Who taught you how to knit?
I learned to knit from a woman named Lora Kinnan, owner of Daisy Knits in North Minneapolis. She is the one who sold me the machine I use now. Right after I bought the machine, I would go for lessons every week. The first thing I learned was how to make a tiny sock.
What do you love about Minneapolis?
I love Minneapolis because my friends live here and they are wonderful. Minneapolis has many small-town aspects to it that help me relate more to my childhood. I like knowing the people that are serving me coffee. It's also a nice city for biking and exploring nature, but I hate winter.
Best place to get a meal in your city?
My longtime favorite comfort food is a small Vietnamese restaurant called Jasmine Deli. It's walking distance from my studio and they have excellent Pho and inexpensive sandwiches. Also, I have a strong allegiance to Al's Breakfast, the oldest diner in the city, built in an alleyway.
Do you plan to stay in Minnesota for a while?
I'm still here, that's all I know.
Tell us about the coldest day you've been through.
I've lived in the Midwest my entire life, so after a while, all of the winter days start to feel the same.
How fast can you knit a scarf these days?
I can get one done in a few hours.
What is your favorite color combination?
Black and white.
What is your style philosophy?
Do whatever you want!
What's the ugliest sweater you've ever seen?
I don't like 85% of most argyle sweaters.
Since you won the 2011 Jerome Fiber Arts Grant, what do you plan on doing with it?
I am going to go to Miami to studio assist Jim Drain and then return to Minneapolis to create new work for an exhibit at the Minnesota Textile Center.
What would you love to create if you had unlimited time and resources?
The biggest sweater in the world!
What does your typical outfit look like?
Blue jeans, t-shirt, heather gray sweater, black Vans, black socks, Swatch watch. It makes me feel invisible!
What about when you were a kid?
Anything pink or purple, with or without polka-dots.
What fictional character did idolize back then?
I wanted to be Claudia Kishi from The Baby-Sitters Club books. She is the reason I started wearing ballet shoes with leggings and big denim shirts when I was a pre-teen. Also, Clarissa Darling and Blossom were pretty influential too.
What is your favorite song/movie/book?
"Dear Yoko" by John Lennon, Steel Magnolias, Fanny by Erica Jong.
Where do you see yourself and ALL Knitwear in five years?
I have no idea!
Quitting your job— best decision of your life or still having doubts?
I'm happy now. It was a big decision and I had doubts about it while I was transitioning. Leaving when I did was a good decision, but so was spending over three years there in the first place.
Are you a rollercoaster or a teacups ride kind of girl?
Go big or go home, right?
In high school you should have been voted most likely to...?
In high school I believe I was voted "most artistic," ha ha.
What are you currently obsessed with?
Osborn shoes, Baggu, J. Crew, Tavi, New York, Marais USA, Happy Socks.
What would you do on your "perfect day off."
I would order a pizza and watch movies all day, and there would be fresh baked chocolate chip cookies with afternoon coffee.
Three bands you can't get enough of?
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
The Beatles
Fleetwood Mac
Three best TV shows ever?
The Wire, because it's so bad-ass.
24, because it has a canned suspense that's still really fun to watch.
Seinfeld, because it's a true comedy.
Three favorite pieces you sell at the moment?
Cheeto Maryland Box Top— it's just plain nutty.
Coney Box Top because it's so simple and the first sweater I made to sell online.
Dash Dot Triangle Hat because black and white looks good with everything.
