Feb 12 2008
Conservation and Contest
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.
