Meet the Fiber Folks Volume 3, Knitting with Nancy.
As I write these posts I have to admit that it’s hard for me not to interject a little of my opinion and feelings. But, hey, it’s a blog, right? The personal touch is part of the allure so here goes; I love Nancy. If you have spent any time in Nancy’s presence you probably love her, too. The very first day I worked at Unique Yarns Nancy made me feel welcome and useful. That’s just how Nancy is. She is genuinely nice in the best possible way. And cool….incredibly cool.
Meet Nancy Westpahl. Nancy teaches many classes at the shop including the Monday and Wednesday (1-3) Creative Knit times. Nancy is also the Teacher Coordinator for the shop and spends lots of time coming up with fun and interesting class ideas and supporting the other shop teachers in doing the same thing. She is fun, organized (I so envy that) and a seriously talented knitter. She has a gift when it comes to pairing fiber and project. Here are her answers to my interview questions:
HS: What is your favorite fiber art and when did you begin?
NW: At this phase in my life I get a lot of enjoyment and nourishment for my creative soul from knitting. (ed note: do you see what I’m saying here about the cool thing?)I sort of went through a “flavor of the month” period where I did whatever craft/art was the latest fad. Somewhere when I was around 10, I was taught to knit by my Grandmother and Father (yes, he was taught to knit when he had Tb as a child) but they only knew how to knit, not purl. So, everything I made in the beginning was in garter stitch–somewhat limiting as you can imagine (you can only make so many pairs of slippers). I tried other things, but always came back to knitting. I really got excited about it when I started changing yarns and patterns. In the beginning I was one of those who found a pattern I like and had to make it out of the yarn in the pattern.
HS: Do you have a favorite “go to fiber”?
NW: I am pretty fickle when it comes to fiber. I, of course, love any fiber I can’t afford. But seriously, I am attracted to first color and then feel when I am buying. I do lean toward merino wool for feel and often color if it is hand dyed.
HS: Of all your completed projects do you have a favorite?
NW: It is like asking which child I like best. The projects that stand out most are the ones that have more of “me” in them whether it is due to being made with a lot of love for a gift or a project that caused my creative juices to explode.
HS: When you aren’t playing with fiber, what else do you love to do?
NW: I love reading so spend a lot of time knitting while listening to books on tape. I also sew, and enjoy embellishing fabric.
HS: What is on your needles now?
NW: Which pair? I usually have multiple projects right now. It includes an upcoming class sample (a Norah Gaughan cardigan for fall), an advent calendar for our Christmas in July demonstration, a sweater vest that is a gift for my grandson’s birthday, a light weight scarf, a summer cardigan….should I go on?
HS: What is something you want shop visitors to know about you?
HS: Nancy’s response to this questions was, “I don’t know what to say”, which is classic Nancy. Since she seems to be a bit tongue tied I will tell you that she is a wonderful teacher. She is patient and never ( and I do mean NEVER) makes you feel stupid or that you’ll never be able to achieve your knitting goals. She has an encouraging spirit that comes out in everything she does, including and especially in her dealings with people. One truth I can tell you for sure is that I am a better person for knowing Nancy.
Peaceful Knitting,
Holly