Knitting/Expert Profile

Expertise

I can help beginning knitters sort out things like needle sizes, types of yarns to use and good starter patterns. Willing to translate some difficult patterns into plain English when clarification is needed. Recommendation of books and websites to learn new techniques. Sometimes you just need that friend to remind you that knitting is not about perfection and that you will get through that project that feels like its taking forever to complete.

Experience in the area

A self-taught knitter, I have been knitting for over 15 years. I write about knitting on my blog, liverchickknits.com, and design knitwear pieces that are sold on Ravelry.com and various other places. I have taught beginner knitting classes as well as some loom knitting classes in the past. I enjoy the art of knitting socks on two straight needles. Also enjoy knitting winter accessories like scarves and legwarmers.

Organizations

Member of the International Old Lacers Inc. (IOLI). Member of Lacey Ladies of Arizona. Member of The Knitting Guild Association

Publications

Published Designer: Galler Yarns, Premier Yarns and Sanguine Gryphon

Education/Credentials

Associate of Arts degree with an emphasis in Theater Arts. Nine years as a professional costume designer.

What do you like about this subject?

I love how knitting is one of the oldest art forms known to man, yet it is constantly changing and showing new sides of itself all the time. Fashions have come and gone, but knitting has never gone out of style. From wartime to runways, knitting is the art of the people. Anyone can learn to knit and take their skills as far as they want to go.

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

I am always learning and will continue to be a student in the field of knitting. I hope to attend more knitting conventions and events and one day be an invited teacher to share what I have learned. I also want to start knitting with more oh my own handspun yarns. One day I hope to share my patterns with other knitters and write a pattern book or two of my own designs.

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

Did you know that knitted-type fiber pieces were found inside the pyramids of Egypt?

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

Because of its long history as a 'common man's craft', many people do not recognize knitting as an art form. Fortunately, there are artist emerging who are fighting against that stigma and showing that knitted creations do belong in the same arena as the works of Leonardo or Monet.