Some of you know that one of my new projects at K2Tog is to bring in new, young fiberistas to talk to our customers about what they do and how they do it. Our goal is to have one of these talks and shows each month, and we are kicking the whole project off this month, Feb. 22 at 6 p.m. with a dynamic duo, Lorajean Kelly of Knitted Wit and Michelle Miller of Fickle Knitter Designs. In this post, I want to introduce you to Lorajean, and we’ll tackle Michelle in another post all her own.

I came across Lorajean, who is from Portland, at last year’s Interweave Knits show in San Mateo. Hers was the first booth I entered, drawn in by its gorgeous colors and her charming self, standing there knitting away while she answered questions and guided people to her luscious goods. I purchased a skein of “Shine” in a gorgeous, shiny pewter and brought all my buddies in to buy, too. I am very excited to bring her and her goodies into the shop for the show, where she’ll talk about where her ideas for yarn colors come from and how she sets those ideas into motion and eventually gets them to our needles. She will be bringing lots of yarn to sell after her talk – we get first pick before she heads down to Stitches West right after her talk. In preparation for the show, I asked her a few questions about her process . . . .

Kimberly:What motivated you to start your business? How long ago was that?

Baby dyer!

Lorajean: I started Knitted Wit in early 2007. I had just learned how to spin and there weren’t many options for dyed fiber yet. I had done a little bit of natural dyeing with a friend so I got the gist of what to do. I thought I could dye fiber for myself and sell the extra to keep me in the fiber habit. I think I’ve always had an entrepreneurial bug and this was the perfect fit. I love all the aspects of the different jobs, I never get bored!

Kimberly: Where did the name “Knitted Wit” come from?

Lorajean: Knitted Wit is because I think I’m funny. I know. It’s a little silly. But I have a very silly sense of humor and love to laugh! My favorite joke? Do you have a hole in your sock? No. Then how did you get it on! Ha!

Kimberly: What do you most love about creating the things you eventually sell? What is most satisfying to you and why?

Lorajean: Such a great question! I really enjoy every step. I love winding yarn, a nice meditative task, but also finishing the job is satisfying. The physical labor of dyeing is very satisfying too. Drying, rewinding, labeling. All these tasks are great! I think because I’m home with my two boys (Eli, 3, Owen, 20 months) it feels amazing to get all these tasks done. I think it can be hard to stop with the tasks and tap in to the creativity, but I think that’s just where I am in this moment. It’s getting easier and easier as the boys are getting older, and the creativity is back!

Look at her colors!

Kimberly: Tell me about one item you sell that is most special to you, or that you are most proud of.

Lorajean: I am passionate about Feather Weight and Cypress Hollow Yarn. The Rambouillet wool is grown in Wyoming ( at Mountain Meadow Wool) and processed in Buffalo. The mill has a track back program that sends funds back to farmers based on sales. The yarn is beautiful, and full of life. Each yarn creates a beautiful fabric. I love working with the rustic, strong yarn.

Kimberly: How long have you been knitting? Who taught you, or how did you learn?

Lorajean: My mom taught me how to knit when I was a teenager, I’ve always been crafty. My mom sews and knits. My grandmother sewed, knit, and crocheted. It’s in the genes! I didn’t stick with knitting too long though. I was on a sloggy stripe scarf that was w-a-y too big for anything. But my tension was amazing! That’s what a sloggy scarf will teach you! Then in college a coworker re taught me and I was hooked. I knit a pair of mittens in a day! (This friend also taught me a little natural dyeing.)

Kimberly: Who most inspires you in what you do? Why?

Lorajean: I have to say it’s all the people in our industry and customers. We have such a great community! Like any business there are ups and downs, I know I can always find encouragement from my peers. And it doesn’t hurt that my 3 year old Eli complements every yarn I dye. Not even joking! That boy loves color!

Lorajean recently started a venture with Brooke Sinnes of Sincere Sheep, who we’ll be bringing in for a talk and show of her own in May. They have started a yarn club called “Among Friends.” Even more fun – Michelle Miller is going to design a pattern for the club! Check it out, it’s gonna be gooood. I’m signing up myself!

OKAY! So now you all know Lorajean and are gonna wanna come out and meet her in person, fondle her goods and get a jump on all those Stitches shoppers by coming to K2Tog on Feb 22 at 6 p.m.  SEE YOU THERE! And stay tuned for an intro to Michelle Miller.