The Creatives of Sew Dandelions - part THREE - Knitting
Back to School Spotlight On Our Teachers: MAASA Kuwana-Muelhaupt
At Sew Dandelions, we’re passionate about creativity in all its forms. Whether it's through sewing, knitting, crocheting, or art, we believe that the act of creating not only enriches lives but brings people together. Our talented instructors are the heart of our community, and we love showcasing the diverse skills and experiences they bring to the table. In this series, we shine a spotlight on the unique talents of our teachers, who inspire and guide students of all ages to embrace the joy of crafting.
In this THIRD installment of our "Spotlight On" series, we continue to shine a light on the talented individuals behind Sew Dandelions, celebrating their unique contributions in our community and the lasting impact they have on our students.
Teacher of this week is Maasa Kuwana-Muelhaupt.
Today, we’re excited to introduce Maasa, one of our incredibly talented knitting and crochet instructors. Originally from Japan, Maasa now calls New Providence, NJ, home, where she lives with her husband and two young daughters.
Maasa is a creative powerhouse—not only is she a skilled knitter and crocheter, but she’s also a graphic animator and artist. Her talents don’t stop there; she’s an expert weaver and even holds a Cottage License to bake and sell her exquisite cookies and baked goods. I sat down with Maasa to learn more about her fascinating journey and how she balances all of her creative pursuits.
Maasa, can you tell us how your journey into knitting and crochet began and what sparked your interest in fiber arts?
I had a few encounters with knitting and crocheting at my younger age, but the one project that got me really hooked was when I first started to date my now husband. He had moved to NY from a much warmer area and wasn't aware of how cold it got around here. I knitted him a very simple but extremely warm scarf that he still uses each year since 2008. I got some very nice alpaca yarn and oh it felt so nice in my hand, and it was so warm on my lap as it draped while I knitted.
Then one thing led to another and I went through a whole chain of fiber crafts. "Oh you can dye this yarn the color I want??" -> fiber dying "Oh wait I can make this yarn much thicker (or thinner) than the ones I can find in stores??" "man, wouldn't this yarn be so nice if it was made of merino wool instead of Icelandic wool---those are warm but I'd like it more soft on the skin---oh I CAN!" ->Spinning
"hm I must be able to do something with these shorter leftover fiber I can't really spin with" -> needle felting "I made a bunch of yarn but I can't really knit with it together in a project" ->Weaving
My fiber arts journey is basically chain reactions on top of chain reactions.
Was there a specific project that made you fall in love with these crafts?
I think what hooked me and made me go make literal hundreds more things after that was the satisfaction of finishing a project, seeing how much the recipient enjoyed (enjoys) it, and it seem to have ignited something in me to want to know more, want to make more, want to know what else I can do with this craft. Once you get to a certain point you start to look at clothes in stores and think "hey, i can totally make that. Maybe in this other color. And without that little bit...but this other thing instead." Being able to customize and own something I actually wanted as opposed to reluctantly paying for the object because it was close enough, feels quite good.
You’re also an animator and artist. How do knitting, crocheting, and weaving connect to your other creative outlets? Do you find that they influence each other?
Knowing how to make garments actually helped me draw them, also. There will be drawings that I see and go "no no no no no, that seam does NOT go there and therefore that drape does NOT happen there". Looking at fabric itself helped me understand its motion, also. Say a piece of very fine silk fabric will not move the same way as a heavy, bulky knitted fabric. In the opposite direction, there has been times I drew something and thought "heyyy I actually want that" and ended up knitting it for myself.
Do you ever find yourself incorporating patterns or designs from your animation work into your fiber arts or baking?
And absolutely yes, I have incorporated knitting in my cookie art. Winter cookies sets with hats, mittens and sweaters? Oh yea. My fiber arts part of my brain was definitely talking to my cookie decorating brain.
With two small children and so many creative passions, how do you find time to balance everything—knitting, animation, baking, and family life?
And, do your daughters take an interest in any of your creative hobbies yet?
Back when I was commuting to work in NYC, subway time was my main knitting (or even spinning) time. You know how we learn have to create this personal bubble in public space when you live in such a busy place packed with people---not every one the kind you want to particularly interact with or notice--haha. Well knitting definitely gave me that bubble. Also it was nice and guilt free because hey I'm on a subway and it stuck and hasn't moved for 15 minutes. What can i do? Not like I can work here. Sweet.
Now whether this is good or not is always up for a huge debate within myself, but I am a major multitasker and absolutely hate idle hands. I cannot just sit and watch a TV show or movie without doing something with my hands. I hate just 'being'. I always want to be 'doing'. I like the act of 'making' so much that it seems to be automatically incorporated into my life: "oh kids need Halloween costume.. OK I don't have time to make EVERYTHING but I can make this little thing while I wait for the water to boil" and such.
Actually, many times the kids are actually the motivator/enabler. The whole reason I got into cookie decorating was because my older daughter wanted a Raya the Last Dragon cake for her birthday and I'm sitting there thinking "how the heck am I going to do this....BUT I WANT TO MAKE THIS... ehem.. I meant to say MY BABY NEEDS TO HAVE THIS!" y' know?
<laughter>
Kids are both interested in crafts, but both in a different way. Older daughter loved drawing as a toddler, but as she learned to read and write I think she got more into writing than drawing, but instead she absolutely loves crafting. Rainbow Loom, resin, building her sister's stuffies, a house made of cardboard and furnish them... I think she is more of a 'build' base crafter. My younger draws so much. I have to hoard 4-5 sketchbooks every time I go to Target because she will fill them so fast. I have to admit she does some very nice drawings I probably didn't at her age. She also seems to be interested in cooking and baking.
Tell us more about your cottage bakery license. What inspired you to start baking, and what are some of your favorite treats to make and sell?
Cottage Food License is a bit weird to be honest. It allows you to sell food items you make at home, but you can only sell things that are—to make it simpler—somewhat shelf stable, because inspectors don't come check our kitchen, so they cannot check how well one handles temperature control. However, one does have to study and pass a test on food safety to obtain the license so do not worry. Also my parents actually had a food business so all these food safety things have been in my life since my literal birth, <laughter>
Anyways, for the same reason every state has different rules but in NJ I can only sell within NJ and cannot ship my items.
I had always liked cooking and baking, but the ultimate shove to get me to learn more about it was my younger kid's food allergies. She's got a bunch still but until she was 3 or so eggs and milk was on the list and you really can't find anything! Something as simple as bread. I had to find a recipe for egg and dairy free bread. Birthday cakes? Pizza for party? Safe holiday treats? You could find a bunch of things that are allergy friendly but options are small and taste... is not always great for their bumped up price. AND some products may still have "May contain" "Processed in a facility..." so you're almost never 100% sure. I do get really happy when a customer is able to enjoy my treat that he or she would otherwise not be able to. I mean, it's so sad looking at a kid who can't have the cookie everyone else is having because it's got milk in it. I know I cannot 100% guarantee safety because I do have some possible allergens for another person in my kitchen, but I will go out of my way to make sure this person feels safe to have this treat. I know how hard it is with kids with allergies, and how terrifying it could be. So while I don't always get an allergy-flagged order, allergy-friendly bakes are one of my favorite things to make.
Do you have a favorite type of project to knit?
What’s the most challenging piece you’ve worked on, and how did you overcome any obstacles during the process?
HAHAHA weelllllll this will explain why I (or most knitter or crocheter) may have a bunch of unfinished (er, let's call it "on-going", shall we?) projects. Favorite thing to make depends on how I am feeling that time. Some days I will be all about intricate lacy shawl using yarn almost like thread, but some days I just want to crank out this cozy thick hat because I just want to move my hand and not think much. I can give two most challenging projects: One was a commission, a bukly swater with an OCTOPUS design. All down the front and part of the sleeves. The maneuver itself isn't all that complicated but keeping track of the row and the motif sure was. The other one is my first lace shawl. You'd always find the mistake at least few rows below, and undoing those few rows could be very neve wracking. How I overcame? I just...kept on going until I finished, haha! Oh did I tell you I could be very competitive? If I quit, I lose. If I can finish this project....IN YOUR FACE, PATTERN!
Since you’re from Japan, are there any traditional Japanese knitting or crochet techniques you use or would like to introduce to your students at Sew Dandelions?
Hmmm technique maybe not so much; it seems all universal, but certain color combinations and patterns, most definitely. If I can do some sashiko-inspired pattern I'd love to.
What advice would you give to someone who’s just starting out in knitting?
I personally would absolutely NOT try to make a scarf for your first project. While scarves are generally categorized as easy most of the time because it’s a rectangle, it is long. Many people get bored or tired before they finish. So they have a forever unfinished project that taunts them. Do something small, like a neckwarmer, hand warmer, coasters, a simple hat...something like that. Pick a favorite color and yarn you feel is pleasant. Then finish them. THEN USE THEM. You will be so proud and accomplished you'd want to taste more!
Thank you, Maasa.
Currently, maasa teaches her knitting classes on:
tuesday (morning-noon)
Wednesday (morning-noon)
has some availability on thursday and friday (afternoon)