Heritage Spinning and Weaving opened in the fall of 2000 selling mostly spinning wheels and weaving looms. Soon after, yarn was added and not long after that I fell in love with Shetland yarn and Fair Isle knitting. This hat is a celebration of the Heritage community and all we’ve learned over the years. The XX motif represents the number 20 in...

The name is inspired by the many islands of Shetland, an archipelago. Since islands and Fair Isle knitting are two passions of mine, the name seemed to fit. One thing about remote islands is that the stars are amazingly bright. Each of these caps end in a bright shining star.

Inspired by nature and the Estonian and

One of a series of simple lace scarves that are perfect for gift giving. The patterns are easily memorized and will become “conversation” knitting for many. Our sample is knit in fingering weight yarn, but you can use any weight yarn you like, by increasing or decreasing repeats and changing needle size.

These cuffs are inspired by the Scandinavian tradition of using “pulse warmers” to keep their body warm and to extend the life of their garment sleeves. These practical-yet-pretty cuffs do keep your whole body toasty warm. To make a masculine pair, simply leave off the beads. My son asked for a pair to wear in the warehouse at work and has foun...

This little bird is actually based on birds motifs found on early American coverlets. It can be a blue bird or a red bird or any color of bird you’d like! Putting them together like this reminds me of seeing the migrating birds in the spring and fall of each year sitting on the utility wires in the back yard.

I designed this hat while sitting on a bluff on the Niagara escarpment overlooking Lake Michigan. It was an early fall day with a bit of chill in the air and there were a few white caps on the horizon. Just the kind of day for which sitting and knitting by the fire is made. The result is this warm and toasty cap celebrating the Great Lakes and ...

These are great little versatile gloves.

Inspired by a swatch for an introductory

These are one-skein wonders that make you

Kits are available from Heritage Spinning and Weaving.

This hat was inspired by a friend’s photo that she took while kayaking on one of the feeder bays to the Chesapeake. It was a gorgeous late autumn day with a clear blue sky and the marshlands showing their gold colors. The crown sports kayak paddles and a five-pointed star, perfect for the Chesapeake’s proximity to our nation’s capitol.

One of a series of simple lace scarves that are perfect for gift giving. The patterns are easily memorized and will become “conversation” knitting for many. Our sample is knit in fingering weight yarn, but you can use any weight yarn you like, by increasing or decreasing repeats and changing needle size.

Model used Handpainted Henry’s Attic Carrera from Heritage Spinning and Weaving in Lake Orion, MI.

As I am a weaver and a lover of all things Norwegian, it is only logical that I design a knitted hat based on my favorite weaving technique: krokbragd, which translates to “crooked path.” Krokbragd is used for weaving rugs, wall coverings, table runners and coverlets. It is simple structurally, yet complex in design possibilities. These motifs ...

A close fitting cap that captures the spirit of Shetland and Fair Isle. The star motif (also called a rose) was adopted from the Norwegians about the time of World War II when Shetland was used as a training ground for the Norwegian resistance. Once adopted, the Shetlanders gave the motif its own twist, making it uniquely, colorfully their own.

Early spring is the time for dogwoods. Some of the first flowering trees in our Michigan forests, they always take my breath away with their beauty. This traditional Shetland motif even incorporates a colorway called “Dog Rose.”

Designed for Michigan Fiber Festival 2024.

This scarf was inspired by Michigan’s Beaver Island, which shares its nickname with that of Ireland: the Emerald Isle. With four leaf clovers in the body of the scarf and shamrocks all around, luck will surely be with you when you wear it!

This Christmas stocking provides a great basis

If you’ve ever been turned off to wearing

This hat is as fun to knit as it is to wear. Doesn’t it make you smile?

This is a sweet easy Fair Isle pattern, with a center motif of butterfly-like work. it is knit in the round, with worsted weight. The kit includes 260 yards: 125 of the background color, about 25 yards of 4 other colors, and 40 yards of another color. That is a very generous amount of yards in the kit--you really don’t need that much.

This shawlette was designed to meet the specifications of a friend. She wanted something that would keep her shoulders warm, would stay on and would not get in the way when she worked. Garter stitch shawl with 5 increase points separated by columns of lace.

Simple garter-stitch knitting is enhanced with

This is the second in a series of hats celebrating Michigan Fiber Festival and all our great state has to offer. The motif was selected by my 2019 Fair Isle students at MFF. The lighthouse is inspired by the Rock Harbor Lighthouse on Isle Royale.

While dining in Oslo at Akershus Fortress, our coasters had this “X” motif on them. Then I noticed it in the brickwork of one of the barns in the complex. The fort sits at the edge of the Oslo Harbor, which in turn is part of the Oslo Fjord. Hence, the Harbor Hat. The motifs of the very graphic “X” and the traditional Norwegian star join to hon...

You have to love this Fair Isle motif of a flower

This beautiful blanket feels as good as it looks. Knit with a cross-stitch-looking pattern, it is cushy and very warm. Knit it in white for a christening blanket or in colors for everyday use. No matter, you’ll love the results!

This pattern is a collaboration of three friends who decided to donate $1.00 from each pattern sold to their favorite charity, Knit Michigan. A non-profit organization that raises funds to help cancer patients and their families. (Visit knitmichigan.org for more information.)

This is a hat that began its life as a Christmas present for my Mom. Such a challenge to make the “perfect” present for a special person who is also a life-long knitter. I chose these colors because they remind me of my Mom and her gardens.

The Lakeshore Shawl reminds us of the waves that gently lap at the shores of Michigan’s inland lakes. The stitch pattern is a variation of the popular Shetland Feather and Fan. It differs in that it is worked in stockinette stitch and the decreases are placed on different rows than the increases. The modifications give the shawl a more sophisti...

This hat is knit in the order that people learn to

When your neck is warm, you are warm. This quick project takes the chill off on in-between days and after the sun goes down. Cozy, feminine and quick to knit, it is a perfect for gift giving.

A traditional Christmas stocking knit in the Fair Isle style. Fair Isle stranded knitting is defined by pattern and color. Especially important is that no more than two colors are used in any one row or round.

One of a series of simple lace scarves that are perfect for gift giving. The patterns are easily memorized and will become “conversation” knitting for many. Our sample is knit in fingering weight yarn, but you can use any weight yarn you like, by increasing or decreasing repeats and changing needle size.

This is a cats paw pattern worked on a diagonal. Whether it is worked in a handpainted yarn, sophisticated black, or fine handspun, it is sure to turn heads.

Named for the Biblical Martha, these mittens are working mittens. The rib pattern allows the fabric to hug your hand even after a day’s work. Not too bulky, they’ll keep your fingers toasty while typing, working in the barn or driving to work. Their all-day warmth will ease the pain of arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome. Put them to work for ...

A cuddly shawl for cool nights, stadium sitting, or even throwing over the back of the couch to brighten a room. As an added bonus, it is an easy pattern that makes a good class. Once early knitters understand how the shaping works and how to keep track of the increases, they can complete the shawl on their own, usually after just a two-hour cl...

One of a series of simple lace scarves that is perfect for gift giving. The pattern is easily memorized and will become “conversation” knitting for many.

These mittens were inspired by my friend’s homeland, Norway. In essence, they are a mini-travelog. Starting at the bottom of the mitten: the traditional Norwegian star, evergreens, fish, waves of the sea, Viking ships, more trees topped by images of the Midnight Sun and northern lights. The blue background and the red and white dividers are rem...

Masculine or feminine. Loose fitting or tight. Knitters will appreciate the lack of seams. Those that don’t like a constricting turtle neck, will like the warmth of the mock turtle. A very versatile sweater - dress it up or dress it down. This is a bottom up raglan construction.

This pattern started with the desire to make a two-sided scarf and ended with a coordinating set of three pieces. The twist is that the worsted weight wool is enhanced with a single strand of lace weight mohair/silk which makes it warmer and makes it feel luxurious. Knitter’s will learn how to make mini-cables without the assistance of a cable ...

Use these socks to adorn packages or a Christmas tree … and to teach short rows. Mix it up with different beginnings including loops, a cable, i-cord and trinity stitch.

My hat designs don’t always evolve following the same path. This time it began with the colors. They are calming to me and with a pandemic whirling around us all, these colors represented a much needed quiet place. The design itself is based on a 19th century geometric coverlet pattern called “dog paw” found on a coverlet in the collection of T...

This scarf started as a swatch for a cable class and ended up as a scarf - why not make a useful swatch? Pattern also includes instructions for a ruffled ending (pictured in pattern).

What makes this a good first Fair Isle project?

This simple bag turns heads. It could also be called the ”Baby Bear Bag“ because it is ”just right.” Just the right size to take lunch to work or carry a knitting project, just right for embellishing, just right to garner compliments wherever you go!

Becoming a sock knitter is easier when you have a

Named the nomad shawl for the wandering paths

A unisex hat that began life as a Christmas present for my father. Such a challenge to make the “perfect” present for a very special person. I settled on the school colors where I grew up and he was a teacher. In the large size, I even snuck in some hugs and kisses, known in Fair Isle as OXO. Individual charts for average (pictured) and small a...

Designed for Michigan Fiber Festival 2023. With all the oak trees on the festival grounds, squirrels are everywhere.

One of a series of simple lace scarves that are perfect for gift giving. The patterns are easily memorized and will become “conversation” knitting for many. Our sample is knit in fingering weight yarn, but you can use any weight yarn you like, by increasing or decreasing repeats and changing needle size.

This fresh looking bag is inspired by the coast-line of Norway. The angular landscape, craggy coastline and crashing waves come together with energy at the bottom of the bag and the calmness of evening at the top. This bag closes with a hex frame that keeps your belongings snug inside. Fill with your knitting project or add an i-cord handle for...

This scarf is fun to wear and each ring looks the same on both sides. The inner ring is worn as a cowl. The outer ring can be tucked into your coat or wrapped figure-8 style around your neck to give you a triple layer of warmth.

Masculine and feminine, this traditional diamond motif brings this ensemble together. Instructions included for hat, headband, mittens, and scarf.

This is the perfect cap to make for nieces, nephews and your favorite teens. It is fun knit up in graduated colors, school colors, or even a rainbow.

An attractive sweater for man or woman. Five sizes in a range to fit most. You decide whether you want it to fit loose (as shown) or to be more form fitting. As the basis for a class, students will learn (at a minimum) how to increase in pattern,

When I visited Norway, I was struck by how many homes are painted either orange or red. Rather than standing out in the landscape, the colors are very organic and the homes seem like they sprouted there. The evergreens in Norway are taller, greener, and remarkable. At times their braveness makes you catch your breath, “How did that tree ever gr...

As I was knitting the first prototype of our Shades of Norway hat, my fellow tour participants were asking for mittens to match the hat. This pattern is the answer to their request. The trees will always remind me of my first descent into Oslo and how majestic and bigger-than-life the evergreens were. Orange and red colors are often used to pai...

This hat was designed for Michigan Fiber Fest 2022, the fourth in a series. Motifs represent a spinning wheel, spindle, distaff, weaving shuttle, and twill fabric.

One of a series of simple lace scarves that are perfect for gift giving. The patterns are easily memorized and will become “conversation” knitting for many. Our sample is knit in fingering weight yarn, but you can use any weight yarn you like, by increasing or decreasing repeats and changing needle size.

Another great way to show your knitting colors. This change purse (or case for your stitch holders) teaches two techniques: a figure-8 toe-up cast on and a short row heel.

These mittens are snuggly warm. Too hot for walking, but just perfect for tailgating and cheering on your favorite team. Take it up a knotch and make them in your team colors!

One of a series of simple lace scarves that are perfect for gift giving. The patterns are easily memorized and will become “conversation” knitting for many. Our sample is knit in fingering weight yarn, but you can use any weight yarn you like, by increasing or decreasing repeats and changing needle size.

The trinity stitch always looks great, no matter

Whether you call this sweet little knit accessory a cowl, a collar or a mini shawl, you can agree that it is beautiful.

The violets motif reminds me of picking flowers in the woods when we were young. I can smell the freshness of the forest floor, see the wonderful colors of spring after the long black and white winter. There is not much more glorious than to see wildflowers after a long Michigan winter.

One of a series of simple lace scarves that are perfect for gift giving. The patterns are easily memorized and will become “conversation” knitting for many. Our sample is knit in fingering weight yarn, but you can use any weight yarn you like, by increasing or decreasing repeats and changing needle size.

One of a series of simple lace scarves that are perfect for gift giving. The patterns are easily memorized and will become “conversation” knitting for many. Our sample is knit in fingering weight yarn, but you can use any weight yarn you like, by increasing or decreasing repeats and changing needle size.

One of a series of simple lace scarves that are perfect for gift giving. The patterns are easily memorized and will become “conversation” knitting for many. Our sample is knit in fingering weight yarn, but you can use any weight yarn you like, by increasing or decreasing repeats and changing needle size.

This hat sports motifs of the Michigan Fiber Festival and Michigan. Sheep and alpaca are joined by water, trees and snowflakes. Pattern includes basic instructions for stranded knitting and a color your own chart.

A traditional Scandinavian style heart basket, often made by children out of paper. This knit version is simple enough for a beginner knitter and also a good tool for the experienced knitter to learn how to knit flat without turning your work, a helpful trick when knitting entrelac.

Michigan gets Yeti-sized snowfalls from time to time. This super-duper ice-scraper mitten makes cleaning off your car almost fun! They keep your hand warm and the snow out of the sleeve of your coat. A quick knit, they are the perfect gift for the hard to shop for. Choose college colors, something bright so you can see it in a dark car or more ...