Spin a yarn

With Youth Day around the corner, we are celebrating our country’s freshest talent this week. First up, meet Cape Town’s own yarn-bomber, Isabeau Joubert, who is taking knitting a step further with unusual materials and forms.

What did you want to be when you were a child? 

I wanted to dig up dinosaur bones and put them together like a puzzle.

What do you do now? 

I “dig up” non-traditional yarns and combine them into shapes that end up being colourful coverings in the city. 

How did that happen? 

I realised our cities are full of yarn in the form of rope or twine and cord or off-cuts. I wanted to use material true to the age and environment, shaping it into something beautiful and functional.

Your biggest accomplishment? 

My most recent project: a giant delicious-monster mat made from off-cut promotional fabric. I’m photographing it in different environments.

Some favourite designers? 

I love Porky Hefer’s design process and the Spanish furniture designer Patricia Urquiola – her use of texture and craft is amazing. 

What would you decree if you were Minister of Design? 

I would chat to the Minister of Finance about tax breaks for emerging designers.

Advice for aspiring designers? 

Do what you love. Draw up a business plan. Set clear goals.

isabeaupeep.com

Click here for more profiles on fresh, talented South African creatives.