Get to Know the Founder of Yarrow & Birch: Q&A
At the top of the Ryten hike in Lofoten Islands.
What inspired you to start Yarrow & Birch?
I was frustrated by the scattered availability of the books I loved, so I set out to bring them together under one roof—right here, where we celebrate the art of slow living, the beauty of Nordic craftsmanship, and the joy of creating with our hands. I wanted to create a welcoming space where Nordic lifestyle and knitting enthusiasts could find inspiration, community, and a curated collection of beautiful books all in one place. I wanted a space where everyone was welcome.
What’s the meaning behind the name ‘Yarrow & Birch’?
Honestly, yarrow is my favourite flower. While it looks delicate, the plant is incredibly resilient. Birch trees are my favourite trees. I find them incredibly beautiful. So I combined my two favourite plants for the name.
What makes Yarrow & Birch different from other online bookshops?
It’s an independent bookshop with only me at the helm. Everything is curated and the shop only stocks Nordic knitting and lifestyle books. I am hoping to expand this range over time but it will always focus on Nordic authors and makers. It’s also important for me to make sure that the books we stock aren’t just beautiful, but are good quality too. A big focus for me is also community, so I want to make sure our customers experience great customer service but also feel like they’re part of a group of likeminded people who enjoy nature, slow living and making with their hands.
How do you stay connected to Nordic traditions while living in Australia?
My Nordic roots are from Norway, Denmark and Sweden. For me a big part of it is knitting, but also spending time in nature and creating a calm and cosy home.
Christmas is also a time for me to enjoy all the delicious treats and traditions that come with the festive season. Jul is a big celebration in our house.
What advice would you give to someone new to knitting?
Make something that you’re interested in. I learnt to knit as a child and a big reason why there were big gaps in my knitting enthusiasm is because I was forced to knit projects at school I didn’t enjoy. If you’re enthusiastic about the project, you will be far more motivated to learn.
Also, YouTube is your friend when it comes to trying to figure out how to make increases or decreases, learning certain stitches and bind offs.
I would also say find a knitting style that works for you, whether it’s continental, Portuguese or British. The only thing that matters is whether or not you find it comfortable.
Lastly, none of us made perfect projects the first time round. In fact, many of my projects still have mistakes, I’ve just gotten better at hiding them! That’s the beauty of making something handmade, they’re all unique.