Meet the Team: Karen Robinson
In a community like ours, the people are every bit as important as the craft. It may sound cliché, but we aren’t just fiber people. We are fiber people “together.” The team that curates PLY Magazine is small, but mighty. You’ve seen their names at the front of every issue. You may have seen their faces at this or that fiber conference. How much do you really know the magical people who produce PLY?
Over the next few months, we will be interviewing and featuring members of the PLY team here on the blog!
Managing Editor & Copy Editor
Who are you and what is your role with PLY?
I am Karen Robinson, the Managing Editor and Copy Editor for PLY. November will be my 10th anniversary with PLY!
What is your favorite fiber to spin?
BFL, hands down. Though Targhee is awesome, too.
How long have you been a spinner? (or what is your craft of choice?)
Since 2010, so 14 years. I’ve been knitting since 2004, so just hit 20 years at that. Before I learned to spin, I told myself that I’d never be interested in spinning. But then I took a class at a retreat and instantly fell in love with spinning and the rest is history!
What do you do when you aren’t spinning or working on the magazine?
Knitting, of course. Lots of reading (mostly fantasy books). I do other copyediting (mostly fiction) and teach copyediting classes through a university extended studies program. My family and I enjoy playing board games. And our three Boston Terriers and two cats keep us highly entertained.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I have a PhD in English with a focus on Arthurian literature, so I love all the stories of King Arthur and the knights of the Round Table. One of my bucket list items was to visit Tintagel, which was the birthplace of Arthur in all the stories. And a couple of years ago, I took a trip to England and was able to make that dream a reality. It’s just ruins now, but that rocky promontory overlooking at sea was one of the most magnificent places I’ve visited. My cheeks hurt so much from all the grinning I did at being at that magical location.
What’s your favorite weird fiber fact?
Herdwick sheep are my favorites because I think their faces are absolutely adorable. And we have Beatrix Potter to thank for their continued thriving population in the Lake District in the UK. Not only did she advocate for the breed when she was alive, she left a number of farms to the National Trust after her passing–with the stipulation that each farm retain a specific minimum of Herdwick sheep.
Anything else you’d like to share with our followers?
I’m always happy to talk about fantasy and speculative fiction books, so if you have any recommendations, I’d love to hear them, and let me know if you want any recommendations.
“Feeding Herdwicks, my favorite sheep breed!”
Karen is the best. We couldn’t do PLY without her! I’m also grateful to call her my friend!