Insights from The Knitting Guru

The popularity (and respect) that knitting has garnered over time waxes and wanes.  These days, it is enjoying a funky, interesting resurgence.  It’s time for Valley Fiber Life to get knitty, and why not go straight to the source, by talking to Veena Burry, The KnittingGuru? 

The knitting trends today remind me of the 1970s. When times aren't great financially, people want to make things themselves to save money. They also want to create things that are clearly hand crafted. The positives of this are that more people are knitting and there are a wealth of designs and knitting magazines and books available.

The negative is that some of the designs I see show the knitters' skill, but may not be enduring or wearable styles. Look through any knitting magazine from the 1970s and you'll find some outrageously unwearable knitwear. It's the same today. The thing for knitters to keep in mind is that just because you Can do it, doesn't mean you Should do it! Knitwear should flatter the wearer and styles should be ones that will be fashionable for the life of the garment. Why spend a lot of time - and money for yarn - only to have something you won't want to wear in a couple of years?

And how have knitters changed? 

The difference between knitters now and knitters of the 20th century is that new knitters don’t seem to have a feel for the legacy they are carrying on by keeping knitting at the forefront of fiber arts.  Essentially, it is important to remember that previous generations of knitters should be revered; they are the heritage that contemporary knitters are descended from.

What has changed the knitting landscape?

One advantage that knitters now have is access to a wide variety of yarn including some natural fibers such as bamboo, soy, corn and so on that were not available years ago. –Oh, and washable wool that is processed to avoid felting is another great innovation. I love to use natural fibers, especially Merino wool, hand spun wool and cotton. These fibers don't harm the planet the way synthetics do and they are biodegradable as well as wearing best. Occasionally I'll add a bit of irresistible novelty yarn. All of my work is impeccably finished inside and out, and my closures tend to be antique buttons or pins that I design to suit the garment.

Thanks for your time, KnittingGuru!  When she is not knitting or crocheting custom pieces in her New York City studio, Veena also creates patterns and helps other knitters.  Do you have a burning knitting question?  Look no further.  Click here to Ask the Guru!

Visit The Guru here:

http://www.KnittingGuru.etsy.com
http://www.KnittingGuru.artfire.com
http://www.KnittingGuru.1000Markets.com
http://www.BurryBabies.etsy.com
http://www.BurryBabies.com

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