Janice Orrego

Janice and her late husband, Stephen, helped found the Purls of Joy cooperative in 2022. Janice teaches classes, does community outreach, and works in the store. You can find her there every Thursday, although for the first three Thursdays in August, she will be on a pilgrimage to Scotland. 

Janice learned to knit while in graduate school in New York. The student community center encouraged students to take up various arts and crafts to ease the stress of school. Janice learned from books in a supportive, student community. At the same center, Janice learned silk-screening, too.  Years later, while living in Switzerland, a Swiss friend encouraged her to take up crocheting. Again, using books as her primary learning tool, she taught herself to crochet, taking on larger, more complex projects until she could knit as well as crochet.

Janice's most memorable project was knitting Lopi sweaters. Janice enjoyed learning about this traditional Icelandic style of sweater made with Lopi wool depicting fun patterns that contain cultural significance.

Janice aspires to make a traditional Gansey sweater. Gansey sweaters, also known as Guernseys or Fisherman-knit sweaters, have a rich history rooted in the coastal communities of Britain, Ireland, and Scotland. Originally designed as practical, warm, and durable garments for fishermen, they feature distinctive patterns and construction details that reflect both functionality and regional identity.  Each family has a distinctive pattern and Janice wants to honor this tradition crafting her own.

1. Knit or crochet? Knit
2. Wool or Cotton? Wool
3. Sticks or circular? Both
4. Bamboo or metal? Bamboo
5. Socks or Beanies? Socks
6. Start or Finisher? Starter
7. Cats or Dogs? Cats
8. IPhone or Android? iPhone