Autumn Glock
Humboldt State, CA
interning at Misti Alpaca, Arequipa Peru

Autumn Glock - 2008 PiPN Intern

I am a Zoology Student at California State University Humboldt in northern  California. My focus is on fiber animals, especially silk moths.   I was eager to intern with Misti International in Arequipa, Peru, to learn about the manufacture of yarn, how commercial hand painted yarn is produced,  observe an alpaca farm in progress and learn about the grades of Alpaca wool in Peru. This was a once in a life time opportunity  because I have been a handspinner  for 15 years, a knitter for about 6 years and a life time fiber enthusiast.

One of the major projects I worked on while in Peru, was  a workshop with a designer named Randi Sunde from Norway. Randi Sunde taught me a higher level of excellence in knitting, and also about how to do all the touch up knit work for a photoshoot. This workshop consisted of teaching twenty five local women who knew how to knit  to read patterns. This was a challenge as I didn’t  speak Spanish. It  was to make a baby sweater in five or so days.  It however turned out to be an inspiring experience to connect with knitters from a different part of the world and to learn knitting terms in a different language. I was featured in the local paper, on the front page El Pueblo.

My internship consisted of making color ways, visiting yarn factories, the alpaca ranch, a Photoshoot (for a pattern book) I did with Katie Dutton, and the workshop. I already felt I had a knowledgeable background in fibers and knitting when I started this internship.  This internship further enhanced my knowledge of the industry and  I also feel that I have a life mentor. Being able to travel out of the country and experience fiber and needle arts in another country is life changing.

For a day to day account of the PIPN program and my internship please visit my personal blog at http://monkeyspinner.livejournal.com

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