Big Bowl Energy: Robert Gordon and Cardigang Is a Match Made in Maker Heaven
There’s something soothing about the rhythm and flow of knitting – the ASMR click of needles, soft pull of yarn, quiet satisfaction of a project taking shape, stitch by stitch… Right up until the moment your yarn decides to tangle itself beyond rescue, or the yarn ball heads off for an under-the-couch adventure (perhaps assisted by a curious cat*). Enter the Robert Gordon x Cardigang Yarn Bowl: a collaboration between two creative powerhouses, designed to bring both beauty and practicality to your crafting space. (And help that wandering ball stay put.)
Robert Gordon, a family-run Australian pottery brand with over 80 years of craftsmanship behind them, are known for their timeless, handmade ceramics. Cardigang – knitting’s new cool kids – are on a mission to make the craft fun, accessible, and a little less intimidating for beginners. When Hannah Gordon and Cardigang founders Cat and Morgan put their heads together, they wanted to solve a real knitting dilemma: keeping yarn tidy and tangle-free while also making the process feel a little more special. The result? A stunning, heirloom-quality yarn bowl that’s as practical as it is beautiful.
We had a chat with Hannah from Robert Gordon and Cardigang’s Cat and Morgan about their joy-sparking collaboration.
*Not Cat from Cardigang, of course!
PHOTOS: DIJANA RISTESKA
Hannah, you have rich personal memories connected to the craft of knitting – can you tell us more about your initial inspiration?
My mother and both my grandmothers were knitters. My mum even had a traditional wooden knitting wheel to spin her own yarn. I remember bags of fleece turning into gorgeous cable jumpers.
What drew you to Cardigang as the ideal partner for this project?
Cardigang is such a cool and vibrant business. We love that the Australian-born brand is redefining the world of knitting and crochet for such a young market. It’s such an incredible skill to have and a hobby we wanted to celebrate. We love that it’s founded by two friends and love their energy.
What was it like designing a piece specifically for knitters, and how did you balance function with aesthetics? Were there any unique challenges you had to navigate?
There was a lot of back and forth with ideas and samples. Things that we considered were the size – Cardigang balls of yarn are generous, also the flow of the yarn – that’s why we had the inside in a gloss glaze. The frill rim is perfect to rest your needles!
How does this collaboration speak to Robert Gordon’s deep commitment to craftsmanship, sustainability and mindful living?
We love designing things that are not only beautiful but functional and in a clay body that will stand the test of time. It’s a piece designed to pass on through generations. We love the idea of families spending time together to develop their skills and create an item of clothing that will be worn and cherished for years to come. It’s nostalgic with a modern twist.
Hey there, Cat and Morgan! Cardigang’s all about making knitting fun and accessible. How does collaborating with Robert Gordon feed into this ethos?
We believe that knitting should feel as joyful as the final piece you create – no stress, no tangled mess, just good vibes and great yarn. Teaming up with Robert Gordon, who’ve been mastering the art of handmade ceramics for over 80 years, felt like the perfect way to add a little extra luxury (and a lot of practicality) to the knitting experience. Their passion for handmade pieces and beautiful design aligns so seamlessly with what we do, plus, we love anything that makes crafting easier and more enjoyable.
When Hannah and the Robert Gordon team approached you with the idea for the yarn bowl, what was your initial reaction? What was the process of collaborating like?
Honestly, it was an immediate YES. We’re all about creating products that make the knitting experience smoother, more stylish, and more fun, and this felt like a natural fit. The Robert Gordon team just gets craftsmanship and quality, and we knew Hannah and the team would create something as beautiful as it is functional. The collab process was a total dream – lots of creative brainstorming, testing different designs, and making sure the final piece wasn’t just pretty to look at but also practical for knitters at every level.
What do you love most about the yarn bowl, and how does it make a knitter’s life easier?
This isn’t just another knitting tool, it’s ‘chef’s kiss’ stunning and we love that it makes a statement. But beyond the looks, it’s ridiculously practical. No more chasing runaway yarn across the floor or untangling a mess of knots. The feed hole guides the yarn smoothly, so it unravels effortlessly as you knit, keeping your stitches even and your workflow uninterrupted.
Any tips and tricks for how to use it?
Our best tip? Grab the yarn tail from the inside of the ball – this will ensure the smoothest movement.
THIS POST WAS CREATED IN COLLABORATION WITH OUR FRIENDS AT ROBERT GORDON, WHO HAVE BEEN DESIGNING AND MAKING POTTERY SINCE 1945.
