Korina: Maker, Writer, Disrupter

Korina Yoo is one of the kindest, most eloquent and thoughtful knitters on Instagram — where she is more famously known as @thecolormustard. She is a diversity champion of the knitting community, and was at the forefront of the recent discussion that exploded on Instagram regarding racism in the fiber community. (More on that can be found here.) She is a knitter, sewer and “full time researcher of the human condition.” Read her interview to learn more about what she’s still learning, when she stopped following instructions, and how to avoid tokenism.

In the recent discussion on Instagram about race in the knitting world, you were at the forefront of the conversation. First, thank you for doing that. While you were educating so many people, did you learn anything yourself? Were you surprised by the community response?

I was definitely surprised by the community response. By no means was I the first to speak about the matter — there were many before me, yourself included — thank you. These conversations were already happening, but in sort of isolated pockets that made it easy for some to ignore or supersede, and difficult to find for others who truly care. So yes, I was surprised, because this time around I fully expected to be gesticulating at a wall, as I had before. But I am so very grateful for the voices that rose with mine.

I’m still learning. About what community could look like. How to better care for others and for myself. How to do things sustainably. How I am not exempt from the very critiques I give voice to. How my words land. How and why I make.

Pattern: Ketch Harbor by Fiona Alice. Published in Pom Pom Magazine.

What do you think is the best way to encourage more diverse representation in the fiber world?

First and foremost is unpacking how systemic racism is perpetuated within ourselves. I don’t think there’s any other way. If you’re in a position of power within our community especially, you have to first ask if you understand why diverse representation has an importance that is beyond a “PR gig.” Otherwise, it’s tokenism, and it does more harm.

This particular post (authored by Onyx M, not posted to, but found through Instagram) really says it well: “Instead of focusing on being inclusive, focus on rectifying ways you’re being exclusive.”

Has knitting gotten you through a difficult time in your life? If so, how did it help?

Of course. Knitting — all kinds of making, really — teaches me self-reliance and gives me a sense of confidence that readily translates to all parts of my life.

What’s your favorite project that you working on right now?

Unfortunately, I’m not working on anything at the moment! But I constantly fantasize about color work…

Pattern: Raven Fairisle Yoke by Marie Wallin.

What project are you most proud of? Why?

This colorwork pullover. I have an almost unquestionable belief in following instructions, but working this pattern was one of those rare occasions where I played around and made modifications on the go, ripping back entire sections because something just wasn’t working right for my body or what I wanted to enjoy at the moment. It was very satisfying.