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.
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.
The pattern is called Secret Love Shawl. It’s the herringbone stitch and lovely!
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.
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!
Thank You for taking the time to
Interview me!
Thank you for taking the time to share your wisdom!
GG – I haven’t faded yet either (at least not in yarn) 🙂
I haven’t faded yet either! I have a feeling it’s only a matter of time though!
LOL! Good to know I am not alone
Always great to read about someone sharing a passion! I follow GG, and seeing a FB post from her always makes my day better 🙂 And although I am not fond of chunky yarn, my new skein of neon orange Malabrigo will be a GG tribute project 🙂
I don’t think I ever fully appreciated orange until I started following GG’s projects. Excited to start my own tribute project. 🙂
yay!!! #teamorange
yes #teamfatfiber hahahahahahaaa
As some one else mentioned I can’t look at orange the same since meeting GG. I look forward some thing orange from her on my FB page daily.
#orangeforthewin
I was thrilled to introduce the magic of knitting to my 6 yr. old granddaughter, yesterday. She has been intrigued for a while, and demonstrated the patience to give it a go. She is well on her way to making herself a scarf!
Thanks for always shining a light on the work of others! You are one awesome human being, knitting fb friend!
That is so exciting! Passing on knitting to the next generation is so inspiring!
Great interview. All those vibrant colors! Maybe I’m going to have to knit something orange as well.
Right? GG has great taste in color.