6 Questions With Knitting Instructor Donna Druchunas

This week, we sat down with Donna Druchunas, instructor of our online classes Knit Sock Workshop, Knit Original Toe-Up Socks and Knit Original Cuff-Down Socks.

In this chat learn all about Donna’s must-have knitting items, the animals that keep her company and her biggest knitting disaster!

1. What was your first knitting project?

I don’t remember. I learned to knit from my grandmother when I was a little girl, but the only thing I remember making is a swatch of honey-comb cables made in yellow yarn.

2. What are your desert island knitting supplies?

• 1 metric ton of Koigu yarn, already wound into balls
• 1 KnitKit
• 1 set of Addi Lace Click interchangeable needles
• 1 Jordana Paige L.J. Kaelms bag

3. What item has been in your stash the longest?

4. Cat person, dog person, or do pets just interfere with your knitting time?

Cat! No question about it. I even wrote a book of knitting patterns for cat lovers, Kitty Knits. It has patterns for cat beds and toys and lots of projects that are decorated with cat motifs for cat lovers.

5. What was your biggest knitting disaster? 

The first Aran sweater I made was with superwash wool. I made my swatch, carefully measured, knitted up the sweater, sewed it up, tried it on and loved it. Then I washed it! As soon as it hit the water, my beautiful sweater grew from a size 40 to a size 54, and the sleeves hung down to my knees. I cut off the excess on the sleeves and put new cuffs on, and I still wear that sweater even though it’s more of an oversized jacket now.

6. In 10 words or less, what inspires you?

Everything. Especially travel, nature, history, and folk art.