Tara Manning

My experience is rich and varied. I have owned retail businesses, worked as freelance writer in the craft space and published five books on knitting. I have worked in galleries and as an independent art instructor specializing in fiber arts. I have extensive experience in customer service and managing a small staff. I have developed and taught advanced retreats and workshops involving crafts and fiber arts and have written about the intersection of making and mindfulness. 

I hold a BFA in drawing and painting and a MA in apparel design, Fiber Arts and Historic Preservation. I wrote my master's thesis on the development of Aran Knitting and presented a contemporary collection of garments in the Irish knitting style. I am certified by The Knitting Guild of America as an instructor. I learned all aspects of retail management, merchandising and product curation as small retail business owner and currently as a member of a small art cooperative gallery.