Donita Westman
About Me...
About Me…
Susan learned to knit about 25 years ago while working on the foreign desk of a money management firm – she needed something to fill her time when she got out of work at 2pm and the rest of the world was still sitting at their desks. She perfected her skills with portable knits while she waited and waited and waited at skating competitions, swim meets, and crew regattas as her girls grew up. Susan’s girls were her first students – they all know how to knit, but just one is a knitter! She has taught many friends and relatives how to knit and is excited to share her passion with a wider audience through 614 Knit Studio.
Instructor Q&A
How did you first learn to knit?
I worked on the international trading desk for a money management firm. My hours were from 4am – 2pm, so I had to find something to fill the rest of the day until normal people got off of work! I found a local yarn shop within walking distance from my office and took a couple of lessons and I was off and knitting.
What’s the first thing you ever knit?
A wonky scarf – which no one would wear! But the second was a cabled sweater!
What’s your best knitting memory?
Making a Christmas stocking for my oldest daughter’s first Christmas.
What’s on your needles (or hook) right now?
A couple of pairs of socks (always) and a cabled sweater for daughter #2.
What’s your favorite place to knit?
Anywhere I can get away with it! I spent a lot of time in the past knitting at the pool or crew regattas while waiting for my kids to finish practice or competitions.
What are your favorite kinds of knitting projects?
I’m a fan of small projects – hats, mittens, socks – I think I’ve acquired adult onset ADD.
What’s your most irresistible fiber temptation?
Fun sock yarn – especially if there is a little cashmere in the mix!
What’s your best advice for beginners?
Don’t panic – everything can be fixed! Start with the basics and build your skills – we are all learning new things all the time.
Why do you love to teach?
I love to teach because I love to be able to share my passion with others and see someone’s self- esteem grow when they realize what they are capable of.
614 Knit Studio Instructors
Terri Meehan
Terri learned to crochet at the tender age of 5, and then again at 12 when it finally stuck. She learned to knit as a teenager, and again about 12 years ago when that finally stuck. Over the years, she’s shared her love of fiber crafting as she taught many friends and family to knit and crochet.
Andrea Panzica
Andrea grew up in an artful home, so it seems reasonable that she would choose fashion design as her field of study. However, upon graduating college in said field, she promptly went into the restaurant…
Beth Monahan
Beth began her love of knitting and crocheting when she was 6 years old and made her first sweater at the age of 7. Beth received a Bachelor Degree in Art Education from The Ohio State University where she...
Martha Gifreda
Many years ago, Martha’s mother taught her to knit in an (unsuccessful) attempt to keep her quiet. Martha loves the soothing, meditative rhythms of knitting and is fascinated by its technical aspects. After more than…