My love of needle arts began at my mother’s knee and it grew along with the garments I made until time for creativity took a backseat to family life and the workaday world. After 30 years without picking up a needle, my then-15-year-old daughter requested a special Sweet 16 gift (“Mom, you used to knit. Please make me a scarf for my birthday”). I missed knitting!

One scarf led to another. And I started my knitting business, Irene Pechenik Hand Knits (named in honor of my mom, after I inherited her knitting paraphernalia). I showed at craft fairs, was accepted into Brooklyn Artisan’s Gallery, and created accessories for specialty stores. While working on special orders, I derived great satisfaction from creating patterns, and my designing relationship with Cascade Yarns was born.

Many of my patterns are for carry-along projects, created for the subway commuter (myself included). I focus on visually interesting classics with clean lines that are easy to memorize and to pick up and put down. Please check out my Ravelry store for designs and inspiration.