Kassie DePaiva, ABC Daytime TV Star and Recording Artist
To Host New Knitting & Crochet Show
Fall 2007 on PBS

Candice Jensen Productions has announced the fall launch of a new TV show, Knit and Crochet Today, which has been underwritten by Coats & Clark, the manufacturer of Red Heart Yarns. Devoted exclusively to the art and craft of knitting and crochet, the show is a 30-minute homage to two of the craft world’s most popular pastimes. American Public Television has picked up the show and they have received confirmation that 41% of the PBS markets that were polled, including 12 of the top 20 markets, are intending to run the show. In addition, the show will be seen on the CREATE network, a public television network that runs how-to, DIY, and other instructional programming from the libraries of PBS and American Public Television, nationwide. “This is confirmation from the PBS stations that this show fills an existing need in the top markets”, said Ms. Jensen.

Described as a “how-to show in an entertainment format,” the show will feature projects and techniques from experts in knitting and crochet, as well as field pieces and human-interest stories. Well- known designers such as Kaffe Fassett, Brandon Mably and Kristin Nicholas will be featured along with editors from leading magazines such as Vogue Knitting and Crochet Today.

To aid in reaching and teaching the huge US audience of knitting and crochet enthusiasts, the show has enlisted the help of one of daytime TV’s most popular stars, the Emmy-nominated Kassie DePaiva. Ms. DePaiva, who plays the popular character “Blair” on ABC-TV’s daytime drama, One Life to Live, is well versed in the craft of crochet and, as a beginning knitter, she is an ideal voice for others who are on the learning curve.

On May 22nd, Kassie DePaiva released “I Want To Love You," her third cd, and she will co-host and perform on The View the same day. Recorded in New York, "I Want To Love You" showcases the star's beautiful, country-style vocals on a variety of upbeat bluegrass-inspired tunes.

Kassie’s wide appeal was not lost on the management team at Coats & Clark. “We are thrilled to have Kassie on board,” said John Laurie, President of Coats North America. “She brings an excitement to the show that will attract all levels, and ages, of knit and crochet fans.”

That’s no small number, either. The Craft Yarn Council of America estimates that over 50 million people know how to knit and/or crochet – and the growth among the younger segment of the market has been climbing at an astonishing pace. The popularity of these crafts has also been aided by the number of celebrities who have openly endorsed them by knitting and crocheting in public. When people such as Julia Roberts and Cameron Diaz pick up their knitting needles and crochet hooks, fans tend to take notice and interest quickly mounts.

Knit & Crochet Today is being produced by Candice Jensen Productions. Ms. Jensen, a nationally recognized designer and published author, is the show’s creative consultant as well. Westminster Fibers, distributor of many fine yarns, including the Rowan and Nashua brands, provided the host wardrobe. Knit & Crochet Today will be available on PBS stations, nationwide, in the Fall of 2007.