Embody Your Creative Self, One Stitch at a Time
About the Practice of Fibre
Mindful Making for a Meaningful Life
In a world that glorifies speed, overconsumption, fast fashion, and constant competition, I believe in the power of slowing down.
Knitting isn’t just a craft—it’s a way to reclaim our time, honor our internal worlds, and practice slow productivity and mindful making. It’s a deliberate step in the opposite direction of what the world tells us to do.
At The Practice of Fibre, I’m here to make knitting an approachable, grounding, and deeply satisfying practice—one that fits into your real life, just as it is. Because in a world that’s always rushing, mindful making matters now more than ever.
Holistic Knitting Patterns for Mindful Makers
Hi, I’m Françoise Danoy—a Franco-Māori, neurodivergent knitwear designer, punch needle artist, and teacher. But more than that, I’m someone who believes in the power of knitting to bridge the practical and the spiritual, as a more holistic practice.
✨ It’s a way to create something beautiful and functional while connecting with something greater than ourselves—whether that’s our ancestors, our community, or the natural world.
Every pattern I design is a tribute to that. Whether it’s through the meditative rhythm of knitting or the grounding practice of punch needle, my goal is to help you find joy, mindfulness, and meaning in your making.
Patterns Designed for Your Creative Practice
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Challenging and bold
Ready to stretch your skills? Dive into a design that keeps you on your toes and leaves you with something stunning to show for it. It’s the perfect mix of focus and creativity.
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Warm and thoughtful
Sometimes, you just want to knit something that feels like a warm hug. These projects are full of intention, perfect for gifting or making something truly special for yourself.
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Quiet and grounding
Looking to slow down? These simple, calming patterns let you enjoy the rhythm of knitting, helping you find a little peace in the process.
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Creative and whimsical
Let your imagination run wild! These playful designs are all about having fun with color and yarn, giving you the chance to make something totally unique.
The Story behind the Stitches
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The Story behind the Stitches *
🧶 My journey with knitting began in 2014, when I cast on my very first project—a simple pink cowl. As I worked, I was struck by a vision: cowls adorned with intricate geometric motifs. I didn’t know what the symbols meant or how to bring them to life, but I felt a spark—a connection to my ancestors, showing me the possibilities of blending creativity and culture.
✨ It was as if my ancestors were whispering to me, guiding my hands and my heart toward a deeper understanding of who I am and where I come from.
That spark led me to found Aroha Knits while I was living in Japan. During this time, I:
Published 100+ patterns.
Launched creative challenges like 5 Shawls, 5 Days.
Created SWATCH Studio, an online program to guide aspiring knitwear designers.
It was a time of exploration, connection, and growth—both creatively and personally.
But life had other plans. From 2020 to 2024, I faced a series of profound challenges:
Emotional abuse and online harassment.
Moving back to the States in the middle of the pandemic.
Divorce and the unraveling of my mental health.
I became a shell of the person I once was.
I stepped away from Aroha Knits, and knitting—my anchor—became too painful to even touch. But in that emptiness, I found an opportunity: to rebuild myself from the ground up.
Along the way, I:
Did the deep shadow work I needed to do, facing fears, traumas, and misalignments in my life.
Developed the skills to manage my AuDHD and mental health, allowing me to approach my work with clarity and intention.
Began to fill the void with what I truly value: interdependence and service, self-sufficiency and resilience, mindfulness and generosity, and the quiet power of slow productivity.
In the summer of 2024, Aroha Knits transformed into The Practice of Fibre. This new chapter represents a shift in my relationship with knitting and making.
Knitting, for me, is a holistic practice—a deliberate, mindful engagement with every step of the process. From the yarn I choose to the designs I create, every decision reflects my commitment to practicality, minimalism, and thoughtful design. I draw inspiration and wisdom from my Māori whakapapa, the teachings of Zen Buddhism, and the rhythms of the natural world—as well as the guidance of the many beloved people that have come in and out of my life who have taught me something valuable along the way.
Knitting, of course, has become a mentor to me. Through developing this creative practice with my knitting, I’ve learned to:
Show up consistently, even just 30 minutes a day.
Find joy and growth in the making.
Build skills like patience, presence, and joy—tools that extend far beyond knitting.
These skills aren’t just for crafting; they’re guides for living with intention, whether you’re weaving, painting, gardening, or simply moving through life.
Ready to slow down, savor the process, and make something meaningful? Let’s knit for compassion, connection and solidarity —one stitch at a time.
FEATURED IN:
Knit Stars
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amirisu
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Making Stories
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Vogue Knitting Live
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Knit Picks
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tinyStudio
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awa wahine
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Knit Stars • amirisu • Making Stories • Vogue Knitting Live • Knit Picks • tinyStudio • awa wahine •
Knit Stars Masterclass:
Season 5 Introduction Video, 2020
Book Features:
Interviewed as a guest and design expert in Peggy Orenstein’s book, Unraveling.
Wrote the introduction for The Knitting Pattern Writing Handbook by Kristina McGrath and former student Sarah Walworth.
We’re Here to Support Your Journey!
The Practice of Fibre thrives on collaboration and dedication, both in the patterns I create and in the talented team that supports this work. Over the past 10 years, I’ve dedicated myself to designing patterns that meet knitters where they are—helping them grow as makers through thoughtful, intentional design.
This journey wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support of creative administrators, tech editors, and content editors who bring their expertise and passion to every project. Meet the talented individuals behind the scenes who help make the magic happen!
Creative Assistant
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I’m a passionate knitter who fell in love with the craft after starting out with crochet. Once I saw how beautifully knitted garments drape, I couldn’t resist picking up needles—and I’ve been hooked ever since!
These days, I’m embracing the slowness of knitting. While I love a finished project as much as anyone, I’m learning to focus on the joy of the process. Knitting is most rewarding when I’m in the right headspace—rushing only leads to mistakes and frustration. That’s why I’ve made it a priority to bring good energy to my work, stepping away when I need to reset. This small shift has made a huge difference in how I approach my craft.
I don’t have strict crafting rituals, but I always aim to create from a place of inspiration and curiosity. Nature, objects in my home, garments I admire, vibrant colors, and even conversations and gossip spark my creativity. Anything pretty or interesting can become part of my creative journey!
A fun fact about me: I went to fashion school, but I didn’t study fashion. Now, I’m obsessed with making my own clothes and weaving personal stories into every stitch.
Want to connect and see what I’m working on? Find me on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok!