Wild Hand teaching artist Jess Ballance began her knitting journey with being taught by her grandmother and for a time, had ended with a scarf full of holes. After picking it back up during a particularly trying finals season at university, Jess went on to perfect scarves, sans holes, and can now knit almost anything from socks to stuffed animals.⁠ ⁠For Jess, knitting has proved to be a wonderful escape and an excellent remedy to anxious hands. Jess is based right outside of Philadelphia and is a fantastic teacher and all around wonderful human.⁠ ⁠

Jess is shown here wearing the PetiteKnit Champagne Cardigan made with the most delicious yarns from Camellia Fiber Co. finished with buttons from Textile Garden. The sweater was made by shop owner Liz Sytsma and photographed in this sweet neighborhood shoot in Ned Wolf Park.