Interview & giveaway! UrbanGypZ Artisan Yarn
Urban GypZ Artisan Yarn is a one woman operation run by the fabulous Stacey Budge-Kamison. Read on to learn more about UrbanGypZ and be sure to stop by and say hi to Stacey at the show!
Tell us bit about yourself, your company.
UGZ: I am Stacey Budge-Kamison, the fiberista behind UrbanGypZ Artisan Yarns in Asheville, North Carolina. I hand spin and hand dye yarns and fibers for knitters, crocheters, weavers and other fiber artists with a focus on edgy color combinations and unusual textures.
When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?
UGZ: A nun. Yes, really. Sally Fields had me convinced that nuns could fly and I loved the big hat.
Is there a certain person, place or object you draw inspiration from?
UGZ: Funny you ask, because I recently participated in a huge debate about nailing down inspirations when they are so deep in your everyday observations. I mostly work with color and textures, so I never want to limit myself to any one part of my environment. I make it a point to observe my surroundings, listen to my gut, journal often and seek beauty in the things I have a negative reaction to. I am inspired by my mistakes, and encouraged by knitters like myself who use my yarn into their own work.
If you had no boundaries: money, time, space, support, etc. what dream project would you pursue?
UGZ: I moved to North Carolina as the last of the textile mills closed down. I would love to revive a mill to produce high end boutique yarns, that creatively stretch the abilities of the equipment and directly support regional shepherds.
What’s your favorite thing to do to kill time? Any secret Internet time wasters, guilty pleasures?
UGZ: Outside of knitting?(yes this business was born out of my knitting habit gone awry) I am a reality TV junky(no haters, please). Facebook, Ravelry, Twitter, Pinterest---I also do my share of internet time wasters (I like to call it networking)
Where do you like to go when you just want to get away? A beach, a mall, a market? What’s your favorite type of spot to go unwind.
UGZ: I love heading to the local café with my knitting to watch tourists. But if I need serious decompression, I hit the trails to one of the local waterfalls sit on a rock and listen to the water.
If you only had one more meal to eat on this world what would it be? (It can be several courses)
UGZ: My grandmothers red beans and rice and her über garlicy pork roast (Seriously, ya’ll, I could slay vampires with that stuff)
What do you love about most UCU’s Summer Show?
UGZ: Well, This will be my first UCU show. But I love that it is in Seattle. I have never been to the Pacific Northwest and look forward to visiting and meeting my WA customers.
Tell readers what they should expect to see when they stop by and see you at UCU.
UGZ: Color. Lots and lots of insane color. Fondling of yarn is encouraged. Geek out over your latest knitting project, because I really do get it. Ask me questions. I have a savant like knowledge of knitting, and can help you find the great pattern/yarn combo for any knitting level. I love encouraging new knitters. And if there is anything you really want to see shoot me an email (urbangypz@charter.net). I have limited room in the carry-on, but would love to bring something you have been wanting to see in person.
Stacey is kindly offering a beautiful skein of her softest hand dyed yarn. Alpaca/merino/silk blend, worsted weight single ply (275 yards/4oz) in “Twilight.” Leave a comment below before midnight on Thursday (6/30) for your chance to take it home and create something fabulous!
Comments:
Oh, and I love that her gramma's garlicy pork roast could "slay vampires". Too funny!
