Instructor Spotlight: Kathryn

Today’s teacher spotlight will highlight Kathryn who, in addition to teaching at 614 Knit Studio, is one of the designers behind Quirky Bird Knits.

How did you first learn to knit?

My mom was an avid crafter and first showed me knit and purl stitches when I was a teenager. But it didn’t take until I was in my mid-20s when I woke up one morning, rolled over in bed and thought “I have to knit.” I bought Debbie Stoller’s Stitch N Bitch, some bulky alpaca, and size 11 needles. I’ve been obsessed ever since.

What’s your best advice for beginners?

Get comfortable fixing mistakes as soon as you can. I’ve seen a lot of new knitters fret about their mistakes. Some are so afraid to make mistakes that it holds their knitting back. You’re going to make mistakes! We all make mistakes. We all make mistakes frequently! I think Yarn Harlot said that experienced knitters make the exact same mistakes as beginning knitters. We just make them much faster and fix them much faster. And very, very few things in knitting are irreparable. The more comfortable you are fixing your mistakes, the happier your knitting life will be.

What’s your favorite place to knit?

Everywhere! I love knitting at home as much as I love taking my knitting with me almost everywhere I go. I can’t think of a place where I don’t love to knit. Knitting has made me a more patient person. I don’t mind waiting at a doctor’s office or at the airport as long as my knitting is with me. My favorite time of day is when my toddler is in bed for the night and I can curl up on the couch and knit. So really, any place I can knit is my favorite place.

What’s your most irresistible fiber temptation?

Wool, wool, wool, and more wool. I am an absolute wool-aholic. If wool was the only fiber I could knit with for the rest of my life I would be very happy. It’s a magical fiber. It has anti-microbial properties and moisture wicking properties, it breathes and regulates temperature very well, it’s a renewable resource, and so much more! It has gotten a bad rap over the years as a fiber which is inherently itchy. Not true! There are many breeds and many types of wool. Sure, some wools are not the type you’d want to wear next to skin. But many are wondrously soft! Once you’ve dug your fingers into a glorious Blue Faced Leicester or Merino you won’t ever want to stop.

What’s on your needles (or hook) right now?

Lots of samples for new classes at 614 Knit Studio! I’ve also got a lot of baby things on my needles right now since I’m expecting my second baby in July. Baby things are so much fun to knit. They’re so wee! And nothing beats seeing your little one in a piece that you’ve knitted yourself.