A Lesson From Mimi

KSW Knits began with a lesson from my grandmother.

I grew up in Stowe, Vermont, where my grandmother, Mimi, taught me to knit when I was nine years old. What began as a childhood skill became a lifelong part of who I am. More than fifty years later, knitting has been woven through every chapter of my life. After finishing a professional career in education that I truly loved, I had the opportunity to devote more time to knitting than ever before.

Over the years, I created sweaters, hats, mittens, and scarves for family and friends, always drawn to the satisfaction of making something both beautiful and useful. While knitting often took a place in the background during my career, it never disappeared.

I love the rhythm of knitting and the satisfaction of creating something beautiful and useful with my hands. Each hat is made one at a time, with careful attention to detail and quality.

In recent years, I became captivated by hand-dyed merino wool and the work of talented independent designers whose patterns blend artistry, texture, and timeless style. One of my favorite parts of the process is selecting colors and yarns, thoughtfully pairing materials, patterns, and finishing details to create pieces that are both beautiful and wearable. Inspired by these materials and designs, I began creating hats to sell locally, through holiday markets, and at my daughter Leah's boutique, L's Boutique, in West Yellowstone, Montana.

The response to those first hats was more encouraging than I ever imagined. Seeing people choose, wear, and enjoy my hats—and occasionally spotting one out in the world—has been one of the greatest joys of this journey.

Today, each piece is individually hand-knit in Vermont using carefully selected hand-dyed merino wool and inspired designs. My hope is that every hat brings a little warmth, beauty, and enjoyment to the person who wears it.

Thank you for being here.

— Karen