Guest Post: Knitting in Motion

by Natalie Agee

Knitting has swiftly become my favorite thing to do, outside of teaching circus arts, and being an inter-disciplinary performer.

I'm a beginning knitter, and so far, each project has proven to be a very dramatic – dare I say say "theatrical" – process. Chunky yarn and larger needles are a special combo for me--they bring knitting to it's most physical; each arc, swoop, loop over, and tug feels hearty, satisfying, energetic and somewhat suspenseful, like performance.

...I bet John Cage would've loved to gather three hundred and one knitters together in concert, so musical are the sounds of those bamboo needles clicking...

On a more cerebral note: trace forms are the dynamic and invisible lines traced in space by a movement, or movement phrase. When I was beginning to study movement, I tried to draw these movement pathways so that I could "see" them for as long as I wanted. The trace forms of a knitter's path become color-saturated parts of a fabric that you can see, touch to your cheek, and give to another person.

Part of the beauty of live performance is that it exists in the moment. This, alone, makes it so completely amazing, and so worth doing. But that slightly-gone-awry, imperfect sweater, that I'll make for a special someone, may last a life-time. I feel so lucky to have the chance to experience and cherish the best of both these worlds. I can't wait for the day when I make my first knitting pattern!

Read more about Natalie Agee.

Photo by Aimee Norwich

OUTDOOR CIRCLE: 5th AVE. FAIR

We're setting up a tent so come join us on Sunday the 16th of May from Noon to 6pm because Stitch Therapy and Brooklyn Mercantile will be hosting a crafty afternoon. Bring your project knitting or crochet and a friend, and if your friends want to learn how to knit bring them along on this date we will be teaching people to do the knit stitch with the purchase of a ball of yarn and a pair of knitting needles.

STITCH THERAPY HAS A NEW HOME

In the five years that Stitch Therapy has been on Lincoln Place I have met quite a few amazing people. Years ago a friend reminded me that my mantra was "all I want to do is knit" and now knitting and crochet have become my full-time work, but it is through you, my talented and creative customers and friends, that I have experienced the joy of our craft.



I take pleasure in supporting you through your projects, and if you don't mind, I share the pride that I hope you experience when your project is complete. Stitch Therapy will continue to be an inspirational haven for you in her new home at 335 5th Avenue between 3rd and 4th street, opening November 1st – continuing to be a part of the fabric of Park Slope Brooklyn.



This is a move to a future that offers more classes like "Men's Night Out" "Fingerless gloves and Mittens", "Beginner Circle for new Parents-that means you can bring your new baby", "Weekend Kid Camps", "Mystery Squares", a backyard, and more events like the recent book reading. 335 5th Avenue is now the home of Brooklyn Mercantile a wonderful fabric and home shop owned by Tamara Plummer - both shops will now share this address - two shops under one roof!



This change for Stitch Therapy is a good thing! We will be open seven days a week and still be in Park Slope. Did I mention the backyard? The spring will allow for outdoor classes and entertainment. Just as the Lincoln Place spot evolved into the space that it was (if you could see it at this moment you would not recognize it) so will 5th Avenue. I have spent quite a bit of time at the shop and what I love the most is the way the sun floods in through the front window.



This is Phase 3 for Stitch Therapy, Phase 2 was the online shop, I expect this part to be filled with fun and creativity and I hope that you will continue to be a part of it. Check out the new hours on the website and the schedule for the additional classes.