Tolt Studio
Be Inspired, Learn, and Create with Tolt Studio
We've had a lot of time to reflect and refocus here during this pandemic, and one big discussion we keep having is: how do we help our customers that are largely online now? We need a new way to share the supportive things we normally do in the shop. Here at Tolt Yarn and Wool, we are constantly, and caringly, educating our customers on a multitude of topics - from yarn substitutions; where different fibers come from; how to prepare for a project; and so on. We have a lot to share!
Our shop and our interactions with customers is the true heartbeat of Tolt Yarn and Wool. During this time, when we have limited in-person time with customers, we need another avenue to extend community connection and belonging. We are now pleased to bring you Tolt Studio.
Tolt Studio is our new education space; a space where we can connect you to special guests: teachers, designers, creators, and community voices to further the enrichment of your craft and yourself. Until we are back to large in person events, our studio will be complimentary to all who want to attend. We hope you will join us in the spirit of learning, connection and exploration into this amazing community of knitters, crocheters, sewists, creators and makers.
We've had a lot of time to reflect and refocus here during this pandemic, and one big discussion we keep having is: how do we help our customers that are largely online now? We need a new way to share the supportive things we normally do in the shop. Here at Tolt Yarn and Wool, we are constantly, and caringly, educating our customers on a multitude of topics - from yarn substitutions; where different fibers come from; how to prepare for a project; and so on. We have a lot to share!
Our shop and our interactions with customers is the true heartbeat of Tolt Yarn and Wool. During this time, when we have limited in-person time with customers, we need another avenue to extend community connection and belonging. We are now pleased to bring you Tolt Studio.
Tolt Studio is our new education space; a space where we can connect you to special guests: teachers, designers, creators, and community voices to further the enrichment of your craft and yourself. Until we are back to large in person events, our studio will be complimentary to all who want to attend. We hope you will join us in the spirit of learning, connection and exploration into this amazing community of knitters, crocheters, sewists, creators and makers.
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Past Tolt Studio Presenters:
May 7, 2022 : Aimée Gille, La Bien Aimée
Aimée Gille was with us to chat about the hand dyed yarn process and shared some of her beautiful collections, including her book Worsted, and her new yarn base Bouclé!
Aimée Gille is a Korean-American living in Paris, France. In 2008, she opened L’OisiveThé, a cheery knit café hosting weekly knit nights for knitters and crafters from all over the world. Following the success of L’OisiveThé, Aimée started her own yarn company La Bien Aimee in 2015. As a self-taught dyer, Aimée is inspired by her childhood, travels, and encounters with people, and uses yarn as a way to tell stories and share experiences. Place and culture is particularly important to Aimée, which is shown in her yarn colorways inspired by her Korean culture as well as her iconic ‘Yellow Brick Road’ color, which reflects not only the state of Kansas where she grew up but also her Asian heritage. Aimée lives in Paris with her husband and their two children.
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November 3, 2021 : Carson Demers
Ergonomic Knitting
We were so excited to pick Carson's brain about how to keep our hands knitting comfortably, especially with the holiday gift knitting season coming up!
Carson operates an award winning physical therapy program by day, and is an avid knitter and spinner outside work hours. He brings his vast knowledge of ergonomics to our community to keep us knitting for years to come. He has also written the incredible book, Knitting Comfortably, the Ergonomics of Handknitting.
For more information on Carson Demers, visit his website at https://www.ergoiknit.com/
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September 22, 2021 : Gudrun Johnston
School is back in session and so returns Tolt Studio! We kicked off fall with our longtime friend, Gudrun Johnston, who was on to talk about the history and development of the Shetland Trader.
Gudrun was born in Shetland in the 70's when her mother was running the successful knitwear design company, The Shetland Trader. She spent her early years in Shetland and the rest of her childhood on mainland Scotland. Now living in the US, she has followed her mother's footsteps by reviving The Shetland Trader name, and has made a niche for herself in the industry. Gudrun often includes aspects of her heritage in her work. Her third book of knitwear will be published this year and is based on her mother's work.
For more information on Gudrun Johnston, please visit her website at theshetlandtrader.com and follow her Instagram feed at www.instagram.com/gudrunjohnston/
May 12, 2021 : Candice English, Jennifer Berg & Tressa Weidenaar
We were honored to present a panel on Indigenous perspectives in the fiber community, featuring Candice English, Jennifer Berg and Tressa Weidenaar! These talented makers shared their work, cultures, and insight into our fiber community and beyond.
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March 10, 2021 : Clara Parkes
To say Clara is incredibly well versed in all things wool would be an understatement. Clara is a leading expert in our industry and we were so lucky to have her with to talk about different types of wool and fibers. She covered how to choose your wool, a breed for every need, the significance of superwash, wearing wool year round and more!
New York Times-bestselling author, speaker, yarn critic, and one-time lab-coat wearer on PBS, Clara has spent decades exploring the world of wool--and taking readers along for the journey. Her most recent book, Vanishing Fleece: Adventures in American Wool, reveals a rich and vibrant domestic industry that’s been imperiled by a global appetite for cheap fast fashion.
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February 10, 2021 : Jacqueline Cieslak
Jacqueline Cieslak was with us to talk about capsule wardrobes, and how to plan yours to honor your body. Jacqueline is a cultural anthropologist turned knitting and sewing pattern designer who empowers makers of a wide range of body types and abilities to make clothing that fits beautifully and reflects their personal style. She teaches classes related to fit, style, knitting math, and capsule wardrobe planning while always encouraging students to honor their bodies through making.
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January 13, 2021 : Francoise Danoy of Aroha Knits
Francoise, aka Frenchie, of Aroha Knits joined us to talk about design inspiration and a look into the design process!
Francoise is a Franco-Māori fiber artist living in the United States. Her work, as a knitwear designer, focuses on documenting her journey and connecting to her ancestral and indigenous roots. She also teaches aspiring knitwear designers how to transform their ideas into publish worthy patterns. You can follow her on Instagram at @arohaknits
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December 9, 2020 : Alexa Ludeman of Tin Can Knits
Alexa is one half of the design duo Tin Can Knits. She and her business partner Emily have been working together, publishing patterns and books since 2010. Alongside her knitting career Alexa enjoys crafting and baking, spending time with her 3 kiddos and partner Gary.
Alexa joined us for Tolt Studio to talk about gift knitting, small projects, how to use your stash, choosing projects & colors (even for other people!) and so much more!
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November 18, 2020 : Marceline Smith
Socks! We love knitting socks, but there are so many different methods to use! Marceline Smith of @heybrownberry will be with us to chat about sock concepts, design approach, sock tools, techniques and knitting empowerment!
Marceline is a Jamaica-born, Canada-raised fiber fanatic who lives in the southeastern US. Since 2005, her love of handmade found its center in knitting and crochet. Over the years she’s been drawn into natural dyeing, spinning, knitwear design, and teaching. She teaches knitting and spinning at fiber retreats, local yarn stores, and yarn events around the world. Her aim is to build and rebuild connections in our Creative Community. Through her Instagram and YouTube presence as Hey BrownBerry, she's sharing her journey with all of us to craft a strong, progressive collective both online and in real life.
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October 21, 2020 : Julie Weisenberger
This series focused on project beginnings. We find the most wonderful projects, but beginning, getting (and staying) organized can often be a struggle. Julie Weisenberger, founder of Cocoknits; has perfected and developed the most useful tools and processes (check out her Cocoknits Method) for making everything begin and run smoothly.
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September 16, 2020 : Kayla Fernandez of Maressa Made
To kick off Tolt Studio, we welcomed Kayla Fernandez of Maressa Made. Kayla is a motivational powerhouse within our fiber community committed to "purposeful empowerment of your passion".
Kayla spoke about inclusion and belonging which is crucial in this disconnected yet connected world we are currently living in. As we feel more and more detached from each other, how do we reconnect and belong again? How do we celebrate and motivate ourselves and each other?
"I believe in ensuring every person's inner creative is recognized, affirmed, and elevated"
- Kayla Fernandez
Kayla spoke about inclusion and belonging which is crucial in this disconnected yet connected world we are currently living in. As we feel more and more detached from each other, how do we reconnect and belong again? How do we celebrate and motivate ourselves and each other?
"I believe in ensuring every person's inner creative is recognized, affirmed, and elevated"
- Kayla Fernandez