When she was a teenager, Jésabelle B.’s grandmother taught her how to knit her very first piece — an extremely itchy, Army green scarf. “It was so ugly!” she says now, remembering its rough texture and blah color. “And it was so scratchy! If I had started with better yarn and bamboo needles, I would have never stopped knitting. You have to have the right tools.”
Flash forward several years to when Jésabelle took up knitting again, thanks to the guidance of two friends in her hometown in Québec. Her grandmother (who is now 96!) took notice and gifted her granddaughter her knitting bag, which her own mother had made. “I’d never seen anything like it,” Jésabelle says of the simply ingenious bag that holds yarn while hanging from the knitter’s wrist.
Inspired, she began using it, then updated it by tinkering with the fabric: Jésabelle traded in her grandmother’s linen version for double-sided designs with striped cotton, beige linen, and dark denim, all of which she sells in a variety of sizes in her Jésabelle B. shop. (Hot tip: Grandma carries the medium striped one!)
Even though she sells the knitting bags around the world — from North Carolina to Norway — Jésabelle never forgets where it all began: Her grandmother’s original bag hangs framed in her studio today.
Read on to learn about the birth of Jésabelle’s business, her approach to color palettes, and the music she chooses to start her creative workday.
Why do you think knitting has had such a cool-girl renaissance lately?
There is so much available now! When you see a picture of something you can just mimic it because there are so many amazing yarns on the market. I think that’s why everyone is picking it up.
And with your bags, is the idea that you could bring a project on the bus and take it anywhere?
That’s it. I have a lot of people who buy it because they have a commute, and they’ll use it on the bus or the train. Or there are other people who buy it because they have a cat. They can knit away, and the ball won’t roll onto the floor where the cat can jump on it.
How do you decide on the bag colors?
I mix and match so that everything kind of goes together. When you buy yarn, you usually buy it for the color. I don’t want the bag to outshine the yarn; I want the yarn to be the star. And I make the bags so that they can last a lifetime. If they had, say, crazy frogs on them, they’re going to be fun for two minutes but then you’re going to be fed up with them. If I use classics, you can have the bag for 20 years and it will still be fine. It won’t go out of style.
Jésabelle B. knitting needle case, $45
What do you like most about knitting?
I like the rhythm of it. I like thinking about what you’re going to do in that moment and just following the rhythm and nothing else.
Do you ever listen to music while you knit?
No, but I listen to music when I work. My mother comes to work with me a lot — she’s the one who showed me how to sew when I was young. When we begin the day, we have to chat and get back on track. Then usually we put on disco. We love Barry White and Diana Ross. When you work listening to disco, you work faster!
Do you have plans to expand beyond knitting bags?
My goal would be to make an entire collection of tools that knitters or crafters can use for their work. People who buy my cases or my bags know that they’re going to keep them for a long time and I want to carry that over into other items. You’re a better crafter if you have better tools.
How did the needle cases come about?
I had too many needles and I needed something to fit them all. Because you know when you buy a set of needles, they come in a plastic thing with cardboard? It’s ugly. That’s how I came up with the needle case. All of the ideas and products I make or want to make come from a lack of that thing. Like, I don’t have this, so I’m just going to make it.
Jésabelle B. large knitting bag, $37
How is your grandmother involved in your work now?
When I use a different fabric or color, I FaceTime her and say, “Look Grandma, I’m making a bag with this color now — and I also have a needle case.” And she’s always like, “Oh man, I don’t know how you come up with all of these ideas!” She’s amazed.
Follow Jésabelle B. on Facebook.
Photographs by Emmanuelle Brière/La Vitrine Creative.
58 comments
Paulina R from photoplasticon said 4 years ago
I really like your working space!
Kashuen Collectibles from Kashuen said 4 years ago
What a timeless style shop. Congratulations on the feature.
DeUno from DeUno said 4 years ago
Well organized work space and great products! Congratulations on the feature!
Sue from SuesAkornShop said 4 years ago
What great items and a lovely shop. Congrats on your feature.
Francine from HomespunHeartofMine said 4 years ago
What a great line and great story! I LOVE that you want your items to become heirloom pieces.....just like your grandmothers original bag! Congratulations on the feature and many blessings for your continued success! :D
Megan from MegansMenagerie said 4 years ago
Love your shop! Congratulations on the feature!
Rosita from pillowlink said 4 years ago
Super story! And your studio si real and cozy. Love your works and how you present them. Many happy knitters around the world are waiting for your items! Wish you the best here around Etsy!
Meredith Oliver said 4 years ago
That is such a great idea!
Katrina Dzerkale from Dominna said 4 years ago
I saw some pins in my country as well - so cool :)
Niki from JandEdoodles said 4 years ago
I want to meet your Grandma, she sounds fun! Love how she inspired you and your products. Congratulations on the feature!
Cathy from msbijouxbeads said 4 years ago
Love your work room, your bags are beautiful and functional, thanks for sharing!
Colleen O'Neal from truthbeautyandlove27 said 4 years ago
I like the idea that instead of selling the finished pieces made from yarn, you found the niche that needed to be filled by making and selling the accessories that go with knitting! Congratulations on the feature, the shop and having a genius idea!
marggie hennessy from LoveFreeStyle said 4 years ago
Great feature, love your unique style!
Joe from WhipstitchWallets said 4 years ago
I agree with others about your nice working space; it's tough for me to stay organized to a degree that actually looks nice. Anyway, you're talented and awesome. k, well, cya
DivineOrders from DivineOrders said 4 years ago
GLORIOUS! Congrats on the feature. Thank you Jésabelle for sharing your creative heritage, lovely designs and wonderful arts with us. - Peace.
ClassicMemories from ClassicMemories said 4 years ago
Lovely shop and items. Congrats on the feature.
renee and gerardo from GTDesigns said 4 years ago
What a cool idea and such a beautiful, sharp line of knitting/crochet accessories!! Amazing work ... love that grandmama is still the best critic!! TFS - congrats on a lovely feature!!
Tim and Brigita Cornwell from jacobswoodentoys said 4 years ago
Wonderful product and shop! Congrats on the feature.
Cheridah Spaulding from CheridahHatsNBags said 4 years ago
This is a great product, even for us crocheters. Best continued success.
PSOGLAVKA KLARA from PSOGLAVKA said 4 years ago
<3 Beautiful <3
Debra Gilstrap from gilstrapdesigns said 4 years ago
Great interview you have a wonderful shop. I just love your needle cases and your knitting bags. if I knew how to knit or crochet (even though I have tried) I would definitely have one of your needle cases and bag.
Monica from ThreeBarDGifts said 4 years ago
I loved reading your story! It's so wonderful that your shop started with your grandmother's bag! Great designs and great work space! Congrats on the well-deserved feature!
viena bone from bonesreusablebags said 4 years ago
Your bags are so practical and classic! I wish I wasn't so terrible at knitting ; ) I love that you have so much precut fabric. I need to get there. Congrats on the feature and success!
elm the person from elmtheperson said 4 years ago
I need one of those knitting bags.
Sherri from ButterflyFeetDigital said 4 years ago
Very creative, great shop. Congrats on the feature!
Priscilla from Gardenmis said 4 years ago
Your shop makes me want to give knitting another try! Congrats on the feature and best wishes for achieving all your goals & dreams :)
Nicole from KarmaCodeOne said 4 years ago
Everything looks so well made and constructed to last ~ Simply beautiful ! Cheers to many sales and future endeavors :)
Flair Nouri from FlairPaintings said 4 years ago
lovely shop! Congratulations of your feature!!!
AnitasPottery.com from potterybyAnita said 4 years ago
Love your work and the stories about your Grandmother! Congratulations on being Featured! ♥♥♥
Stacey from GraphixLLC said 4 years ago
Beautiful story and shop!! Congrats on the feature! I think I want to learn how to knit after seeing your functional products!!
TropicalGarden from TropicalGarden said 4 years ago
Love your work and shop! Congratulations on the feature!
aressa from OriginalBridalHanger said 4 years ago
Adorable items! Love the knitting bags! Congrats on the feature!
Rhonda Stubbs from RhondaCorner said 4 years ago
I love your ideas and shop. It nice to see that you still have and talk to your grandmother. They are so special. Your shop is very nice. Keep up the great work and I wish you the best on your future endeavors.
Joann Hayssen from JoannHayssenDesigns said 4 years ago
I love this shop! I have a friend who knits and I'll be shopping for a couple of gifts for her!!
Monika Moroz from NickoArts said 4 years ago
Congratulations on the feature of your shop and much success :)
Georgia from JewelMeShop said 4 years ago
I love your work! Congrats on the feature!
Renee from RandMhandmade said 4 years ago
Every knitter needs a beautiful knitting bag...and I love yours!! Congratulations!!
Laura Diaz- Alberto from LaDiwithaBaBy said 4 years ago
So cute and simple!
Megan McCurdy from OldSoulExpressions said 4 years ago
Love your shop and your ideas! Congratulations!
Etrennes from Etrennes said 4 years ago
Beautiful creations and work! Wishing you all the best for continued success!!!
Megan Watt from MeggieDee said 4 years ago
These are so pretty. And would work for crocheters like myself too. I love the story with your grandma, how special.
Amber Hickey from BesosjewelrybyAmber said 4 years ago
Such a great idea! :)
Sujata from TreasuredMemoryLane said 4 years ago
Such an awesome idea for knitters! Congratulations on the feature!
M B from BeachStudio7 said 4 years ago
Very Inspiring!
accentonvintage from accentonvintage said 4 years ago
great designs1
Jennifer and Gary Pierce from LoftAtticEarth said 4 years ago
Great product! Functional, beautiful, and made to last; what more could you want? Best wishes as your business grows!
Lisa Herrington from UpcycleCreationsShop said 4 years ago
Congratulations on your feature. Check out my knitting pins at UpcycleCreationsShop. I know your grandmother would love them.
Sandra Ankleknits from Ankleknits said 4 years ago
Congratulations on your feature! You are doing such a great job! Those bags and needle cases really are helpful for a knitter and they look amazing.
Eric Lindley from wireandwoods said 4 years ago
Congrats on having your story told! #GrandmothersRule!
Rachel Bingaman from BingArt said 4 years ago
Congrats on your feature! You have a beautiful shop!
Dana from ArtayaLoka said 4 years ago
Great BTS shots!
Rosemary Lambert from cardhugs said 4 years ago
In this time of multi tasking, this shop has created a great product which should certainly continue to go far! Congratulations!
Olesya Bagriy from BelkaUA said 4 years ago
Congratulations on the feature!
RollingRock Dolls from RollingRockDolls said 4 years ago
i like how everything is so organized
Isabella Menscer from JustSayingHiDesigns said 4 years ago
This is so smart! I'm so glad to have a shop like this in the Etsy community. Thanks for bringing your awesome ideas and congratulations on the feature! I know what I'm getting my mom for mother's day!!
Sonja from LapCatYarnCo said 3 years ago
I am positively drooling over those needle cases with the beautiful wood needles inside!
Porpe Artifacts from PorpeArtifacts said 3 years ago
Very inspirational! Great job...love the bags my daughter thinks that they would make great small shopping bags or lunch bags.❤
Jeannie from MysticalRaindrops said 2 years ago
I mark a small map with marker on spots where I made a sale.