Let me share a little more about my background. I am a first-generation American on my mother’s side.

My mother moved to the US from Cuba during the ’60s through the political asylum process. My Abuelita and Abuelo worked hard over the next 20 years to rebuild their lives, from their educational degrees and work experience to learning a new language and buying a home.

In contrast, my father’s family has been here for generations, though they are part of a dying middle class from the mid-west, just outside of Detroit. My father is white.

As a half-white / half-Cuban (of white, Spanish descent), I often debate whether my opinions are valuable, especially when issues are raised on social media.

Although I faced adversity in my childhood through physical & emotional abuse, I still have immense privilege as a white woman from a middle-class background. I have been given opportunities to make good choices throughout my life. Because of this, I am committed to lifting up other women in my local community and worldwide.

Starting in 2024, I will be donating 10% of my pattern sales to a charity each quarter. 

Three Questions

There are 3 questions I always ask myself before adding my voice and thoughts:

1. Does it need to be said?

2. Does it need to be said right now?

3. Does it need to be said by me?

You can expect to hear from me if the answer to all 3 questions is yes.

But I will never be silent if something goes against my values.

My Values

I do not tolerate racism, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia, or any other exclusionary behavior on this website, in Slack for my pattern testing group, on Instagram, Ravelry, or any other space where Kirsten Joel Designs exists.

And while words are important, I believe they need to be backed up by action. 

My Commitment to You

• I will do my best until I know better. When I know better, I will do better.

• I will welcome feedback & constructive criticism

• People or comments that are abusive or compromise the safety of others will be removed.

• I will work with brands that share my values. If a pattern has been released with a yarn I no longer believe shares my values, the link to purchase that yarn will be removed, and a new sample will be knitted when time permits.

• In 2020, I expanded my size range from 7 sizes to 9 sizes. In 2023, I expanded my size range from 9 sizes to 12 sizes with a 26” - 70” actual chest measurement. In 2024, I am updating back catalog patterns to my new sizing & grading standards.

• All patterns are being updated to mention chest measurement, not bust, as I recognize that all bodies have chests, but not all have busts.

• I will use the term cup shaping when referencing the extra fabric added to the chest.