Meet Knittendorf By Kelly Mittendorf

In a world where scrolling-induced carpal tunnel and blue light blockers are the new norm, taking up a screenless activity is not just wise — it's necessary. For Kelly Mittendorf, a New York-based model and marketer, that's where her knack for knitting began. Now, she's introducing her very own knitwear line, Knittendorf.

Kelly taught herself to crochet a few times over the last several years. More recently, she began crocheting special pieces for friends — pairs of cherries, monochromatic scarfs, hats, and even custom orders. The newly-launched site offers a triangle top and matching wrap skirt, a catchall shoulder bag, and scrunchies in seasonal colors like buttercup and calla lily. “The pieces are actually crochet, made with super high quality yarn," Kelly says of her collection. "The hobby has been a respite for many years and I reach for it in dedicated spaces, in between, backstage, on the road… Each is conceived with a practical and impractical purpose in mind. Inspired by my world and my favorite moments." Here's how it all began.

Meg: What's the genesis story behind Knittendorf?

Kelly: I’ve tried to teach myself how to crochet a few times, and for some reason it just stuck recently. It’s my anti-TikTok. When I decided to make a website for it, which I guess means make it “real,” it was because I’d already made little bits for my friends and partner, and they were super encouraging to keep going.

Meg: Where are you finding sources of inspiration for what you're making?

Kelly: I’m still learning and mostly reminding myself that this isn’t about making the best of something that already exists. I wouldn’t say I’m on a mission to convert anyone’s entire wardrobe to knitwear (although slay if you can), and I certainly don’t have the skillset. Thus far, I’ve been treating the “drops” as my own personal, self-inflicted thematic Project Runway challenges based on a color or a season or something I’m excited to figure out how to do.

This “drop” is about the idea of less. I had a gender-affirming breast reduction last year, and this felt like a playground of pieces I’m excited to wear based on being more comfortable showing more of myself than trying to force clothes to work for me.

Meg: You've worked in fashion — as a model, in marketing — for years. How does that experience parlay into this work?

Kelly: It’s different being “behind the scenes." I’ve tried really hard not to put pressure on myself to do things the way I perceive others operate. I’m lucky to have this space to be silly goofy, and that so far others like what comes out of that.

Meg: That's a refreshing way of looking at it. How would you say this work different than the work you've done in the past? How does the process feel different to you?

Kelly: The biggest difference is being alone. In my other personas, I’m usually on a highly cross functional team, or just coming in to execute a concept for one day on set. Getting to make it all up gives me so much appreciation for the creative process in general, which I’ve never felt connected to. That usually looks like spending weeks collecting images and letting them soak in, then starting to translate them into groups of pieces that have something in common. Everything else moves so fast, giving time for something to evolve organically feels special.

Meg: What does it mean to make things with your hands in a very digital world to you?

Kelly: Everything. My screen time has never been lower. Not only are my hands literally too busy to scroll, there’s an amazing community around fiber arts. I get most of my yarn at Cleo’s in Brooklyn, and they host events and are always so so so helpful. It's meaningful to me to do something that can be taught to or shared with others.

Meg: What's coming next?

Kelly: I’m so excited for this drop, and there will be a second iteration this summer. It includes the first bag I’ve ever made, and each piece can be customized so they fit you and your life perfectly. I’m daydreaming of a drop in the fall from unconventional materials and doing and IRL class and shopping event.

Meg: Most importantly... How do we shop it? Are you taking custom orders?

Kelly: Knittendorf.com, new drops announced on my insta !! And yes, custom order requests are always welcome.