About Lauren, founder of Fiber Fizica

My mom taught me how to crochet when I was 8 years old, and I was fascinated with the process of making fabric and garments ever since. In graduate school (before the era of YouTube and smartphones) I attempted to learn how to knit, however I became so frustrated trying to teach myself that I gave up. However, a few years later I tried again, and that time it stuck, and I finally “got” it. Fast forward a decade later, and I was knitting sweaters while my newborn son was asleep at my chest on a boppy pillow.

Professionally, I have trained and worked as a theoretical physicist since attending college as a young adult. My Ph.D. dissertation focused on understanding the mathematical and physical principles dictating how emergent patterns and complex behaviors in nature are generated from surprisingly simple rules. I find it very satisfying that this fundamental concept underscores the disciplines of science as well as the fiber arts.

In February of 2026 I started Fiber Fizica as a resource to provide restored knitting machines to the fiber arts community. I found vintage Brother and Silver Reed knitting machines and learned how to get them working again so other people could use them to create. I had no idea there were so many people eager to use them, especially because I had never even seen, let alone owned a knitting machine until 2024 (when I bought my first Ultimate Sweater Machine on eBay). Simultaneously, around that time I also got my first spinning wheel, an Ashford Kiwi 3 and learned how to spin and dye merino wool.

Soon after starting Fiber Fizica, I branched out to become a dealer for brand new Silver Reed knitting machines, in order to offer a wider selection. Then, in June 2026 I began weaving. I had never tried it because I knew that if I started I would love it, so I wanted to make sure I was ready for a new project. I began with an Ashford Brooklyn 4 shaft table loom and made my first scarf, and then I found a 12 shaft Louet Delta floor loom on Facebook Marketplace. I soon understood the obsession! I am happy to report that I will soon offer Schacht and Louet looms and spinning wheels as part of my product offerings!

I am currently in the process of opening a physical retail / workshop space in Huntsville, Alabama! Stay tuned for more updates coming this fall!