Our Origins

The inspiration for Greta Dell was born from a tradition that began several generations ago with my family in Denmark. During that time, women would spend the long winters knitting and crocheting hats, sweaters, and other garments.

My grandmother, Harriet, was a true artisan. She created beautiful garments, decorations, and even needlepoint furniture. I have fond childhood memories of drinking tea together while watching her knit. The beautiful decorations she made still adorn my Christmas tree each year. Though my own knitting journey began as a creative outlet during a challenging time. It filled me with such joy and inspiration, while connecting me to the past. Greta Dell was created to share this tradition of joy and inspiration with you.

Everything we make at Greta Dell is created using either 100% Peruvian Highland wool or 100% Merino wool. Highland wool is a type of wool that comes from sheep raised in the Peruvian Highlands. It’s durable, soft and warm. Merino wool comes from the Merino sheep, a breed known for its very fine wool with softness comparable to cashmere. The Merino wool we use comes from Uruguay, Italy, and Australia.

Wool is truly an incredible fiber with so many beneficial properties. It’s temperature-regulating. This means that it absorbs and releases moisture, allowing you to stay warm or cool down depending on the season. In the cold, wool traps body heat and insulates. When it’s warm outside, it draws and releases heat from the wearer. Wool is anti-microbial and easier to maintain. It inhibits the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew while also being naturally stain, odor, and crease resistant. This means far less washing is necessary, if at all. Wool is extremely durable. Its fibers can be bent 20,000 times before breaking, making it far more durable than cotton or polyester. Wool is also a safer choice. In fact, it’s one of the most flame-resistant natural fibers, due to its high nitrogen and water content. The cell membrane structure of wool prevents the spread of flame while also being self-extinguishing. Finally, wool is an environmentally friendly choice. It’s recyclable and 100% biodegradable in as little as three months.

By choosing handmade items, you are supporting local artisans and communities. Handmade items are unique and promote traditional crafting techniques. They are made at a higher quality than those which are mass produced in factories. Handmade products are also environmentally beneficial and more sustainable because they require fewer resources and energy. They are often made of natural materials and are crafted to last.