Member Biography: Mindy Bass

When did you first start knitting/why?

I first started knitting when I was about 8 or 9 years old because my mother wouldn't buy me any more Barbie outfits.

Who taught you to knit?

My mother.

What style of knitting do you practice?

I knit Continental style.  I believe it's a little faster and more efficient.  I've tried to learn the English/American way, but I just can't catch on to it. 

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

If I have any philosophy at all, it's to have fun.  I find it to be a very relaxing activity and if it starts to cause me stress, than it's not fun anymore.  Time to move on to another project.

Have you ever taught someone to knit?

Yes, I taught 7 ladies in my office how to knit on our lunch hours.  Several of them still keep it up.

What is your very favorite knitting book and why?

I don't have one specifically, because I find the combination of various books to be very helpful.  But Donna Kooler's Encyclopedia of Knitting is great because it has all those different patterns in the back, which I just love.

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

No.

What projects are you working on now?

I'm finishing up my first pair of socks, which was great fun.  I also am working on a moebius shawl and my first cable project - a scarf.

What is your very favorite yarn?

I enjoy working with Cascade, especially for felting and I also like the Plymouth yarns.

What is the best thing you ever knit?

I knit a "Graceful" shawl for my mother, which I really like.  Also the socks I'm currently working on are turning out great.

What is the worst thing you ever knit?

I knitted a sweater from a Crystal Palace pattern I found online on their website.  There were mistakes in the armhole shaping instructions (i.e., there were no instructions for shaping).  I had lots of trouble with the sizing in general and when I blocked it, it stretched.  I still wear it sometimes anyway, because it took so much of my time and effort and it looks pretty nice, it just doesn't look good on me.

Why do you like to knit?

I like to knit because it's both relaxing and challenging.  And I just love having a finished product for my efforts.  Also, I love making things for other people and the enjoyment they get out of receiving it. 

When do you knit?

I usually knit during lunchtime at work and at home in the evenings and weekends.

What is your favorite part of the knitting process?

I love picking out the pattern and yarn, but I also love when it's done!

How long have you been knitting?

For about 35 years, off and on.

What do you like about our guild?

I enjoy the social interaction and I enjoy seeing other people's projects.  Also learning new things is a great benefit.

Do you engage in other Fiber Arts?

I've also been crocheting since I was a child.  I've been making Jewelry (earrings, bracelets, necklaces) mostly with wire and beads, but I recently knit a beaded necklace and bracelet from a kit.  I'm also looking forward to felting art objects.

 

 

Page updated: 03/14/2007