Seems to me that you were on the right track when you spent those years in medical school…you have become a healer in a different way…through writing and producing such beautiful garments and accessories with thoroughly written patterns….thank you for being so candid with telling us your journey to being the success you are today….you are a lovely person Joji, and deserve all the admiration and love that comes your way❤️

Thank you for sharing your keynote address, Joji, so those of us who could not attend could hear it. I laughed, I cried, and I was so inspired by your courage in sharing the the challenging times, as well as the joyful times. It is refreshing to hear mental health struggles openly explored, as this will give hope to so many who suffer in silence. As a retired mental health worker, it gives me great joy to hear how you have learned to understand, embrace and over come your anxiety and depression symptoms to become a world renowned designer and businesswoman, who continues to improve the world we live in with your compassion and understanding and generous spirit. ❤❤❤ I so love your patterns and just finished my Elton sweater, which I started for the KAL back in September. It has been a labour of love. I love it and will think of you and smile every time I wear it. Thank you so much!

Thank you for sharing your keynote speech with those of us who couldn’t be there in person, Joji. I am so happy to belong in the same community with you. ~Colleen (beanietvq)

Thank you for sharing Joji. I teared up so many times as you shared your beautiful journey. I’m one of those plus size knitters who found early on that you were the go-to designer. Thank you for being size inclusive before others were and for your amazing attention to detail in your beautiful designs!

God bless you Joji. I studied 4 years (not to be a doctor) and went for the Master's Degree which was required. Was able to work at the job for a couple of years, due to a shortage while going to the grad program at night. Part of the job and classes I enjoyed and was good at. Not the rest. I was exhausted and quit the classes and job. Took me years to overcome. Your education has no doubt paid off when your family was ill even if you took them to a doctor. I learned to knit, sew, and embroider as a child. Last year I started sewing again and found it gave my mind a rest. Depression and anxiety are struggles for me too. I like how you find happiness every day. I really like your knitting patterns. It was a wonderful speech.

You should know-- I watched this while working on my 3rd Rafa's hat. You're are one of my FAVORITE designers, not only for your style, but for the beauty you shine out on the world with your humble way of moving through life. Please never stop being you Joji.

A member of our local knitting group told us of your video two days ago. With a beautiful day to knit on the back patio I thought this a perfect opportunity to bind off the body of my very first sweater and listen to your story. Great decision!! I’ve been a huge admirer of your works since I began knitting some ten years ago. Yet, appreciating the simple and intricate beauty of your designs is only one tremendous set of accomplishments I’ve learned in hearing who you are and the journey you’ve walked. It seems far more likely that the essence of who you are at your heart is what makes all you have a hand in positively beautiful. I don’t believe in coincidence personally, but that some things are meant to happen (for me this is directly tied to my faith). Joji, you’ve shaped not just our knitting garments, but our knitting world! Thank YOU for taking all the chances you have taken to get to where you are today! I wish you every blessing and hope dearly that the joy in knitting never leaves your fingertips. Thank YOU! ❤❤❤

Humbling, inspiring and beautiful, your love for knitting and the community is something to behold. 💙

What a beautiful story. I discovered the joy of knitting about 1.5 years ago and since learning the basics via KZfaq have never had a day without knitting on something (socks, shawls, sweaters). Recently I found your patterns and am currently thoroughly enjoying working through your Lace & Fade boxy. Its construction is like nothing else I've ever done before and yes, it makes me happy.! Thank you!

You have such a beautiful and inspiring story. I have recently stepped out to start my own company. Its not a knitting company 😁 😉 but It’s still so nerve racking, stressful and I often find myself thinking 🤔… what am I doing… listening to you today and all you accomplished is so inspiring. Thank you 🙏. Hearing other successful woman’s stories really helps me…❤ I can do this and I will! 🤗

Joji, There is so much to love about your speech, I was stunned almost into silence about it. (Difficult for a committed talker). Your story is so compelling and honest and the comfortable way you express yourself 😂is truly inspiring.. Humor, conflict, fear, generosity, compassion, curiosity, commitment and so much more comes through loud and clear! Yours is without a doubt the best keynote I have ever heard in any field. Thanks to VK for giving you the time and opportunity to speak, but especially to you for taking that time to reveal truths far beyond knitting alone. You are truly a healer, a fighter, an artist, and a compassionate friend to all. Thank you for making your life and your speech available and for opening yourself in such a vulnerable and courageous way.😅

Thank you Joji for sharing this with us. You are a doctor, but not in the way you thought - you heal with knitting, inspiring, giving tools and knowledge, and hope. I also heard questions like „why do you knit - it’s a waste of time”. So keep „wasting” our time 🧶💚

Lovely Joji❤. The hardships you have faced to be where you are today speaks a lot about your passion and the belief you and your family had in you. It was wonderful listening to you.👏👏😍. I am knitting your Elton pullover and the lace and fade boxy now. Beautiful construction and patterns👌👌😎❤️.

Oh my goodness. Thank you so much for sharing this speaking experience with us on KZfaq. I loved you before, and somehow, I love you even more. My mother learned to knit while she was a new mother living in Jujuy Argentina with my father's new job. The ladies in her community taught her how to knit and speak Spanish. After three years they moved back to then states and I was born land a few years later. She taught me to knit and crochet when I was 10 and 11. I loved it, but it didn't really get it into my heart until I was 50. I've never ever ever stopped. I miss my mother and always feel close to her, even more when I knit. Thank you for sharing. You are the BEST! Much love. ❤❤

Well Done Joji. You're Beautiful & I Can't Wait To See Your Future. I'm Completing Japan Sleeves Right Now. I'm So Invigorated When I Wear Your Designs And Feel More Beautiful Than I Do In A Piece Of Machine Created Designs. Thank You.

Absolutely fabulous and amazing. I'm glad you listened to your heart and changed your career path. We are all so grateful to have you in the knitting world. Thank you for sharing your story!

Thank you Joji, this was so inspiring, you went from an unhappy medical doctor to a grateful, happy, KNITTING HEALER. What an example !

JoJi, this makes me so happy to learn about your knitting journey and the joy it has brought you and your family. You are truly inspiring! Thank you thank you for a wonderful story and hugs to your Mom, she is awesome:)

Joji, dear, you are such a sweet and compassionate person, I love hearing your stories and how you always find the bright side of everything, from a poorly written pattern (those El Arte convinced me that I really couldn't knit), to our country's economic situation. I enjoyed every minute of your talk. Hoping to see you very soon! Kisses and hugs!

I am overjoyed that you shared this as I was so disappointed not to be able to attend. Your speech was incredible. You made me laugh out loud and cry. Your story is beautiful and inspirational. You are exactly where you were meant to be. You put so much joy into the world, its obvious that it comes back to you ten-fold.

Joji this was such a Beautiful heartwarming knitting story I have ever heard. Thankfully you found what you were meant to do, and brings you and the world of knitters such Joy and Happiness. Thank you for all you do. 🤗

Thank you for this wonderful message and very enjoyable presentation. You touch so many lives with your honesty and story of perseverance. The world is so fortunate to have your beautiful contribution. You are such an inspiration for so many. And we love your mom, too. Shirley Beard of Seattle

Thank you for sharing your keynote speech it was so awesome and inspiring I just love your relationship with your Mom and how she was so inspiring in your knitting journey I also had a mother that inspired my sewing journey but I learned from my Aunt how to knit I am so happy I found your podcast on KZfaq you are so inspiring to me hope your time in New York was awesome be safe in your travels love from Gerri in Tennessee

Joji loved your knitting journey. So glad I was able to meet you in person at VKLNY23. You're truly an inspiration; Thank you.

Oh how I wish I was here to see you!!! I live here - you know, I took my autistic group to Costa Rica. THANK YOU for sharing and thank Charlie for filming!! How I love you all, so much!!! xoxo

What a beautiful story! I kept thinking how wonderful that your husband and sons could experience the love, respect, and esteem of so many people for you. They must have been so proud of you.

I Absolutely adore what you did with your skills/life decisions. You got a new fan! Margaret... Love from South Africa.

Thank you Joji for sharing your story! You are so beautiful and authentic. You are an inspiration. And yes, knitting makes us happy!!!!

Thank you for sharing your speech. You did a wonderful job! Thank you for all you do for the knitting community. It’s been a blessing to knit your patterns! I’ve learned so much from them!!

i too knit for healing, going through hard things ,knitting has helped me heal. you re a healer ,even though your not in a hospital setting you are truley healing people , in the most elemental way. just for the joy and a true homeosstatis.....never stop your creativity....

Your story is inspiring. You are a different kind of doctor than you trained to become. Anyone who heals as much as you do through your calling in the world of knitting can be considered a doctor of fiber arts, in my opinion. You do beautiful work. Thank you for sharing it with us.

Joni, thank you for sharing. Your story is inspiring. You are a healer just not in the traditional medical sense. What you did took courage and fortitude and empathy.

Joji, Thank you so much for sharing your story. Your honesty warms my heart. You are a strong beautiful person. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! 💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕

Because of you, other people’s lives are enriched. You are a gift to us! ❤

Sos lo más Jojji, una persona adorable, empática, sensible y laburadora ¡Qué alegría ver cómo la felicidad llega cuando alguien busca, intenta, se cuestiona, supera prejuicios, atiende su salud mental y nunca deja de mirar a los otros! Te merecés todo lo bueno y más. Mi admiración profunda y como tejedora mi agradecimiento por tantos lindos momentos y experiencias con tus hermosos patrones 😍

Qué emoción, querida Joji!!! Gracias por compartir el video!! La etapa de teñido de lanas me la perdí por completo! Serían los años en que estuve en Alemania! Hermosísimo camino recorrido, del que tienes que estar sanamente orgullosa, y del que queda mucho más por recorrer!! Me uno a los aplausos de pie de todo el auditorio! Bravo!!!!!!

You have a beautiful life story ♡ amazing how much your Abuela grandmom resembles your mom ♡ love and best wishes🌹 Julia

Joji, you are an inspiration. Your story brought tears to my eyes.

What a journey - full of love and lessons and gifts. Thank you for sharing.

I laugh and I got a few tears too. Thank you for sharing your life and insights with us, your humble knitting friends. I am going to buy one of your patterns and am still saving up for a pair of those awesome boots.

I've watched this here on the west coast of Ireland while knitting on your Trevor pattern (3rd time). I really enjoyed it, hearing and life story and learning more about you. Thank you.

Thank you so much for sharing your speech. It was wonderful. I have never been to a knitting event, but hearing that you made a speech made me wish I had been able to go to listen to it. Every pattern that I have knit of yours, I have loved knitting. I also appreciate all the journals you have shared with us. Listening to you talk about your designing has inspired me to start designing.

You are an inspiration to those around you and you lift people up wherever you go- thank you so much for this !!! You are so right - knitting makes us happy!!

Joji if there was a love button I would have clicked it twice!! Thank you for posting this!

Thank you for sharing your story and your very special talents that you give to all us knitters. It truly is something very special that brings joy and healing to many💕

Thanks for sharing your wonderful story. You made me cry twice this week with your beautiful story and personality. Awesome Congratulations ❤️👏

WOW! Thank you for sharing! I had no idea what you had to overcome to be where you are. You have empowered even more people with your courage and generous heart! I love your bags! Though DHL gives me a hard time with every shipment before they clear customs! I love your work and patterns! And I love that you can confidently and repeatedly say that you are happy now! Congratulations!

Lovely, lovely, lovely! Thank you so much! ❤❤❤

What a wonderful story of love, courage and encouragement to All!!!

Thank you so much for sharing. Bravo for you and bravo for your work. Love being part of this caring community ❤

What an inspiring story, thank you so much for sharing it with all of us. You’re such a beautiful person, Joji…thank you for pursuing your true passion…I’m so happy it has paid off for you and your family

Thank you so much for speaking openly about mental health issues. I truly appreciate your normalizing this discussion. I just adore your patterns- I've completed 60 and have 5 currently on the needles. Your name was mentioned so much at our home that one of my children asked, who is this Joji? Is it an aunt we haven't met? We are all so lucky you chose the profession you did! Congrats on your success and best wishes on all of your future endeavors!

Thank you for sharing your heartfelt presentation. You have given us so much joy with your patterns. Keep up the good work. We love you ❤

Thank you so much for sharing! You are a beautiful, amazing woman and an inspiration for so many!

Thank you for sharing your story, and thank you for being honest about your mental health struggles. I often have to fight “the blues”, and one of my children had a long serious battle with depression during high school and beyond. He is doing much better now. It is encouraging and comforting to see how you found a path to a happier life from such a dark place. Your sense of humor made me smile many times, too! ❤

Thank you for sharing your amazing inspiring story. You have truly followed your heart, to your and your family’s benefit, but also to ours! ❤️

You made me laugh , you made me cry, you pulled many emotions from my lifetime , being so vulnerable yourself, telling your story❤ you make me very proud , of YOU and of all empowered women around the globe 😊 thank you for sharing your story and your vast talents ! You’re truly a wonderful , genuine soul ! ☮️💫🧶💕

What a lovely story and presentation Joji! Thank you so much for sharing it. In many ways you are a doctor still.....

Thank you, thank you so much for sharing your story, love, talent and your beautiful patterns with the world 💕

Joji- you continue to be such an inspiration to me and many others. Thank you for sharing your personal story! ❤❤

Amazing! Bravo Joji! Thanks for sharing this special video created for your Mom. As I stated on IG, your story is inspirational and you make me want to be a better knitter. 😊

I'm so glad I saw your Insta profile and clicked through to your special story. Thank you for sharing your journey. It's obvious that you were born to develop this talent of yours, to change others' lives in this very particular way. The special relationship in knitting with your mum is precious and one that exemplifies the beauty of the craft. - creating relationships, inclusive community, creative thinking, sharing and support of others. It's a wonderful thing. Your story is inspirational in so many ways. For me the collaborative passing on of the skills in this beautiful craft is what makes it unique. I love that fact that it crosses generational divides - both young and old. The 'difference' in the person of Joji that you mention at the end of your talk is what will continue to grow the love of this craft for others in the years to come. Your manner, understanding and gentle nature is perfect for teaching. Congratulations on finding your purpose in life. ❤ May you continue to grow and continue to flourish on this your journey.

You are such an incredible human being. Love you and everything you do. Thank you for sharing yourself with us. 💗

Oh thankyou so much for sharing your story, your hard work and moving forward in what you love and believe is a legacy and an example to many. Your family are so proud of you and we are so lucky to have you in our knitting community. ❤️💕

Thank you so much for having the courage to post this speech for us all to share, especially thank you from somebody who would never have been able to see it otherwise, and who will never be able to attend one of your classes. Much Love to you 💞💖

What an inspiring story. Thank you. I am an American who lives in Mexico. Where I live the nearest yarn shop is over an hour away. They have huge cakes/cones of acrylic/cotton yarn, skeins of cotton yarn (a Mexican brand), and skeins of acrylic blends (from Turkey). No wool. Watching all the different KZfaq channels, everyone uses wool. But I don't have access, and more importantly, I am allergic to wool. I feel like a knitting outcast. Finally, last year, my local yarn store had their Mexican brand cotton yarn available as a cotton/angora blend. In one color. I sat there, rubbing it on my skin and I didn't break out. So, I ordered 5 skeins each of 7 of the colors. The owners (two sisters and their father) were more than willing to place the order for me. A month later I had my yarn. Just last week they had their Turkish yrn available as an acrylic 75%/wool 25% blend. I bought one 100g skein. I am currently knitting a pair of socks for my husband with it. But, my wool allergy makes knitting this very difficult. All of this, just to say that you made me realize that I don't need to feel like an outcast for not using wool. Thank you so much.

This is wonderful, Joji! I hope one day that we can meet at well and chat. xoxo Marly

Your passion in all you do shines through in this presentation! You should be so proud of your accomplishments and especially this moment and the courage it took to share your life story! Thank you!

Thank you thank you sooo much for allowing me to learn who you truly are🥰💜❤️😘🤗

Muchísimas gracias por compartir esta conferencia. Es inspirador ver la trayectoria de tu vida como estudiante, madre, tejedora. El Señor te bendiga y te guarde; el Señor haga resplandecer su rostro sobre ti, y tenga de ti misericordia; el Señor alce sobre ti su rostro, y te dé paz. Gracias de nuevo y un abrazo enorme. Espero verte de nuevo en Barcelona

Your story is amazing! Thank you for sharing it with all of us. I am so proud to be a knitter because of people like you!❤

Thank you a lot for sharing this story. We love your patterns. I am just finishing of a long coat version of your on the road again sweater. As you empower us to own the knitting and change it and learn from it. Have a lovely day

Thank you for sharing this with us. I enjoyed hearing ur history, from being a lil girl, to how u became a great knitter that u r today. Joji I love u, it feels like I know u all ready. But I have never meet u in person. The story u shared, brought tears to my eyes, & then u made me laugh. Thank u again.

As suspected, you are a special person. Thank you.

TUso much for ur journey . I am so happy for u & ur family that ur dream has come true. U are beautiful inside & out. 😊

Oh my goodness, what a moving, articulate and inspiring story! You are so brave and generous to share all the highs and lows of your journey. When I discovered you on Ravelry a few years ago I immediately fell in love with your designs (finishing up Meridien right now!). Now I have also fallen in love with you!

Joji, this was wonderful! You are so industrious, and now I know more of your “why”❤ Thank you.

Thank you for sharing, Joji! It was great to hear your story. ❤

I am SO happy for you!!! You are truly inspiring Joji xoxo

Thank you for sharing this amazing keynote speech. ❤❤❤

I love this thank you for sharing for those of us that were not there 🤗

Thank you for sharing your story and journey. Very inspiring.

What an amazing journey, I love your stories and this one is top. A lot of people talked about your keynote address and I can see why and I am sorry it has taken me this long to watch and connect to your Journals. I have to admit I have not knit one of your patterns although I admire them all. In a couple of weeks, however, I am going to start your new pattern Instant Crush. You are a joy to listen to and I wish you and your family all the best. I have four of your patterns in my cue to knit and I am so looking forward the each of them. Thanks you.

Thank you so much for sharing your story and your experience of being the keynote speaker.

Congratulations! This was an amazing speech/storytelling keynote. You are a beautiful person inside and out. Thank you for being so inspirational. Know that this delivery definitely made people smile, laugh, and feel happy.

bravo bravo -- such a wonderful and inspiring story! finding one's core direction and joy can be such a challenge, but always worth it -- for us as well as for you! thanks for sharing this.

Thank you for your story Joji!

Joji you are really an inspiration. I love knitting you creations and sharing time with you and your lovely Mum through your vlog. And I'm addicted to your bags! Thank you for sharing your story.

Thank you so much for sharing your story Joji!

Thank you so much for sharing your touching story, love from Germany 😘😘🧶

What a beautiful, moving, and humbling story, Joji! Thank you so much for sharing it with us knitters. I feel so blessed to belong to this community ❤

What a story! That was incredible, thank you for sharing.

Thank you so much for sharing this speech with everyone. You are truly inspiring! Muchas gracias (cannot wait to visit Buenos Aires knitting district in August !)

What an incredible and beautiful story…❤Thank you so much!

Your humour and vulnerability are two of the traits I admire in you and both are so clear in your talk. Thank you for posting this video and letting us know you better. Also, thank you for your openness about your emotions and mental health. This is healing as well. ❤️

Que lindos sentimientos y inspiración traes a nuestros comunidad. Qué Dios sega bendiciendo tu vida y familia. ❤

This was amazing and definitely made me cry. Thank you so much for sharing your story, as a young(ish) mother I definitely appreciate it so much! All the best for you and your family

Dear Joji, Thank you so much for sharing your keynote speech. Unfortunately I had to miss VKL for the first tie this year, due to a bout of covid. Your story is so honest and inspirational. I can say without a doubt - you have truly affected this knitter's world and continue to do so. Thank you! All the very best, Jenn

Thank you for sharing your story. You are such an inspiration. I must rewrite my only shawl pattern and finally write up my gusset pattern for socks that I started knitting January 04.2015.

Thank you for sharing your story. I have been a fan of your work for years.