Teacher Feature: Stephen West

Um, full disclosure?  I just stole those two photos above from Stephen's blog.  I know, right? 

Who would do such thing?  But it's so cold out!  And he looks so cozy!  And how delicious is that blanket he's making with BrooklynTweed Shelter?

See?  I think all criminal behavior could be easily explained by the effects of cold and the lure of wool.

Anyway, enough of my delinquency, what I came in here to tell you about is that Stephen is leaving the watery magicland of Amsterdam to join us by the lake next June.  We're totally stoked, me most especially, but given how fast his classes sold out, I know I am not alone.

Because seriously?  The FUNSQUAD hits Squam?

I'm thinking there could be a photo op in all this -- meantime, here he is-- sharing a glimpse of his inner life with us today.

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What (besides knitting blankets) gets you through rough winter days?

Colorscouting. I often take my camera into the city of Amsterdam while there is still daylight and take photos of cool color combinations.

What's one thing you would never leave your house without?

Burt's Bees chapstick and a spare Burt's Bees chapstic.

Favorite winter sport? 

Sleeping.  I'm just as good at sleeping as I am at knitting, which is a huge conflict I have to deal with daily.

A New Year's resolution that has never made it to February?

I often rebel against whatever I tell myself to do so resolutions and goals don't often work out. This may be why I have dozens of knitting works in progress.

Something wacky your family would do together growing up?

Musical variety shows in retirement centers and nursing homes. Mom, dad, two brothers and I performing for the elderly with piano, violins, singing, and gymnastics. My grandma and I often performed patriotic duet shows together in nursing homes.

I wore a matching red, white & blue windbreaker jacket and pants and marched around the audience with an American flag singing, "You're a grand old flag, you're a high flying flag..." among many many other patriotic gems.

Favorite blogs that you check in on?

FANCY TIGER

Best music for cozy nights in?

Hjaltalín, one of my favorite bands from Iceland

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Thank you, Stephen!  See you in June --

bisous, e