Knitch Magazine

KnitchMagazine was delighted to have the opportunity to learn more about Diane and her straightforward approach to the yarn business.

Knitch: Tell us about how you first discovered knitting.

Diane: I came from a family that was in the dress business so knitwear and fashion were familiar words around the house. I was taught to knit by my grandmother, Pearl Zimmerman, who lived to be 102 years old. My first big project was for my boyfriend. I designed and knit a green Shetland crew neck sweater.

Knitch: Yes…the dreaded “boyfriend” sweater. Did you realize then that you wanted to enter the yarn industry?

Diane: No. I was originally a physical education teacher, but I wanted a new life. The smallness of the yarn industry appealed to me. I liked the willingness to share, and the appreciation of new types of knitting and weaving yarns.

Knitch: How did you get started?

Diane: I began my business in the 1960s with Margo Demetral. We were selling to hand-weavers at first but we quickly added hand-knitters, as well.

Knitch: Was it difficult to get the company going?

Urban Organics is among the newest releases by Tahki Stacy CharlesDiane: Editorial coverage is very important to a new company, and we had no money to advertise so we had to convince the magazine editors that we had yarns that were unique and special. It was a challenge.

Knitch: When did you realize that your company was a success?

Diane: On a business level, when we received an enthusiastic response to our complete seasonal package and the orders came in. On a personal level, when I purchased a very special car in the 1980s.

Knitch: Today your partner is the inimitable Stacy Charles. How did that come about?

Diane: Margo wanted to retire so I approached Stacy about merging the companies. That was ten years ago.

Knitch: It must be a good match because you continuously launch new yarns that knitters and magazine editors love. Where do you and Stacy find your inspiration?

Diane: From the mills we visit and the ideas we want to develop with those mills. Also, from Adina Klein, our new Creative Director who inspired our new spring collection. I also attend all the trade shows because I think it’s important to meet and speak with our customers.

Knitch: Yes. You need to know what’s happening in the market. How does it look right now?

Diane: Market conditions have been difficult the last few years, but women are knitting to reduce stress in their lives. They’re knitting for family – especially new grandchildren. Young people are also embracing the craft and we see their influence. They’ll use the Internet to purchase their yarns. Others will continue to prefer the tactile experience and companionship of the retail store.

Knitch: Do you have a favorite yarn in the upcoming season?

Diane: Yes. Cotton Classic Lite. Tahki Cotton Classic has been a staple in many yarn stores for more than 30 years. Cotton Classic Lite is an extension of the brand – with great quality and wearability. It’s versatile and can be used for knitting or crochet. It also lends itself to baby clothes and accessories.

Knitch: Any predictions for the Autumn 2010 season?

Diane: I think we’ll see the continued interest in novelty yarns. The ready-to-wear collections are showing a lot of knitwear, which is always good for our industry. Classic yarns will continue, but they’ll also have something special about them.

Knitch: It’s like Stacy said: nothing is new. “It’s about creating new proportion or tweaking and refining continuously.” Are you still excited by the business?

Diane: Every season is a new show. Introducing new yarns or lines extensions on existing yarns is an exciting and rewarding business.

Knitch: We take that as a “yes.”