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!
… … …
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.
Congrats, Lolly! That’s really wonderful. I’m looking forward to reading the article.
Congratulations on your name in print! Nice.
Congratulations on the article! It was the very first one I read when IK hit may mailbox on Saturday. Nicely done!
Congratulations on the wonderful article! I didn’t put realize that was you–what a wonderful accomplishment.
So exciting! IK is definitely the best of the best, congrats! I haven’t got a chance to buy my copy of this issue yet, but when I do I’ll be sure to turn to your article right away
Congradulations! I just pick up a copy of that issue yesterday! I skimed through it but haven’t had a chance to sit down and study it! Here to you for reaching one of many knitters’ dreams come true! I hope there are plenty more for you to come!
Congrats!
Heather R.
UCFknitGirl
I didn’t know that was you! Congrats!
So cool! Congrats on the article.
I remember talking to you about your desire to do this at SAA back in August. I am so glad you followed up on it. That is pretty awesome, Lolly!
Congratulations on the article, Lolly. I can’t wait to read it.
just rec’d the magazine. will read your article first – before checking out the patterns. congrats on combining your love of knitting and writing.
Congrats on the article, and the comments! You continue to be a source of inspiration to me. Keep up the good work!
Congrats on the IK article!
That is fantastic! Congratulations!!! I’m so much looking foreward to get my copy!
Keep it up – you are a wonderful inspiration!
Again, Congratulations Lolly! I hope this is the start of something because you are definitely a gifted writer.
congradulations, Lolly! this is very exciting. you should definitely pursue more of this sort of opportunities, even if it won’t be a “career” per se – it’s all about doing things you enjoy in life. right?
Congrats on the article. I have to pull out my IK and check it out tonight!
Congratulations on the article!
Congrats on your article! What a fabulous accomplishment! I haven’t had the chance to read it yet, but it’s dog-earred!
Congratulations! I’m about to subscribe to Interweave as we(I) speak, so I look forward to reading your article! I’m a genealogy enthusiast on the side when I’m not knitting, so preserving artifacts, keepsakes, and especially handmade heirlooms is very important to me.
congratulations, lolly!! Can’t wait to read it.
Congrats! I totally get the by-line thrill!
Congrats on the article and the comments! Way to hit landmarks!
Congrats on your article! I can’t wait to read it (my copy hasn’t arrived yet).
Congratulations Lauren. I cant wait to see the article and read all about the interview. Those prizes look so nice, and the red in the sock yarn is just so vibrant isnt it. I am sure it would knit into a gorgeous pair of socks.
Big shout to you!
WOW!! Lolly, congratulations on a job well done! I personally, am a big fan of your writing and aspire to be as well versed as you! Big Hugs coming your way
Whoa! There are a lot of comments up there already! I do want to add to the chorus of congratulations, though. I know that you worked really hard and went through a lot to get that article published. I’m proud to count you, such a talented and now published writer, among my friends. I hope to see more from you soon!
wow … i am often late, (though … not late to work) …..
i just wanted to say that the ball of lace wt. yarn is so beautiful! … so, nevertheless, i will have to hunt some down and *kill* it
my subscription to IK has lapsed. i guess that’s what happens sometimes when you’re chasing bills & such ….
when i do land my copy, i will read with eager !
Congrats Lolly!
AWESOME! I’ll have to pick up a copy. Congrats!!!!!
Congratulations on the article! It sounds very interesting, I’ll have to get my hands on a copy of the magazine so I can read it.
Congrats on the article and on the comments!
well done on the publishing! It is boiling hot over here in New Zealand at the moment so your comments on the cold there made me wish for it here to!! Gets to hot to knit at the moment
Congrats on the article!
And the yellow and aqua pillow is so cute…I’ve never quilted anything.
Good for you! Congratulations on getting published. You must be thrilled.
Congrats! Can’t wait to read it!
That is so fantastic! Congratulations!!!
Congratulations! I saw the article this weekend, with my copy and I meant to tell you congrats! That’s so awesome for you!!
Congratulations! I’ve got to get reading!
Congrats on the article Lolly! I can’t wait to read it
ooh, congratulations on the article – I am really enjoying your blog (from a long time lurker!)
That’s so exciting! I got my copy last night, I’ll have to check out your story today – I had no idea that was you!
congrats lolly! i can’t wait to get my copy of ik. i’ve always wanted to know how to preserve my knits so that they can be enjoyed for many many years. thanks!!!
I read your article this weekend and didn’t even realize it was yours! We need this info. Thanks for taking the time to research and write about such and important topic.
Congratulations Lolly, and thanks again for Project Spectrum!!!
Lolly – Congratulations on the article! That’s fantastic. I’m looking forward to reading it.
congratulations on the article! i have it earmarked to read it the next time i’m on the train
Congrats on the article – that’s wonderful – I’ll be looking for my copy to arrive soon. Thanks for Project Spectrum, too. I am following for the first time this year and it is a wonderful source of inspiration and has really helped me to focus my knitting and crafting energy.