Ginni

Hi, I'm Ginni. My Ravelry name is Ginnits.

How you learned to knit/crochet?
I honestly don’t remember exactly when I learned to knit, must have been my early teens because I do know that the first wearable item I made was a pair of argyle socks for me.  Argyles were a fashion item in the mid 50’s (along with poodle skirts and saddle shoes), at least in the New Jersey suburbs of NYC.  I still have the pattern booklet which cost a full 25 cents.

What kinds of things you like to knit/crochet.  Why do you like these?
I call myself a selfish knitter these days, meaning mostly I make sweaters for myself.  I’ve knitted a gazillion (or so it seems) baby and kids items as my children and grandchildren grew up.  My husband has also been the recipient of a number of sweaters over the years.   And I still make accessories for gifts and occasionally myself.  As long as there’s an interesting pattern and yummy yarn to go with it, I’ll try it.

What are your favorite yarns/fibers
I generally prefer to work with DK or worsted weights for garments.   Love the feel of silk and wool combos like Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool or Silk Blend by Manos, or a nice smooth merino.

Who are some designers you like or find inspirational? What do you like about them?
I tend toward classic styles in my wardrobe, so I like the classic patterns of designers such as Chris Bylsma and Elsebeth Lavold.  A new favorite is Bonne Marie Burns.   Their patterns are very wearable and generally have something interesting in the construction – lacework, cables, etc. – to make me want to keep on knitting well into the wee hours of the morning.

What are your proudest knitting/crochet projects/accomplishments?
Introducing others to the joy of knitting!

Do you carry your yarn in your right or left hand?
Both – depending on the stitch pattern.  I learned to knit carrying with my right hand (throwing) but a bout with tennis elbow 30-odd years ago sent me off to my local yarn store to learn how to knit in the continental manner, carrying yarn in my left hand and picking stitches.  Now I mostly knit continental, but the right hand occasionally takes over for some intricate stitches.

Tell me about your experiences at Crazy for Ewe
Back in the fall of 2007 when Ellen asked me if I would be interested in working a few days a week at Crazy for Ewe, I had no idea that the shop would become such an integral part of my life.   Crazy for Ewe has enriched my life in so many ways – opportunities to broaden and share my knitting skills, challenging problems to solve for customers, and especially friendships made around the knitting table.  When someone new comes through the door, I don’t see simply a future purchaser of yarn but a potential member of the Crazy for Ewe community.

What one piece of advice would you give a new knitter/crocheter?
Pick a color you love in a yarn that feels good, a knowledgeable teacher, and enjoy!