I have been following Gaye Glasspie’s blog, ggmadeit.com, for a while now, and I’m so excited to get to feature her today! She commented on a recent interview I did with Michelle Coffey, and I knew it was my chance to ask her to be on Knit’s All Folks! Her blog is honest, funny, and features many of her favorite things, like chunky yarn and the color orange. Her blog also fills me with logo envy; I just love it so much!

 

What inspired you to start knitting or crocheting?

I am a self taught knitter and it all happened by chance. I ran a call center and we were cleaning out the sales closet. One of the agents found a knitting kit. I took it home and told myself it was finally time to learn. I always thought knitting was super complicated. I made my first scarf & hat set, complete with beginner holes. I was proud but quickly got over it.

A few months later I saw a co-worker making the cutest chunky hat and I begged her to make me one. She handed me a sticky note and sent me to Michael’s for the supplies. I was super excited. I brought everything back to her and she said you keep it because YOU are going to make that hat. I looked at her like she had two heads! Long story short, that day she taught me to knit in the round, ribbing and seed stitch. I haven’t looked back since.

Gaye Glasspie

Has knitting or crocheting got you through a difficult time in your life? If so, how did it help?

Has it ever! In 2012 I lost my dad, my mom and my job all in the span of 8-12 weeks. I knit, when I didn’t have anymore tears, I knit to avoid my fears. I knit because I didn’t have to explain why all I wanted to do was cry. I often say that yarn is the string the holds my battered heart together and it is still true to this day. When I am stressed, the rhythm of the stitches soothe me.

What keeps you obsessed?

Outside of the constant challenge of learning something new, I have met some of the nicest folks ever! The knitting community feels safe when real life can be scary as heck.

What’s your favorite project that you’re working on right now?

Right now I am working with the new Tina Tape yarn from Wool and the Gang in my favorite shade of Orange.

Gaye Glasspie

The pattern is called Secret Love Shawl. It’s the herringbone stitch and lovely!

Gaye Glasspie

What project are you most proud of? Why?

Hands down that would be my Spring Fever by Amy Miller. [Editor’s Note: This pattern is a FREE Ravelry download!] It was the first large project using fingering weight yarn. I am a chunky/bulky yarn type chic. I always admired wraps like this, but never imagined I would make one. The bonus was having it professionally photographed. Patty Mac brought it to life.

Gaye Glasspie

I love GG’s color choices in this pattern! So pretty!

What’s the best knitting or crochet advice you have received?

I don’t remember who said it, but someone encouraged me to learn to read my knitting. That advice has proven to be quite valuable. I have avoided ripping out many projects.

Has pop culture had an influence on your knitting or crochet?

In some respects yes…I love the big fat chunky knitting and in other ways nope. I think I am one of the few that hasn’t faded anything yet. Lol!

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