Supporting and nurturing emerging designers is a core aspect of Woolfolk’s ethos. One such talent who recently caught our eye is Kyleigh Noelle, an up-and-coming knitwear designer from Canada. We were captivated by her sweater design, which she created using Luft yarn as part of her mid-term critique at university. She named this sweater the Matisse Jazz Sweater, and we think it’s the perfect name for such an artistic creation. This new pattern is now available on Kyleigh’s website.

Read our interview with Kyleigh to learn more about her design journey.

WY: WOULD YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF?

KN: I am a 21 year old Canadian artist from Toronto, ON, where I grew up as the eldest of three siblings with two younger brothers. I also have two dogs who play a big role in my life. My passion for art and design has been a constant, with a special focus on fiber and textile arts, particularly knitting and printmaking. I view my work as a celebration of life and a rediscovery of joy. These themes have a personal relation to me, having struggled with a severe eating disorder, I strive to create designs that inspire others to find excitement in life, especially after and during difficult experiences. Purple has always been my favorite color and is a recurring theme in my work, as nearly everything I create features this colour.

My journey with design includes creating clothing that promotes well-being and joy. I aim to produce wearable works of art that inspire others and are crafted from sustainably sourced materials produced in ethical facilities – avoiding the pollution, waste and unethical practices which are common in the textile production industry. I think it is important that clothing tells a story, so you can then live your life within that narrative as your body is immersed in its fibers.

WY: HOW DID YOU DISCOVER WOOLFOLK YARN?

KN: I first encountered Woolfolk yarn at The Knitting Loft in Toronto, my favorite yarn store. When I felt the quality of Woolfolk’s fiber, I knew it was special. Initially, there were no purple colours available, which was a challenge for me since purple is central to my work. I followed Woolfolk on Instagram, hoping for future purple options. I used to leave comments and responses to question stickers asking for purple yarn from Woolfolk, hoping that my dream would one day come true. To my delight, Woolfolk released two beautiful purple shades that year, sparking new design ideas for me. Woolfolk’s attention to detail and alignment with my values in sustainability and ethics resonated deeply with me and I have been a huge fan of Woolfolk yarn long before we began my mentorship opportunity.

WY: WHEN DID YOU START KNITTING?

KN: I began knitting about three years ago while attending university away from home. I sought something comforting and secure during a challenging time in my life and hoped knitting might help with my anxiety and ADHD – especially because knitting was something that I could have with me all the time, and even work on during class. Simultaneously, as my eating disorder intensified, knitting became a crucial outlet for my creativity, especially while I was on medical bed rest.

WY: HOW DID YOU LEARN TO KNIT?

KN: I learned to knit through online resources, primarily YouTube videos. One of my favorites is VeryPink Knits, which helped me with various techniques when I was getting started. I started with beginner patterns and gradually tackled more complex designs to broaden my skill range. Petite Knit, whose Novice Cardigan I still wear, was the first designer who truly excited me about knitting.

WY: WHAT DID YOU STUDY IN COLLEGE?

KN: I studied at the University of Guelph, earning a Bachelor of Arts Honors in Studio Art from 2020-2024. My degree focused on various forms of fine arts: photography, sculpture, painting and most significantly to me, printmaking, which has become a significant part of my work. I also studied art history and social sciences during my degree, which helped me understand and contextualize my art within a broader framework.

WY: WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST STRUGGLE AS A YOUNG GRADUATE IN THE CREATIVE INDUSTRY?

KN: Having very recently graduated, I’m still navigating the challenges of the creative industry. One major struggle is finding community and accessible resources outside of school. The non-traditional path of a creative career requires juggling multiple positions for work and income. Balancing these side hustles while actively promoting my work is challenging. Additionally, the post-pandemic world has made it difficult to gain traction, as galleries and exhibitions, which are crucial for sharing art, are less available.

WY: WHAT ARE YOUR INFLUENCES AND INSPIRATIONS? WHO DO YOU ADMIRE?

KN: Nature is a significant source of inspiration for me, whether it’s plants, animals, or elements like air, earth and water. Art historical references also play a crucial role, currently with Henri Matisse’s paper cutouts being a major influence. Printmaking, another form of textile art, greatly impacts my work. My main focus right now in knitwear design is integrating elements of printmaking within knit design. My designs often reflect my childhood dreams, with purple being a central theme due to its significance in my early years. I spent all of my childhood in the backyard, being entranced by every flower and everything purple in sight. I always find my childhood interests to be a vibrant source of inspiration and vitality in my work. I also draw inspiration from other knitwear designers and yarn brands such as Woolfolk, Skappel, Erika Tokai and Anne Ventzel.

WY: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE KNITTING PROJECT YOU HAVE COMPLETED SO FAR?

KN: The Matisse Jazz sweater is definitely the knitting project that I am most proud of so far. I have been searching for a long time for a way to combine fine art and knitting and my exploration of Matisse’s paper cut out motifs through intarsia colorwork felt like I opened up a whole new realm of possibilities for my designs. The Matisse Jazz sweater is also my first design that I have written a pattern for, which makes me all the more proud of this design.

WY: WHAT’S YOUR BIG DREAM?

KN: My dream is to create designs that make people feel good and celebrate life’s joys. I aim to inspire others to find beauty and joy, particularly those who have faced mental or physical challenges. I hope to drive positive change in the textile industry, advocating for ethical and sustainable practices. Ideally, one day I would love to live on a sheep farm and spin and dye my own purple wool. I’m passionate about addressing the issues in textile production, such as the devastating unethical labor practices and environmental harm, and I want to inspire others to make more conscious choices when choosing clothing items or to consider making it themselves.

WY: ARE YOU WORKING ON ANYTHING NEW AND EXCITING?

KN: I’m currently working on my next exploration of Matisse’s paper cut outs through knit design. This time I am making an oversized, balloon cardigan. Like my previous Matisse Jazz sweater, this design explores a variety of Matisse’s works, specifically Polynesia, the Sky (1946), The Parakeet and the Mermaid (1952), Ivy in Flower (1953), and Christmas Eve (1952). This new piece reflects themes of unity, resilience, hope, and joy. I have reknit both the sleeves 3 times each now, I am determined to get the fit and the motifs just right and I can’t wait to share the final piece soon!

WY: WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST TAKEAWAY FROM OUR MENTORSHIP PROGRAM?

KN: The mentorship program has taught me that anything is possible and that a vibrant future for sustainable and ethical textile production is within reach. The right opportunities will come if you keep working toward your dreams. Reflecting on my recovery from an eating disorder last year, I’m amazed to have this mentorship with my dream company only a year after I was in a hospital rehabilitation program. I am so incredibly grateful for the guidance and support that Woolfolk yarn has given me, and this opportunity is a profound reminder of the importance of perseverance and resilience.

All images provided by Kyleigh / Visit Kyleigh Noelle website and follow @by.kyleigh on Instagram.