
In late November, Amelia dropped by the studio/shop to check it out and within a week she was a regular staple in the gang. With her background in hand knitting and keen fashion sense, Amelia says she was attracted to WATG for its fresh perspective, unique vision and forward fashion for knit-lovers, as well as seasoned and novice knitters.
Amelia was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest. She attended university for a BA in Women's Studies and Political Science at the University of British Columbia and Portland State University. After working in non-profit for a number of years, she moved to New York to attend the Fashion Institute of Technology for Fashion Design. While living in Brooklyn, attending school, and interning at WATG, she also works as a freelance hand and machine knitter of samples and production for local designers, including Alexander Olch.
How did you start knitting?
When I was in university (the first time) I had a lot of lecture courses and was feeling a bit restless. I really wanted to be making things and thought that knitting would be fun and fit my life, so I checked out a video from the public library and taught myself to knit.
Where's your favorite place to knit?
I would knit everywhere if I could, and I've tried, but I'd say my favorite place is at home while listening to an audio book and enjoying a good cup of coffee.
How does knitting make you feel?
I love working in 3D; it's kind of how my brain works. So knitting feels like the ultimate means of building from a simple material to a fully constructed garment. Not only does it feel like the perfect match for me personally, but also that I am a part of something larger than myself - something with a rich history and a continual influence on what we wear.
Do you prefer to knit for yourself or for others?
I mostly knit for others, but nothing quite compares to seeing or imagining a shape or style you like and whipping a little something up for yourself.
What is your favorite yarn and stitch?
I am loving the Shiny Happy Cotton right now - especially with the weather warming, it's so nice to knit and it's amazingly soft. I don't think that I have a favorite stitch, but rather that I love to find the perfect stitch for the situation - depending on the vision of the end use, yarn, weight, hand, drape, etc.
What project are you working on now?
I have been working on swatches for my portfolio, but I also have the "Over My Shoulders" project on needles at home, just waiting for a free moment.