We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Gnitter a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Gnitter, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
I think this question is a great opener; a catalyst that’ll open me up well for the questions to come. I always chat with my siblings about how good work ethic comes so natural and seamless to us — it’s been pointed out by many that I’m such a hard worker even though I feel as though I’m not doing much. The translation is always greater than I imagine it to be, and the same can be said for the garments I’ve created… they always come out to be something greater than I initially imagined. I’d say I inherited my ethics from a plethora of people. My Grandmere and mother always instilled the importance of presentation, and never submitting, presenting, or settling for any work that it subpar. It wasn’t necessarily a “work harder” reminder, but, more so, a reminder to always carry oneself pride and prim — this went for any extension myself, including my works.
My Mema and Grandmere directly showed me ethics as I watched them bake. They baked for themselves, the family, as well as others. Even though I know baking is a form of chemistry, and following measurements to a T is imperative, I noticed they never skimped with the process or rushed through any step. They never held back on even the most expensive ingredients, and they stayed up no matter the time of night if they were in the middle of crafting. I feel that this is the reason that people love their desserts, and their names are attached to every dessert anyone tastes and loves at a holiday or even around the town. It showed me how powerful a stamp is, and every motion or moment of work is directly tied to the maintenance, honor, respect, and longevity of your name and your work.
Lastly, my father. The phrase he repeated over and over throughout my childhood has left a stain on me, and I never realized it would be a sentiment I carried into my latter years. “Smith’s never quit.” The three word statement held much weight in my mind every time I felt like I was over a task or felt the work was more than I wanted to fully put in. The feeling of being a half a—, especially when I know I’m capable of so much, felt lazy.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am Gnitter, and I make clothing from yarn fibers. I enjoy making practical clothing that has my signature refined, yet casual touch to it. As of now I’m really enjoying making men’s tops; and experimenting with the different fitting and measurements of men’s bottoms has been an interesting, yet, satisfying time in the journey as well. I’ve finally mastered working with my favorite fiber, so I’ve graduated to a signature drape, texture, and fabric these days. Gnitter is also expanding, and encapsulating more than just clothing. As my new projects and products are in the works, I’ll keep you updated. I want to perfect everything on the back end before the exposé.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Hm, the most impactful piece of knowledge in my journey I’d say is don’t be too hesitant to put yourself or your work out into the atmosphere. I wanted to be such a one woman show in the beginning, but I came to realize the beauty in community. Just because you utilize the environment around you and anywhere really, doesn’t mean it has to ,or even will, tamper with your process of work and production. I used to be so defensive about my craft and I didn’t want any other hands attached to any portion of it unless it was a hand off, however that is sometimes necessary for expansion — and not even in the ways that I thought and was skeptical/hesitant of. Sometimes there are people who can and will keep adding to your toolbox. I know that’s important.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When I get overwhelmed, I rest. You can regenerate in an incubation period. I’be never been one to sway away from sleep of calming my mind by letting it go dark. Life isn’t a rat race, more so just many tunnels and avenues. Pacing is important, and I feel that treating your craft like a task more so than a ritual of comfort, pleasure, and/or leisure wears you down.
Contact Info:
- Website: [email protected]
- Instagram: gnitter
