Wowza…we’ve had so much fun with our first-ever Knit Stars Free Preview week! The free previews have been shared far and wide…and just as we’d hoped, they’ve spread creative joy and hope throughout – and well beyond – the fibersphere. 🌎❤️

(Heads up: If you haven’t had a chance to watch the free videos, you can still do that by clicking here until we close our Masterclass sign-ups this Thursday, October 28 at midnight Pacific.)

But did you know that Knit Stars is even more than movies and masterclasses?

There’s also yarn. So much YARN! 🤩

Each Star partners with an indie dyer to create a very special yarn or kit to go with their class. Some even come with special surprises like pins, patches, and beads!

And if you’re signed up for Season 6, you get the exclusive chance to order the yarns. So when you sign up for a Knit Stars Season, you’re not just supporting 11 designers, but also 15 artisan dyers!

Here are your Season 6 Stars, along with their dyer-partners:

• Casapinka: AT Haynes House Yarns, Dream in Color Yarns, Kim Dyes Yarn + Yarn Love 
• Ambah O’Brien: Moondrake Co.
• Louis Boria of Brooklyn Boy Knits: FiveBorough Yarns LLC.
• Felix Ford: John Arbon Textiles
• Jennifer Berg: The Farmer’s Daughter Fibers
• Nina Machlin Dayton: Wonderland Yarn
• Dana Williams Johnson: The Wandering Flock
• Jeanette Sloan: The Urban Purl 
• Jacqueline Fink: KPC Yarn
• Vincent Williams: Jake Kenyon

You can see a full preview of the optional kits that will be offered at this link.

Thanks to each of you for your love and support during Free Preview week! 🙏🏼

Xoxo

P.S. Our Share-The-Love referral giveaway ends Thursday, too! Get more info on how to win one of 3 of these mega Season 6 yarn packs here.

The collaboration between Adella Colvin of LolaBean Yarn Co. and the designers she chose led to some gorgeous finished projects on the Hot Loops wall. LolaBean’s DK weight yarn shines in both the hand painted and curated-by-Adella Cool solid colorways. We’re especially fond of Bean & Olive Grown Up by Andrea Mowry. Click here to shop Cool Beans DK to make your own Bean & Olive!

We asked “Bluewater Wrap” designer Tressa Weidenaar what inspired her to pursue her craft. Her heartfelt response gave insight into just how influential family and culture can be.

First, I am a member of the Navajo Nation. I grew up on or near the Navajo reservation where I regularly saw Navajo weavings. My Great Grandmother was a weaver and I have memories of her weaving and spinning yarn from the sheep she kept.

Second, my Dutch grandma was a knitter and always seemed to have a project in her hands. I regularly received mittens, slippers, and sweaters from her when I was a child. She was also my first knitting teacher and helped me knit a washcloth (or something along those lines).

Third, my parents did not have a T.V. in our home. During the cold winter months, my mom would provide my brother and me with handwork to keep us busy. For example; one year we sewed quilts, another we crocheted blankets.These three elements drew me into the fiber/handwork way of life which became more focused on knitting and weaving when I finished college.

Tressa was also inspired by nature when she created this textural, fun-to-make blanket-style wrap. Click here to explore your color options for your own Bluewater Wrap.

It’s always exciting when the weather turns cool enough for chili. This classic, easy recipe from Natasha’s Kitchen comes together quickly and is finished in the slow-cooker, which leaves you time to snuggle up by the fire with  your current project!

Ingredients:

• 2 lb lean Ground Beef, (90/10 or 93/7)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tsp cumin powder
• 1 1/2 Tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
• 30 oz kidney beans, two 15oz cans, drained and rinsed
• 30 oz diced tomatoes, with their juice
• 10 oz diced tomatoes and green chilis, with their juice
• 30 oz tomato sauce

Instructions:

• Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and sauté beef until it releases fat (4-5 minutes), breaking it up with a spatula.
• Add onion to the skillet and sauté until tender (4-5 minutes). Add minced garlic and seasonings: cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt and pepper. Cook for another 30 seconds stirring constantly. Transfer to a 6 Qt slow cooker.
• Add remaining ingredients into the slow cooker: rinsed and drained beans, diced tomatoes with their juice, diced tomatoes and green chilis with juice and tomato sauce. Stir to combine and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. Season to taste if desired and serve warm.