About Me
Hello. Thank you for stopping by. I’m Jen Schuetz, and this is my tiny slice of the internet.
Though born and raised in the Midwest, back in 2009 I relocated to San Francisco, California, with my partner in life, Naz Hamid. I am now unapologetically Californian.
Childless by choice, I’ve instead happily doted on four precious creatures that are now awaiting us at the Rainbow Bridge: Monty the Tabby, Shaun the Boxer, Loki the Tuxedo, and Barbara the Chihuahua. All four lived long lives, well into geriatric years, and we were so incredibly lucky to share our lives with them. They are sorely missed.
I mainly knit, but I have dabbled in sewing, embroidery, and weaving. I bake sourdough bread (long before the pandemic trend), raid the bulk bins at the local co-op grocery store, ferment veggies, and brew kombucha — the kitchen is part science lab, part jar collection.
I can’t *not* exercise, so I run, rock climb, practice yoga, or swing a kettlebell. And I walk a lot.
My philosophy is to invest in experiences, learning endeavors, and travel. I’m just as eager to hit the road in our 4x4 adventure mobile as I am to endure a long-haul flight to the other side of the world. Sometimes I’m actually more comfortable away from home — surrounding myself with the unknown and the unfamiliar is the ideal teaching mechanism for empathy and compassion.
The older I get, the more I try to let go, not worry, and appreciate the here and now, all while watching the clock. Time is ticking, and I fear regret.
About My Designs
Having over 15 years of knitting experience, I’ve learned a thing or two about reading patterns and subsequent modifications. Because I can’t leave well enough alone and often question why a designer makes certain choices, the next step was for me to wade into the design waters myself — mostly to combat imposter syndrome, not to suggest I am better.
My particular interest is mosaic and slip-stitch shawl patterns. The combinations of geometric motifs are endless, and the results of two interchanging colors are striking yet surprisingly simple to knit. Most knitters have random skeins stashed away, and in my opinion, mosaic or slip-stitch knitting is the perfect solution, offering a relaxing rhythm without becoming boring or tedious.
Each of my designs employs a bottom-up construction, i-cord edge embellishment, and no prescribed ending point — knit until you achieve the size you prefer or when the game of yarn chicken begins. Two skeins of contrasting fingering weight or light fingering weight yarn are needed. Gauge isn’t particularly important — what matters is the drape and stitch definition to your tastes.
My patterns include full written instructions, charts, and links to tutorials that highlight special techniques and helpful tips.
I encourage users of Ravelry to set up project pages to chronicle progress and to show off their finished garments.
