Kate Goodman - Fiber Artist

Kate has been knitting for more than half her life. She began when her eldest niece was born, hoping to mold the dear, sweet child into a veritable fashion plate. When a lovely, rather pricey sweater came home from daycare covered in mulch, Kate learned an appreciation for the more practical aspects of the art. As the child grew and developed a "sense of self", it became less amusing and far more time consuming to produce things she would wear. That is when Kate learned that she could knit to suit herself. The variety of fibers and colors available is endless, as is her stash of yarn.

Contact Info

    KnitSophisticates
    knitsophisticates@yahoo.com
    by KnitSophisticates

Tell us about yourself and your work

People knit for a multitude of reasons and the resurgence of popularity in recent years has increased the number of fiber artists/knitters significantly. For me, the colors and textures of fibers are irresistible. I knit many things I will never wear because I want to use the fiber, or see how the color works up. For me, the act of knitting is not just fun, it's challenging, restorative, invigorating. It is also a very social endeavor for me. I love the time I spend knitting with friends. It was while knitting with friends that the Lynchburg chapter of Chase the Chill was born.

Chase the Chill was started in Easton, PA in 2008 by a woman named Susan Huxley and has spread to 38 cities across the country. The first Chase the chill event happened here in Lynchburg in January of this year. We invited people interested in knitting/stitching to make scarves, mittens, hats, and other items which provide warmth to be displayed in public and claimed by our neighbors in need. We are celebrating the art and beauty of knitting and crocheting, building community, generating positive interest in our community, and sharing with others. We were bowled over when our inaugural event brought almost 500 items! Everything was displayed in front of the Human Services Building and the response was overwhelming. Knitters from across the area contributed to the effort, GLTC put fliers in every city bus to announce the event, the newspaper and local television stations reported and in a matter of about 5 hours, just about everything had been claimed.

If you are interested in participating in the next Chase the Chill event, please visit our Facebook page at Chase the Chill Lynchburg and let us know. We'd love to have you.

When did you know you wanted to be an artist?

I had been knitting for years before I even considered what I did to be art. It does amuse me to call myself a fiber artist, but that is really what all knitters are. I've enjoyed doing various types of handwork since I was a teenager, and have always known my happiest times are when I am creating something.

How does you personal story/background influence your work?

I come from a long line of creative women, and so I have always been ready to try just about any crafty/artistic pursuit. There have been some epic fails, but there have been a great many successes, which makes the next challenge enticing.

Which of your works are you most proud of?

 I have knit some very intricate and beautiful pieces, but what I love the most has been seeing my nieces and nephew wear something I made for them and excitedly ask as they see me knitting if I'm knitting something for them.

What is the hardest part about being a professional artist?

I'm not a professional artist, but would love to be. The truth is, given the cost of materials and time involved in creating any piece I can't imagine how I would support myself in the manner to which I've become accustomed. For me, it is and will be a complement to my career.

What are the names/URLs of 2-3 other artists that inspire you?

Inspiration comes from so many places. I admire the ability of those who create patterns, those who spin and dye fiber, and those who use the patterns and fiber to create items they find personally pleasing. Most knitters speak of Elizabeth Zimmerman and Kaffe Fassett, and they are certainly important and inspirational, but so is everyone who creates!