In this week’s installment of Picture Postcards from Knit Stars…take my hand and join me on a surreal journey where we head over the river and through the woods to a little barn that used to house boilers…

And casually hang out, sip Diet Coke, and nibble salmon wraps alongside a name that commands reverence and strikes awe in the hearts of Yarnies around the world…

A name that’s synonymous with innovative sweater architecture and stitch wizardry…

The Cable Queen herself…

Norah Gaughan. 👑

Norah’s office space is a little barn, next door to a gorgeous yarn + weaving shop in Harrisville, New Hampshire.

On first entering the space, I’m struck by the art everywhere – gorgeous oils and watercolors, painted by the Cable Queen herself over the years.

The whole space is a visual feast, from the paintings to Norah’s button box, to her impressive collection of straight needles holding forth in the windowsill, to the neat piles of sweaters and notes she has fastidiously prepared for her Knit Stars masterclass.

Brad sets up for the interview, which will eventually get edited into Norah’s “lifestyle” video that will lead off her Knit Stars masterclass. It’s a thoroughly enjoyable interview, peeking into this brilliant mind that has helped define a generation of knitting, through her myriad freelance projects and collaborations, and her impactful stints with Berroco, Vogue Knitting, and other storied brands.

Next, we roll right into Norah’s masterclass, “Drawing with Cables,” in which she not only arms you to create her exclusive new Knit Stars design, “Birdie,” but also aims to empower you to design your own cable masterpieces.

And in case you’ve ever wondered what I do while we’re filming a masterclass…

Here I am working on my new, bigger version of my “Rising Scarf” using the 20-mini pencil set that Koigu created for our 10th anniversary. It’s a far cry from Norah’s sweater masterpiece, but it keeps my hands busy so I can really focus!

After about module 6, we need a break and head across the road to the Harrisville General Store for caffeine and a quick lunch. A local grower pops in while we’re there to deliver fresh lettuces and flowers.

Then we head back to finish up the masterclass, followed by a bit of filming (and shopping!) at Harrisville Designs right next door.

Put this place on your Yarnie bucket list, for sure!

While we’re packing up back in Norah’s studio, I notice a door we haven’t opened.

“What’s in here?” I ask innocently.

Turns out, it’s Norah Gaughan’s Stash Room. I’m not sure if it will make it into the final edit…but trust me, it’s everything you’ve ever dreamed, and more. 😉

If you’re not yet enrolled in Season 10, good news! It’s on Flash Sale through tomorrow night, in conjunction with our Big Knit Stars Meetup Weekend! The rest of our Seasons and the Golden Ticket are all on sale, too. Click here to shop and use coupon code MEETUP20 to save $20. 

xoxo,

While filming with Norah Gaughan, I couldn’t help noticing this beautiful wall hanging she had for storing her circular needles. Turns out, her mother made it for her out of a deerskin!

Which reminds me, if you’re in need of better storage for all your circulars, double points, interchangeable, and notions, and don’t have the wherewithal to tan a deerskin hide right now…

Get yourself a Knit Stars Needle Keeper System.

I fit all of this into this one handy, handled bag.

It’s really helped me get more intentional about putting my needles back in the right place when I’m done with them, rather than letting them hang out in 57 different project bags…so I’m no longer running out to the yarn store to grab a #7 24” when I know darn well I’ve got 10 more of them stashed around my house who-knows-where. 😜

Get yours here. (Coupon code MEETUP20 works for these, too!)

Dolomite by Norah Gaughan. Photo credit Norah Gaughan.

The amazing Norah Gaughan has more than 1,000 designs on Ravelry! 🤯

Here are just a few of my personal faves…

Experimenting with different ways to construct a seamless sweater from the top down, Norah knit “Dolomite,” a dolman sleeve, V-neck pullover beginning with a ribbed shoulder band which extends from the neck to the top of the deep sleeve cuff. Decorative garter details on the shoulder piece make picking up for the back and fronts very easy, marking a space to pick up 3 stitches each time. The worksheet/formula aspect of the pattern allows knitters to customize the sleeve length and depth of the V-neck to suit their personal style.Sous Sous by Norah Gaughan for Loop London. Photo credit Loop London.

“Sous Sous,” created by Norah for Loop London, is constructed flat in two separate pieces before joining at the shoulders and picking up for the sleeves, which are also worked back and forth in rows. Shaping row 3 in the front creates the bias, which in turn sets the shoulder shaping.

Sous Sous by Norah Gaughan for Loop London. Photo credit Loop London.Norah’s Vintage Afghan pattern. Photo credit LoriMassey on Ravelry.

And, first designed as a block of the month club, Norah’s Vintage Afghan is made up of 20 different blocks worked in 5 beautiful colors, now available as a complete free PDF here.

So here is Norah’s mom’s casserole, straight from the book, complete with illustrations.