Member Biography: Corinne Niessner

"I taught myself to knit out of a book when I was seven years old. Both of my grandmothers attempted to teach me, but it didn't take hold until I got the chance to study some clearly illustrated instructions. After taking classes for the first time this year, I realize that while I have some expertise, I also have a lot to learn! I always have multiple projects going on at one time. I have a sweater that is over ten years old waiting for a few inches of sleeve to be knitted. Lately, I have three or four pairs of socks on needles at one time and always a few dog sweaters. My favorite part of a new project is the beginning, the romance and excitement of starting something new. My least favorite part is the finishing, although I think my technique is pretty good."

"Lucky Penny Hand Made (www.luckypennyhandmade.com) is my one-of-a-kind dog sweater business, named for one of my dogs, Penny. I have the privilege of being the caretaker of two rescued Pekingese. I credit my pets for making me a better person, so making sweaters is one way that I can honor them. The Lucky Penny project started many years ago, when I made a sweater for my first dog, Yoda. I used a Kaffe Fassett color pattern and adapted a sweater out of Vogue Knitting. I tore apart a vintage Perry Ellis shetland wool sweater for some of the yarn. Years later, I am completely shocked that I did such a thing to a designer sweater. After making many sweaters, I settled on a simple design, usually with three colors in an often surprising combination. I am inspired by mixing color and texture. The possibilities for new combinations are endless, which is one of the reasons I keep making more sweaters. A new fascination of mine is for hand painted fibers, making the possibilities infinite."

"For the 35 + years I have been knitting, it has always been a solitary activity. I don't find it relaxing as much as I find it stimulating. My mind races as I think of new projects that I want to attempt. This year I decided that I would like the company of people who shared my interest, which is why I took some knitting classes for the first time, and became a Guild member. I find the company of other knitters to be inspiring, and the support and affirmation from my fellow knitters has been incredible. My favorite feature of Guild meetings is the Show and Share segment. There is a lot of amazing knitting going on! My other exciting discovery has been the abundance of classes and workshops available to put me into total knitting overload. Please, bring me more!"
 

Page updated: 03/14/2007