With a pattern collection of every design imaginable, Ann Norling is one of the industries brightest stars and we couldn't be more thankful for her help in
Knit Red - have you seen her Spiral Rib cowl design? It's the perfect winter accessory! From hats to sweaters to her wildly popular Christmas stocking patterns, Ann has created one of the most extensive pattern collections we carry. There are patterns for everyone; from beginners to more advanced knitters - she has something that will suit your tastes! The possibilities truly are endless with Ann's pattnerns!
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| Ann Norling's Spiral Rib Cowl |
On June 5th, we hosted a
Knit Red book signing with Laura Zander and four designers who helped bring
Knit Red to life: Kristen Ashbaugh-Helmreich, Jeanne Giles, Diane Soucy, and Ann Norling! We had such a blast meeting with these wonderful designers and getting our personal copies signed! To celebrate Ann Norling's design in
Knit Red, we've decided to host a blog giveaway in her honor!
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| Diane Soucy's A-Line Hoodie |
Ann Norling is actually the "nom de knit" of Marge Okuley, a yarn sales representative in Northern California and Northern Nevada. She often visits our store toting the latest yarn trends and her newest designs. Always smiling, Marge is a wonderful presence. She even gets special treatment - a little walk through Madeline Tosh Onesie land!
The day after Marge's 21st birthday, her father passed away due to heart disease. He was just 60 years old. Her personal connection to heart disease (and we like to think, her love for Jimmy Beans) was what made her jump on board with
Knit Red the moment we approached her.
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| Jeanne Giles' Home Spa Set |
The design phase of any project holds all the secrets to a designers finished pieced. As avid knitter's, we know just how important yarn choices are when starting a project. We often giggle at how personal the decision is - some yarn is just more chatty than others. ;) Marge is no exception to this rule! Her Spiral Rib Cowl is a drape-y knit 2, pearl 2 rib stitch with a twist - literally! She used the lovely merino wool blend of Crystal Palace Mochi Plus in honor of her friend, and fellow colleague, Susan Druding. Susan is the founder of Crystal Palace yarns and she too lost her father to heart disease. Marge thought it appropriate to design her
Knit Red project using Susan's yarn as a tribute to both of their fathers. Connecting her project with two Stitch Red stories, Marge hopes this helps draw attention to everyone's risk of heart disease.
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| Kristen Ashbaugh-Helmreich's Tote |
If we've learned anything over the course of the past few years, it is this: we're all connected in our efforts to spread heart disease awareness because so many of the designers, vendors, partners, and customers have been touched by this disease. We would like to thank everyone: all the partners who've contributed their Stitch Red stories to this blog, all the designers in
Knit Red (and those participating in our second book -
Sew Red!),
The Heart Truth for sharing their knowledge of
heart-healthy living, and to all of you! Without you - our wonderful costumers and supporters - this campaign would not have taken flight. We raise a glass of heart-healthy wine to each and every one of you - thank you!
With that, I'd like to give away a signed copy of
Knit Red in honor of Ann Norling! Please leave us a comment on this blog post telling us your reason for supporting Stitch Red or what your favorite design from the book is. Even if you've already bought a copy, feel free to enter and win one to give to a friend or family member. We'll randomly select a winner and announce it in the blog post on Wednesday, June 20th. Please leave your comment by Tuesday, 6/19 at 11pm PST.
Thanks so much to all of you for your support! <3
