Allowing Our Knitters To Dream Bigger

The Knotty Ones was started with the dream to provide stable jobs, fair wages and financial independence to women, mostly stay-at-home moms in rural areas of Lithuania, who otherwise would not have these opportunities in life. 

We make sure that our knitters earn enough to provide themselves and their families with the basics of a decent life — be it a warm meal on their dinner table, school supplies for their kids, medical care, clothing, paying electricity bills or housing. While we wish we could increase our knitters' salaries beyond just a fair wage, the reality of operating a small independent label with design, marketing and premium material costs does not necessarily allow us to do so. 

We wanted to create a platform that gave our knitters a realistic shot at achieving their bigger, wilder dreams. 

Now with each purchase, you can choose to donate €10 directly towards a dream of a woman who made your knit. 

While for you these dreams might seem not that crazy at all, they truly are for many garment workers around the world. If you wish to do so, you can choose to add a €10 donation to your purchase. It will go directly towards making these dreams come true. If your rather not, that's totally cool too. We are super grateful for helping us create stable jobs and incomes for women.

TAKING AN INTRODUCTORY-LEVEL ENGLISH COURSE

Marina tells us that every single time she opens her computer, she has no idea “what those pop-ups say”  not to mention she would be completely lost if she ever went traveling abroad. 

Marina started feeling the need to learn English even more since she joined The Knotty Ones team  she currently takes care of dispatching all packages worldwide. She is most curious to understand what people are saying in English about knits she made with her own hands. She often checks The Knotty Ones Instagram account, especially comments. She tried translating them multiple times, however, most of the time it’s too hard for her to figure out the exact meaning. Marina is super determined to master English  that way setting the example for two kids of her own and a teenage girl she's fostering.

EXPERIENCING THE CULTURE IN JAPAN

Toma has been dreaming of traveling to Japan since she was a little girl. She really admires how Japanese traditions have been preserved by centuries. While there, Toma would love to meet local people, learn more about their traditional cuisine  maybe even give cooking a shot  and simply get immersed in the culture. She has read all about it in the books already, but this dream of hers seems completely unattainable to her so far.

ENROLLING IN A CULINARY SCHOOL OR HEALTHY COOKING CLASSES

Nijole would love to lose a few pounds. As she explains, for someone with diabetes — like her — weight control is especially important. It's not only about the looks, but rather learning how to incorporate a healthier diet into her overall diabetes management plan.

"It's kind of obvious what kind of foods impact your weight and health, but I know nothing about yummy healthy alternatives or how to cook them. So I just end up eating junk." Nijole tells us."Taking a course on nutrition or cooking healthy meals would be my biggest dream. Truly." 


MATTRESS AS SEEN ON AN AT-HOME SHOPPING SHOW

Aldona has her eyes on a mattress she saw on at-home shopping show. While it does cost a small fortune, Aldona believes that it's import to invest into your sleep. She assures that there's has been plenty of research on the impact your mattress can have on your health.

A good mattress is the least that Aldona deserves. 

MOTHER-DAUGHTER VACATION TO TURKEY

Our quality control specialist Ilona has always dreamt of going on a big exotic trip outside of Lithuania with her daughter (who also happens to be her best friend). They both watch a lot of Turkish soap operas and would love to experience the country.

"Is this dream too crazy?" she asks.  We don't think so, Ilona!

NEW TEETH

Our knitter Regina hates to smile. And she never does so without keeping her lips firmly pressed together or covering her mouth with her hand. So that her missing teeth would not be visible. She says it has been affecting her self-esteem and the way she feels about herself for years now. She's often scared to strive a conversation with people in fear of them noticing her teeth. Dental implants does cost a small fortune and Regina hasn't been able to save up for it herself.

FAMILY DAY AT A SPA

Knitter Violeta would love to pamper herself for a day. But if she did so, she would feel guilty about not including her two teen daughters too. So her wildest dream is to have a family outing with the girls. Just like they do in the movies! Get mani-padis, facial masks and then relaxing aroma massages. That would be a day to remember for life!

APARTMENT WITH BEAUTIFUL CURTAINS

Violeta who steams all our knits prior to them leaving our partner factory is currently saving for a studio apartment in her hometown Šiauliai in Northern Lithiania. One that she owns herself. One that has "beautiful curtains." That's something she has been dreaming since she was a little girl. While it's a big goal, we hope to contribute to at least a small portion of it and definitely sort Violeta out with those "beautiful curtains." 

Dreams we've fulfilled so far:

GETTING A DRIVER'S LICENSE 

Marina lives in tiny villages in Lithuania. The infrastructure to get to their nearest towns is practically non-existent. She always believed that getting a driver’s license would be a complete game changer.

“I feel bad about constantly asking neighbors,” Marina explained us months back. “They all have their routes and day-to-day lives. I actually tried driving a few times. My husband was super patient while teaching me. Sure it was terrifying, but I loved it. I’d love to be independent! Just imagine, whenever I need I could just hop into a car with my kids and go!”

We're happy to report that after 4 attempts Marina got her drivers license this November! What a champ!

We're happy to report that Marina not only passed her drivers test (it took 4 attempts) but also purchased her own car! Hell, yeah.

Let's make more of these happen!