When I was asked to
participate in the Stitch Mountain book I was so excited!! I have lived here in
Reno my whole life and skied in the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountains for most
of those years. Of course I love to knit and design with an emphasis on fun and
unusual projects, so Brita Sigourney's vision for the Kitten Mittens was right up my
alley.
Brita is a huge advocate for
pet adoption and fosters pets whenever she can. Here's her comment when
approached about the project, “I recently adopted a kitty, Cory. She is such a
joy, so obviously when I saw these mittens I had to have them!”
I am a huge animal lover
myself with many rescue pets throughout my life. My pets have made my world so
happy over the years and I currently am graced with a 12 year old Queensland
Healer mix, Sierra, and an inherited 15 year old Rag Doll cat named Tasha.
As I read about Brita and
her commitment to her sport, as well as her passion for rescue animals, I knew
I could come up with a project that would compliment her idea for the fun and
whimsy she had envisioned, as well as the warmth that she needs when on the
slopes.
I just can't imagine the
dedication it takes for this amazing athlete to ski the halfpipe and I loved
learning about her ability in the water as well as on the slopes, but in the
end it was the snow that won her heart.
She has won the World Junior
Championships in New Zealand, as well as earning a spot on the U.S. Ski Team.
Growing up in Carmel California she was only a mere 5 hours away from Alpine
Meadows in Lake Tahoe where she spent every winter weekend honing her skills on
the snow.
Ever since 2010 she has
focused on the halfpipe, winning the X Games silver and bronze medals. She is
the first woman to land a 1080 degree spin in competition!! Honestly I just
can't even imagine doing something like that, but really love to watch someone
else do it!
She is currently working on
her college degree and trains in ever spare moment she has. Brita is a true
inspiration to women of all ages.
I
loved working on this project for the book and am truly proud to be part of
such a great project! I have worked at Jimmy Beans Wool for over 7 years now
and can't imagine being anywhere else! Knitting is my passion and I love
creating fun things.
I
wish you all happiness in whatever you pursue and hope that you enjoy my
mittens, as well as all the other great projects in Stitch Mountain.
Happy
Knitting and skiing!!
Jeanne
Kitten Mittens designed by Jeanne Giles from Stitch
Mountain: 30 Warm Knits for Conquering the Cold by Laura
Zander, published by Sixth&Spring Books, sixthandspringbooks.com. Photography
by Brad Swonetz and pattern instructions copyright © 2013 by
Sixth&Spring Books/Soho Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. Used
by permission.
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