Instructor

Ilse Watkins was born and raised in Germany at a time where knitting and crochet was taught in school. She crocheted her first poncho at the age of 9. She has knitted over 100 sweaters for friends and family, most of them of her own design. She enjoyed working at a Yarn Store in Hannover, Germany, for a couple of years.

She moved to the United States in 1988 and recently taught classes at The Arts Place in Danbury, as well as the Blue Ridge Fiber Fest in Sparta and is currently teaching a weekly knitting/crochet class at the Walnut Cove Senior Center, which is going into the 3rd year.

Her teaching style is both patient and fun. She is constantly expanding her knowledge with books and the YouTube channel and loves to try new things. She keeps her hands busy with a wide variety of projects including a 6’ mandala, Amigurumi, socks, gloves, hats and scarves (who knows what she'll make next.)

She sells her craft at The Arts Place, the Cricket's Nest and the Farmer's Market at Hanging Rock State Park.