Welcome to a new segment on the blog called Maker Life! This is really a re-make of an old segment, which I’ll explain below. I’ll be interviewing makers I meet around the interwebs and in real life. This will give y’all a chance to meet new makers or get to know the makers you love a little better. Today I’m talking with the creator of Willie Nillie Knits. Willie is a high energy maker that loves to knit and teach people to knit. His enthusiasm is contagious!
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From Teadoddles Talks to Maker Life
A couple years ago I started a segment on the blog called Teadoddles Talks. I would interview makers and small businesses so y’all could learn more about them. Now I do the Teadoddles Talks podcast on YouTube which is a little different! So I decided to start the original segment back up on the blog, but it needed a new name. Maker Life seemed appropriate since it will be all about the life of makers.
This interview was conducted over a series of emails. I sent him a list of questions & he sent me answers & photos. I will have my questions {Q}, his answers {A}, & my response to his answers {R}. Anything I’ve added in the answers, like references, looks like this {added}.
Willie’s Family & Everyday Life
Q: Tell us about your wonderful family!
A: I am a husband and father of two wonderful children. Penelope 10 months, and Max whose 4 yrs old. I have been married to my wife Alicia for six years this February and we have known each other for 10 years
R: Such a lovely family! Your kids are cutie patooties!
Q: How do you balance family life & maker life?
A: My Drive comes from my vision, which is to empower others to create in dis craft. I do what it takes, even if it means waking up at 2 o’clock in the morning to knit for four hours I need to go to work for another 14. Are usually pass out around 9 PM only to do it again
R: Sounds like you are definitely passionate about what you do!
Q: Any pets? Please tell us more!
A: I have two savanna cats and five crested geckos. Our oldest cat Azize, Is as old as our relationship. He’s special in that way.
R: Very interesting pets! My jack russel is 15, so I know how special a pet can be that’s been around for all the things. : )
The Making of a Maker – Willie Nillie Knits
Q: Where did the name Willie Nillie Knits come from?
A: I wanted the name to be something that was very memorable and comical. Hopefully, when people say the name, they will think of me and the vision of spreading craft further than it has ever been.
R: It is very memorable and I think it would be hard for anyone to forget who you are!
Q: What inspires you to create?
A: My inspiration comes from my growing up in the urban community. The hats that I would see at gas stations and on the heads of people always made me wonder how they were made. Once I knew exotic fibers existed an entire universe opened up to me I will forever be inspired.
R: I totally get being inspired by things around you. I’m always looking at things and thinking – I can make that!
Q: Who taught you to knit?
A: I actually, no Internet, from a classmate in my gender studies class in college. She had no idea that I would take the craft from her teachers to this level. That was 2008.
R: Sometimes the simplest things can spark that creativity within us! Looks like it was a lesson of a lifetime. : )
Q: What is your favorite fiber to work with?
A: Super wash Merino wool hands down. This fiber is a workhorse and will last a long time.
R: I agree, it’s a great fiber to work with.
Q: What is your favorite thing to knit and favorite make?
A: I always told myself I would specialize so I wouldn’t spread myself very thin. Hats are my staple. I could literally die and not explore all there is to know about knitted headwear. It’s that fast. I never get tired of it, there’s always something new to learn, and I live to empower others who are interested.
R: You do make some fabulous hats! I have yet to knit the hat kit you did with Darn Good Yarn….ahem. Sorry about that!
Q: Do you try your designs out on paper first or do you make something then sort of reverse engineer it?
A: A mixture of both. I love to buy a pattern and support the designer and make their vision. Once I’ve done that I wondered to myself how I could put my own spin on that and then the reverse engineering comes into play. It’s getting more and more fun to see store-bought hats and reverse engineer how to make it and make it better. It’s part of my crusade.
R: I’ve done both as well, but mostly with sewing & crochet. My knitting skills still need working on before I’ll fell comfortable with pattern design.
Q: Is it hard to part with your creations once you’re done with them?
A: Not at all. I very much treat them like gifts if I am gifting them or if I am selling them it is part of the transaction and I want to make sure the quality is manifested through the piece that is being purchased.
R: I think most makers feel the same way!
Q: Favorite color{s}?
A: Royal purple, Pine Green, and Black
Q: Do you listen to or watch anything while creating? If so, what?
A: Yes. I very much enjoy instrumentals. Preferably instrumentals from the late artist MF Doom.
R: I’ll have to check them out, I’ve never heard that name before.
Q: Do you snack while creating? What’s your favorite snack if you do?
A: Probably depends on the snack. Some snacks force me to start completely and others I can work with while I am knitting. My favorite snacks are dry snacks that can fit into a cup so it doesn’t interfere with my hands. Cereal, cookies, and goldfish crackers.
R: Makes sense! I love a good cookie!
Q: Coffee or tea or perhaps some other maker fuel?
A: Coffee for sure I hand press my own espresso shots and it has the equivalent of three espresso shots in one.
R: That sounds fabulous!!
Q: Any other hobbies?
A: I enjoy watching anime and geeking out with other fans
R: My son is also an anime fan.
Q: Where all have you traveled?
A: I’ve never been out of the United States
R: Me either, but I hope to change that one day.
Q: Future plans?
A: I am vision being a YouTube sensation or even on TV highlighting how this craft can literally change lives and open the door for entrepreneurship.
R: Awesome plans!
Feel free to add anything you would like to share!
We live in a time where everyone is grappling for your attention and your time. Your time is precious. Please think hard on who you choose to spend it with. It’s funny how one can substitute the word “money” in it and still rings true. Be a blessing to someone, it a the truest form of joy.
In Conclusion
I really enjoyed learning more about Willie & I hope y’all did too! Here’s where you can find Willie & connect:
Willie Nillie Knits ~> Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
2 Comments on Maker Life ~ Willie Nillie Knits
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Kristie, thank you, I loved the interview. It is nice to learn about other makers. I do not know how to knit but, I do have supplies to if I decide to try sometime. It is through interviews like yours with Willie Nillie that we learn of others that we may never knew existed. I think you both did a wonderful job. Have a very Blessed day.
Great interview. Willie lives not far from me. I love his enthusiasm. He has that fun upbeat spirit that makes you feel good when you watch him. Here he lives less than an hour away, but I knew nothing about him until Zee from Zeldanrj3 talked about the products that Willie and Alisha make. I have some of their lotion which is great and Alisha’s hand dyed yarns are beautiful. Such a talented couple, Thank you for letting us learn more about him,