Member Biography: Lee Samsami Stein

When did you first start knitting/why?

I started in about 2004-5, because my friend felt that I should learn and it would do me good.

Who taught you to knit?

My good friend Marcy Neth.

Do you knit English/American style, German/Continental style, backwards? Left-handed? Eastern cross method? Peruvian-style? please describe.

English/American, although I'm trying Continental from time to time.

Do you have a knitting philosophy, and what is it. What helped you form your philosophy?

My teacher said one very important thing to me, which I think has helped me get to where I am today: Make each project a little more challenging and different from the last. This way, you'll keep getting better, and you'll never get bored. And I also like the Mason-Dixon philosophy that you can basically knit whatever you like. There's no "wrong" or "silly" project.

Have you ever taught someone to knit?

Yes, I'm teaching my daughter and a few friends.

What is your very favorite knitting book and why?

So far, I love the Ann Budd books because they're such straightforward and helpful patterns. I always recommend Debbie Stoller's Stitch and Bitch to new knitters, which helped me a lot. I'm just starting to read Elizabeth Zimmerman's books and I love her attitude.

Do you knit for a living/have your own business? Tell us about it.

Not really, although I've sold some pieces for charity, and I've sold some pieces (for the cost of yarn) as Christmas gifts.

What projects are you working on now?

February Lady Sweater, a lace curtain, a lace scarf.

What is your very favorite yarn?

I think it's Noro Silk Garden.

What is the best thing you ever knit?

I love most all of the things I've knit, but I think the best so far is a simple feather-and-fan lace shawl, made with Sublime kid/mohair blend yarn and size 15 needles. 

What is the worst thing you ever knit?

A scarf that turned out to be a weird shape because I kept unknowingly increasing with some variegated polyester fuzzy yarn. Ugh.

Why do you like to knit?

I enjoy looking at patterns, looking/touching yarn, comparing/contrasting different yarns, as well as the act of knitting. It's very therapeutic for me, and going through the process of picking patterns and yarns and colors makes me feel energized and happy. (Sometimes I get frustrated too, but that's the "challenge" part that I like.)

When do you knit?

All the freaking time.

What is your favorite part of the knitting process?

Realizing that I've learned a new stitch/technique.

How long have you been knitting?

About 6 years now.

What do you like about our guild?

I meet lots of people, get lots of good advice, and a ton of fabulous inspiration!

Do you engage in other Fiber Arts?

I'm learning how to sew with the sewing machine.

 

Page updated: 02/08/2010