Meet Michele - An interview with one of our own Seed Stitchers

As you know we have some amazing talent at Seed Stitch Fine Yarn.  Michele Fandel Bonner is the longest running Seed Stitcher and a wealth of information and talent.  We thought we could all learn a bit more about Michele.  Here’s my interview with her.

Who taught you to knit and when?
I was taught to knit by Madame Talon in first grade in a French school in Switzerland. I thought it was very unfair that I had to knit and make shoe bags and sew handkerchief hems while the boys got to paint! I was told to get a dark yarn for the socks we were going to make. I showed up with bright yellow yarn. Those socks still fit!  I dropped knitting until I lived with a friend after college and she taught me again. I haven’t stopped since (except when I need to cross-craft due to knitting injury)

What draws you to knitting or what is it that you love about it?
Knitting became my salvation during a difficult 3 years span. We lost 5 loved ones and my husband was diagnosed with cancer. I couldn’t sleep much, so I knitted.  I knit socks for everyone. I couldn’t keep them safe but I could keep them warm. I love the meditative aspects of knitting. The way the gears in my mind un-mesh and spin freely while I knit. The repetitive movement of the stitches is so soothing that I have fallen asleep while knitting.

Some of our readers may know that you worked at a yarn shop in Europe, but others might not, can you tell us a little about this experience?
My husband is English and we moved to London in 1990 to be near his family. For 2 of the 3 1/2 years we lived in London, I worked for a yarn shop called Creativity. The store sold knitting yarns, needlepoint and cross stitch supplies. Creativity and Liberty’s were the two main yarn shops for London’s knitters.  My knitting improved tremendously in England as opportunities to knit were everywhere.  Most adult women knew how to knit but took the skill for granted. When I knit on the Tube, to-ing and fro-ing from work, people often commented “Oh, my Granny knits too!” I learned to spin on a goat farm in Scotland and visited a crofter on the Isle of Skye who produced the most beautiful hand dyed cashmere.

Tell us a little bit about your background?
I have always worked with my hands. I am happiest when my hands are in motion making something. I work with fibers and found objects. My house and garden are filled with my creations, most of which are not garments.  I studied Art Therapy in college and worked with emotionally disturbed teens for 5 years before working as an office manager for an interior design firm.  I have worked at SSFY since March of 2007 where I get to help people learn a skill I love, and has brought me great joy and satisfaction.

You have a great eye and interest in eco-friendly yarns and fibers.  What excites you about these?  What do you look for when choosing an interesting new yarn?
Being a tree-hugger from way back I am always looking for ways to use less and recycle more. I recycle cashmere yarn from thrift shop sweaters and use recycled materials in my art work so it’s a natural for me to try to find yarns that have a smaller impact on the environment.  I really like the un-dyed organic cottons that grow in colors developed years ago by Sally Fox. I also love the soft colors of plant derived wool dyes.  I try to buy fair trade yarns when I can.

QUICK FACTS:
Favorite book:
This month it’s “One Man’s Meat” by E.B. White and “Derek Jarman’s Garden”
On your iPod right now:
Jose Gonzalez, Antje Duvekot, Hildegard von Bingen, the Weepies and Baba Maal
Item from your yarn stash you’re dying to use:
Jade Sapphire Blood Orange Cashmere
If you were a yarn, which yarn would you be?
Something very soft with a strong core
Favorite place to knit:
Summer: On my back porch in my grandmother’s wicker rocker. Winter: In my chaise lounge by the wood stove
Favorite spot on the North Shore:
Robinson Farm Conservation Area in Marblehead
Current knitting project:
Habu Stainless Steel and Silk Jacket. It’s going to take a long while…….

Thanks Michele!  That was great.  Stay tuned for more interviews from Seed Stitchers and designers alike.