Although we’re still adding a few internship positions, and getting more information from others, recruitment for TNNA’s Pathways into Professional Needlearts 2011 is officially underway.

Rebecca Cross teaching fiber techniques at Kent State University

In the past few weeks, we’ve visited the University of Akron, our first hub for the PiPN Summer Scholar Program, as well as Kent State University where our hands-on needlearts class originated.  Over 50 students attended our presentations, and we’ve already heard from quite a few interested in internships.

Recently, PiPN hosted a group of award winning student designers in Nashville at TNNA’s Needlecraft Market.  The Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association sponsors a fiber arts design competition yearly.  This year, AOBA staff and volunteers got a peek at how a  TNNA hotel show works, the world of stitching, as well as the PiPN program.

In the coming months, PiPN will be at career days at the Savannah College of Art & Design, Carnegie Mellon University,  and the Fashion Group International in Dallas, where we will be awarding a Best of Show in Needlearts to one of the student participants.

We’re also making plans to visit several of the Art Institutes of America in California, and hoping to work more closely with them in the coming year.

If you know of colleges offering programs in arts, textiles, fiber arts, crafts, fashion design & merchandising, marketing or entrepreneurship (or others). . . or a student who simply loves to create, let them know about PiPN.

With the addition of Mississippi State University as a second hub, we anticipate many more applications this year, so positions will fill rapidly.

Deadline for applications is March 30, 2011.  After matching all applicants at that time, we will continue to accept applications for any other open placements.

PiPN’s 2010-2011 opportunities have been updated as of January 26, 2011.

I’m pleased to say we now have 30 internships or apprenticeships available for the coming spring and summer seasons. . . . and we still have several companies who have committed but just haven’t had the time to finish the paperwork.  (I think they really could use an intern or two!)  I anticipate we will definitely have close to 40 spots available by the beginning of February.

The opportunities are all over the country — Massachusetts to Montana, Ohio and California . . . even British Columbia.  (We’re hoping for some openings in a company in Peru, as well.) Some are wholesalers or designers, some are small local yarn shops, and some are hand painted needlepoint artists.  There’s the chance to learn how to design knitwear or needlepoint canvases, or how to dye yarn, or care for Alpaca.  There are opportunities to develop new merchandising or marketing plans for a small retailer, or help develop a social media program for an international company.

You don’t need to know how to knit or crochet, needlepoint, cross-stitch or embroider . . . although a love of textiles, art and design, fiber and fashion is definitely helpful . . . It’s always a plus to work in a field you love and have a real passion for . . .

For a complete listing go to our 2010-2011 page.

These are valuable, hands-on learning opportunities for just the right individuals.  PiPN is seeking a select group to join our PiPN family.

In addition to participating in the internship program, all PiPN graduates become members of the PiPN Alumnae Group for a period of two years.

PiPN Alumnae members may attend any TNNA show at no charge.  They can access member-only information and services via TNNA.org and may enroll in classes and programs at member rates.  They do not have buying privileges.

So, if you are, or if you know a student interested in entering the professional world of specialty needlearts, let us know.  Fill out the application . . . you can have an amazing future ahead of you.

Knitwhits is a knitting and crochet pattern company located in Emeryville CA.  Recently, the company has expanded its offerings by adding a line of hand-painted knitting yarns, as well.

Located between Berkeley and Oakland and across the bay from San Francisco, this internship offers a great opportunity to learn all the basics of hand-dyeing yarns from prepping to post-dyeing yarn care, packaging and shipping.  You’ll be assisting with marketing and promotions as well.

Knitwhits is a great place to work and a great place to learn.  Check out more by downloading their information here.

Kreinik Manufacturing and The Handwork Studios formally came on board the PiPN program this past week.  Long time supporters of the program, as well as needlearts education in general, both these companies offer remarkable opportunities for anyone interested in a summer (or more) of creativity, community and unbounded learning.

Kreinik is all about thread.  A family owned business located in West Virginia (where the cost of living is low and the scenery is beautiful) creates and distributes threads for the needlearts industry, as well as a number of other industries (fly fishing, for example).  Always open to new ideas and creative projects, Doug Kreinik, owner and mentor, is a wealth of information and inspiration.

For this internship you don’t need any background in the hand needlearts . . . and Kreinik is even offering pay . . . check them out by downloading the pdf here.

The Handwork Studio is a kids camp . . . Talk about a unique internship . . . Although they’re headquartered in Narberth PA, the camps are in DC and other nearby cities.  Interns are assistant counselors.  Imagine that . . . having an internship and going to camp at the same time.  The campers, from K – 12, learn the basics of needlearts and sewing, and have a great time in the doing.

Of course, for these positions (they’re looking for 6 interns), you do need to have experience in knitting, crochet and/or sewing . . . and you need to love working with kids.  FYI, their intern from last year is continuing to work with them!

The Handwork Studios is offering a stipend, as well.  Check them out by downloading their pdf here.

We continue to add more internship opportunities so check back frequently.

If you are interested in a specific position already listed, please complete your application as soon as possible.  We will match interns as applications are received.

For any of you out there looking for full time employment with a wonderful company.

Interweave Press is looking for an Assistant Editor – Yarn Group
Location:  Loveland, Colorado

Interweave is seeking a full-time Assistant Editor to provide key editorial and project management support for Interweave Knits and related special issues. This person will contribute to magazine content by writing and editing assigned pieces, researching, fact-checking, proofreading, and sourcing yarns for projects. Will also assist Editor in developing concepts for submission calls, and photoshoot planning and coordination. Must work collaboratively within and across teams to meet editorial and market group objectives.

Required skills:

* Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
* Knowledge of all stages of magazine development.
* Up-to-date content knowledge specific to market group – specifically, knowledge of yarns, yarn weights, and fiber characteristics, current knitting market trends and leaders in the industry.
* Strong attention to detail.
* Organizational and multi-tasking abilities.
* Exceptional communication skills.
* BA in English- or subject-matter related field. Publishing experience desired.
* Proficiency MS Word, Outlook, InCopy, Access, and other software as needed.

Please include cover letter, resume and salary history.

You can apply directly online by going to: http://tbe.taleo.net/NA4/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=INTERWEAVE&cws=1&rid=168