Knitting is becoming the hot new trend. Over the past few years, several of my girlfriends have mentioned knitting classes. There is even a knitting studio on 3rd Street near Fairfax which features cleverly knitted teddies in the window.
Emma Roberts (right) started a free knitting class/group at the downtown Central Library one year ago and it was an instant hit. I attended her class and she agreed to sit down for an interview.
Big Al, the gal: I’d like to learn a little about you. Where are you from? What is your roll at Central Library?
Emma: I’m originally from the UK, but I’ve lived in LA for almost ten years. I went to library school in the UK, and I also have a BA in Art History.
I’m the Subject Specialist for Art, Music & Recreation / Rare Books at Central Library. We have a fantastic collection, which is really a privilege to work with.
Big Al, the gal: What was your very first experience with knitting?
Emma: My Grandma taught me to knit when I was really young, but I was terrible…
Both my Grandmothers were avid knitters.
Big Al, the gal: Do you have friends who knit?
Emma: One friend in particular is an amazing knitter, always creating, adapting patterns… she can think in three dimensions! She inspired me and, two years ago, taught me to knit again.
Big Al, the gal: How were you able to get so good in only two years? Was it harder to learn as an adult?
Emma: Actually I’m not that good! [she’s either lying or crazy! See right] I know the basics and I can follow a pattern, but I haven’t yet learned how to adapt and do the trickier stuff.
I just kept going with it, and everything I make teaches me a new stitch or a new technique. There’s loads to learn.
I don’t think it was hard to learn as an adult. Sometimes you just don’t get something, but if you persist and try reading different instructions for the same thing, it suddenly clicks.
Big Al, the gal: What do you like about knitting? Why?
Emma: It’s definitely therapeutic. If you’re stressed, it can calm you down, if you’re lethargic, it can perk you up. Once you get into the swing of knitting, you feel very relaxed.
Big Al, the gal: What do you find frustrating about knitting? Why?
Emma: When I mess something up and can’t fix it! I’m not very good at rescuing things yet. I end up ripping everything out and starting again.
Big Al, the gal: What gave you the idea to start the knitting class at Central? (see Big Al’s handywork to right. WOW, right? :-P)
Emma: We were starting regular Thursday lunchtime programs, and one of the suggestions put forward was for a knitting social.
It’s very informal, rather than a class. We all bring our projects and help each other out, show what we’ve done, bring our lunch and check out the new knitting books.
Now we have a regular slot - the last Thursday of each month at 12:15pm.
People bring other kinds of craft projects with them too, like crochet, beading and so on. Whatever they’re working on. Sometimes we have presentations on other kinds of crafts too.
Big Al, the gal: How did the class grow? Was it big right away?
Emma: It was very popular from the get-go actually. I can’t believe how many enthusiastic knitters live and work close to the Central Library, and everyone is so keen to share and help each other out. It’s a very relaxing break in the day.
Big Al, the gal: Let’s talk knitting resources.
Emma: The library has a huge collection of knitting and crochet books, both at Central and at our branches. You can browse our online catalog at www.lapl.org.
If the book you like is checked out, or not at your local
library, you can put a hold on it and have a copy sent to the most convenient branch for you.
Here are some fabulous new titles to reserve with your library card:
- The Best of Vogue Knitting Magazine:
25 years of articles, techniques, and expert advice
editor: Erin Walsh
746.21 B5615 
When Bad Things Happen to Good Knitters:
An emergency survival guide
Authors: Marion Edmonds & Ahza Moore
746.21 E24- Downtown DIY Crochet:
14 easy designs for city girls with style
Authors: Alice Chadwick with Claire Montgomerie
746.2 C432 - Vogue Knitting The Ultimate Sock Book:
History, technique, design
Editor: Editors of Vogue Knitting Magazine
746.21 V888-19 - The Best of Interweave Knits:
Our favorite designs from the first ten years
Editor: Ann Budd
746.21 B5615-1 - Knitting Pretty
Simple instructions for 30 fabulous projects
Author: Kris Percival
746.21 P429
* currently checked out by Big Al, the gal
Online Treats:
- www.knittinghelp.com
Great for new knitters, because it includes very clear videos. You can watch over and over again until you get it! - www.yarnstandards.com
Standard measurements, abbreviations and much more. - www.ravelry.com
Sign up to get an invitation to this brand new online knitting community. - L.A. Is My Beat
A local blog covering knitting topics, as recommended by a Knitting Social member. - www.gourmetamigurumi.com
A site dedicated to the Japanese art of tiny crocheted and knitted animals and more. - knitting.meetup.com
Browse for other local knitting groups to join. - knitandtonic.typepad.com/photos
Entertaining examples of patterns gone awry.
Local Stores as recommended by Central Library’s Knitting Social Attendees:
YARNS UNLIMITED
828 Pico Blvd., #1
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 395-3880- WILDFIBER
1453 14th Street #E
Santa Monica, CA 90404
(310) 458-2748
www.wildfiber.com - SUSS DESIGN
7350 Bevelry Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 954-9637
www.sussdesigns.com - THAT YARN STORE
5028 Eagle Rock Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90041
(323) 256-9276
www.thatyarnstore.com - KNIT CAFÉ
8441 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90069
(323) 658-5648
www.knitcafe.com - BLACK SHEEP KNITTERY
6324 Yucca St (near Vine)
Hollywood, CA 90028
(877) LA KNITS
www.blacksheepknittery.com - EDNA HART BOUTIQUE & KNITTERY
2941 Rowena Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90039 (Silverlake)
(323) 662-4070
www.ednahart.com
Check out Emma’s class at the Central Library (630 W. 5th Street, LA 90071) on the second Thursday of each month from 12:15-1pm! If you have any questions, please feel free to email me, Big Al, the gal, for help: BigAlthegal@gmail.com.
Photos by Big Al, the gal
Book covers and other images: Vogue Knitting, Amazon, ElizabethD (amigurumi) on Flickr
(average rating: 5 out of 5)
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2 responses so far ↓
1 T1 // Feb 29, 2008 at 3:37 pm
I’m not a knitter myself, but you’re story makes want to give it a try!
2 Big Al, the gal // Mar 4, 2008 at 3:34 pm
| + | + | + IMPORTANT CORRECTION!!!! + | + | + |
The knitting class is on the LAST Thursday of every months, NOT the second Thursday. Sorry! -BA
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