August 3, 2009
Red Heart Lover Kathy Anderson Knits and Crochets Across the U.S.
There comes a time in your life when you live for adventure, according to Kathy Anderson. But your adventure should always include some elements of your past life that you simply cannot give up; photos of family, mom’s favorite tea pot and, of course, your yarn stash!
 Kathy Anderson and her husband Chuck are hitting the road. They have sold their home in Ridgefield, WA, and are starting a new chapter in their lives RVing across the United States. This type of change is fairly typical of so many baby- boomers but Kathy’s comes with a twist, or shall we say a yarn.
“Downsizing does not work well for knitters or crocheters. I am sticking to my guns though and bringing as much of my stash on the road as possible,” said Kathy.
Yarn is what Kathy is all about. At age 10, her mother was knitting an afghan made from tons of boldly colored 4” squares. Perhaps tiring of the project, Kathy’s mom taught her how to knit the squares thus launching a hobby that would carry Kathy through many creative opportunities.
“I have always challenged myself in my needlework, usually beyond my expertise. Mother would always get upset because at times it was beyond her skill level as well. In retrospect, though, pushing to create beyond my comfort level is how I learned to not be afraid to try new things,” said Kathy.
This drive led Kathy to teach herself how to crochet at age 20, starting with doilies. But, Kathy grew up in a creative atmosphere fueling her multi-creative mind set. In addition to knit and crochet, her work includes papier-mâché and collage, polymer clay, tole painting and general crafts. She has been published in a variety of craft and yarn magazines, Lark books and also seen on TV with such icons as Aleene’s Creative Living. Right now, Kathy has nearly 60 filet crochet patterns on www.crochetdesigns.com and can be followed in her knit and crochet blog, Knit and Crochet Pattern Chat.
Fearless creativity is what Kathy wants to share with others. Looking at a pattern and seeing beyond the obvious lets Kathy create her own unique items and also exemplifies the beauty of crafting. Changing yarn colors, needle and hook size and using different stitches are what she is all about, especially with a brand like Red Heart® at her side.
“I have always used Red Heart® yarns. There was always such a huge choice of colors, I could always get what I wanted. Plus, cost and durability were always a priority all-along, because I knew afghans, ponchos and things would be washed a lot,” said Kathy.
She continues by noting today Red Heart offers so many different yarns and weights that you can create beautiful items just by choosing striking color combinations and stitching unique, interesting patterns.
“Let’s face it, when you make something you put your love, time and money into it. You want it to last a long time and be easily cared for. Red Heart is the perfect "no-hand-washing" yarn and there's enough variety to keep any needleworker happy and knitting for a long time,” said Kathy.
She’s not alone. Kathy’s daughter shares her love, of course taught by mom. The duo can spend hours chatting about their projects, sharing yarn advice and stitching together. With something always on her needles, right now a sock knit-long using Red Heart® Heart & Sole™, Kathy is constantly counting, knitting or crocheting and thinking beyond the obvious.
“I drive my husband crazy when he can’t talk to me because I am counting. Sometimes dinner isn’t ready on time, but we’re retired now so I can get away with all of this,” said Kathy.
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