Player of the Game - Interview with Julianna Martin
Founder of the Summer Tee MAL and the WIP Down MAL
Player of the Game highlights fiber-related creative businesses - designers, dyers, tech editors, publishers, notions makers. My goals are:
to help new or lesser-known fiber businesses become more known, and
to provide some insight into why fiber businesses need each other and how we work together to make the fiber industry go round to create making joy
While Julianna Martin @purlbackknitforward doesn't have a fiber business per se, her make-a-longs and Discord group are an important part of our fiber community. Her efforts are a great example of how we all work together to create making joy. She's built an inclusive and supportive community of makers, designers, dyers, and others in the fiber world. In addition to the Summer Tee MAL, she also hosts the WIP Down MAL.
This is the second year of the Summer Tee MAL, and I thought it would be a perfect opportunity for the Gamer Babe Designs community to get to know Julianna.
We first "met" in September 2020 when Julianna reached out with a question for one of my designs, Eureka Valley Shawl. When I posted a test on Yarnpond for Koi Pond Cowl in May 2021, I was thrilled when she applied for the test! Since then, she's tested other patterns for me, and I've enjoyed getting to know her and working with her.
We met in person for the first time at Stitches West 2022, and here we are at Stitches West 2023.
Who taught you and when did you learn to knit?
I first learned to knit when I was in middle school from my mom. I dabbled with it in high school, making a few projects here and there, and picked it up again after college. I only became a serious knitter in 2019 where this has become one of my main hobbies.
What are your favorite things to knit and why?
I really enjoy knitting shawls and accessories like cowls and hats. I’ve started working on more garments and have started to enjoy that process of building my own wardrobe with more staples.
What are your favorite colors? How do you decide on colors or color combinations for your makes?
My favorite colors are blue, green, and purple, but I have soft spots for golds and greys. When deciding on color combos, I usually try to pick colors I like wearing or look at color palettes on Pinterest to make sure they “work well” together.
What is your favorite knit technique, and why is it your favorite?
I really love working on lace! I find them to be really engaging, and I love to block the final project and watch it open up and bloom. I also enjoy cables, and you can never go wrong with an easy-going garter or stockinette (in the round) project.
What do you currently have on your needles?
I’m currently working on the Northeasterly blanket in classic rainbow colors for my upcoming baby!
You have some knitting experience under your belt now. What would you tell your younger self as you were learning to knit?
Taking the time to learn new things is totally worth the effort! It is not as intimidating as you think.
How did you come up with your Instagram handle @purlbackknitforward?
I wanted my Instagram handle to be knitting-related, but also have a pun. Other than that, it’s pretty random.
Where did you grow up, and where do you live now?
I grew up in the South Bay Area [in Northern California], and I still live there now (luckily!).
Why did you start the Summer Tee MAL?
The reason I started the Summer Tee MAL is because I wanted to knit my own summer tee with community support. I noticed that there were no MALs specifically for summertime garment knitting so I felt like it would be a fun way to fill that gap. It seemed like a lot of others felt the same way, and we had a great turnout last summer.
Is there anything else about you that you'd like to share with the Gamer Babe Knits community?
Outside of knitting, I work in stormwater management in local government. I enjoy cooking, camping, being outdoors, and spending time with my family.
I'd like to thank Julianna for taking the time to do this interview. Follow Julianna on Instagram @purlbackknitforward and join her Discord community here to participate in the make-a-long chatter.
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Until next time, happy making!
Yvonne 🧡
