Reader of the Week: Brittany Burggraaf

One half of Iowa City's crafty design duo, Knotty Sisters

By Lindsey Underwood
Published: June 29th, 2009 | 9:55am

Most of us have probably endured the dreaded experience of reaching into the closet, trying everything on, and finding out that nothing seems to fit quite right. Faced with the loathsome closet dilemma, our Reader of the Week, Brittany Burggraaf, took matters into her own hands and whipped up a drawstring skirt. She loved the piece so much that she made more of them, and soon designing clothes became more than just a hobby. Brittany and her sister Jen founded their line called Knotty Sisters in 2008. At that point they were just focused on knitting, macrame and woodcrafting, but soon clothing became an integral part of the project. Check out what Brittany had to say about designing for her Knotty Sisters line, and her favorite spots in Iowa City.

Where do you reside and how long have you lived there?
I live in scenic Iowa City, just a bike ride away from my sister Jen's house. I have lived here for five years. Our youngest sister Mallory will be joining us here in the fall and we are super excited!

How did you decide to start Knotty Sisters and what inspired the line?
We first used the name Knotty Sisters at the "What a Load of Craft" Winter Craft Fair selling hand knit scarves, hats, legwarmers, recycled crafts, and one inch buttons. You will be able to find our hand knit goods available online again in the fall at knottysisters.com. The clothing line started in the spring of 2008. For some odd reason, my jeans no longer fit me. I didn't have any money and my mother had just bought me a sewing machine for Christmas so I made myself a comfy drawstring skirt. This quickly became the only garment I ever wore so I started making them in all different color combinations.

What is your favorite aspect of designing clothing?
I love designing clothes because I just dream about what my favorite dream clothing would be and start sketching. I get to make clothes that feel really good when you're wearing them, and we love to feel good.

How long have you been sewing and designing?
A little over a year. My whole family is pretty crafty so I grew up around crafts. My grandmother ran a sewing business out of her garage while I was growing up. One of my most cherished handmade possessions was a life-sized doll she made me when I was about seven. My dad works full -time restoring stained glass windows and builds beautiful furniture, ceramic garden benches, and stepping stones, and my mother was always cross-stitching when I was growing up. I learned to knit when I was a child but didn't return to the craft until my freshman year of college when I needed a pair of leg warmers for a ballet class I was taking. 

Are you working on any other projects besides Knotty Sisters?
We tend to be busy bees around here and it seems like all of us are constantly working on a million things at once. Right now we're really trying to focus on Knotty Sisters because we've gotten such a positive response so far. We're working with several other gals from Iowa City that run independent businesses to start an Iowa City Craft Mafia chapter. Other than that most of my free time is spent in my overflowing garden!

You knit, sew, macrame, and embroider. Which one do you prefer and what's your favorite thing to make?
While at any given moment I'm sure you could get varying responses from both Jen and I, I would say generally our favorite craft is knitting. There is just something so relaxing about knitting away on a piece that someone is going to eventually be able to use while chatting, listening to music, or eavesdropping. I would say sewing comes in a close second. I'm still fairly new to sewing so I have to really concentrate when I work, for me knitting is more mindless ─ I do it to relax. We are constantly working on new creations, half of which probably never get finished, sadly.

What is your favorite piece that you've made?
I would say some of my earlier one of a kind pieces were my favorites. The Golden Gnome Dress will always be a favorite as well as the Garden Superhero Dress.

Do you have a day job? If so, what do you do?
I occasionally make cameos waitressing at the Hamburg Inn, I fill in at the White Rabbit, and also am starting to teach kids yoga and creative movement classes.

What do you like most about living in Iowa City? Where are your favorite places to go there?
My favorite part about Iowa City is the amazing community. There are so many incredible supportive people here that I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for their support and guidance. The White Rabbit and Home Ec are definitely two of my favorite places to go when I peak out of my creative den. When I have extra cash to spend, I love rummaging through Artifacts.

What was your favorite song as a child?
"Don't Worry, Be Happy"

Why do you think Etsy has been such a success?
I think Etsy has been successful for a multitude of reasons, mostly because of the wide audience it has reached. The ability for beginners to set up a professional storefront and reach a large audience is incredibly empowering. Etsy has many features that make it really user friendly, and as always I think the supportive friendly community is also a large contributor to Etsy's success.

What is the creative process like for the Knotty Sisters?
I am constantly taking in inspiration from my everyday environment. I usually get an idea and start mulling it over in head. I think about it while I'm gardening, sketching, sewing, or waiting in line. I usually make several sketches over a period of time. Eventually once it has become so awesome that I can no longer wait to wear it, I'll make a sample. Once this has been perfected I create a hard copy of the pattern and then I have a photo shoot with the samples. As for Knotty Sisters general process, we like to constantly ideas and inspirations ─ our creative process is very much an ongoing thing. Much of Jen's crafts are inspired by sci-fi and British television shows. 

Anything else you'd like us to know?
Please check out our website knottysisters.com and support handmade goods.