Karen Simons | Maplewood, MN
My sister-in-law showed me the newspaper article that was in the St. Paul paper and said this would be something that I would be interested in doing. After reading the article I was hooked. I wanted to get involved. My mother taught me how to knit at age 10 and I have been knitting ever since. I chose bright colors for this project. I am looking forward to admiring all the cozies when they have been installed. Thanks for all your hard work in putting this fun project together.
Meet the Maker! Watch video here.
Grace Minix | Minneapolis, MN
I self-taught myself how to crochet 18 months ago and it’s been a whirlwind ever since – I love trying new stitches and finding new favorite yarns.
Stephanie Pedro | Woodbury, MN
I LOVE to sew. I started quilting about 15 years ago. My grandma taught me to sew when I was very young, but my aunt Cindy taught me how to quilt. I always stick with basic patterns because if I make anything too complex, I know myself and I won’t finish it! In the last couple of years I have only taken my machine out a few times, and it was mostly for things I dislike, like hemming choir dresses or uniform skirts for my girls. When I saw this project, I knew I HAD to do it. I needed this project in my life!! 🙂 I think it is a great and creative idea and I am honored to be a part of it. I can’t wait to see everyone’s cozies all over the city.
Meet the Maker! Watch video here.
Erin Berg | St. Paul, MN
I learned to knit while I was a student at a folk high school in Norway over twenty years ago. My fellow students, both men and women, knit during classes, and the technique they used – carrying the yarn over their left index finger and picking it up with their right needle – looked so much easier then the method my grandma had tried to teach me, looping the yarn with the right hand, which was a clumsy failure. I launched right in with my first project, a Norwegian sweater – and made it as far as the armpits before I either ran out of time or lost interest, I can’t remember which.
I have been carrying that unfinished sweater everyplace I’ve lived since the spring of 1994. The instructions are in Norwegian and, since my language skills have deteriorated over time, I can’t figure out how to finish it. I never really liked it all that much to begin with, and who knows if the finished product would actually fit anybody who wanted to wear it.
This cozy is my attempt to let go of that unfinished project once and for all. I’ve incorporated the star pattern from that sweater into this cozy. Knitting with bulky yarn and big needles, I finished this cozy in a matter of weeks – not the 25+ years of that darn sweater.
Cozy Dedication: “Knit in honor of my Grandma Lunder, who tried to teach me.”
Jaden Burns | St. Paul, MN
I started crocheting after seeing blankets that my grandmother, who I dedicated my cozy to, had crocheted. I taught myself how to crochet and I love making blankets and scarves for my friends and family! I work as an engineer and I love having crocheting and art as my creative outlet. I chose to be a part of this project because I’m passionate about showing others the beauty that St. Paul has to offer!
Cozy Dedication: “To Doris Burns.”
Carla Bailey | St. Paul, MN
Angie Blaker | Blaine, MN
I had seen a post on Facebook about making the cozy and immediately sent the information to my extremely talented best friend Paige Norton. I did not actually think she would take the bait. Bam, she hit me with the news of signing up, followed by peer pressure for me to do the same. I had only taken on the hobby because of her and have now enjoyed the opportunity to stretch my skill set. I chose to use random bright colors because it made it fun and cheerful. I am beyond excited to walk the streets to view everyone’s hard-work.
Marie Staiger | Roseville, MN
I grew up on the East side, and currently work in St. Paul. I was immediately attracted to this project as a way to not only use my knitting and crochet skills, but to connect with this hometown project. I am happy that people will be able to see fiber work displayed as a legitimate art form. Many knitters, crocheters, and quilters I know are so talented that I consider their pieces to be works of art.
I always find myself working in bright vibrant colors. My weather cozy, showing average high and low temperatures in St. Paul, varies in most of the colors of the rainbow. It is inspired by my grandpa, Ben Webster, who faithfully kept records of rainfalls and loved his Farmer’s Almanac. My second cozy in the Farmers Market is even brighter, with bright flowers against a background of almost neon green. I hope to bring some color and hope that spring is just around the corner!
Cozy Dedication: “To my Grandpa Ben.”
St. Paul Cozy 