| Interview with Cameron Taylor-Brown, Yarn Manufacturer Representative |
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| Written by Deborah Knight |
 Photo of Cameron Taylor-BrownThis issue, we interview Cameron Taylor-Brown, who travels Southern California and Arizona as the regional representative for several top yarn companies, including Rowan, Filatura de Crosa and Manos del Uruguay. An experienced teacher and facilitator, she conducts workshops throughout the country exploring design, color, creativity and the collaborative process. Cameron has immersed herself in the worlds of fiber, education and commerce since the 1970s. She studied fiber art at the University of California, Berkley with artist Ed Rossbach and textile design at the Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science. She worked in New York City as a stylist of upholstery and home furnishing fabrics, taught textile design at the Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science and worked as an exhibition curator. Since 1985, Taylor-Brown has lived in Los Angeles where she maintains a studio and is active in several arts organizations. She was a founding board member of the Textile Group of Los Angeles, is President of California Fibers, and is a board member of Designing Weavers. Her artwork is widely exhibited and has been published in American Craft, Fiberarts, Shuttle, Spindle and Dyepot and the Fiberarts Design Books Four, Five, Six and Seven. Knitch: Cameron, you’re considered one of the top reps in the field. This is, no doubt, because you bring so much knowledge to the table when you’re presenting yarn shop owners with the newest fibers. How do you keep on top of this market? Cameron: “What’s going on out there? “ is a question I ask myself -and others -frequently. And the answer always changes. That dynamic mix of change and continuity is what keeps our yarn community so much fun to be a part of. Members of our community embrace the most ancient and tactile of crafts – knitting, crochet, weaving, spinning – and experience how those crafts influence and are influenced by fashion, international commerce, politics, the internet, and social networking. Knitch: Is there anything in particular that inspires you? Cameron: I get inspired looking at the creative ways designers use the latest color palettes in The Pantone Fashion Color Report. The seasonal colors for Spring 2009 are particularly beautiful – bright and saturated, yet complex. Palace Blue has evolved from the blue and purples of Fall 09, and Super Lemon is an essential accent in this dynamic palette. Knitch: What’s really hot for the winter season? Cameron: Yarn preferences at the retail level continue to evolve. “Sock” yarns are now truly multipurpose and freely used in accessories, baby garments, and lace. And not just traditional lace. “Lace gone wild “ is what I call the handknit garments by the fashion house Rodarte. These whimsical, artful pieces are making quite a splash and keep handknitting on the fashion radar. Knitch: Knitting is always popular for winter fashions. Now we’re seeing some really new and interesting crochet patterns. Is this a trend that will continue? Cameron: Crochet in a variety of materials is more visible than ever – and literally from “Trash to Treasure.” On one end of the spectrum, the Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef project from the Institute for Figuring uses recycled plastic bags as their basic material. On the other end is “Superior” a exquisite brushed cashmere and silk lace yarn from Filatura di Crosa, showcased in their new crochet magazine, available February 09. And then we have Icelandic sensation Bjork, who manages to bridge the world of fashion and figuring with her hyperbolic crochet ensemble. Knitch: What would be your closing advice for yarn enthusiasts? Cameron: Knit, crochet, spin, weave! Engage your senses…embrace your creativity! |
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