Since the pandemic, more and more people are reaching for jingling pins: Liss in fashion. Younger generations are also increasingly enthusiastic about the craft. Now the phenomenon has also reached social media. Knitting enthusiasts from around the world share hundreds of thousands of photos and videos of their wool creations under the hashtag #instaknitters, while the hashtag #knitstagram shows over four million posts. And a pair of socks is offered under the #socktober.
Swiss women are also getting involved and inspiring others on Instagram for the slowing hobby. One of the most successful local knitting influencers is Simone Ryan (29). Under the name “rust_knitwear”, the Zurich-based artist publishes knitting instructions and atmospheric pictures of sweaters, scarves and hats in copper, beige and gray tones. The first hobby has now turned into a (part-time) job: The mother of two uploaded her first photo to the app in spring 2020 and now inspires almost 24,000 female followers with her posts.
Ryan’s profile is the best proof that Lismen isn’t old-fashioned. That’s her purpose, she says: “I want to show that something handmade can look modern, beautiful and elegant at the same time, and to raise awareness of how much effort goes into a garment.” In the era of fast fashion, as in the past, the latter is no longer part of general knowledge.
Lime has changed
Meanwhile, her grandmother thinks her granddaughter’s Instagram interaction is “cool”, Ryan says. Even if the new generation no longer lismet: “We use different patterns and techniques and buy our wool online instead of in the shop.”
For example with Anna Liechti (34). During the pandemic, St. Gallen opened an online store for wool with great success. He is also one of the inspirations for Lismen on Instagram: on his “Wolle7.ch” account he shares up-to-date quotes, tips and carefully crafted images of his own creations.
Liechti says the app is useful for getting ideas for the next project or seeing how other people have combined their homemade sweaters. “And often several people knit the same pattern and exchange information about it through messages or hashtags. We are a very supportive community.” But the shopping doesn’t stop on the mobile phone screen: “Many friendships have already been made thanks to Instagram.”
The obsessive women of Lism meet again and again to get back together. Just like their grandmothers did.