Tag Archives: Yarn Lover

The ability to escape

6 Nov

Each of us carry numerous responsibilities on any given day.  From the many things we may be responsible for in our workplaces (I, for one, am now leading a department of nearly 40 people), to all of the things we have going on at home (we stay busy at our house even without children – I can’t imagine what adding additional lives to manage into the mix would be like!), we have a lot to do and follow through on in any given day.  I am a big proponent of balance, of maintaining proper boundaries between work and home so that you are able to disconnect and refuel.

I’ve seen some who struggle with this.  There is an overwhelming internal sense of responsibility that consumes them, and, as a result, may impact their health or their general well-being.  Although a bit cliche, I do work hard and play hard.  Just as much effort and focus I put into my work duties I also apply to the things I love doing outside of work, and sometimes, when certain stars are in alignment, I really can refuel and feed my spirit.

This morning is one such example.  Combining the elements of knitting, cup of coffee, my favorite chair AND cold weather in the 40s that, in Florida, for which I have been longing for some time, today I found my happy place.  Add a little music in the background and I’m set.  In these moments, I am able to completely disconnect, disengage my thoughts about work or other duties, and let my mind wander, explore ideas or consider future projects or opportunities.  I am reminded when enjoying moments such as these, that the ability to escape and refuel is critical.

We’ve heard it from Oprah and other talk shows.  Finding ways to reduce stress helps our mental as well as physical states.  If it is so important, how come more people don’t find ways to do it?  There are so many great outlets for recreation – something is out there to suit every taste.  If you’re outdoorsy, hiking or even a walk in the park.  If you’re sporty, a game of tennis with a friend.  If you’re crafty, mix yarn, needles and a couple of friends and you’ve got an afternoon of laughs, fun and creativity!

I’ve personally experienced and enjoyed what has come from finding something that really feeds my spirit, grounds me in a way that other pursuits haven’t before or can’t, and also satisfies other needs (creative expression, networking, writing, etc.).  My love affair with yarn, now a couple of years old and going strong, has given me a variety of creative outlets (knitting, crochet, spinning – which all have contributed to my thoughts shared here on my blog) and it’s also introduced me to some very kind, wonderful and innovative people.

I realize we all have roles to play, lives to lead and responsibilities to complete.  But if you’re killing yourself now by not taking time to relax, refuel and enjoy something that is very special and unique to you, you may be taking years off of your life.  And do you really want those who are close to you to recall at your funeral all the time you were away working, or the many memories they shared with you, pursuing passions, finding joy and fully living life?

 

Stereotypes, Part Deux: Overheard in a yarn store

12 Aug

You may have seen my recent post on my concern about how knitting and craft media help foster gender stereotypes in the way they portray and appeal to women in their content.  There isn’t a lot of gender neutral content, or even articles targeted to men, in knitting magazines (that I have observed).  So, with gender stereotypes top of mind, I overheard something in a yarn store recently that now calls me to my soapbox once again.

The yarn store or its locale is not important here, but what matters is the impact and the lesson to be learned.

The scene begins with a woman, her daughter (in 20s) and, apparently, her daughter’s boyfriend, who appeared fairly modern in appearance, to the extent that he was even sporting a kilt.  (I was impressed!)

Store clerk emerges and calls out to the entering group:  ”Ladies, needlework and thread in the front, yarn in the back.  For the boys, we have chairs to sit in and candy.”

And scene.

I would like to take a moment to dissect my observations from this exchange.

First, it is an assumption that only the ladies are interested in embroidery or yarncrafting.

Using terms like, “boys” also infantilizes someone, so not only was this exchange assuming that the man in the group was not interested in yarn or thread, it was also a bit demeaning.

I tried to put myself in this situation, and wondered how it would make me feel to be told something like this walking into a store.  I recall a visit to another yarn store in my travels that is part yarn store, part antique store.  When entering, the store owner suggested, “Antiques are in the back,” to which I kindly replied, “Oh, I’m here for yarn!”

This more recent observation however would have struck me very differently if it had been directed toward me.  Also, as another male in the shop, I felt a bit awkward, as if the yarn was not there for my enjoyment should I so desire.

You might be wondering, “So what do you expect, Brian?”

Keeping in mind that I am an idealist, I would love for people to think about what they say before they say it, consider the impact their words may have, as well as the implications they may be projecting onto the situation or circumstances.

I would also say that making assumptions about peoples’ interests is also not a wise path to follow.  In so doing, you might end up limiting yourself (or, in this case, potential sales).

Every customer that walks through the door, whether male or female, may have a genuine interest in any or all items sold in your store.  Stay open to the possibilities and avoid language that may keep you from closing a sale.

Your next question may be: “Well, Brian, since you have such a strong opinion on the topic, what did you say to help the situation?  How were you part of the solution?”

This, my dear readers, is when I must eat some humble pie, for I was in conversation with another shopper and failed to respond.  Of course, after the fact, I thought of a number of other things that I could’ve said, or should’ve said.  Things like:

  • “Boys like yarn, too!”
  • “Sewing or yarncrafting is fun for everyone!”

Or, I could have taken a more direct approach and said, “Don’t assume boys aren’t interested in yarn or thread.”

But, I froze.  I did none of those things.  And, it is from the space of seeking redemption that I write about it here, with the hope that yarn store owners and shoppers alike can remind one another that although the majority of their market, right now, is women, there are still men out there who love yarn and who will spend dearly for it.

And who knows?  Someday perhaps the tide will turn and knitting will be the new golf.  A nice set of ebony needles will be the new Harley.  Watching fiber feeding onto a bobbin becomes the new Super Bowl.  Like I said before.  I am an idealist.

Craft as fuel for the soul

11 Jul

I’m typically an optimist, but this past week has been strange.  Odd dynamics have emerged in various quadrants of my life, and I kept a busy schedule despite it being only a 4-day work week. Sadly, I didn’t have much time to devote to fiber arts – and by the weekend, I felt the effects.  I was mentally exhausted, a bit cranky and lacked energy.

Then Saturday afternoon, once weekend errands were handled and a Chicken Divan casserole was prepped for dinner, I had a few hours on my hand and could think of nothing more than spinning and knitting.

I had some Blue Faced Leicester hand-painted roving in shades of mauve, jade and sunflower in progress on the wheel, so I finished a second bobbin of that, then plied them together.  I love how different the yarn looks when it is plied – the colors collide, working together to create a unique combination that could, most likely, never be repeated.

Sitting at my wheel, I felt comforted, the rhythmic practice that required little mental focus was relaxing, and gave me the opportunity to forget about the past, if even for a short while, and found comfort in the present moment.  After an hour or so of spinning and prepping the yarn for washing and drying, I felt awake again, emerging from the fog of being tired or working on things that provide little to no inspiration.

Once the yarn was hung to dry, I picked up the lace scarf I started last weekend.  Feather & Fan is a fairly simple 4-row pattern, consisting mostly of rows of knit or purl, with just one row with a few other tricks (e.g., knit two together and yarn overs).  It also knits up quickly, as the holes create space that expands the length of the scarf at a faster pace than it would typically if you were knitting or purling each row without purposeful openwork.

Again, as I sat in my chair, watching Tom Ford’s incredible film, “A Single Man,” and knitting a lace scarf, I had the same feelings of being energized, feeling productive, and being able to spend time being creative, thinking about my next project, my next handspun yarn.  Not only does working on my projects relax me in the moment, it inspires me to think about other projects, new ideas and things I want to add to my project list.

I spent more time today spinning, and found that even 30 minutes at the wheel brought me back to that comforting space.  My time with wheel or needles and yarn give me the opportunity to put everything in perspective, and often in that exercise I realize that the things I thought were originally big deals end up being of little importance in the big scheme of things.

Spending time enjoying one’s craft can provide fuel for the soul – it is a completely personal pursuit.  Even if you are knitting with friends, or scrapbooking with family, you are still working on your project.  The simple act of creating something can give each of us a great sense of accomplishment, clears our minds, and helps to inspire us to new levels of creativity moving forward.

I definitely enjoyed the time I spent this weekend pursuing my craft, continuing my love affair with yarn.  I hope you found time to do something that feeds your soul, too.

Teach so you can learn

4 Jul

I taught my second “Introduction to Knitting” class at The Black Sheep shop in Orlando, FL yesterday and it was, I think, very successful.

When you are teaching a specific skill, evidence the student has learned it is that they are demonstrating that skill.  Though the Purl stitch became the villain of the morning, all three students present – Linda, Lori and Emily – all walked away with rows of garter stitch on their needles, an encouraging start to what I hope will be a lifelong love affair with yarn for each of them.

In “The Martha Rules,” by Martha Stewart, the author mentions as one consideration to “teach so you can learn.”  This phrase came to mind yesterday as I considered the types of questions and challenges that were presented to me by my students.  Each question or each visible display of “artistic license” (this is what I refer to as a mistake in my class) presents me with a new opportunity to figure out how to fix mistakes – and with someone sitting there anxiously awaiting for you to return their project to them so they may continue!

I also saw this concept in action during the time between the first class I taught in May and this one. I took things that worked (and didn’t) and adjusted them in the class.  I enhanced the worksheet.  I approached answering questions with a greater level of confidence.  And I still am far from knowing everything.  Students hold a mirror up to you, and challenge you to continue your own learning to make sure you can, without a doubt, answer that question that stumped you this time around.

The class I taught yesterday introduced a new element for me as well – instructing children.  I don’t have any children in my life (being an only child I am an uncle to no one), nor do I have many friends with children.  I was a bit nervous, but quickly realized I simply needed to treat my young pupil the same as I treat my adult students, providing her with the same amount of attention as the others.  (I also found she was a quick study, and was passing up other students in speed and diligent accuracy).  She also provided wisdom of her own, reminding us to “follow our passion!”

Yesterday, I learned the most important thing to think about in preparing for an upcoming class is that it is going to go well, the people will be nice, and everyone will have fun learning together.  Let the rest unfold.

My journey as a fiber artist – a knitter, spinner and now instructor – continues to elevate my art, to push me to new places and to continue my learning in greater amounts of detail, and for that I am truly grateful.

For those readers who may teach their art as well, what suggestions do you have to make the craft learning experience even better?

A Luxury Yarn Oasis in Sarasota, FL.

21 Feb

On an overnight get-away to Sarasota last Friday, and driving around town in search of a Starbucks (they aren’t found as frequently there as in other cities), one word struck my partner and I as we were turning down random streets, passing time until our hotel room was ready: YARN!  An immediate U-turn was in order, and upon walking in, we were met by Debra Lambert, the friendly and passionate owner of Picasso’s Moon Yarn, nestled in a charming antique district of the downtown area.

Despite the fact they recently moved a few doors down from their previous location, the space looks comfortable, cozy and lived-in.  As you enter the front door, you are immersed in amazing yarns, many handspun and/or hand-dyed.  The heart of the shop is a circular gathering of eclectic armchairs, a knitter’s Stonehenge, a place for spiritual connection to the fiber arts.

One of the other offerings in this store that really sparked my imagination was that they have recently developed a passion for yarn spinning.  Debra talked of adventures she’d taken to fiber festivals and her myriad test drives of spinning wheels.  She eventually landed on the Louet Victoria, a beautiful wheel that folds up and is easily stored in a bag that, as Debra points out, “fits in an airplane overhead compartment!”

What comes out of her time at the wheel, as well as those of other local artisans, is amazing Art Yarn, into which are incorporated incredible, vibrant colors, beads, ribbons and other objects, that emerge into a chunky yarn.  There were a number of hand-knit shawls and throws that had been created from these dazzling handspun yarns, and since Friday, I’ve been thinking about when to plan a day trip back to Sarasota to learn to spin on the wheel and knit with the kind folks at Picasso’s Moon Yarn!

Handspun art yarn skein drying

Surrounded by so many beautiful luxury fibers, and as our time at Picasso’s Moon this visit was coming to an end, I found myself incredibly drawn to 3 skeins of 100 percent Alpaca in a unique colorway called “Camo.”  It called my name and I walked away, already thinking about what would be really cool to knit up in this exciting and luxuriously soft, warm fiber.

In just under an hour, I discovered:

  • Beautiful hand-dyed 100 percent Alpaca
  • The concept of Art Yarn and the creative possibilities that evokes
  • The Louet Victoria spinning wheel
  • A really comfortable space with really good energy for fiber artists to gather!

Never underestimate the significance of a wrong turn…they can be exciting, inspiring and even life-changing!

Yarn changes lives

20 Jan

I recently moved my office into the headquarter building of my company, a sprawling 4 level building that, from the outside, appears much like a cruise ship or a nuclear reactor (depending on the mood of the day).  I recently learned that there is a “Stitches with Heart” crochet/knitting group that meets weekly for a brown bag on Wednesdays!  Today, my friend Paul, a crocheter, who also works in the building, and I went to the group (which meets just two floors above where my office is) and what a great time it was!

I walked in and there was someone with whom I had worked years ago, so it was nice to see a familiar face.  The others were very nice, and made Paul and I feel right at home.  Being the only knitter in the room, others in the group inquired about my wooden needles, my hand spun, kettle dyed Manos del Uruguay yarn, and my technique.  I also admired the work of others, including a set of placemats-in-progress.

I also learned this particular group has, in the past, knit caps for soldiers, babies and for cancer patients in great numbers, and I am so thrilled to have discovered this wonderful weekly diversion.  On my recent “Turning 40″ list, I mentioned I wanted to knit something for charity – and this group will give me the opportunity to do that.  (They also maintain a bank of donated yarn we can use when knitting charity projects.)

The other joy that came from today’s knit-up was that I learned of a woman (who also works in my building) who is a spinner and dyer of yarn!  You may also recall that on my “Turning 40″ list, I mentioned my desire to learn how to spin yarn.  I was able to reach her by e-mail today and she’s going to give me a spindle spinning lesson on 1/27, next week’s gathering.

I also sat there today and thought of the benefits of taking time during the workday to (a) meet new people, (b) get away from ringing phones and urgently marked e-mails, and (c) pursuing one’s artistic passions.  I also sat in the wonder that fiber arts holds in its ability to bring people of different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives together – and almost immediately today, we 6 who gathered in a conference room with yarn in hand shared stories of our lives and families, laughed about our occasional fiber-related do-overs, and ultimately, enjoyed one of the quickest passing hours I’ve spent in a long time.

Today really made me appreciate the value of gathering with other fiber fans.  Certainly, knitting or crochet are solitary pursuits, and quite convenient diversions when there is no one or no thing around to entertain you.  But the benefits of pursuing your art in the company of other like-minded artisans makes one’s experience even richer.  We learn.  We laugh.  We become better people because our paths crossed.

Today taught me that, ultimately, yarn has the power changes lives.

I’d love to hear how following your passion involving yarn has enriched your life – please take a moment to share!

Doni Young – A Woman with a Vision

24 Nov

Doni Young and shop dog Tucker

I’ve been a regular customer of a local yarn store called Sip & Knit for almost a year.  Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with the store’s spirited owner, Doni Young, and it was then I gained a real appreciation for not only the evolution of a shop as wonderful as hers, but also for her as a woman of strength and vision.

Doni has been knitting since she was a small child and during summer holidays, she would spend time with her family at a summer cottage where she would ski all day and knit well into the night.  After graduating Rollins College and working in recreation at the Walt Disney World Resort, she moved into advertising and eventually settled into the insurance claim industry.  Over the course of 25 years, she worked her way up through the ranks to the role of Vice President.

Work would take her on the road quite a bit, and as she traveled, she would seek out local yarn stores as a respite from the harried life of a corporate executive.  She looked for a place where she could hang out, meet other knitters, and escape the stresses of life.  ”I’m not domestic,” Doni admits, “but I would take my knitting everywhere.”  Through divorce, surviving cancer, and a challenging career, she continued to follow her passion and acknowledges that amidst life’s trials, “knitting saved me.”

As she visited a variety of yarn stores, she rarely if ever found what she was looking for – a comfortable place to sit and stay a while, a place to have a cup of coffee and to knit.  She also thought that yarn stores needed to be open in the evening and on weekends so people with a regular business work schedule could have the “clean, well-lighted place” Hemingway wrote of decades ago.

It was 3 years before Sip & Knit actually opened that Doni’s original vision for the store emerged while on a road trip with her brother and closest confidante, Cy Young.  Cy listened intently as Doni outlined her idea of a yarn store with lots of open work space, a coffee bar, and a wide variety of beautiful yarns.  He encouraged her, but it would take a few more years and another bout with cancer before she decided to take early retirement and bring her dream to life.

She feels very fortunate to have family and dear friends who worked tirelessly to help her open up Sip & Knit in its first location in Winter Park, Florida.  Doni hosted the grand opening party of her yarn store on the eve of her 50th birthday.   It hasn’t always been easy – but her devotion to her craft and her commitment to her customers has made Doni a success.

With all of her responsibilities of running Sip & Knit, I wondered when she finds time to pursue her craft.  ”I don’t sleep much – but can find myself knitting late into the night.”  Doni also enjoys the creative process that knitting gives her.  ”I love experimenting with different needle sizes, yarns, stitches, patterns, and the other tools we have at our disposal.”  And, she gave me a friendly reminder about experimenting: “If you’re going to experiment, you have to be willing to rip things out.”

“Running a yarn store has been a great learning.  It’s helped me hone my craft, and I’ve learned so much about fibers,” Doni said.  In addition to her creative passion, she also acknowledged that her business background has helped her tremendously.

If you let a couple of weeks lapse between visits to Sip & Knit, you will always see something different.  Doni continues to change things around, keep her displays fresh, provides unique and interesting classes (taught by the fantastic and fabulous Barbara Pfister Fusi) and offers special promotions and events.

Besides the yarn, Sip & Knit really does provide all that Doni’s original vision imagined… a comfortable place where anyone feels like they are among friends, where they can escape the outside world, have a delicious cup of coffee, and sit with their needles and yarn, where they can talk as much or as little as they like, where they can feel at home.

As Sip & Knit celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, Doni continues to have ideas about how to expand and evolve her work, about how to take yarn and knitting to the streets and make the craft accessible to the masses. Doni Young is a hard working woman who has made her dream come true.  ”There isn’t a day I don’t love to come to work.”  She’s an inspiring example of what a dream coupled with hard work can bring to life.

INTERVIEW: Anne Jones, Shop Owner & Yarn Enthusiast

29 Aug

We always remember firsts. Our first finished object. Our first touch of camel. And, the first yarn store we ever visited. My first yarn store was The Black Sheep located on Mills Avenue in Orlando, and recently I had the

opportunity to talk with the shop’s owner, Anne Jones, about her shop and my favorite topic – yarn!

“The Black Sheep has been in business for 35 years, and I am the 3rd owner,” said Anne. “It started out as a needlepoint and cross-stitch store – which is how I first became a customer. Three years ago, I became the owner.”

This charming shop that feels more like a home than a retail establishment features an open front room with a welcoming work table and walls banked with sprays of color in thread and hand-painted needlepoint canvases. The secret oasis for which I visit most is toward the back of the shop, a room with black shelving and nooks holding a variety of yarns from near and far.

I asked Anne how she goes about selecting the yarns she offers to her customers. “First, I listen to customer comments. It’s important for me to know what they are looking for and what interests them. I also have to consider the amount of investment required by the manufacturer. I have to make sure I have the display space for the yarn I buy. And then, of course, it also comes down to what I like!”

Anne shared that just after taking ownership of the shop, her first foray into buying yarn was a learning experience. Because Bouton D’Or spent a great deal of time sharing information and expertise about yarn, Anne offers a notable sampling of Bouton D’Or at The Black Sheep. “I also like Fiesta Cottonista, Cashmere – the soft stuff. Being a new great grandmother to twins, I’m into baby yarns so you’ll see a good selection of those in the shop these days.”

Anne explained that many yarn manufacturers are changing their policies around minimum orders so that local yarn storeowners are able to feature unique designer yarns without having to make sizable, and sometimes risky, investments.

I wondered how the current economy has impacted the fiber arts. “The economy has actually helped this industry, I think,” Anne reflected. “You can put in a small amount of work and yield a great end product, it’s something you can do to keep sane, and since people aren’t traveling as much – they have something productive to do with their time.”

Anne pointed out the challenge the Internet has posed for small retailers, immense selections of yarn can be found there and sometimes prices are cheaper because of the volumes they can afford. The Black Sheep continues to do well because Anne and her staff provide great service and take the time to build relationships with their customers. I was encouraged as I browsed the store waiting for my conversation with Anne to begin, noting a constant stream of folks in search of fiber coming into the shop.

With her many responsibilities as shop owner, I wondered what creative outlet Anne is enjoying these days. “My crafting history is heavy on needlepoint and stained glass – but I am working on my knitting. I recently knit hats for my great grandchildren out of Tilli Tomas Beaded Merino and I also made some other hat-shaped items that I’m going to felt and turn into coasters or containers. I also want to make baby sweaters – for obvious reasons!”

Anne admitted that even though she may not have as much time to devote to her crafty pursuits as she would like, she gets a great deal of energy and inspiration when her creative customers find products in her store that get them sparked and excited about their next needlepoint, crochet or knitting project.

Anne offered some valuable tips for those new to the fiber arts scene. “Pick small projects to start with. Your investment in yarn is not great, small projects are often fairly easy to do, and you can finish quickly. Finishing your first few projects in a reasonable time period gives you confidence to keep going. It’s energizing and inspiring and leads you on to more challenging projects.”

My last question to Anne is something we should all be thinking about: “Why is it important to buy quality yarn?”

“You can actually end up spending more on cheaper yarn,” Anne said. “Many bargain yarns do not wear well – and they actually get stiff and unwearable with age. For example, if the acrylic you are using has a noise to it, a sort of squeak, it probably is not going to be as enjoyable to knit with and its wearability may be questionable. But there are quality acrylics you can buy that are more user friendly and don’t feel anything like what you would expect. Berroco acrylic has no squeak and is quite soft.”

“Quality yarn gives you so many unique options, is more fun to knit with, is easier to knit with, and you are able to create items that wear well and last for years to come.”

In addition to The Black Sheep being the first local yarn store I visited, my conversation with Anne is also the first interview I’ve conducted for my blog, Brian Knits! – One man’s love affair with yarn. I thoroughly enjoyed my chat with Anne Jones and look forward to capturing the stories of other yarn lovers in the future.

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