Street Fashionista: The Knitting Ladies

Yeah, I've tried it. I crocheted a scarf for my niece years ago as a Christmas gift. My sister beamed as she juried my tension issues—she's the real pro. 

But that's the thing about me, I am no designer—I appreciate. I appreciate the craft of others by assimilating the TLC that goes into each piece. I prefer to interpret; I create by layering, styling, choosing strange patterns that work together. 

With that being said, I ooze admiration when it comes to the DIY aficionados who can knit a sweater, a tunic, even socks or crochet a pillow or amazing fingerless gloves. Go ahead, visit Etsy and type "knit" or "crochet;" you will be blown away by what is being created by amazing doers everywhere. Mobiles, hats, shrugs, heck, even a Snuggie. 

Books have been written about the unquestionable bonding and camaraderie that occurs between women who sit together and knit. My sister swears by the clarity she gains through simply sitting and crocheting, proclaiming: "It's my stress reliever." 

So how to wear these pieces? Here's the thing: it's a "no brainer" since these pieces are part of our daily lives. Especially heading into summer, crocheted dresses and the like are a huge trend. The real deal is learning "how to" for yourself because isn't it 10 times cooler to say, "oh this old thang? Yeah, I made it." 

Who? I call them "The Hankerteers" (that's a little knitting humor that I made up since a hank is a bundle of yarn that can be coiled or spooled; better quality yarns are presented this way) 

They are: Michele Eichenlaub, Christine Price, Judy Sundy, Susan Schmitt, and Sherry Mik

Where? The Brick House Cafe, Erie. 

Why "The Hankerteers?" These ladies make up one of many Erie knitting groups. I had the pleasure of bumping into these gals one night at the Brickhouse. I unabashedly approached them and asked if I could feature them, and interestingly enough, each one has her own knitting path. Michele was self-taught and started with a felted hat. Christine began working on woven potholders as a child—you know the ones. Judy started with a scarf, and Susan took the first step at 16 with slippers. Sherry's first project was a sweater, and she's still going strong! Currently being knitted among the group: Socks, a table runner, a crocheted Christmas stocking, and a special birthday surprise. 

A couple of questions answered by the Hankerteers: 

Best beginning projects? Slippers, a hat, mittens, a scarf 

Best place in Erie for yarn? The Cultured Pearl (they love Shirani & so do I.) 

Design Inspiration? Pattern books 

Why knitting & crochet? Helps to focus in on thought and clarity, and just love the look of it. 

So the Brickhouse is your haunt, why? The Brickhouse is cozy, great atmosphere, great location, and delicious desserts. 

If you want to crash their party and sit in with them: "Thursdays, Brickhouse, 6:30pm." 

Find me out on the town and challenge yourself to get noticed by the Erie Reader