Hello, my name is Katie Dutton and I am a graduate student at the University of Akron.  This summer I had the opportunity of interning at Misti International in Arequipa Peru.

Katie Dutton - 2008 PiPN Intern

I am learning every aspect of the yarn industry from the ground up.  Thus far I have learned
how to make yarn maps which dictate the placement of colors on a skein of yarn which can be in the upwards of fifty colors.

Following that I had to use my impressive math skills and measure out concentrations
of dyes to create an assortment of shades of colors.

After that I was given the reins and able to create new colors.  They were given names close to me such as “Cleveland Brown” and “Ho, Ho, Ho, green giant.”

With these colors I designed my own color way and dyed a skein of yarn my color choices.  I then knitted it into a sampler (shown in picture) and was happy with my vibrant color choices.

Today I dyed an alpaca and silk blend with the help of Lucile, my giggling teacher.  We taught each other the letters in the alphabet in our own languages and were able to communicate without talking.

Miguel arrived today and we made plans for the rest of our adventure here. I am going to help out with a photo shoot, product development, and then visit an alpaca ranch.

There is so much to do and so little time!