Winter is upon us and you know what that means– it’s time to cozy up in our favorite hand-knit scarves and hats.
Peacock & Pineapples is just the place to satisfy all of those seasonal knit-wear needs.
We chatted with Suzanne, our fellow Greenpointer, who creates these comfy, yet stylish, winter looks.
GP: How did you learn to make these beautiful knit creations?
Suzanne: I learned how to knit in 2003 while living in remote town in eastern Washington State. My Grandmother had always knit, and it proved to be a good way for us to spend time together when I came back to New York and began visiting her in a nursing home. She had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s a couple of years prior, but, as with all patients with memory loss, she retained the knowledge of the things learned in her youth.
Because of this engagement and positive experience, I went on to receive a Masters in Art Therapy with a focus in working with patients with neurological disorders. Knitting is my favorite hobby and I feel so lucky that I can use it both in my work as a volunteer in nursing homes and by making the items I sell through Peacock & Pineapples! It’s also a huge stress relief from my day job where I spend the entire day doing lots of math and creating loads of spreadsheets!
GP: What’s your personal favorite knit to wear in Winter?
Suzanne: Alpaca is my favorite material – it’s soooo soft!, and I love big chunky knits, so I created my Cozy Alpaca Cowl based around that. I also wear a ton of neutral tones, so I tend to knit in those colors. My best sellers are the mustard organic cotton cowl, which is my own original design and the gray cozy alpaca cowl.
GP: Are you bringing any new items to the market this year?
Suzanne: I’m really excited about my new unisex tomahawk hats! My friends are already placing their orders for Christmas, so I hope that they will be a big seller at the market. They’re also an original design and I can’t be any more pleased with how they fit, feel and the way they stand up to the cold! Bonus – They can be made with or without a fun pom pom on top!
GP: As a Greenpointer yourself, what are your favorite spots in the hood?
Suzanne: I’ve lived here for 4 years and I’m still discovering some awesome little spots. I live in the McGolrick park area and I walk my dog through there every evening. I absolutely love the farmer’s market and if you can go at the right time, you can even be serenaded by a live saxophonist who sits on a park bench and plays to the trees. Seriously, that has to be my favorite part about Greenpoint. Lots of friendly creative folk, doing what they do and loving it!