Remembering Chelsea

Chelsea Gable, the voice of Classic Elite Yarns, passed away in an auto accident on September 3rd. Chelsea was such a positive presence – she laughed a lot, loved her various jobs, and especially loved the yarnie-world.

At TNNA, June 2010

Betsy Perry, owner of Classic Elite Yarns, remembers when she first spoke to Chelsea about a job with CEY – Chelsea described herself this way:

I spent much of my adult life concertedly laying the groundwork for a future career in hospitality [where she held several significant positions]. That all changed when I picked up my first pair of knitting needles. I learned to knit in the summer of 2008 on a summer cottage on the banks of Lake Blaisdell, surrounded by three generations of knitters. I continued on the screened porch, in the car, on the train, at home, and sitting in restaurants and cafes. I consumed books, videos and blogs.

When I was hired part time at my local yarn store, my knitting career exploded; I was able to pursue my craft in a creative, colorful and expressive environment and my skill, knowledge, and creative boldness increased exponentially! During my days and nights of working in a restaurant, I often mourned the hours that could be spent researching knitting, talking about knitting, or actually knitting.

Chelsea joined CEY in early 2010 and worked on all sorts of projects – writing copy, overhauling the website, getting this blog up and running, publishing the Web-Letter and every other odd-ball project that came her way. She grew up in NYC and loved visiting there regularly, but she also loved Boston and camping in New Hampshire.

Posing for a Web-Letter photo (she didn't want to do it, but complied with a big smile anyway).

Everyone at CEY, whether they worked much with her or not was touched by Chelsea. A few of our favorite memories and stories follow – if you would like to share one of your memories of Chelsea, please feel free to do so in the comments.


Chelsea was a delightful, bright and beautiful woman. She was always upbeat no matter how much we would bug her with questions and requests and problems. She had a wonderful talent with words – her writing was fluid and clear and always entertaining. She had a smile for everyone and great stories to share. She will be missed here and in the world.
-Andi


I did not have the same interaction with Chelsea that most of our crew did. Mostly a greeting in the morning or a "Good Night" when leaving. And some occasional chit chat in the lunchroom. Chelsea was just so pleasant, upbeat and full of energy. Most of all she had the best great big smile, I am really going to miss that smile.
-Jim

Office knit-a-long, August 2011

In one of my last conversations with Chelsea she made me feel really good about myself with one simple line... We all know it's a little difficult parenting 17 year olds, because Chelsea sat the next cube over from me she couldn't help but hear me on the phone with my daughter who was being a bit difficult. After the call, she and I joked about the situation and Chelsea said you are such a calm and good Mom. Chelsea had a gift for making others feel good about themselves.

I am very glad that I told her that my work day was more fun when she was in the office. I will miss her terribly.
-Tonia


I would just like to say how warm and friendly Chelsea was. She would help me with my computer from time to time. I never saw her mad or upset, always upbeat. Chelsea, you will surely be missed.
-Terri

"I finished my Elizabeth sweater in time for VK Live!"

She was one of those people that made you feel comfortable to talk with right from the start. I enjoyed spending time with her both at work and personally. I felt when working on any project with her it was always a collaboration, never a confrontation or battle of wills.

I remember eating dinner, all appetizers, with her, Susan and Betsy one night at the end of TNNA and we all had a great time with many laughs. We got several funny looks from the tables around us because we were being loud and having way too much fun!
-Heather 



Chelsea and I would tease each other about our opposite sweater styles. She loved loose fitting sweaters with miles of stockinette; I favor fitted lace, cables and ruffles. Last week when I checked my ravelry friend’s activities, I noticed she had favorited a cute cabled tunic in Ariosa. When I saw her collecting Ariosa, I told her I knew what she was going to make and thought it was beautiful. She laughed and said she had already changed her mind and found a nice “boring” stockinette sweater to make with the yarn instead.
-Cheryl 

You're already sorely missed, Chelsea.
(She jumped up to take this photo – quick to avoid being in front of the camera.)

Chelsea had been working on a Liberty Wool Print pullover for a long time. She usually stuck with neutral, solid yarns so it was a huge leap for her. While knitting at the lunch table, Chelsea repeatedly broke the yarn, dug through a project bag of partial balls, carefully chose one, re-joined the yarn and continued knitting.

She was meticulously, row by row, matching the stripes of the printed yarn she was knitting with the other half of the sweater that was already done. It was hilarious and everyone poked fun at her. She took it all with a big smile and undoubtedly had plenty of witty one-liners ready in response. There are few instances where I've ever had more fun knitting.

I got to share much of my work at CEY with Chelsea, usually because she ended all of her e-mails with "can I help?".
Meg


She was our voice (online and more), and a shining light. We will miss her very much. Chelsea leaves behind a legacy of joy and creativity. She also leaves quite a few WIPs!