I studied some preservation techniques in graduate school – primarily paper and photographs – but never learned more about the science of conservation. As my interest in textiles grew over the years, I was interested in meeting a textile conservator and learning more about the amazing and meticulous work. I met Jane through a mutual friend – Avice had told me about Jane’s fascinating work in textile conservation, and her knitting and spinning. When I got the opportunity to meet Jane last May at the Sheep and Wool festival, an idea started percolating…
…and this is what came of it:
“Knitting for Keeps: Jane Hutchins” Interweave Knits, Spring 2008
Many months in the works – and my copy of the magazine finally came. It is quite satisfying to see my name in the byline. That’s me: Lauren Weinhold. Page 16.
I had a series of phone interviews with Jane, who lives in British Columbia, in late October and early November. One of the most memorable interviews was conducted while Kris and I were away for the week in Williamsburg: I sat on a rock near the James River on Jamestown Island and learned all about textile conservation, raising Icelandic sheep, and the importance of caring for your textiles now.
Cover headline!
This is a big step for me. I have written since I was a child, and I was encouraged by family, teachers, and friends to write more. While I primarily wrote fiction as a child, I have switched to writing primarily non-fiction since college. I enjoy the in-depth research and putting the words together. I even enjoy the editing process… maybe this is the beginning of something bigger, but in the meantime, I am just going to be happy that Jane’s story and her work could be showcased in this way. I hope that you are able to take something away from the article too: you spend so valuable money and time to make your textile crafts beautiful – why not ensure that they will last? on that same note, you can learn how to better care for the textiles that have been passed down to you!
Thank you Avice for introducing me, Eunny for accepting the pitch, and finally to Jane for the amazing work that you do!
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Another big first: I am nearing a landmark comment number over the next few posts, and I am thinking that it would be really fun to celebrate it by thanking you with some presents from my yarn and book stash! So, for three of you – the -999, -000, -001, – I have three gifts. The -000 comment will get first choice, and the -999 and -001 can decide which items they like after that. I do hope it works out 
1) My favorite sock yarn in a gorgeous red colorway – so pretty and perfect for Project Spectrum! 450 yards of Tess Designer Yarns‘ Super Sock and Baby yarn. This yarn has held up so well for me in the two pairs of socks I have made with it. I think you will love it too!
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2) Denyse Schmidt Quilts
3)Yarn Place Graceful in #3627 colorway – if you scroll down on the website, you can see a knitted lace sample of this same colorway – so pretty! I bought this yarn a few months ago but I still have no idea what to do with it – I don’t knit lace very often – but I know that a lot of you do.
Congratulations on the article. I enjoyed reading it.
Oh, I love that laceweight yarn. What gorgeous color.
you go girl! Great work. Love your blog and photos
Congrats on the article. I am happy for you!
Congrats on being published! You rock!
Love that red… so gorgeous!
Congratulations on the article! Fantastic! I look forward to reading it…
Congratulations on the article! Such a fascinating topic, you must have learned so much in putting it together…
Congratulations!
congrats on both accounts.
WAHOO On the article! I can’t wait to read it!
I will show it to my husband and point and say
“I know her” sorta…. !!!!!!
Whoo! Congrats on the article!
Congrats on the article! Many times I have come close to buying IK, but finally haven’t done so, even though many issues looked great. This time, I have to get a copy, if only for this article! It sounds extremely interesting.
how cute is that , I was musing over my spring IK and what did I see : your name as a writer, congrats ! I will devour it even more . hugs Ch.
Congratulations! On both accounts. I was lucky enough to visit conservators in action in a museum last summer and realized I missed out on one career path that might be perfect for me! (I’ve since found another!) I really enjoyed the article and now I’ll have to go look at it again!
Congrats! I loved the article! Thanks for sharing. Keep up the great work.
That is so wonderful Lolly! I have the magazine at home and simply cannot wait to go page through it now and read the article! You are an amazing writer —at least what I have experienced thus far from reading your blog. Your pictures are amazing too! Thank you so much for sharing and giving a little of yourself with every post:)
Wow! What a lot of comments. HUGE congratulations on the article, Lolly!!!! I think it’s fantastic! I look forward to more too.
Congratulations Lauren on the article! I’m interested on how to preserve what I knit so that it can be enjoyed generations later. It’s definitely on my must read list!
Gongratulations on your big step! I can’t wait for my copy..
Congrats on your by-line!That is so cool.
Congratulations! I can’t wait to get my copy
Congrats!
Congratulations!
And you are seriously making me drool with those prizes!
Congrats on seeing your name in print! You’re such an inspiration.
My goodness, that Yarn Place is gorgeous!
Congratulations!! I love the Yarn Place Graceful!! It’s beautiful!! It would make a beautiful stole.
Wow, that’s exciting! So many comments!
Congratulations Lolly! I am so happy that your article was publihed in IK! I’m sure it is a great article and I look forward to reading it!!
Lolly, super huge congratulations! What an accomplishment – it must be such a rush to see your work in print
congrats lolly! I hope this means there will be lots more writing in the future! I’ll have to pick up this issue so I can read your article.
Huge congrats on the article! What a wonderful start to the new year…must mean good things will continue to follow you through 2008!
Lolly, Congratulations on the article, I can’t wait to read it!
Congratulations! What an achievement.
Loved the article! I’ve just started reading your blog recently, and it was fun to see your byline.
hi lolly, i would love to read the article but based in the UK, could you just confirm what issue it was in? Or perhaps a ISBS number? Like to read that you follow your passion, and wish you do more of this in the future..
congrats on getting published!!! YAHOO!!! *doing a happy dance for you*
I was already haunting the LYS waiting for the Spring issue of IK, and now I’m even more impatient for it to arrive! Can’t wait to read your article (I also live in BC, but we are a big place, so I can’t admit to knowing Jane).
Congratulations, Lauren and I look forward to seeing more written works from you (no pressure or anything)! Btw, where did “Lolly” come from – is it a childhood nickname?
Hi! Beautiful yarn and blog!
Yeah for you! Its a big deal to have something in print, not everyone can do it.
Oh congratulations, Lolly! Very exciting! I can’t wait to get my copy. Hopefully this is the beginning of many more!
Hi Lolly!
I read your article today, with much interest and pleasure.
As an art historian I have always been interested in conservation, and since I am so textile-obsessed I have played a lot with the idea of using both my capacities and passion joined together… a little bit like this amazing woman is doing.
So I admire (and envy) her. And I thank you for this article. I was so thrilled when I recognized your website adress at the end of the paper!
I send you a big hug from Switzerland. A a little kiss too. Or two. I think you deserve them.
Please tell Jane she is great.