Out of Our Hands » Fibers

Zientara, Cheshire

Lauren Beck — Fri, 21 May 2010 21:48:50 +0000

I learned to crochet as a little girl from my grandmother in upstate New York. I started with not-so-square potholders and my love of the craft grew from there. Over the years, I have made whatever interested me- lace, throws, baby blankets, table runners, sweaters, scarves, hats…Yet, in spite of everything I’d learned and tried, I just could not make a beautiful pair of cabled gloves I’d seen! So, I taught myself to knit a few winters ago and finished my first pair of gloves. I have loved knitting ever since and am rarely sitting without knitting needles nearby. I love to draw inspiration from different types of yarn (cotton, bamboo, wool, and alpaca are my favorites), the changes of the season (blooming spring flowers, the colors of autumn, sparkly snow in the winter), and the people I love (like my three children). My biggest accomplishment so far has been knitting a large and warm afghan by request- I love mastering new patterns and techniques and welcome a challenge! I hope you enjoy the things I’ve made, and it would be my pleasure to discuss a custom order with you.

Lazansky, Wendie

Lauren Beck — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 16:22:48 +0000

Every time I cast stitches to start a new hat, scarf or blanket, my ambition is to create something different. I have been knitting since I was a child. My mother is from England and taught me how to knit – probably the same way that her mother taught her.

I obtain much of my yarn from Halycon Yarn in Bath, Maine. I am always looking in knitting shops to find that “extra special” skein that I cannot do without. With all of the new colors and textures that are available, it is sometimes difficult to limit my selections.

All of my hats should be hand-washed and gently squeezed dry. You can reshape them by stuffing them with paper towels and letting them air dry.

Kriebs, Susan

Lauren Beck — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 16:19:19 +0000

I am a registered nurse practitioner by profession. I was taught to knit and crochet as a young girl by an older cousin. I am also a skilled seamstress making my younger daughter’s wedding gown.

My interest in crocheting and knitting was renewed several years ago when our church began conducting an annual craft fair. I made a number of scarves for the event and have been “hooked” ever since. I participate in a few craft shows and a small Christmas holiday shop each year.

I enjoy expanding my creative horizons to make new and more interesting items as my skills continue to develop. I also like to work with unique yarns and incorporate natural fibers, such as pure wool, mohair and alpaca into my scarves. My husband and I have a small travel trailer and spend a significant amount of time on the road. This gives me an excellent exposure to a wide variety of yarns from across the country.

Giles, Sharon

Devon Beck — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 21:32:09 +0000

My weaving style is both traditional and contemporary. I like to weave functional, practical items which are affordable enough to allow my customers to purchase and enjoy my work over many years. I prefer to work with natural fibers (cotton, cotton blends and silk). My line of apparel and accessories varies from scarves, bags/purses, to tailored jackets, shirts, tunics and kimonos. When weaving my Fiber Designs by Sharon line of apparel and accessories, I always try to keep in mind style, function and price. I am also a juried member of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen.

Ellis, Holly

Devon Beck — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 21:23:26 +0000

I enjoy working in a wide variety of fibers, techniques and forms. Currently my focus is on surface design and hand painting silk. As a fiber artisan my work exists as a blurry area between art and craft. Each piece of silk is a canvas for a painting inspired by observations and experiences. Each piece is functional and takes on the moniker of craft, therefore it can be called wearable art.

The silk painting techniques I use originated in France and Japan. I work with 100% silk (crepe de chine, habotai, and chiffon), hand stitch the hems, and use top quality French fabric dyes, resists and setting agents. When working in the French serti technique, the design is drawn four times before painting begins. The Japanese technique, called shibori, is an intuitive and abstract process. Silk is bound very tightly to large poles and compressed before painting. The result is an intricate one of a kind pattern of color and shading that can never be re-created. All of the silks I create are one of a kind, hand washable and colorfast.

Dries, Kathy

Devon Beck — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 21:10:49 +0000

Kathy has enjoyed knitting since her grandmother taught her as a child. Her interest in knitting was renewed several years ago when she discovered imported Italian ribbon yarns. A recent trip to Italy enhanced her favorite past time into creating more scarves. She calls them Sciarpa Bella (beautiful scarf). Kathy has always enjoyed being creative as a form of relaxation. She enjoys giving people a homemade gift.

The portability of knitting projects is a bonus for a busy mother and social worker. Kathy is an adoption supervisor for a special needs adoption program. She has two daughters who are both musicians, so she spends a lot of time waiting while her daughters are in lessons or rehearsals. Kathy and her family have lived in Emmaus for the past 25 years.