This feels like the most important newsletter I’ve written all year. I really want to get it right…for you to feel what’s in my heart and for it to touch your own heart, deeply.

So here goes…

(deep breath)…

This past week I met with some dear friends from around the world. We are a group of entrepreneurs with big dreams and even bigger hearts. We come together several times a year to talk about the world and how we might help change it for the better.

Each time, we receive a journal with a new quote on it. The quote this time really spoke to me, and I hope it will speak to you too:

“A ship in the harbor is safe.
But that is not what ships are built for.”

• John A. Shedd

That spirit of adventure is part of what drew me to knitting in the first place. It’s not like needlepoint where you see the picture and fill it in. It starts with nothing – just sticks and string – and you watch it develop before your eyes.

And you know what? I think this spirit of adventure is why you’re here, reading this newsletter right now.

You’re a seeker, just like me.

You could have decided to just make garter stitch scarves your whole life.

We are creative people, you and I. We want to learn and stretch and grow, even if it means messing up and ripping back and starting over.

We love the ride!

And there’s something else.

For you and me, it’s more than just yarns and patterns.
It’s human connection, heart to heart.

We want more than a YouTube tutorial with disembodied hands and a disembodied voice showing us how to make a stitch.

And I believe this is the core of the Knit Stars magic.

Ten years ago, when I started Knit Stars, I didn’t really know what I was doing. I just knew I wanted more people to have access to learn from the best, no matter where they lived, and even if they weren’t able to travel.

And the adventurer in me wanted to go to the teachers – not film them in some sterile studio. Get to know them in their “natural habitat”… meet their families, their pets … see where they like to wander … see what makes them tick … understand their point of view.

Which brings me to another quote, my all-time favorite.

Now, ten years later, I understand this is the true magic of Knit Stars. It’s more than workshops. It’s adventure, growth, and deep connection with kindred spirits across the globe.

We aren’t just making. We’re making the world better, together.

In this rapidly changing world of AI and automation and robots, what we do matters more than ever. It is slow. It is meaningful. It is REAL.

And it is in this spirit I’m sharing the announcement of Knit Stars Season X: Be eXtraordinary.

For this very special Anniversary Season, we will be going farther and deeper together than ever before.

10 extraordinary Knit Stars.

5 extraordinary Crochet Stars.

And what might be the biggest give-back in Yarnie history.

It’s a long-standing tradition with Knit Stars to offer a SuperEarlybird discount to our loyal readers (and because you’ve read this far, this means you.)

Because we haven’t announced the teachers, topics or locations yet, you get an extra-special price: $297 for all 15 workshops, or $247 for just the 10 Knit Stars workshops (same SuperEarlybird price as last year).

When Crochet Stars is offered later as a standalone, it will be $147. So joining as a SuperEarlybird is an extra savings of $100.

We’ve added payment plan options, too. You’ll see them at checkout.

And when you join as a SuperEarlybird, you help fund the production, so as our thank-you we’ll be giving you instant access to the SuperEarlybird Experience, with monthly behind-the-scenes updates on the planning and making of Season X.

I hope you will take this opportunity to celebrate yourself – the extraordinary maker, the adventurer with the big open heart – by joining me as a SuperEarlybird for Season X.

Because the true “most important one” is you.

xoxo,

P.S. Enjoy this 1-minute video celebrating Season X, created by our extraordinary editor (and knitter!), Sarah. ❤️

True confession: I’ve been too busy crocheting beachy crop tops to make a Rhinebeck sweater! 😅

But if I did, it would be this “Field Sweater” by Camilla Vad. The textural grain pattern is so…chef’s kiss! 😘

In fact, I’ll be heading to Nebraska for Thanksgiving so maybe I’ll cast one on for that? It’s top-down and DK weight so it’s not completely out of the question I could finish it…right?

Are you headed to Rhinebeck? What sweater are you wearing? And do you know about the Knit Stars meet-up?

GG, Beth, and I, along with some other Knit Stars friends will be on the Hill at Rhinebeck Saturday, October 19th at 11am ET. We’ll have Season 9 sticker sheets to give away, while they last. See you there?!

Mariel’s Chocolate Sauce

As promised last week…I found the recipe! This chocolate sauce was bestowed upon my family by Mariel, the one and only Knit Stars intern, when she lived with us one summer about 10 years ago. It’s so simple, you can throw it together in about five minutes from some basic pantry staples. But it’s decadent enough to serve (over your favorite ice cream) to finish off a dinner party.

Oh and speaking of sauce…I’ve been taking a little alcohol-free break and will share my favorite new mocktail next week!

Ingredients:

• 3 oz unsweetened chocolate squares
• 3 T butter
• ½ cup evaporated milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup sugar

Instructions:

Melt butter and chocolate together in a double boiler, stirring constantly. Wisk in sugar, evaporated milk and vanilla. Simmer until sugar dissolves and sauce thickens. Serve over your favorite ice cream. Yum!