I already introduced you to many of my favorite fiber tools and fibers during the My Favorite Wooly Things event. (If you missed My Favorite Wooly Things—read through my past blog postings for a recap.)
Now I’d like to introduce you to some of my favorite wooly people! And although wooly people sounds kind of like creatures from a 50s sci-fi B-movie, these folks are some of my favorite teachers, writers, bloggers, and all-around fiber lovers. And the best thing is you can keep up with all of them on the interwebs!
Patty Lyons
I don’t think I’m being hyperbolic here—Patty Lyons' classes changed my life. At the very least, they fundamentally changed the way I knit.
After taking Patty's classes and keeping up with her blog, I feel like a more confident, more adventurous knitter. And hearing about her transition from Broadway Stage Manager to knitting store manager to rock star knitting teacher and designer, encouraged me to take my leap to yarn store owner.
She is one of the most knowledgeable teachers I know and I appreciate how she not only shows you how to do knitting stuff—she also explains why you’re doing it. It’s like a magician showing you an amazing trick and then telling you how the trick is done.
All of her classes are awesome but my absolute favorite is her Craftsy class, Improve Your Knitting: Alternative Methods & Styles. You can enroll in that class here:
http://www.craftsy.com/class/improve-your-knitting/361?_ct=iuqhsx-kdyluhiqb-huikbj-sekhiu&_ctp=361
You can also keep up with Patty at her blog:
If you have a chance to take one of her live classes, do it!
Clara Parkes
I’m not sure if I know of anyone else who knows as much about different fibers than Clara Parkes. Her website, Knitter’s Review, and books are indispensable if you want to learn about different types of fiber and their qualities. This is the info you want when you’re trying to find yarns for specific projects.
I think I read her book, Book of Yarn, in one night. That’s quicker than I read the DaVinci Code. And her book isn’t filled with illogical inconsistencies! Clara’s love of all things fiber-related is clear and her passion definitely comes through as she writes about different yarns.
You can read Clara’s excellent reviews of yarns and other fiber-related products on her website, Knitter’s Review:
Stephanie Pearl-McPhee aka the Yarn Harlot
Do you like a good chuckle? Do you like knitting? Then let me introduce you to Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, better known as the Yarn Harlot.
I think I’ve done more Danny Thomas-spit takes while reading the Yarn Harlot blog than any other blog. This lady is funny, down-to-earth, and she reminds us that no matter our skill level (she’s a master knitter), we all still goof up from time to time and that’s a helpful thing for us to keep in mind.
I’ve read many of her books as well and they are equally as funny as her blog. And frequently touching. And then hilarious again.
Read the Yarn Harlot blog here:
Anna Hrachovec
Anna Hrachovec is the mastermind behind the adorable, whimsical world of Mochimochiland. I love her designs. They are wonderfully unexpected and fun to knit. And I’ve made a lot of ‘em. I mean a lot. Here are a couple:
Adorable, right?
When I met Anna at Vogue Knitting Live in Pasadena, she was one of the most gracious, kindest people I’ve met. If I ever run into her again, I need to ask her how to pronounce her last name properly. Because whenever I recommend her patterns to people I make a mess of her last name.
Visit Mochimochiland online at Anna’s website:
Alexa Ludeman and Emily Wessel
This is a two-fer as both these ladies make up the creative powerhouse that is Tin Can Knits. Their patterns are beautiful and modern. Take their Pop blanket for example:
Don’t you want that blanket in your house right now? It’s beautiful and easy to knit! Look at their Fly Away blanket:
I want that blanket in my house too!
How about their beautiful Caribou sweater:
Or their Drift shawl or or their (free!) I Heart Rainbows hat:
I think you get the point, I love their patterns. Creative Ewe will be offering a KAL in the future for their amazing Pop Blanket. In the meantime, check out their website here:
And check the Creative Ewe blog for My Favorite Wooly People - Part II!
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