This week, we checked in with Alejandra Graterol in the Southern Hemisphere.

Alejandra is a Venezuelan-Australian Gastroenterologist living in Sydney. Following her passion for drawing and origami art, Alejandra taught herself to knit in 2014, and soon after she found on knitwear design the next creative outlet.

Alejandra designs are inspired by Japanese beautiful simplicity, minimalism, clean lines, and timeless garments. We have been in love with Alejandra’s paired down aesthetic since the Woolfolk collaboration in 2017 for Wool Elements Collection.

We interview Alejandra during this stay home order on how she spends her time and she’s coping with the current situation.

HOW HAS YOUR LIFE CHANGED IN THE LAST MONTH OR SO?
It wasn’t a big change. I was already on maternity leave and working from home on some new knitwear designs. The first weeks in isolation were the most challenging ones as my husband, my baby and I started developing Flu-like symptoms. At that time, not much information or testing was available and it was really scary. The time really stopped. Fortunately, the symptoms were mild and we fully recovered in a couple of weeks.

HOW ARE YOU FEELING? WHAT’S YOUR CURRENT EMOTIONAL STATE?
In these uncertain times, it’s difficult to put into words or be fully conscious of how I feel, but not having family other than my husband and my son around, makes me feel a little bit more anxious. Mindfulness and knitting have helping me to relax and keep focus on the present.

HOW HAS THIS AFFECTED YOUR WORK?
It actually helped me focus more on my designs. I think I needed an escape from the global situation and knitting have always brightens the days for me. I also have an extra pair of hands to help with the baby, which means extra time to knit.

DO YOU HAVE TO JUGGLE MORE THINGS NOW THAN BEFORE?
Luckily, I adapted quickly to this new normal. I had an extra pair of hands to help and we had an established routine with the baby which help us to be more organized (planning the meals, resting time, playing time, outdoor time, creative time).

ARE YOU WORKING ON ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?
I just finished the sample of a new pullover design featuring Woolfolk FÅR. It has everything I love in a pullover aesthetically and functionally. I will be working on the pattern now and hopefully, it will be in the testing stage very soon.

DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS OR IDEAS TO STAY MOTIVATED?
I love the creative process and always try to learn new techniques and types of construction, but having a daily routine has helped me to make the most of the time available.

DO YOU HAVE ANY PLANS FOR THIS TIME WHILE YOU’RE FORCED TO STAY HOME?
My plan is focusing on the projects I have already sketched and scheduled. I’m also working on a collaboration with a fellow designer.

Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us. We look forward to seeing more of your work. You can find more of Alejandra’s creative journey on her IG feed @kurokiknitting. We wish you all the best!

~Images courtesy of Alejandra