Teacher, Designer Benjamin Krudwig

Teacher, Designer Benjamin Krudwig was our guest today on the Yarn Thing podcast with Marly Bird.

Benjamin says he is Multi-craftural. Marly met him at the Interweave Yarn Fest this year, when he was showing off his weaving talents. He began as a crocheter in High School, also learned to knit. His work at Schacht Spindle Co also led him to weave and spin. He pursued a career in evolutionary and ecological biologist, and used crocheting and knitting as a stress relief. Working at Schacht has really opened vistas for him… With all the avenues in fiber he has to be careful with his time!

Benjamin says there is a purpose to every yarn, it just has to tell him what it wants to be; even using acrylic to try something out before investing hundreds of dollars in finer yarns. He says spinning and knitting has is focus right now, but when specifically asked by Marly, he has admits he has three knitting and one crochet projects in progress, also itching for more crochet and is inspired to weave again soon. At the moment, he admires lace more in a crochet motif and speaks of Bijou Basin Ranch yak fibers for sweaters with tingly excitement.

In his personal life, Benjamin has just shared an anniversary with his wife, who he’s taught to knit, crochet and weave. She’s an opera singer, so obviously focused with that, but we know that she will find comfort as she gets into this more. Benjamin says he’s made a few things for her, and it’s helpful to have her model things. Benjamin says he hopes to focus on menswear more…. of course things would look awesome on her but they end up in his closet.

Speaking of menswear his hope in future is to update trends that have been bulky or intended solely originally intended for women (such as shawls) that can be comfortable and finer gauge. For example, his recent creation is the Tyton Cardigan, which he created from Quince and Co Owl Tweet (these are links in Ravelry), a wool and alpaca blend for softness with a tweed blending colorized texture, and his design itself adds a slight textural added to the stitchwork that guys (and girls) love.

Benjamin admits that he’s in the baby stages of his career. Eventually, he wants to be known for menswear designs, hopes to add books… he sees ‘anything is go’ and all he has to do is work and work hard.

Follow Benjamin Krudwig at his blog, or in Ravelry he has a group. In fact he’s offering 25% off all his patterns in Ravelry… He can also be found in Instagram, Twitter, Facebook …. he’s saying just Google him, but I think if you love him, you’ve already found him.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Benjamin Krudwig?

Honestly… Benjamin Krudwig is a teacher and designer Marly Bird had on her Yarn Thing podcast! He’s multi-craftural, meaning he loves knitting, crochet, weaving, and spinning. He started crocheting in high school and also learned to knit.

What kind of projects does Benjamin like to make?

So here’s the thing… Benjamin loves textured knits and crochet! He’s also hoping to focus more on menswear designs in the future, updating trends to be more comfortable and finer gauge. He recently designed the Tyton Cardigan for this purpose.

What fibers does Benjamin like to work with?

Yes! Benjamin believes there’s a purpose for every yarn… it just has to tell him what it wants to be. He’s particularly excited about Bijou Basin Ranch yak fibers for sweaters and enjoys tweed blends with alpaca for softness.

Where can I find Benjamin’s patterns?

You can follow Benjamin on his blog at benjaminkrudwig.com and find him on Ravelry… he even has a Ravelry group! Right now, he’s offering 25% off all his patterns on Ravelry, which is a pretty sweet deal!

Does Benjamin design for both men and women?

Well… while Benjamin is really hoping to focus on menswear and create things guys (and girls!) love, he has made a few things for his wife, who he’s taught to knit, crochet, and weave! Many of his designs, like the Tyton Cardigan, are great for everyone.