This month, we’re featuring four incredible makers whose creativity helps make our annual Knit for the Girls fundraiser possible. Each was randomly selected from the talented group of sponsors who donated prizes to raise funds for breast cancer research -- and we’re so grateful to celebrate their artistry and generosity.

We’re kicking things off with Jen Davies of Bur Oak Studio, a lifelong knitter who has found a beautiful way to give new life to old tools. From jewelry and wind chimes to garden signs and ornaments, Jen transforms recycled aluminum knitting needles and crochet hooks into one-of-a-kind treasures filled with story and heart.

Q. How did your business get started?

I’m a life-long knitter, having been taught by my mother around age 8. I started Bur Oak Studio (BOS) around 2006 while working full time in Public Education, looking to supplement my teachers salary with a creative 2nd income. At that point, circular needles had found their way into my hands, and I loved them, as did the other knitters in my family/friend/fiber circles! This engendered conversations about what could be done with the beloved, old style aluminum straights…so I took some to my handy husband and asked how we could discover if they were solid or hollow inside. This began an adventure in trial and error that still continues today!

It turns out that the larger needles are indeed hollow, so I can cut them into ‘beads’! Now, 19 years on, I have found a use for every size aluminum hook & needle , with more design ideas always swirling in my mind!! Three years ago, I was able to ‘retire’ from public education to take BOS full time and, while I miss the children, I love the challenge and autonomy of being a single woman business! 

Q. Do you have a favorite project or piece that you've ever worked on?

I’ve had some fabulous creative challenges brought to me- I’ve made studded dog collar style- with needle tips & caps instead of spikes- choker necklaces, a huge Christmas tree topper for a museum display event, custom shaped shawl pins… but my absolute favorite pieces and projects are the memorial ones

Taking the tools of family and friends we have lost and turning them into meaningful, wearable and usable items- even for folks who don’t knit or crochet!- is an honor and my privilege. A recent favorite project was reworking the needles and hooks of Ester, who passed at 91. Her daughter wanted ornaments and sun-catchers, and when I found out they were holding a celebration of life I ask about a DIY experience for her gathering. She set all the parts and findings out, and told me afterwards that the stories-(with both laughter & tears)- that accompanied their making wade for a precious and healing afternoon where everyone went home with a piece by which to remember this amazing woman and crafter. 

Q. If you could collaborate with any designer, dyer, or maker, who would it be, and why?

Wowza, this is a hard question, because there are so many! One of the things I love about the fiber community is how encouraging and supportive we all are of each other, even with like products! There IS room for all. 

I’ve already realized some amazing collabs, like Subito Farms and their fabulous tiny felting skills! (These earrings will be at NY Sheep & Wool!)

Kristi, of Birdie Parker, and I keep circling the idea of a collaboration… I just love her work and I think our styles are complimentary. 

I’d love to work with more folks in the recycled/sustainability community too. We need to reduce our impacts & emissions because the planet is showing obvious signs that we are not being good stewards. 

Q. What do you like to listen to while you're working?

Our family moved to Vermont last year. I’m from New England, but had spent nearly 30 years in the Midwest… so if I’m in the barn/studio & it’s warm enough to have the doors open, I’m learning which birds are our neighbors! We have loons on some nearby water, which just makes me SO happy! A group of turkeys often wander by in the afternoon, and while I’ve not yet seen a bear, we have seen tracks in snow in the yard!

For music, my cousin, Will Evans, is SO talented! I’d support him no matter what, but it’s a bonus I really love his music! His newest album, ‘the Wild Unknown’ is fabulous & on repeat, plus he’s on tour now, check him out! I’ve been a fan of anything the Finn Brothers write and put out, since high school, also Indigo Girls and currently have the new TS playing!

Also a fan of podcasts- Mel Robbins for research based growth & mind set, Smartless to chuckle, Pod Save America to keep a finger on the pulse of facts & the state of the world.

Thank you, Jen, for sharing your story -- and for inspiring us with your creativity, sustainability, and heart for the fiber community.

You can find Jen’s work and learn more about Bur Oak Studio on Instagram or at her booth at fiber festivals like the New York State Sheep & Wool Festival.

Stay tuned throughout the month as we continue our Knit for the Girls Maker Spotlight series, featuring more amazing artists who make this fundraiser possible.

Love,