Artist interview with Jill Winitzer

Jill Winitzer is a local designer featured in our store. She makes the most amazing blankets. They are colorful and bright and I fall in love with each row of yarn.

We asked her a few questions about herself and her craft.

Read on!

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I live in Brookline and have 2 college age kids, a dog and a husband. I studied Graphic Design at Simmons College and my first job was at the Boston Phoenix, a fabulous place to work! I have been involved in the PTO at Devotion School and Brookline High School. Many of my days have been spent watching baseball, football, soccer, field hockey, basketball, softball games and at track meets that my kids have participated in since pre school.

Tell us about what you are selling at Tiny Hanger.

Colorful hand knit baby blankets and snuggly neck warmers. The blankets are made from a variety of natural and man made yarns making a blend of gorgeous, deep colors. The neck warmers come in two sizes for a mommy and me look. They are warm on a cold day, and cannot be lost as they pull over the head.

What made you decide to start knitting?

I started knitting sweaters for myself after college. After my first kid was born I only wore machine washable clothes to keep up with all that spit up! I started knitting again when my son was in the 3rd grade and started football practices in the next town over. I needed something to do while sitting for a few hours, and found very cool novelty yarns and started making scarves. Scarves evolved into afghans, baby blankets, neck warmers and now into infinity scarves.

Who taught you to knit? How about the glass/paper?

I must have learned from watching my mother knit. (Her mother also knit incredible sweaters). I also remember a class I took at the MFA when I was in elementary school. I can picture a tile with various paper that I applied--that is what started me on the glassware.

Do you make other things?

I now do a line of house wares: glasswares decorated with paper. Vases, serving plates and bowls, coasters, switch plate covers. (WinitzerDesign on facebook, or www.WinitzerDesign.com)

What inspires you to make your creations/collection?

I love searching for yarn. Wherever I go, I look for yarn stores. I have found stores near each of my kid’s colleges in Maryland and Wisconsin! Finding new yarn is great. I branched out to the glassware to create other useful products that were fun to make while always thinking about color.

How would you describe your style?

Functional and creative, with color. One of a kind. Creating things people need!

Do you do this full time or in addition to other things?

I also design books (yes, books are still being published!) and I recently designed a cookbook.

Any words of advice or inspiration for aspiring designers?

Do what you love, and see where it evolves. I found that new products are always good to think about and create to increase your audience.