Lisa Gentry Wants Double Titles
World’s Fastest Crocheter Pursues “Fastest Knitter” Title
Jan 23, 2008
Lisa Gentry is the world’s fastest crocheter according to the Guinness Book of World Records She now wants to hold another title: world’s fastest knitter.
World’s Fastest Knitter Title Attempt
Lisa Gentry attempted to break the knitting record that Miriam Tegels of the Dutch village of Swalmen in the Netherlands set Aug. 26, 2003 at the Swalmen Town Hall, Netherlands. Tegels hand-knitted 118 stitches in one minute, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.
Gentry, under the watchful eyes of two judges and a timekeeper, attempted to break Tegels’ record at 11 a.m. Monday, January 21, 2008 at the Jackson Parish Library in Jonesboro, Louisiana. Gentry recorded a mind-boggling 119 stitches per minute.
However, because of a technical glitch, she’ll have to wait.
Her performance would have broken the mark of 118, but a problem with the video camera prevented her from recording the event. Gentry had planned to submit the video, photos and witness statements to document her work. Guinness requires these, and it takes one to three months to confirm a record.
That’s all right with Gentry; she’s used to it. She trained hard for the title of fastest crocheter, and she’s training even harder for the knit title.
Striving for the Title
On an average week, Gentry knits at least 40 to 60 hours. In preparation for the record-breaking attempt, she concentrated even more to increase her speed.
During the attempt, Gentry listened to a pre-recorded ticking clock through earphones; each time she heard a “tick,” she knew she had to stitch a little over two knit stitches. She used metal needles, and not once did she look down at the knitting itself.
Thriving in the Business
Guinness World Records officially issued the fastest crocheter title to Gentry on June 25, 2005. She broke that record at a Michael’s Arts and Crafts Store in Louisiana.Gentry received her Guinness recognition by crocheting at a rate of almost three stitches per second.This accomplishment began her ascent in the world of knitting and crocheting as a successful businesswoman and designer.
Gentry has introduced a new stitch to the knitting world; she calls it "chain knitting," and says it looks similar to crochet. Her book, I Can’t Believe I’m Chain Knitting! is scheduled for publication in March of 2008. She plans to attempt another shot at the knitting record, and successfully recording it, sometime after mid-February.
More Information
A short biography and information about Gentry’s website can be found in Lisa Gentry and Living Legend.
She is wished the very best.
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