Carson Demers presents: Knitting Sustainably

Let’s face it, we all want to knit forever! What’s your plan to get there? Here’s a talk that will give you an overview of what you need to have in mind to make your goal. We’ll learn “The Ergonomic Equation” and discuss specific tips that you can take away and try in your knitting including how to choose a chair. And you’ll get some strategies for integrating them into your knitting routine.
Homework: None; note taking materials if desired.

Bio:

Pattern and structure have always fascinated me. I sought to understand and participate in them at a young age through crochet knitting, and dance. Later I came to realize them through human anatomy, physiology, and movement leading me to becoming a physical therapist 30-years ago. A set of unfortunate computer ergonomics related injuries left me unable to treat patients, perform many activities of daily living, and knit for 2-years. During that time I devoted myself to further study of ergonomics. On returning to clinical practice I discovered many of my patients were knitters contending with injuries just as I had, and for the same reason – a lack of information. I bring over 20-years of ergonomic experience into my writing and classes with a goal of demystifying ergonomics, and teaching knitters, spinners, and other textile workers root-causes of their discomfort, speed, efficiency or lack thereof.

In 2017 I self-published Knitting Comfortably – The Ergonomics of Handknitting which has sold over 10,000 copies worldwide to date. It is still available and can be found on my website (www.ergoiknit.com) and in yarn shops around the globe. I’m a contributor to numerous fiber magazines.

I have taught at yarn shops, knitting and spinning guilds throughout North America, and at events such as Vogue Knitting Live, Stitches, Knitter’s Review Retreats (Clara Parkes), MKG Yarnover, Madrona Fiber Arts, DFW Fiberfest, Ann Budd Knit for Fun Retreats, Knit, Wear, Love Retreats (Amy Herzog), Knit Social, Web’s Fall Retreat (keynote speaker), and Loops Retreat to name a few. I’ve appeared in Knit Stars 3.0 and Fruity Knitting Podcast (2 appearances). I’ve served as consultant to Martha Stewart Living Magazine where my book was also featured in an article by NYT bestselling author, Chloe Benjamin.

Carson’s work, Knitting Comfortably: The Ergonomics of Handknitting is now in it’s 5th printing.