JC Briar

JC Briar learned to knit to fill her free time, while living as an exchange student in Chile. On her return to the US, she had to re-learn knitting terminology in English! This language gap didn't slow her down, though, as she dabbled in all types of knitting, and developed a special fondness for textured knitting and novel construction techniques. If it involves lace, cables, or seamless construction, it's sure to catch her eye.

JC's designs have appeared in numerous publications, including Creative Knitting, INKnitters magazine, Janet Szabo's Twists and Turns newsletter, and books published by House of White Birches. Most recently, Blue Moon Fiber Arts has chosen to publish some of her sock designs. Many of her designs begin with "what if?" questions: What if you wanted stripes that zigged one way and stitch patterning that zagged the other way? What if you mixed cables with intarsia, or with lace? What if you wanted to make an entirely reversible sweater?

It's this sort of out-of-the-box thinking that JC likes to encourage in her classes. Regardless of the topic, she aims to build confidence by expressing concepts clearly and concisely, and by presenting skills and ideas in a digestible progression.

When not teaching at Needlecraft University or fiber festivals, JC brings clarity to knitting patterns as a freelance technical editor. She is also a member of the Association of Knitwear Designers.

Published designs
 

• Leafling Socks, published by Blue Moon Fiber Arts as Rockin\' Sock Club pattern for March 2008
• Camille, Twists and Turns, Spring 2008
• Summer of Love Lace Socks, published by Blue Moon Fiber Arts as Rockin' Sock Club pattern for August 2007
• Solstice Slip Socks, published by Blue Moon Fiber Arts as Rockin' Sock Club pattern for June 2007
• Brioche Socks, published by Blue Moon Fiber Arts, Spring 2007
• Gwyneth, Twists and Turns, Spring 2007
• Gilead, Twists and Turns, Fall 2006
• Blips of Color Children's Sweater, to be published by Lorna\'s Laces
• Cabled Tunic, INKnitters, Summer 2005
• Crazy Peaks hat, 100 Hats to Knit & Crochet by Sterling Publishing
• Tulip Wedge Shawl, INKnitters, Winter 2004
• Intertwined Hexagon Flowers afghan and pillow, Knitting in the Round by House of White Birches
• Geometric Zigzags placemat and coaster, Knitting in the Round by House of White Birches
• Stripes Pullover, Creative Knitting, September 2004
• Elegant Wedding Pillow, Knitting Digest, May 2004
• Woven Ladders Vest, INKnitters, Spring 2004
• Mostly Traditional Fisherman's Gansey, Twists and Turns, Spring 2004
• Nature's First Green Counterpane Afghan, Big Needle Knit Afghans by House of White Birches
• "Diamonds Are a Guy's Best Friend" Pullover, for Lorna's Laces
• Shaker Rib Hat, Knitting Digest, November 2003

Unpublished designs
 

• Numerous sweaters, socks, gloves, mittens, scarves, hats, shawls, scarves, and afghans, 1983 to present

Editing

• Technical editor and illustrator for AlterKNITS Felt by Leigh Radford, to be published by STC Craft, 2008
• Technical editor for Knitspeak by Andrea Berman Price, published by STC Craft, 2007
• Technical editor and illustrator for Knitting Lingerie Style by Joan McGowan-Michael, published by STC Craft, 2007
• Technical editor for selected designs in Couture Crochet Workshop by Lily Chin, published by Interweave Press, 2006
• Technical editor for selected Chic Knits designs, April 2006 to September 2006
• Technical editor for selected Knitting Pure and Simple designs, February 2006 to present
• Technical editor for selected Stitch Diva designs, January 2006 to September 2006
• Technical editor for selected Blue Moon Fiber Arts designs, January 2006 to present
• Technical editor for selected Dolce Handknits designs, July 2005 to present
• Technical editor for Heels and Toes Gazette, Spring 2004 to Fall 2004
• Technical editor for selected Y2Knit designs, January 2004 to May 2005
• Technical editor for Twists and Turns newsletter and other Big Sky Knitting publications, Summer 2003 to present
   

Writing
 

• "Pattern Writing: Developing a Style Guide," Association of Knitwear Designers Design Lines newsletter, February 2008
• "Pattern Writing: The Goals," Association of Knitwear Designers Design Lines newsletter, December 2007
• "Woven Ladders: Tips and Tricks for Spicing up Your Knitting With Weaving," INKnitters, Spring 2004

Memberships

• The Knitting Guild of America
• Association of Knitwear Designers

Certification
 

• TKGA Master Hand Knitting Level 1 certification, completed June, 2003
• TKGA Master Hand Knitting Level 2 certification, in progress