12.27.2008

A Day At Twinkle

My all-time favorite jobs as a photographer are those that involve shooting artists' spaces, and, of course, the artists that they house. So I was completely thrilled when Knit.1 asked me to pay a visit to designer Wenlan Chia's studio in Manhattan to spend the day with her for a few portraits and studio shots. We had such a great time together - and I thought I'd share some of the shots with you, as I'm sure there are some big Twinkle fans out there.

Wenlan Chia


A Day at Twinkle

In the handknitting community, Wenlan is probably best known for her signature super bulky merino yarn - Soft Chunky (pictured below) (kinda looks like cotton candy, doesn't it?) and the wonderfully chunky fashion knits she conjures up with it.

A Day at Twinkle

She carries two other yarn lines, which I hadn't ever experienced in person - and let me tell you, being surrounded by handknit samples of throws everywhere you turn isn't a bad way to experience a new yarn either.

A Day at Twinkle

And while of course I had plenty of delicious knits around to keep my lens busy all day... there were certainly a few other things that I had a hard time keeping away from...

A Day at Twinkle

Wenlan's dog, Milan, has a huge personality and wanted to be a part of the action all day. Aside from being a photogenic little canine, he serves as inspiration for many of Wenlan's home designs as I soon found out.

A Day at Twinkle


A Day at Twinkle

I think I mentioned in a previous post about my Twinkle Chunky throw (Finished! Photos soon!) that I had come into a small stash of Soft Chunky in a special circumstance - well this is how. I saw these luscious throws in the studio and had to have one. And since Wenlan basically
forced me to take yarn... what was I to do but gracefully oblige?

A Day at Twinkle


A Day at Twinkle


A Day at Twinkle


If you'd like to read up on Wenlan's inspiring story, check out the article in the current issue of Knit.1 for more. My very own Chia-designer-throw will be featured here in just a few short days... if I can pull myself out from under it long enough for a photoshoot.

Wenlan Chia

I hope you are all enjoying the holidays and giving your knitting some extra special face-time. It feels like the first time I've been able to take a breath and truly enjoy my knitting for some time. And it's wonderful.

[If you haven't gotten enough of Ms. Chia, see more photos from Twinkle here]

32 comments:

  1. Как вы красиво вяжете! Уютно у вас тут!

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  2. Gorgeous photos. sounds like a dream day.Thanks for the story

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  3. Thank you for this beautiful moment of sharing

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  4. I love this coming together of designer-brilliance!

    (This varies depending on how old-fashioned an upbringing we've received, but never expect to spend a day with a fellow Chinese and walk away empty handed. It is one of the better things about our culture! ;) )

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  5. No surprise, these are gorgeous. When I grow up, I want to be you. Sounds like an amazing, inspiring, day.

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  6. What a wonderful day, and amazing talent. The yarn looks divine.

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  7. such loveliness. i want a studio too.

    and a yarnline, all of my own.

    and i want you to have a lovely christmas and a productive 2009. my god have i enjoyed your patterns this year.

    unfortunately the knit 1 is impossible to get here. i would so much like to knit your hat.

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  8. Very cool! I love Twinkle designs and I love your designs/blog too so what a treat it was to see this entry. Thank you for sharing!

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  9. As I'm new to the sticks, I'm wreaking havoc on one of her gorgeous patterns right now!

    Thanks for the fabulous shots...

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  10. Fantastic sampling of your photoshoot. I love the textures.

    Awesome pics!

    I think I would have snuck her dog home with me in my knitting bag!

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  11. WOW. Fun day. I should go buy that mag...there seems to be a ton of fun stuff in it this time around.

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  12. wonderful photos--& commentary to boot:) the smaller the dog, the larger the personality... have fun with fiber! that might be a merino i could actually let touch my skin.hmmm...........

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  13. How lovely! Thank you for sharing.

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  14. Wouldn't it be amazing to spend a "day in the life of Jared"? We want to see a story and pictures of you!

    Your inspiration is unmeasurable. TY

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  15. Lovely photos! The portraits of Wenlan Chia are gorgeous.

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  16. Aww, you lucky duck! As soon as I saw the title I knew what was coming, well was pretty sure of it :) Thank you so much for sharing!

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  17. I read the article and saw your photos and your kudos on Knitting/Designing - December was your month! Congratulations! Beautiful work!

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  18. Great photos. I can't wait to hear more about your throw. It looks positively scrumptious.

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  19. These photos are beautiful! The artwork on the dog pillow reminds me so much of a painting that my artist son did of our Italian greyhound in Warhol style a few years ago. He used only four colors total including the background. Very similar.

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  20. Thank you for another great post - always so inspiring! Best for the season.

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  21. I like the look of quite a number of her designs, but have a hard time with the idea of anything that bulky on my body. Making a throw instead of clothing is a great idea!

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  22. Beautiful photography of a brilliant designer and her work! Thank you for sharing this.

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  23. Hi Jared,

    How fortunate to be a photographer and a knitter! I read the Knit.1 piece and loved it. The photos are fabulous. Of course they should have included the pic of the dog as well!

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  24. Great photo "tour;" thanks for sharing!

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  25. I just picked up a copy of the magazine-not only is the Twinkle article nice, but your profile (page 30!) of one of the "web's most influential knitters" was a good read too. Wonderful photos, I always enjoy your work.

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  26. Hi Jared - I've been a big fan of your designs, and now that I'm re-taking up photography, I love these photos of Wenlan Chia. I'll have to go and get the Knit 1 issue now.
    Janice

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  27. Hi Jared - I've been a big fan of your designs, and now that I'm re-taking up photography, I love these photos of Wenlan Chia. I'll have to go and get the Knit 1 issue now.
    Janice

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  28. Hello Ms. Chia. Please forgive me for being so bold, but I am doing a bit of blog surf to invite people to sign up for my giveaway. There are no gimmicks. This is just my way of celebrating two years of blogging. On January 4th I am giving away a free caricature drawn by me. I'd be honored if you came by and signed up for a chance to win.

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  29. Great photos. I love this celebration of knitting in your blog.

    Donna

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  30. Loved the Knit1 this time for so many reasons, and now you added another!

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  31. Awesome shots. I want to grow up to be like you =) (probably can't because I'm probably already too old) rats

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  32. Wenlan Chia is a huge talent. Her iconoclastic designs are lively and wonderful. When I first saw her knits, about five years ago, they truly inspired me to begin knitting again. . . haven't stopped since. Your lush photos are the perfect complement. Gee, a day in a famous design studio, surrounded by knitwear, and free yarn to boot - count me envious.

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