Goodbye dearest Joyce
This past week the knitting world lost one of it’s treasures. Joyce Williams contemporary of Meg Swansen, author of Latvian Dreams and friend, passed away around noon on August 4th.
If you never had the pleasure of seeing Joyce’s work, or listening to her talk then I am sorry. I’ll never forget when I met her. I was vending at Madrona Fiber Arts and went to the bar (where everyone hangs out) to get a bottle of water. There were these two women sitting on one of the sofas chatting it up in some of the most beautiful knits I had ever seen. I couldn’t resist saying hello and complimenting them on their sweaters, the next thing I knew my cell was ringing and Debbi was wondering where the hell I had gotten off to. As I excused myself, explaining about the booth and all, we realized we have never exchanged names, just had launched right into knit-communion. So I introduced myself and was making plans to meet with them again when the smaller, fiery eyed one reached out her hand,seized mine and said I am Joyce Williams. Well… you could have knocked me over with a strand the finest lace yarn you can find. Here, for almost an hour I had been sitting and casually chatting with one of the most brilliant knit minds on the planet. I do believe my jaw dropped to my chest. I should’ve known. It was then I recognized the sweater she was wearing and well worked really hard at not kicking myself all over that bar. She was beyond gracious of course. What got me thoroughly in that moment was the twinkle in her eye when she caught my eye and whispered, it is my favourite piece in the book. I fell hard and fast for Joyce right then and there.
My life was enriched before meeting Joyce Williams in person because I had met her through her phenomenal designs. Meeting Joyce and getting to know and spend the little bit of time with her I have is a blessing I’ll cherish forever.
I love you Joyce, you will be missed!
