Meet Amy Gunderson: Crafting Yarn Tales Stitch by Stitch

In the world of creative expression, journeys often start in unexpected places. For knitwear designer Amy Gunderson, her path to becoming a master of yarn and stitches can be traced back to the realm of pizza ovens and idle moments. Amy’s story is one of ingenuity, passion, and a deep connection to the fiber arts that has shaped her into the remarkable designer she is today.

Read on to learn more about Amy Gunderson and how you can join her Interweave @ Home sweater fit class in September 2023.

Pizza, Yarn, and Spare Time

Amy’s introduction to the world of yarn began during a slow season at a pizza job when she was around 20 years old. Amid the sizzling pizzas and savory aromas, she picked up crochet as a way to pass the time. She shares, “I’d always been a maker of various things. My grandmother crocheted but wasn’t able to teach me before dementia settled in. I learned the basics from a craft store booklet but made things up as I went along after that.”

Unfazed by formal instruction, Amy’s creative spirit led her to explore the craft on her terms, often improvising her way through projects. “I eventually learned how to read patterns, but I love that my path was more organic before learning the ‘right way’ to do things.”

Related: Favorite Swingy Sweaters by Amy Gunderson

A decade later, during her tenure as a pizza shop owner, the knitting bug bit Amy. She delved into knitting through online tutorials. Her persistence eventually paid off when she stumbled upon a continental knitting video, aligning with her left-handed tensioning from crochet. This “a-ha” moment marked the beginning of a knitting journey that merged her unique perspective with the world of stitches.

Pizza Shop Owner Turned Creative Director

Amy’s knitting adventure took an unexpected turn when a job posting for a “design coordinator” at Universal Yarn in Charlotte, NC, caught her eye. With an audacious spirit, she applied, and against the odds, secured the position just a year after learning to knit. This pivotal shift marked her transition from the pizza business to the world of yarn, where her creativity and career flourished. She stayed with Universal Yarn for almost 8 years and was Creative Director when she left.

The yarn journey continued to unfold as Amy embarked on a cross-country move to Reno, NV, to work as the yarn director at Jimmy Beans Wool. A subsequent transition to Premier Yarns’ design department marked yet another chapter in her yarn-filled odyssey. Amy acknowledges, “I certainly didn’t set out to be a professional yarn person, and I don’t think most of us did, haha. But I’m glad to be here and can’t imagine doing anything else!”

Throughout her professional ventures, she also explored freelance work and self-publishing, showcasing her versatile skills and undeniable passion.

Why Amy Gunderson Teaches

Within the vibrant tapestry of the knitting community, Amy found camaraderie and a platform to share her expertise. The connections she forged through trade shows, online interactions, and collaborations enriched her experience. As a designer, Amy’s joy stems from the synergy between her artistic inclinations and logical problem-solving abilities. With a dash of humor, she refers to herself as a “yarn engineer,” adept at weaving together form and function.

Teaching knitting techniques holds a special place in Amy’s heart. Witnessing the “lightbulb moment” in her students, when comprehension dawns, brings her immense satisfaction. Guiding individuals past their self-doubt and into the realm of possibility resonates deeply with her own journey of mastering stitches, one at a time. Amy’s passion for teaching mirrors her unwavering enthusiasm for learning. She continually embraces new knitting techniques and explores fresh avenues within her craft.

Join Amy’s Interweave @ Home Sweet Sweater Success class in September 2023 to learn how you can knit better fitting sweaters.

Amy Gunderson’s story is a testament to the unexpected paths that lead to extraordinary places. From pizza parlors to yarn emporiums, her journey exemplifies the power of passion, resourcefulness, and the joy of crafting beauty with one’s own hands. As the stitches of her career continue to intertwine, Amy’s legacy as a knitwear designer and yarn advocate is sure to leave an indelible mark on the world of fiber arts.

Follow Amy on Instagram as @amyyounggunderson or on Ravelry as @amygunderson. Her self-published patterns, including Whitney Peak (modeled by Amy above) can be found under “Get Off My Lawn!” and check out her Interweave patterns.