say to someone thinking about selling their work?
Go for it. Keep it small at first, see what people like and buy, and grow from there. Be creative, work hard and good luck!
What does craft mean to you?
For me, craft is a profession that requires a vast amount of knowledge and skills to produce a good quality product.
We have a red star at the top of our tree at the moment, but it looks far too communist to me, so I will knit a white angel if I have any spare time!
How will you be spending Christmas this year and what would your perfect Christmas be?
This year it will be just me, my husband and daughter at home, eating mince pies and watching Christmas movies. The perfect Christmas would be pretty much the same, just with all our relatives and a little bit of snow!
And what will be at the top of your tree?
We have a red star at the top of our tree at the moment, but it looks far too communist to me, so I will knit a white angel if I have any spare time!
See the full range of Fir Tree Knitwear on Folksy
