After more than twenty years in international fashion and garment production, Reina Ovinge witnessed the industry becoming increasingly fast-paced, cheaper and more harmful. She decided to take a different path and go back to where clothing really begins: the raw material. That is how The Knitwit Stable came about in 2013, a farm and knitting studio in the middle of the polder landscape of Baambrugge. Through The Knitwit Stable, Reina wants to bring insight and transparency to how clothes are made, with respect for animals, landscape and material. On her farm she keeps sheep and angora goats. Their wool is knitted into beautiful jumpers, cardigans, vests, scarves, hats and blankets.
The starting point is Dutch wool. Reina designs the product around the fibre, not the other way round. The collection includes wool from Kempen heath sheep, merino, Dutch alpaca and mohair, each fibre with its own character and purpose. Many of the colours come straight from the natural shade of the fleece. In the farm’s own knitting studio, material development, design and production all come together. The team also works with makers, designers, companies and specialist production partners across Europe. Together, they show that Dutch wool can be turned into high-quality, contemporary and appealing products.
The Knitwit Stable is a working farm and knitting studio, so its doors open at set times. Every Friday and every third Saturday of the month, you can book a fitting appointment to see the collection in person, try it on and buy. Want to get hands-on with wool yourself? Join a workshop in the knitting studio. For designers, makers, teachers and businesses, there are masterclasses, including tailor-made sessions. Prefer to shop online? You’ll find the full collection in the webshop.
