Classes Will Resume....

…but not until it’s safe to do so!

I thought I would take a moment to answer a question I get weekly:

Q: Any classes scheduled?

A: Not at this time.

When the daily counts of new Covid cases in South Carolina are 3000+ EVERY day, and we keep setting new records of high numbers of new cases, I think it would be irresponsible and dangerous of me to offer in-person classes. Maybe there’s a way to teach something like knitting without getting closer than 6 feet to someone, but I have spent the last 9 months trying to figure out what that is! For a while there I was telling myself, “Maybe by summer.” Then it was “Maybe by Fall.” Now, I’m sticking with, “Don't really know!”

I wish it were different. I wish we weren’t in the middle of this deadly pandemic still. I wish I didn’t care so much about staying alive and healthy (and keeping those around me alive and healthy, too!). I know so many people who are pretty much living life like there is no such thing as Covid-19—going to parties, traveling, and well, GETTING the coronavirus!

It seems that the thing that makes me want to be a really good teacher, is also the thing that is keeping me from teaching right now: the fact that I care. Because I care about you, I want to make sure you get good instruction, and only when it is not going to put us at risk of being exposed to this disease.

One of my YouTube videos: Slip, Knit, PSSO

I’m hoping this year I will be able to upload some good basic videos for you, showing a few basic techniques to help you with your knitting. (There are a few videos over on my YouTube channel already—check them out!)

Until then and until we can safely gather, wear your masks and take care of yourself! 😷

Happy New Year 2021!

So…2020, amiright???

While I’m trying to hold space for the optimism of some of my friends, I’m also allowing myself the full measure of grim resignation that living in a pandemic for 9 months and counting can bring. Yes, it could have been worse, but also yes, it was bad.

I knitted less than I had planned, I wasn’t able to teach much, and I lost my Rex. I miss seeing friends and I wonder if we will ever be able to go back to the regular Friday pizza night, or Taco Tuesdays or travel or any of the other things we have put on hold.

The good that happened this year really was GOOD, though: I still managed to make some new friends, Biden + Harris won the White House, and Billie Holiday came to live with me. And if you have the chance to meet someone amazing before the world goes completely insane, it makes it all so much better—I highly recommend it.

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The Year of the Sweater was a success, despite the fact that I’m still knitting the sleeves on the sweater I knit for myself (the one for a client and the one for Billie Holiday both turned out great).

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It was also the Autumn of the Hat thanks to a super fun order of adorable Christmas gifts.

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What will 2021 bring? I have no clue. Normally I have business goals for the year that I put in place by the end of each January, but this year, I’m going to wait and see. If it becomes safe to go back to in-person knitting lessons, I will. Meanwhile I have some knitting goals and as always I’ll tackle commissions and new pattern ideas as they come along.

My biggest wish for us all is health, happiness, and community. Cheers to 2021, y’all! 🥂🎉

Holly Jolly Sale!

⛄️ 🎄 🎅🏻 Announcing the Holly Jolly Sale !! ⛄️ 🎄 🎅🏻

Now through December 25, all patterns are 25% off!

This list includes the amazing Dr. Who Dalek Beret pictured here, plus my TARDIS socks (top-down double point knits), and the very popular Big Hit Beanie, Diamond Ring(let) Socks, and Charleston Indigo Scarf (also pictured, because I’m missing my model, aka my beautiful daughter).

No limits, no exclusions!

Use coupon code: HOLLY25

Enjoy and Happy Holidays!!

Dr. Who Dalek Beret Knitting pattern: reg. price $6. Sale price 25 % off ($4.50)

Charleston Scarf knitting pattern: reg. price $7, Sale price 25% off ($5.25)

More gift ideas for knitters!

As I am actually getting some Christmas shopping done this week, I thought I’d share some more gift ideas for knitters and others—small biz edition.

It’s always fun when I meet someone who becomes a friend via knitting, especially through a class (remember those? I’m so tired of this pandemic!).

One of these students-turned-pals, the talented Lauren, has a wonderful eye for color and some beautiful things in her shop: HolyCity Knits, where now through Sunday, Dec. 6, she is having a Black Friday Week sale. Buyers receive 20% off of their entire order and orders over $35 will ship for free. All product is included in this sale and there are no exclusions.

Pictured are [clockwise from top left] 1. Her eco-friendly reusable cotton facial rounds (Available individually for $3.50, or in sets of three for $10.) Crafted from 100% cotton yarn, they are perfect for removing makeup or giving your face a refreshing cleanse. 2. Charleston themed stitch markes (in sets of 3 or 6) 3. Yarns: Pumpkin Spice, Bonfire Smoke, and Twilight Woods 4. Her most popular color way: Blue Agave, a gorgeous jewel-toned deep teal.

[All yarn is hand-dyed by Lauren using professional acid dyes. This means that the colors will retain after washing and are more resistant to sun fading. She is currently crafting holiday colorways based on Holly and the Northern Sky. Stay tuned for shop updates: HolyCity Knits.]

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The good folks at Whimzee Stitches have yarns, project bags, and more. Here’s one from their Pride collection. I love the different fabrics used together to make a rainbow.

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And not knitting related, but sweet Rachel at The Broken Bow has a bevy of creations at amazing prices. Here are her adorable earrings in mermaid hues (paired with my own Shibori indigo shirt).

And yes, some of my hand-dyed items will be available at The Beacon, downtown Charleston, through the holidays.

Wherever you shop this holiday season, remember to be kind, be courteous, WEAR A MASK, and ship early.