About Me

Where does one start....

My name is James and I was born in Rotorua, New Zealand back in 1970 and since then I have lived in many different cities and towns in New Zealand but I now live in Greytown, New Zealand where my partner Ian and I purchased a beautiful old (1870's) colonial home.

To earn a living I am a Business Analyst for a co-operative financial services organisation. My job is based in their Head office in Wellington, New Zealand which requires a 75 minute train journey each way. Train time = valuable knitting time!!! While I enjoy my job and its respective challenges it does not really allow me to expess my creativity.

The way I express my creativity is through knitting. I have been knitting since I was six years old when my Dad taught me to cast on and my Mum taught me the secrets of stitching plain and purl. From those early beginnings I have not looked back. I taught myself how to use a cable needle and was inspired by Kaffe fassett to embrace colour... in a big way.

In 2008 I decided to take the plunge and open my own weekend yarn store. It's called J.O.Y. (short for Joy of Yarn) after my Mother and we opened for business on August 16th, my Father's birthday. With my parents travelling six hours to make the opening it truly was a family affair. Specialising in sock yarns it is a yarn addicts dream come true!

Speaking of family...
I live with my partner of nine years, Ian. For some unknown reason he has decided to share his life and his love with me. In return I try not to drive him too insane and make him the occasional jersey. Ian steadfastly refuses to pick up needles and learn to knit but is always willing to hold hanks of yarn for me while I wind them into balls.

Ian has recentlyngone back to tertiary study after a successful career in retail management. For enjoyment he is an Equestrian Judge for the Dressage discipline. I do not allow Ian to judge my form.

The other member of the household is Jazz our fur child/cat. A one time scaredy cat he is now enjoying the benefits of being an only child. (Yes we are quite self indulgent pet parents... OK so I'm the self indulgent one)

I hope you enjoy reading and following the blog.