THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, September 10, 1995 TAG: 9509080180
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close Up
SOURCE: Janelle LeBouve
LENGTH: Medium: 67 lines
``Nursing is a matter of caring about and for other people and adding to their quality of life,'' declared Betty Kitchen. ``It is being aware of needs and being willing to meet them.''
Her 40 years of nursing experience include eight years at Sentara Leigh Hospital in Norfolk.
Kitchen recently got a new job. As health adviser at Western Branch Middle School, she likes working with people who are well for a change.
Although she won't retire for about five years, Kitchen is making plans to incorporate her favorite hobby into a money-making venture which will provide for retirement.
She knits.
But she doesn't have to count her own stitch rows.
After eight swipes on the carriage of her Brothers electronic-computerized-knitting machine, Kitchen can display eight rows of stitches.
Instead of working feverishly with two common, long, hand-held needles, she can sit back and watch while different needle configurations jut back and forth forming stitches.
The knitter has 200 prickly needles in a bed-like configuration. Simply by setting dials, she can come up with 500 different pattern variations.
Knitted infant garments, such as booties and caps, as well as sweaters for adults, are among samples of her work.
``It knits out a flat piece then I attach it by sewing by hand,'' she said showing the invisible manner in which she had sewn a knitted sweater together.
In 1 1/2 hours of interrupted knitting, she can produce a monogrammed Christmas stocking for an adult.
She's already planning strategies to market her knitting.
``First, I'll have to find a market that would be best suited to me,'' she said. ``If you don't have a market, you might as well stop, unless you just want to make gifts for family.
``You need time to build up an inventory. You need to know what people want and the most advantageous way to display your merchandise.''
But, for now, Kitchen is looking forward to working in the education system. ``It's neat working with children,'' she said.
Full name: Betty Kitchen
Grew up: Glen Ridge, N.J.
Fond childhood memories: ``Traveling with my family throughout the United States.''
Children: Jill Nester and Gary Kitchen and three grandchildren
Occupation: Health adviser
Hobbies: Sewing, knitting and camping with my family
Favorite song: ``I enjoy Christian music more than anything.''
Favorite movie: `` `Apollo 13,' `White Fang,' anything that involves dogs, wolves and the outdoors.''
Favorite TV program: ``National Geographic Explorer''
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? ``If I could have what I want, I would travel and travel and travel and not work.''
Favorite Chesapeake restaurant: Golden Corral ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by STEVE EARLEY
by CNB