I loved this interview. Stephen is so charming and interesting and you always ask great questions Irina. As a knitter for 50 years who always just knitted very simple things for relaxation, very simple hats and scarves and cowls mostly I decided in 2021 that I was going to challenge myself. I learned to knit socks and knitted a simple sweater. Than I heard about Stephen’s MKAL And signed up for Shawlography. When the first clue came it was like “what have I gotten myself into?” but Stephen’s videos were so encouraging and clear as he essentially took us by the hand and sometimes even row by row made complicated techniques doable. I learned so much from that shawl, more than just techniques it was more an attitude of “wow. I can do that”

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

So true, it’s all one stitch at a time

A talented designer + a skilled interviewer = two beautiful people having a fun conversation. so fun to watch

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

so glad you enjoyed it!

@quiltycrocheter9179

Жыл бұрын

@@Fiberchats f it b

I was intimidated to try a Stephen West Shawl in the beginning. But his patterns are so crystal clear and choosing colours made me love all of his patterns. When I knit one of his shawls, I can knit with confidence. His instructions are well written and his you tube videos are terrific . love Stephen West!

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

#westknitsarebestknits :)

Listening to Stephen’s process that includes failures is such a wonderful reminder that failure is part of growth. Embracing the possibility of failure means embracing the possibility of success as well. Thank You Steven and Irina for sharing this wonderful conversation with all of us.

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Scott! I loved every second of it

What a wonderful interview! Irina, your interviewing talent is impressive. And Stephen is so very sweet, kind, and genuine. I think this is your best interview, yet!

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

aww, thank you so much!

Best interview EVER!!! and I can totally believe when he said he was an introvert at heart, most of the flamboyant people I know are actually quiet when they're in their comfortable settings... You wouldn't think they're the same person.... Love that about him

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! I felt like I was a guest in his house. So grateful he let me in :)

Truly enjoyed this interview with Stephen! I have missed seeing him at yarn festivals for the past 3 years. This pandemics ruined my shawl inspiration. I love knitting his shawls. Hope he will come back to the States this fall for Rhinebeck! That would be great.❤️

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

That would be dreamy!

What I love about this interview is what I've experienced myself - Stephen is a lovely down-to-earth person and doesn't act like an egocentric "knitting celebrity". He's just a passionate, creative person and wants to keep us excited! As always, my wonderful friend Irina is a fantastically well-prepared interviewer. Thanks for keeping up your passion project!

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Jason! Funny part, I didn't really need to prepare for this interview, because I've been Stephen"s biggest fan for many many years, so i felt like i "knew" him

@TheOtterKnitter

2 жыл бұрын

And Stephen, I can relate about pants and shirts lately - quarantine hasn't been kind to my body. LOL

"... us knitters know the FEELING of brioche" - oh yes, so true!!

Stephen, your encouraging and fresh style are wonderfully addictive and motivating. Thank you

It's so wonderful to see Irina having her dream guest, and not totally fan-girling. Such good questions and Stephen is so generous in his answers. Loving the enthusiasm about colour! You say there's room at the top, on my way! Hahaha.

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

haha, in my eyes you are already there

Irina! You have been trying to get this interview since you started Fiberchats. Not only did you get an interview with Stephen West, but you hit it out of the park. This is the best interview I have ever seen with Stephen West, bar none. Congratulations! Fabulous job!

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! It really means a lot!

@sue-annemeditationknits7211

2 жыл бұрын

Sorry Irina spelling error for your lovely name

@sharonhascall2054

2 жыл бұрын

Love the giant sweater/scarf. Hope someday you’ll be inspired to develop pattern.

I know I’m late to the party, but what a great interview. She really asked excellent thoughtful questions. I feel like I sat down with Stephen over a coffee. And Stephen, you are just an authentic beautiful soul. I would have you over for dinner and knitting anytime!!!

@Fiberchats

2 ай бұрын

Thank you for listening

I wish this interview could have lasted hours. His enthusiasm and passion splash off the screen and you are completely sucked into it. I haven't seen anything from him myself because I don't have internet banking, but I'm a big fan of his. I also put it together like that, just do something with crazy shapes and stitches and thus create something that wants to arise. Funny thing is that I'm so introverted that people don't expect the things that make me at all and often call me special with excesses they don't expect from me. Maybe that's why I'm a fan of Stephen because I recognize a lot of myself in him. I may not be a designer I wish I could ;) but you can feel his passion and his free spirit in everything he does and radiates. I love it

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

I admire his improvisational approach to design

Thank you for a terrific interview with Stephen. I love his sense of individualism which allows knitters to make pieces the way we love them.

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

yes, so freeing and inspiring!

The reason I love #StephenWest is his demeanor, style, his way of helping others learn, & his way of coming up with unique designs. Its exactly how I am; I love everything that is different & unique, but if you're not into wild things, you can always make it in neutral colors or try his more 'regular' designs. Yes, please continue your videos and never change anything Stephen...❤🧡💛💚💙💜 XOXO

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watchig

“A couple week swatch” is the highlight for me! Great fun this interview. I loved that jacket you made Stephen with the shawl incorporated.

Stephen is one of my favourite knitter, thanks again ❤

This was the Best Stephen West interview I've ever seen! Your questions were so thoughtful and provoked great answers that provided so much insight and information into Stephen's creative process and his wonderful perspective on knitting as well as his warm, generous nature. Loved it and your interview style, I will definitely make your KZread videos a must see occurrence.

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

aww, you just made my day! Thank you so very much!

Wow! This was interesting and enjoyable. As always, your questions are terrific and on-target. You are a good listener and make every comment relevant. Thank you so much for sharing your skills -- both knitting and interviewing! Wonderful!

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for your kind feedback!

How fun was this? He’s always so inspiring and down to earth! I’m not sure how you kept it together and didn’t “fan girl”! Thank you Stephen for taking the time to share your background and stories! 💛 I love watching the MKALs and all the different variations. I love how you refer to everyone being your friend!! Hopefully I will participate soon.

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

I might join you this year for mkal

@tyanneagle4630

2 жыл бұрын

@@Fiberchats you totally should. It is on my plans for the fall as well.

Fabulous interview! I really loved how Stephen answered your questions; he was never flustered or focused on the praise. His answers were always very honest, gracious and directed his answers to the the most pertinent part of the question. This interview showed how much of a true and almost involuntary brilliant creative that he is. Stephen is truly inspiring! Thank you for all of your insightful questions and to Stephen for his insightful replies.

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

He was so open and nice. loved talking to him

Thank you both for a down to earth real peak into the life of a knit designer’s life. Stephen West is a genius and I’m so grateful for his gift to the knit world.

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

The world is definitely a better place with stephen in it

Wonderful video! I LOVE Stephens positivity. He is so open minded about his work…or I should say his love. I love..love the jacket that he created…just because he could. Thank you both for your time.

OMG I love that scarf jacket.

I can’t wait for the next mystery shawl, I was so enthralled by shawlography so I can participate. Thank you for encouraging newer knitters to expand their knitting skills. Great interview

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

I always take knitting on my holidays and I knit around the pool and on the beach when I am in a Caribbean/Mexican resort. Knitting is what I do in airports and on planes as well. This is a very interesting interview. Someday I will sign up for a MKAL. And I will definitely take his brioche workshop!

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

Brioche looks more difficult than it is in reality

I really did not know much about Stephen until i watched this. I do know he is incredibly talented and personable!

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

I find that most interviews concentrate on the designs and not the person behind them

Just great to watch this conversation, his story is so inspirational. Thanks Irina and Stephen!

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching! ❤️

"basically, i love forcing people to do things they wouldn't normally do" - and love it, too! fascinating interview. Irina's questions helped to uncover the depths of Stephen's charming personality which were never previously shared with his fans... he is one truly incredible artist and a lovely human being. thank you very much! PS: "sometimes i don't even know what i'm making, and where it's going" - this sounds so-o-o-ooooo familiar! very VERY close to my heart. PPS: Love that jacket!!

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

you definitely have that in common

I’m happy to hear that Stephen West has imperfections in all his shawls, because I certainly do!!!...even though I try hard to make it perfect, and I think I’m doing okay, but then find an error...😬 I’m hard on myself...but no longer ! I feel like he just gave us all permission 😅 I’m amazed by his mad skillz ❤

@Fiberchats

Жыл бұрын

He’s very inspiring

Thank you so much this conversation video. Stephen is so much inspiration and lovely person.

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

I looooved chatting with him

This was such a fun interview to watch! And it was nice to be staring at your gorgeous Mosaic Musings while i'm knitting away on my own!

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

My good friends Monique Boonstra and Monique Dreef( both were interviewed on my channel) gifted me the pattern and the yarn( which Monique Dreef dyed especially for this shawl). Best birthday gift ever!

What a great interview. It's so memorable. You asked fantastic questions @Fibrechats

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! I’ve been a long time fan of Stephen

Fabulous interview. Irina, you are a skilled interviewer with a real talent for listening and asking follow up questions. Stephen, you are a dream to interview, so honest and open and such a charmer. Love Brioche and Stitch!

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

Hey my friend I am SO happy for you that you got this interview. He seems like a delightful person in every way, and so are you. Mostly though I am thrilled he has a new modular design in the works, because his Vertices Unite is my favorite and the most worn piece I have ever knitted. Great job, and here's to more wonderful things from you both! Big hugs, xx, @Professor Purl

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Chris! xoxo

This was fabulous! Yes, I can see Stephen doing a fabulous art installation--oh, to be a part of that! I love the jacket he created with the attached scarf. ❤️ Necessity is the genius of invention--I'm adopting him as a fiber pioneer of Yankee Ingenuity. And, I love that he art bombs that column in his place rather than discarding his creatuve swatches. I'm a painter and I know that because they are seen there every day, they will one day be the inspiration for something even more brilliant. Intuitively West Knit Spirit recognized the column and celebrated it. Thank you for this interview.

@Fiberchats

Жыл бұрын

This interview was a prove for me that dreams do come true :)

@KateColors

Жыл бұрын

I love that. These are such great interviews

I really loved the interview. You asked some great questions and it was lovely to get to know Stephen a little better. He's so genuine and lovely and my knitspiration.

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! He was so lovely to chat with!

Wonderful Interview. Thank you. To expand on your point of "everyone being a designer": The more I teach knitters to make their own decisions about how to tweak a design or make a change through their own creative process, can easily translate into problem solving. The more skills you have will add to tools you can apply to problems or changes you want to make in your knitting. Knitters who are curious and want to learn will always teach the teacher more than the teacher knew they knew. Quite often it is symbiotic. Thank you Steven for living to 100.

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

That's a good point. Thank you for watching!

I LOVE Stephen West!

@Fiberchats

9 ай бұрын

Are you joining this year’s MKAL?

@annettedeering127

9 ай бұрын

@Fiberchats Unfortunately no. Just finished a shawl out of worsted so my fingers need a rest...

Such a humble man . Loved this interview x

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

I was a big fan of Stephen prior to this interview. My respect for him grew tremendously during this chat

Loved the interview especially about the design process. He is such a nice, fun person. It was great to see him happy when the more recent KZreads have been so fraught. Thanks it was a great interview ❤

@Fiberchats

8 ай бұрын

Thank you!

Fabulous conversation. You asked really interesting questions (as always) and Stephen’s responses were generous and inspiring. His innate warmth and kindness is so refreshing.

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

I loved how open he was. Nothing was off limits

I love your interviews. Stephen is so dynamic and fun!

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

I really enjoyed our conversation

I’m so in agreement with other comments - what a joy to hear a thrillingly interesting person thrillingly interviewed. The combination is rare; I cannot imagine a more perfectly attuned person interviewing a more perfectly true creative. Creativity is a hard thing to describe, to put across, but when the questions elicit such informative and inspiring answers you have that perfect occasion where the true creative is inspired him/herself to share so fascinatingly their design process, their own inspirations, their successes and failure - a truly wonderful video.

@Fiberchats

Жыл бұрын

Thank you! I’m so touched by your comment! Of course being a huge fan of Stephen helped a lot with questions.

Thank you for such a great interview. Steven West you are such sn amazing gifted artist. Thank you for inspiring me along my own creative path. Getting g to know you more in this interview shows what a loving humble kind spirit you are. God bless you on your journey to teach us more and share so much with all of us.

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching!

LisaR : I'm Watching this and I know I viewed it when it first ran .... Yet , It's just a captivating. Stephen , You elevate this craft to an expression of art . The last time I felt this way was in the 80s , when I sat on the floor of the Strand with Kaffes book ,staring at the needlepoint sofa - with color , the canvas( a sofa?!) and the audacious human desire to create that he Communicated exquisitely. Art . A gift of creative expression . I truly understood that day , there are limitless canvass's. You're a gift to the knitting community. I hope you continue to keep expressing your art exactly as you see it . You give Me the freedom to explore my own art By staying true to your own style& palette . It's not always easy to be noticed for innate talent ;) Thank you for sharing your way of making art and helping the rest of us feel we might one day ;) ♥️♥️♥️♥️🧶🧶🧶🧶😘

@Fiberchats

Жыл бұрын

I showed this comment to Stephen and he was very touched. Thank you for your kind words!

Love Stephen's approach to knitting! I had never knit n’y of his designs and this year I said Hey! How can I call myself a knitter if I've never knitted a Stephen West Shawl 😮 so I knit the Fantastitch and LOVE it and am totally HOOKED 🪝. I promote him all the time . I am now planning my next shawl. I love colour and have never had so many compliments as I have with my Fantastitch.

@Fiberchats

Жыл бұрын

Join us for this year’s MKAL

Fabulous Interview Irena, and Thank You Stephen for sharing your Fur Children!

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

Aren’t they just adorable?! I was so happy I got to “meet” the family

This is so enjoyable. I LOVE Steven’s humor. 💚

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

Yes, he doesn't skip a beat :)

This was EPIC! loved every minute of this interview. So proud of you ❤️❤️ Also your questions were brilliant, showcasing the genius of Stephen like I've never seen before.

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! ❤️❤️

these swatches look absolutely fabulous on her!! just started watching this, and, of course, it's only my first comment so far, coming from a crazy dawg woman...

What a relaxing and inspirational interview. So many take aways. Thank you to both of you😍

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching!

Wonderful interview! Stephen West you are an amazing human. I hope you continue to inspire and encourage people to explore their own abilities.

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

So glad you enjoyed!

Stephen you are a great teacher, please keep doing it! ❤️

Such a fun and interesting interview to watch. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing how happy this interview made you. We should all consider the 'don't stress' philosophy, not just in knitting but in life.

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

true, although it's not easy

I enjoyed this interview so much! And I'm not even a knitter 🤭 Stephen is so genuine and you truly ask the best questions.

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

Aww, thank you! I’m so glad!

Irina, what a great interview with Stephen. I so enjoyed both your thought-provoking questions and his very thoughtful answers. He is such a good person. Thank you for another great episode.

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! He was so open with his answers, instantly put me at ease

Loved getting to know Stephen better! It’s time I knit one of his patterns!

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

you'll love it!

Oh Stephen is so genuine, kind and nice and such a talented designer, his patterns are genius and I always learn something new from them. Sharing his personal and professional life was awesome, thank you Irina for a very interesting and thoughtful interview 😀🙏👏❤️

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

glad you enjoyed!

Fantastic interview! You asked great questions!!! I just want to hang with Stephen and knit and laugh and play with the dogs!!

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

those dogs are so adorable! And of course I loved our chat

What a super interview! Thanks so much Stephen and Irina for this gift! Best wishes for more spring!

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Michael!

What a great interview. I think your interview was one of best if not the best Stephen West interview I have seen. Thank you so much.

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! I’m glad you liked it!

A very enjoyable interview, and a great introduction, for me, to Stephen West.

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

He is a very inspiring designer.

Amazing personality, so very talented and so very kind. Thank you great interview!!!!!

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching!

So happy your video popped up. Wonderful interview but then I could listen/ watch Stephen West peel potatoes ! I’ll be watching your play list first to last

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Glad you found my channel!

Wow, I absolutely can not find the words for how great this interview was to watch. Thank you! ❤️

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Ron! It means so much!

It was a very interesting interview, so many things to learn from both of you. A great admirer of Westknits . Thank you for this wonderful interview.

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

So glad you enjoyed it!

thank you for this beautiful gift. I adore Stephen, Amsterdam is my dream and his fabric is the best!!. Sonia from Argentina, Patagonia.

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching!

You ask such great questions! Thank you.

An inspiring artist and a gentle person. Thank you, Irina, the interview was a delight!

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

So glad you liked it!

I loved your interview with Stephen! Love all of his patterns. You ask the best questions. Thank you!

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Stephen West is such a lovely human being, Brioche and Stitch are precious, and this was a great interview!

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Please please please!!!! Stephen West Designer Dog Book! It would be a best seller for sure!!!

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

agree

@BeautifulDisaster1122

2 жыл бұрын

Motion seconded!

Just found this great interview - thank you both. Stephens video tutorials are the best ever :he is a talented teacher 😀

@Fiberchats

Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

What a wonderful interview! I loved hearing so much about Stephen’s life and work. Thank you for this great interview !

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

My pleasure! Thank you for watching!

Love ❣️ Stephen West designs.

Loved this interview. What a lovely man. What gorgeous K9s!

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

Aren’t those puppies just adorable?!

Wow! What a great interview. I just discovered your channel and look forward going back and watching previous interviews. Each interview I see with Stephen I am more and more impressed. He is so kind and genuine.

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

welcome to Fiberchats! Thank you for your kind feedback

I really loved this interview! Thank you.

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

I'm so glad! thank you for watching!

Terrific interview Irina. I thought your queries brought out the best in Stephen and in your interviewing skills. A marvelous hour went by like the wind. Fabulous, both of you!

@Fiberchats

Жыл бұрын

Thank you! It was definitely a dream come true moment for me

Delightful Thank you both!

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching!

Totally fab. Loved this. I may even try the brioche. Gorg and inspirational. 💖🕺💐

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

Darling, you will look fabulous wrapped in brioche!

I finally got around to watching! Oh - what a delight this was. Thank you both so very much! X Ros X

@Fiberchats

Жыл бұрын

it's impossible not to love him :)

Great interview Irina, I love your style, great questions for my friend Stephen!

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

So glad you liked it!

So thrilled to find this interview! Joined and will be checking out your other interviews! Thanks 😀😀❤️❤️

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

so glad you found me! Welcome to Fiberchats!

I so enjoyed this today!!! Thanks for sharing!!!

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed!

Thank you for this wonderful interview....Irina your interview skills are so impressive and of course Stephen is just someone who exudes warmth

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

We was so lovely! Thank you for watching! Xx

As a ‘knitting neophyte (knitting for a year) I was so happy to have found this interview! My first shawl was The Boneyard Shawl… Love Stephen West’s infectious joy & creativity. AND his videos are so well done… great teaching! But, more than that, he allows us, as knitters, grace in the doing. Thank you. both, so much for the sharing❤️

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

You are so welcome!

Once again a fantastic interview with great questions. Stephen is so genuine and just real. Thank you Irina and Stephen!

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

Such a great interview! Thanks

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Wonderful interview….you pose the right questions. He was an interesting and lively guest. Thank you

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for listening

This is the best interview i have heard with stephen. Great content.

@Fiberchats

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching!

Great interview: playfulness inspiration introversion knitting and dogs. Yes I Am a definite Stephen fan…

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

Me too :)

Great interview! Stephen is such an interesting and creative person, I just love his patterns and hearing his thought process, it's fascinating!

@Fiberchats

Жыл бұрын

He’s really one of a kind

I love that Stephen is so down to earth! He just makes the knitting world a better place by being Stephen!!

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

absolutely!

abbsolutely wonderful thank you both.

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for all your support Valorie!

So articulate and kind. Lovely and well done interview

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Totally enjoyable interview, both of you such lovely people.

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! It’s been my long time dream to interview Stephen

Loved this episode. your dreams came true. 💪🏾

@Fiberchats

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Shaun! It was such an amazing experience