[BEER KNITS PODCAST] Go Go Dynamo Shawl Start | Finished Knitting a Gnome | Minimal Cross Stitching

January 26, 2025

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Celebrating Friendship and Fiber Arts: A Galentine’s Day Trunk Show

January 25, 2025

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of meeting some truly talented people in the fiber arts community, and one of my absolute favorites is Briana Luppino of The Little Wolf Knits. Briana is a local to the Lehigh Valley (for now!) and her nature-inspired yarns and thoughtful designs have been a constant source of inspiration for me.

I first discovered Briana through Knitty Natty’s podcasts and Vlogmas, and I was thrilled to learn she lived in the same area. It’s not every day you find someone whose work you admire so much right in your backyard. Since then, I’ve stocked up on her yarn—her boucle base, in particular, has been a game-changer for me. I’m already one and a half sweaters deep and have multiple sweater quantities waiting in my stash.

Last May, our knitting group, The Worsted Witches, hosted a trunk show with Briana, and it was such a hit that we knew we had to bring her back for more. This year, we’re hosting a Galentine’s Day Trunk Show at Lost Tavern Brewing in Hellertown on Sunday, February 16th, at 1 PM.

What makes this event even more exciting is the exclusive colorway Briana has created just for The Worsted Witches. You’ll be able to get a sneak peek and pre-order your own skeins at the event, and I’m confident it will perfectly capture the spirit of our group. Pairing her incredible artistry with our quirky, creative energy feels like the perfect match.

This gathering isn’t just about yarn (though there will be plenty of that). It’s also about celebrating friendship. Some of us are bringing our partners along—they’ll likely congregate at the bar and have a laugh about how much yarn we’ll be bringing home. Meanwhile, I’m planning to bring my newest acquisition, Briana’s Wicked-inspired fade, to start a shawl for the second movie’s premiere.

If you’re local and looking for a community of like-minded fiber enthusiasts, we’d love for you to join us. Events like these are a chance to connect, share ideas, and support an amazing indie dyer while enjoying some good food and drinks.

I hope to see you there—and I can’t wait to see what everyone knits up with their new treasures.

Finding My People: Jess’ Birthday Brunch with the Worsted Witches

January 20, 2025

Yesterday, my knitting group - the Worsted Witches - came together to celebrate our co-founder Jess’ birthday with a cozy brunch at Union and Finch in Allentown. It was a snowy Sunday, and while we cut it close with the incoming storm, we made it home just in time to burrow under blankets, watch the snow accumulate, and let our knitting needles click away.

As I reflect on the gathering, especially on today—Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and Inauguration Day—I’m reminded of how much finding “my people” has meant to me. These are the connections that make even the most uncertain times feel a little more bearable.

Knitting, crocheting, and other fiber arts have taken off in recent years, but they’re still niche enough that you don’t just randomly run into fellow crafters on the street as often as you might think. That’s what makes this group so special. I’m not someone who collects people; I value a few close friendships and treasure a wider circle of friendly acquaintances. But this group? These people are quickly coming to mean the world to me.

Even my husband, Scott, commented about how great the turnouts for our events have been lately. The energy is always positive, the conversations flow easily, and everyone seems genuinely happy to be together. As the co-creator of this group and one of its main event planners, it brings me so much joy to find reasons to gather regularly and manage both the online and in-person communities. For many of us, these moments serve as a much-needed escape from the larger world when it all feels like too much.

And on days like today, when we’re all looking for hope and ways to move forward, I think about how important it is to find your people. Whether it’s through a shared hobby or simply a shared need for connection, these relationships remind us we’re not alone.

The Worsted Witches are always ready to welcome new members with open arms, warm hugs, and brunch ideas. If you’re looking for a place to belong, we’d love to have you.

I’ll leave you with these words from Martin Luther King, Jr., which feel especially poignant today:

"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."

Here’s to infinite hope—and the joy of finding your people.