As our nation speeds headlong towards a fascist state, like a drunk barreling the wrong way down the highway, individuals are asking, “What can I do in the face of such madness wielded by such powerful institutions?”

The answer is simple: do something – resist.

  • Organize with your friends and neighbors (the people you feel comfortable and safe with).
  • Reach out in solidarity to one person or one community who is more vulnerable than you.
  • Donate or volunteer for the cause most important to you.
  • Shake the hand of an immigrant and say, “thank you for being here.”
  • Smile at someone from a different religion.
  • March For Science in April, in DC or in the nearest city.
  • Knit a hat (or twelve) for science, for endangered species, for climate change, for space exploration, for medical research, for teachers.
  • Download the Science Matters Hat pattern for free: download now
  • Download the GENEie Hat patterns for free on the ChemKnitsBlog


As a designer, part of my job is to keep an eye to wool centric fashion 6 – 12 months in the future. I’ve been refreshing my memory of the best of New York Fashion week. One of my favorite collections was the Ralph Lauren Fall 2015. I adore the color palate, the mixing of textures, the introduction of leather, bone and fur (although we hope anyone inspired by the fur will choose synthetic or vintage) alongside traditional sweaters.

 


I am really excited to announce that I’m going to begin selling Golden Apple Threads kits! These kits will include a knitting pattern and custom colorway yarn from some of my favorite indie dyers. I’m hoping to offer some limited, custom colorway yarns in the shop as well. Eventually I will have a cart on the website so you can buy patterns, kits, yarn and maybe some other fun stuff directly from this site. In the meantime, check out the GoldenAppleThreads Etsy Shop.


I’m so thrilled to be a part of Ravelry’s Indie Gift-A-Long again this year. There are nearly 300 indie designers participating this year. Each designer has selected their favorite gift-alicous patterns for inclusion in the Gift-A-Long. There are games and prizes, but the heart of the event is the K(C)ALs.

The event kicks off on Thursday, November 13th when thousands of patterns from participating designers go on sale. The list of participating designers includes a link to each designers Indie Gift-A-Long 2014 Bundles. Any of the patterns (including all of my designs) in these bundles are 25% off from Thursday, November 13th at 8:00 pm US EST – Friday, November 21, 2014 at 11:59 pm US EST with the code giftalong2014.

As part of the fun I’ll be interviewing and promoting fellow Indie Designers, so check back!

GAT PT 500


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Inspired by the mountains of Northern New Mexico, this shawl uses texture, ratio and geometric space to create a subtle play of light and shadow. Although the pattern is best suited for fingering, sport, or dk it can really be knit in any weight of yarn because it is based on ratios.

Del Norte is available for FREE through September 2014.

 


Busy with the Pattern Test for the Del Norte shawl. I’m really excited about this design, it achieves that magical mix of simplicity and contrast. The design and execution is simple, but the effect is striking and modern. Instead of using stripes, colors or complicated stitches, I relied on variations in texture to give this design interest.

The pattern will be available very soon so stay tuned – it will be FREE for a limited time!

 

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This shawl was inspired by the Fremont Sunday Market in Seattle, an inspiring fusion of vintage and modern, shabby and chic. This shawl is an adventure in color play, there is a recipe section to help guide you in your color selection and placement. No two shawls will be alike! Leave a comment with your email or ravelry handle and I’ll send you a 50% coupon!

 

 

You can find out more about the pattern, see other projects and purchase the pattern HERE

 


Putting the final touches on my newest design, a shawl in fingering. The prototype is knit using a Gem Grab Bag of Wollmeise Pure . . .  more details soon. Leave a comment if you are interested in test knitting this or if you’d like a coupon when the pattern goes live . . .

 

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When I browse the seasonal designer’s collections my focus is usually wool. Naturally, I get very excited when it’s time for Pre-Fall fashion, even though we are in the deep of winter. There was plenty of lovely wool and cozy in plenty, but what really got me excited was the fresh and fabulous Yellow! sweaters from Philosophy. Although I love the entire collection, it was the yellow jumpers I kept returning to.

Philosophy PF2014 Yellow2

The first is a slouchy, loosely cabled pullover – fun, bright but still comfortable and cozy. The second pullover has a distinctly vintage air – fitted, demure ribbing, and almost worn, felted look. What a fabulous way to bring the sunshine of summer into the crisp cool days of fall.

Philosophy PF2014 Yellow1

I would love to know, what are your favorite colors for Fall weather knits?


Although I love the long version of the Whitman Fingerless Mitts, the original inspiration was for a pattern that would use up yarn leftover from the Whitman Hat. In the final pattern, there is a recipe of sorts for a “Leftover Yarn Version” (LYV). It was imperative to have this version thoroughly tested, as it is based on weights and educated guesses. Melissa Davis, who tested the Whitman hat for me, volunteered to test the LYV of the Fingerless Mitts. I think her set of Whit Mitts is my favorite so far (you can follow her on here on Ravelry). The yarn is Cephalopod Yarns‘ Traveller (100% merino DK) in color Rainbow Gum Forest.


More Posts


Tutorial: Invisible Sewn Bind-Off in Pattern
November 9, 2013

Tutorial: Invisible Sewn Bind-Off in Pattern

Sweater Weather – Yep!
September 28, 2013

Sweater Weather – Yep!

Designer All Star Circle of Lurv
September 17, 2013

Designer All Star Circle of Lurv

Whitman is Finally Here!
September 16, 2013

Whitman is Finally Here!