I came to San Diego in 1967, when my husband enrolled in Cal Western Law School. After growing up in Whittier, a Los Angeles suburb, San Diego’s weather and light traffic were delightful. I worked as an elementary school teacher and continued my studies, earning a master’s degree and then a PhD in Educational Leadership. I went on to teach at SDSU and later at Point Loma Nazarene University. My students were prospective teachers, and I was lucky enough to have an office overlooking the Pacific Ocean. I loved it!
I got into knitting after I retired in 2005. My mother was a fabulous crocheter, and she encouraged me to take it up. After some minor success following my mom’s crochet patterns, I decided to try knitting. I purchased some yarn and needles and went to a knit-a-long led by Kristi Porter at the Knitting in La Jolla store. It was great fun, and she was a marvelous teacher. After the store closed, I went to her sessions at Needlecraft Cottage. Everyone would be knitting something different, and Kristi would help each one of us.
In 2015, Kristi moved to Paris, and I was lost! Our group was most fortunate to find Eileen Adler as our next knitting teacher. She was wonderful! It was through Eileen that I learned about the San Diego North Coast Knitters Guild. She told me it was a welcoming community of knitters, and their programs would further my knitting education. Eileen said, “Join right away so you can see StevenBe and Stephen West.” I was oblivious to these two famous designers, but I joined, and I was hooked!
For me, the best part of knitting is no matter how much you learn there is still more to find out. More yarns to discover, designers to follow, friends to meet, and Guild meetings to attend. The learning and camaraderie never end!
— Jeanie Milliken
