Susan demonstrates knitting techniques for a recent Heritage class.

I design custom knitwear for private clients, patterns for print publication, and sweaters for the garment industry. I am also designing a line of authentic Fisherman Sweaters that I will submit for jurying at Tamarack later this year.

I teach knitting at Heritage Craft Center, at ACMoore and Y2Knit in Hagerstown, and in my studio near Gerrardstown. 

How long have you been doing it?     I have been practicing needle art of one kind or another since I was a small child.  I learned to knit when I was a teenager, from a neighbor. 

Who inspired you to learn this craft?     The most influential person in my knitting was my husband’s aunt.  When our oldest son was a baby, my husband worked evening shift.  I would spend evenings with her.  We would have dinner, play with the baby, and knit.  She taught me many of the techniques I use today.

Who inspired you to learn this craft?     The most influential person in my knitting was my husband’s aunt.  When our oldest son was a baby, my husband worked evening shift.  I would spend evenings with her.  We would have dinner, play with the baby, and knit.  She taught me many of the techniques I use today.

What are some of the things you make?     While knitting is my primary focus now, I do not want to be associated with only a single needle-craft. I also make beaded tassels.  These are great for adorning light pulls, shades, or drawer pulls, and as Christmas tree ornaments.  I even have one hanging from the rear view mirror in my car.

What is your ”signature” piece?     My favorite items to make are heirloom knitted lace shawls and christening blankets.  Made of yarn spun to a fine thread-like weight, they are light, warm and versatile.    Far different from the dowdy, heavy shawls of bygone days, these shawls are an elegant and classy wrap.  While a lace item looks very fragile, with a little care, can last a long time and become a family heirloom.  Of course, socks are the perfect travel project, and knitting with four needles never fails to impress the un-initiated!

What are your goals?     I am always learning a new (to me) needlecraft.  Often, I combine techniques to create one-of-a kind items that make unique gifts or future family heirlooms.  And, I am planning to introduce a line of throw pillows made from Thai silk, using silk ribbon embroidery, machine quilting, beading, and other embellishments.

Why are you committed to preserving heritage crafts?     Heritage crafts stem from two sources -- functionality and embellishment.  All crafts originated as functional items made from readily available materials.  Once functionality is satisfied, a natural need of humans is to express beauty.  In today’s fast paced, throw away society, people do not have the time, nor do we need, to make our own items.  But, I feel the human spirit requires an expression of creativity to preserve its essence.