About Knit for Wildlife

Hi there, welcome!

Building global wildlife literacy through the power of the knitting community. 

Norway based - worldwide connection

hello@knitforwildlife.org

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Knit for Wildlife?

Knit for Wildlife is an innovative initiative that uses knitting to build global wildlife literacy. By translating complex ecological insights into beautiful, open-access knitting patterns, we turn scientific knowledge into something tangible that people can wear, share, gift, and recognize in daily life. Shifting wildlife stories from something you occasionally read about into a living part of our everyday culture.

Why use knitting for wildlife conservation?

Because knitting is an incredibly powerful invitation to something deeper. It is an accessible, trendy activity that naturally builds connection, focus, and well-being. By using the craft and community of knitting as our draw, we are able to open a door to non-traditional audiences who might never engage with traditional science outreach, turning passionate makers into powerful carriers of conservation stories.

Who is behind KFW?

The project was initiated by marine biologist Lena Fagerwing as part of the Hold Fast campaign, which focuses on building resilience, wellbeing, and community connection. Today, the initiative is officially endorsed by the UN Ocean Decade and is powered by a global network of digital residencies where knitters, scientists, artists, and local knowledge-holders collaborate to bring species' stories to life.

How does it work and how is it funded?

We’re a nonprofit initiative. Our projects are supported through partnerships, memberships, and foundations. We will also launch a supporter model to ensure free access to our core content while adding extra experiences for members.

We operate through collaborative digital residencies focused on specific threatened species and regions; like the eider tenders of the UNESCO World Heritage Vega Archipelago. Our resident knitters immerse themselves in the ecology of a species to co-create meaningful, open-access patterns. We are sustained by value-aligned partnerships, community support, and organizations dedicated to building a culture of empathy and long-term care for our planet's wildlife.

How can we partner up?

We love collaborating with scientific institutions, NGOs, regional communities, and ethical organizations who want to bring wildlife storytelling into pop culture in a fresh, creative way. If you want to help us bridge human wellbeing with ecological health, click the PARTNER UP button. Let’s co-create the next global pattern together!

A word from the founder

This is such a humbling
LIFE experience!

My background is in marine biology, and I originally started this project from that perspective. Out of a deep passion for wildlife conservation. But then, I met the knitting community. I truly wasn't prepared for the sheer beauty, generosity, and kindness of all these crafters. The positive support and enthusiasm have been absolutely overwhelming.

I have never run a project fueled by such positive energy. It truly does not feel like work at all. I am incredibly humbled by the community of people I get to be surrounded by every single day.

Lena Fagwerwing - Founder of Knit for Wildlife

Knit for WIldlife

OUR CORE TEAM

Knit for Wildlife is a newly launched initiative. While our day-to-day operations are run by just the two of us, our true strength lies in the global knitting community co-creating with us.

Lena Fagerwing

CEO

I am a marine biologist with a Master’s in International Fisheries Management, specializing in translating complex science into impactful outreach initiatives and creative digital formats. I love to think outside the box and bring surprising elements into everything I build. When you write to Knit for Wildlife or send us a DM on Instagram, I’m the person on the other side of the screen cheering you on!

Libby Rush

Knitting Advisor

This project simply could not happen without Libby. She is the technical knitting powerhouse of our team, responsible for helping us steer wild creative ideas toward realistic knitting strategies and beautiful, workable patterns. Libby ensures that every single design we release is accessible, structurally sound, and a joy to knit.

Eric Watson

Web Developer

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Knitters in Residence

Our Mentors

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Kate Atherley

Pattern Expert
Technical Editor (Pattern Development)

Kate Atherley is one of the knitting world’s leading specialists in pattern writing and technical editing. She is the author of The Beginner’s Guide to Writing Knitting Patterns, the standard reference for emerging designers.

Jessica Hemmings

Expert in narrative textile
Professor of Craft & Textile, University of Gothenburg

An international scholar and writer exploring the narratives embedded in textiles. She brings critical and creative perspectives on how textiles communicate stories of identity, resilience, and place.

Eric Watson

Web Developer

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Knitters in Residence

Our Knitters

Current knitters in residence, and previous

Lucila Florencia Castaño

Cohort 2
Cohort: Vega world heritage/Seabird decline

Originally from Buenos Aires and now based in Toronto, Lucila is a textile designer whose work is deeply rooted in artisanal practice and shaped by design thinking. She explores color, material, and form through knitting, translating complex creative concepts into custom, wearable pieces for artists. Alongside her design practice, she brings a reflective, experimental approach to her work, drawing on over eight years of experience teaching at the university level. Her innovative designs have even taken shape as award-winning textile experiments inspired by tree-branching systems.

Sydney O'Shaughnessy

Cohort 2
Cohort: Vega world heritage/Seabird decline

Sydney connects knitting and communication in everything she does. Based in Washington, D.C., she serves as the Director of Communications at the Rachel Carson Council, where she translates complex environmental issues into compelling stories that inspire action. Passionate about bringing people together, she also starts and nurtures local knitting communities, using the craft to foster deep connection and conversation.

Isabel Vique

Cohort 2
Cohort: Vega world heritage/Seabird decline

Isabel is a dedicated conservation biologist who has worked with organizations like WWF, ZSL, Fauna & Flora, and Re:wild. She’s also the kind of knitter who brings yarn everywhere. And we mean everywhere. Alongside her scientific work, she designs, co-founded a vibrant knitting community in Cambridge, and somehow beautifully manages to translate science and wildlife into pieces to be worn.

Jean Long

Cohort 2
Cohort: Vega world heritage/Seabird decline

Jean comes from a long line of fishing families on Cape Clear, off the southwest coast of Ireland. She knits professionally for designer Conor O’Brien in Dublin, and her exceptional work has been showcased at Dublin Independent Fashion Week and the World Wool Forum in Rome. She also teaches and collaborates with Fibreshed Ireland, beautifully bridging the space between regional heritage and contemporary knitting.

Alanis Thorney

Cohort 2
Cohort: Vega world heritage/Seabird decline

Based in Shropshire, England, Alanis is a knitter who constantly pushes the boundaries of the medium in unexpected directions. Having recently completed her Master’s in Sustainable Fashion, her work focuses on the intersection of ecology and clothing. Her latest breakthrough project explored the speculative concept of “living knitwear”, creating garments designed to actively give a voice to the natural world they come from.

Libby Rush

Cohort 1
Cohort: Love the Oceans/Mozambique

Soon...

Stephanie Butland

Cohort 1
Cohort: Love the Oceans/Mozambique

Soon...

Eddie Corney

Cohort 1
Cohort: Love the Oceans/Mozambique

Soon...

Eric Watson

Web Developer
Professor of Craft & Textile, University of Gothenburg

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Kate Atherley

Pattern Expert
Technical Editor (Pattern Development)

Kate Atherley is one of the knitting world’s leading specialists in pattern writing and technical editing. She is the author of The Beginner’s Guide to Writing Knitting Patterns, the standard reference for emerging designers.

Kate Atherley

Pattern Expert
Technical Editor (Pattern Development)

Kate Atherley is one of the knitting world’s leading specialists in pattern writing and technical editing. She is the author of The Beginner’s Guide to Writing Knitting Patterns, the standard reference for emerging designers.

Kate Atherley

Pattern Expert
Technical Editor (Pattern Development)

Kate Atherley is one of the knitting world’s leading specialists in pattern writing and technical editing. She is the author of The Beginner’s Guide to Writing Knitting Patterns, the standard reference for emerging designers.