Élodie Marchand

Hello — I’m Élodie Marchand, the voice and hands behind Knitted Characters and Folk Festival Tales. I’m a cultural writer, maker, and storyteller who loves the warm intersection of handcrafted knitting, folk traditions, and the lively pulse of festival life. I explore how small, knitted beings and the people who make them carry stories across generations and stages.

I learned to knit at my grandmother’s knee and grew up between village fêtes and summer folk festivals, where music, oral tales, and craft stalls shaped my imagination. My professional background blends cultural studies and community arts: I’ve worked on local heritage projects, curated maker markets, and contributed to festival programming that brings traditional crafts into contemporary conversations.

On this blog I write features, profiles, and essays that celebrate the makers, musicians, and storytellers who animate our public gatherings. Expect interviews with artisans, behind-the-scenes looks at festival preparations, practical knitting tips tied to narrative themes, and explorations of folk tales that inspire new character designs. I aim to pair cozy craft techniques with oral heritage so readers can both learn and feel connected to living traditions.

My approach is warm, curios, and hands-on. I love a good pattern as much as a good story: you’ll find step-by-step projects for whimsical knitted characters alongside reflective pieces about community rituals, the sensory world of festivals, and the ways craft fosters belonging. I strive for writing that’s accessible to beginners and engaging for longtime practitioners and festival-goers alike.

I live in the UK and travel as often as possible to folk gatherings and craft fairs, notebook and needles in tow. I welcome collaboration with makers, festival organizers, and cultural projects that foreground craft, storytelling, and community. If you have a story idea, a pattern to share, or an event you think I should cover, I’d love to hear from you.

Thank you for joining this small, spirited corner of the internet where knitted characters and folklore meet — I’m delighted to share the tales and makers that make our festivals sing.