As a fibre space regular, Barry Zehr knows knitting. But before he knew knitting, he knew hair. He’s a hairstylist at Salon deZEN – right around the corner from fibre space (and practically next door to our old location!) – with 22 years of experience.
Barry, who started knitting just three years ago and recently was invited to join a local fiber arts guild, sees parallels between the hair industry and the fiber industry.
“What I love about being a hairdresser – as well as a knitter – is the ability to marry lines, colors and techniques to produce a truly unique, handmade creation,” Barry said in an email interview. “Work definitely enhances my creative brain when it comes to knitting. I constantly think about the way color choices harmonize with the technique used to create the end product.”
“I feel my ability to visualize a shape and then use my hands to create it as well as my eye for color palettes draws clients into my styling chair and keeps them returning,” he said.
Beyond hair and knitting, Barry’s other love is music. Our multifaceted modern man is also a DJ with – and I quote – “an insane vinyl collection!” Stated as only a true DJ could. (Note the shades.)
As for Old Town itself, Barry said, “I love the quaintness of the neighborhood and whenever I get a chance I stroll around and soak up all the history along the cobblestone streets.”
If you spot him on a stroll, be sure to say, “Hi,” and ask what he’s working on now.
You can find Barry on Instagram as bearknits. And you can reach him at Salon deZEN at 703-549-1400.