About Jem and Under the Olive Tree Knits
Hi, I'm Jem and I am a knitting designer, independent yarn dyer and owner of Under the Olive Tree Knits. My favourite thing to do is to create knitting patterns for hand dyed yarns.
I'm a big believer that knitting should be as relaxing and stress-free as possible so my aim is to provide you with patterns that are easy to follow, have been tested before publication and include links to video tutorials too.
I live in Huntingdon in the UK with my husband David and our 4 cats Alan, Madeleine, Richmond and Jen. Our kitchen doubles up as my dye studio and is where I am often found dyeing up lots of lovely, colourful yarns.
My favourite things to design are shawls as they are versatile and easy to wear, you can have fun exploring new techniques through stitch patterns, colourwork or beading without it being too big of a project - and shawls always fit!
You can find my designs here on the website, on Ravelry, Lovecrafts and Payhip, and I have also had designs published in The Knitter, Simply Knitting and Knit Now magazines.
Why the name 'Under the Olive Tree Knits'?
Many of my patterns and yarn colourways are inspired by small Greek Island called Alonnissos. We visit every Summer and it's our favourite place to be.
Alonissos provides the backdrop to quite a few of my pattern photos and I do bank quite a few FO's up before we go so I can take advantage of the stunning scenery!
For me, there is no happier place to be than in Alonnisos, in the warm summer sun, surrounded by the olive trees and knitting to the sound of cicadas.
What is Patreon?
Patreon offers an easy way to see behind-the-scenes content and recieve updates about what is happening at Under the Olive Tree Knits. It's also your chance to ask any questions or have your say on new designs or colourways.
Here's what's you get when you join!
A pattern of your choice every month or quarter (all Tiers)
Depending on your tier, you’ll receive a knitting pattern of you choice from my self‑published collection.Fortnightly behind‑the‑scenes videos (Sock and Lace Tiers)
join me as I chat through the chaos and magic of running a yarn business! Come with me to yarn shows, peek at brand‑new designs before anyone else, dye some yarn with me and much moreTest knitting priority (Lace Tier)
You get to see the designs in progress, now you can be first in line when the new designs need testing!10% off all website orders (Lace Tier)
A thank‑you from me to you, every time you treat yourself to yarn or patterns.A monthly Virtual Knit & Natter (Lace Tier)
Bring your cuppa, your WIP, and join the loveliest knitting group in town. It’s relaxed, friendly, and one of my favourite parts of the month.Access to our Patreon‑only Facebook and WhatsApp groups (Lace Tier)
Your new virtual knitting circle, supportive, chatty, and full of people who get just as excited about colourways, cast‑ons, and blocking miracles as you do.Join our Next Yarn Retreat! (Lace Tier)
Our lovely group meets up once a year in person for weekend away in the UK. So far we have been to York and Bath and we are busy planning our next retreat for 2027. If a weekend away with like-minded knitters with nothing on the agenda apart from working on our projects, an afternoon tea and a visit to a yarn shop or 2 sounds like your idea of fun we would love for you to join us on our next retreat!
So if you enjoy my designs, yarns and knitty bits, or want to know more about what goes into creating a knitting design. dyeing a skein of yarn or running a knitting business, by becoming a Patron you will get access to everything that goes on behind-the-scenes!
There are 3 membership tiers available, from as little £2.50 a month and no matter which one you sign up for you will automatically become part of my exclusive Patreon community and recieve a free pattern of your choice every quarter (or monthly if you sign up to the Lace Tier).
You can cancel your subscription at any time and there are no ties, so if you don't want to keep recieving updates or patterns you can easily unsubscribe.
How Does Patron Support Help?
Patreon support helps me with the costs involved in running my business. From tech editing, running KAL's and Giveaways, buying supplies and paying taxes. They say every little helps and this is so true when you are running a small business - every single penny counts!
But aside from the finiancial support it's also a way for me to connect with you. I have met some fantastic people through Patreon and I always look forward to our monthly Knit and Natter calls. It would be great if you could join us too!
And I love to hear feedback - so as a Patron, if there is something you would like to see, such as a specific video tutorial, or if you would like to see more patterns for cowls for example then my Patron community is the perfect place for you to come and have your say.
So, for the price of a virtual coffee a month come and join this journey with me!