About Knitivity

Knitivity is a new yarn-dyeing business that was just a dream until Hurricane Katrina made it a reality. Ray Whiting, the owner/dyer, was unfortunate enough to be stranded in New Orleans during the storm and for nearly two weeks after. A nearly life-long knitter and crocheter (he crocheted his first afghan in 11th grade in 1971), it is understandable that when he was finally able to evacuate from the city under orders from the National Guard, his small parcel of clothing and personals included a single circular knitting needle and ball of yarn! During his five week evacuation to his children’s home town, he was able to obtain more yarn and knit Christmas stockings for all his grandchildren. The “Katrina Stocking” is a permanent part of the Southern Purls pattern collection.

While knitting during the evacuation and wondering about the future of his long-time job at Louisiana State University in New Orleans, Ray considered what he would do if the hurricane had done to him as it had done to thousands other others – what if Katrina had wiped out his home, his job, and all that he had. How would he start over? And the resounding response from the Universe was this: “Start the yarn company you’ve always wanted and build it to celebrate all that is good and dear about New Orleans and the South.”

With names like “Southern Rose”, “Jambalaya”, “Crawfish Etouffe”, “Maque Choux”, “Bird of Paradise”, “Soul of America”, “Gulf Sunset”, and “It’s Hotter Than…”, Knitivity’s Southern Purls yarns evoke the vibrant colors (and foods) of a very special place in America. Some of the colorways are deliberate, and others are "happy accidents".

Your Comments are welcome: just write to me at ray@knitivity.com