For the longest time, Barbara G. Walker was simply the brilliant mind behind my sweater-knitting bible, Knitting from the Top Down—the book that changed everything for me when it came to seamless garment construction. If you’ve ever knit a sweater without the dreaded seams, you probably owe her a big thank you. I certainly do.

So imagine my surprise when I recently discovered that she wasn’t just the queen of top-down knitting—she was also the creator of THE tarot deck I had originally wanted. The one that had first caught my interest when I was diving into tarot, before I ended up with my current, bossy deck. Somehow, I had never put two and two together. Talk about a plot twist!

Barbara G. Walker wasn’t just a knitting revolutionary—she was a prolific author who dedicated her life to educating, empowering, and enlightening us across multiple disciplines. She wrote an impressive number of books covering knitting, mythology, feminism, spirituality, and historical research. She didn’t just master these subjects—she taught them to us, freely sharing her knowledge with the world and leaving behind a wealth of resources that continue to inspire.

Her feminist and mythological works, including The Woman’s Encyclopedia of Myths and Secrets and The Woman’s Dictionary of Symbols and Sacred Objects, peeled back centuries of misinformation, exposing hidden histories and restoring the stories of women and goddesses long buried by patriarchal narratives. She wasn’t just a researcher; she was a truth-seeker, determined to give us back the knowledge that had been taken from us.

Her Barbara Walker Tarot deck, much like her knitting books, isn’t for the faint of heart. Just as she redefined sweater construction by encouraging knitters to think outside traditional techniques, she brought the same no-nonsense approach to tarot, infusing it with historical and mythological depth. It’s the kind of deck that doesn’t just suggest things—it tells you exactly what you need to hear, much like a particularly wise knitting instructor who won’t let you get away with sloppy tension.

Looking back, it makes perfect sense that one woman could master both fiber arts and esoteric wisdom. After all, fiberarts have always been tied to fate and storytelling. The ancient Greek Fates spun, measured, and cut the threads of life, and cultures around the world have used weaving and knotting as forms of magic and communication. Even today, when we knit, crochet, or weave, we are quite literally creating something out of nothing—an act that feels just a little bit like modern-day sorcery.

Barbara Walker didn’t just give us stitches—she gave us knowledge, empowerment, and a deeper appreciation for the histories woven into our crafts and beliefs. Whether through yarn or tarot, she understood the power of storytelling and the importance of passing knowledge down through the generations.

Discovering that one of my greatest knitting inspirations was also behind the tarot deck I had first wanted feels like a cosmic wink from the universe. But more than that, I now see her as an even greater force than I had realized—a woman who didn’t just create, but educated, liberated, and empowered others through her work.

So here’s to Barbara Walker—knitting innovator, historian, and all-around trailblazer. Whether you’re casting on a new sweater, casting a tarot spread, or casting off outdated ideas, her legacy is there, woven into the fabric of both fiberarts and deeper wisdom. In today’s political times, where misinformation spreads easily and hard-won rights are continuously challenged, we need voices like hers more than ever—voices that educate, empower, and remind us of the importance of knowledge and truth. And if there’s one thing she’s taught me, it’s this: knowledge is meant to be shared, stitches are meant to be passed down, and the truth is always worth unraveling.

Until next time friends…

Yesterday, near the end of Knit Happens Wednesday, just as I was wrapping up a lovely session of stitches and chatter, a conversation unfolded that rocked me to my core.

Out of nowhere, this intelligent, confident Latino woman timidly drops:

“I voted for Trump.”

Not in passing. Not as a footnote. But as a social experiment.

Her goal? To see how we’d react. Because apparently, she had recently lost a close friend over this and was feeling some kind of way about whether she’d still be accepted in spaces she cared about.

Now, the golden rule of Knit Happens is NO Politics, NO Religion. This is sacred yarn space, where the biggest debates should be over things like “Is it called a granny square if it’s a hexagon?” or “Can you ever really have too much yarn?”

But… we were a small group. The clock was ticking down. And curiosity got the better of me. So, I let it play out.

Internal Reaction: 💥SYSTEM OVERLOAD💥
I won’t lie. My brain short-circuited for a second. The neurons started sparking like an acrylic sweater in a dry winter.

The initial, deeply visceral reaction went something like this:

“WHY?”
“As a woman… WHY?”
“As a Latino woman… WHYYYY?!”

If my thoughts had a sound effect, it would have been a record scratch followed by the Windows error chime.

But I said nothing. I took a deep breath. Let the wave of emotion pass. And instead of unloading my knee-jerk thoughts, I sat with them.

And you know what? That was the best thing I could have done.

Because instead of a debate, a conversation happened. Not about politics, not about policies, but about acceptance—about what it means to have space where you’re not automatically judged for one decision, even a major one.

And really… who am I to decide whether her vote was right or wrong? I’m Canadian. My country prides itself on compassion, on being a safe harbor in a storm. And yet, this still bothered me.

Like… why, though? Why did this moment dig into my brain like a stray stitch in the middle of a lace chart?

Midnight Musings:
I woke up in the middle of the night still mulling it over.

Was it because of the ongoing chaos to the south that has spilled into my own country? Was it the seeming contradiction of voting for someone whose policies don’t seem aligned with her personal reality?

Or was it something even deeper—this weird assumption that kindness is weakness? That being open-hearted, welcoming, and trying to do the right thing somehow makes us vulnerable?

Is it weak to do the right thing, even when no one is watching?
Is it weak to be compassionate, even when others sling mud at you?
Is it weak to be a friend to the world?

Or—plot twist—is that actually our greatest strength?

Because the funny thing about kindness? People mistake it for passivity. They don’t see it coming when the time comes to stand firm and fight for what truly matters.

Final Thought:
So, what did I learn?

That my first reaction doesn’t have to be my final reaction. That listening—not agreeing, but just listening—can be powerful. That empathy is a tool, not a trap.

And that at the end of the day, knitgroup is knitgroup. A place to weave together people, not just yarn.

So I’ll keep being me—stubbornly kind, fiercely thoughtful, and always up for a good discussion… as long as it’s about knitting. 😉

Until next time Friends…

I’ve spent the past six months building a home for the Fiberarts Community, and honestly, I feel like I’m rebuilding myself in the process. A big part of this journey has been about understanding others, seeing things from their perspectives, and reflecting on my own views.

Tonight’s internal topic was “inclusivity and creating a safe space.” Earlier, I attended an event on my favorite platform, GoBrunch. I had to step away for a bit, and when I popped back in, I landed right in the middle of a lively discussion: “Should people use their real names and photos on LinkedIn?”

It’s a topic I’d heard mentioned before but never really explored. I’ve been “Artemisnorth” for as long as I can remember—it’s my brand, my identity online. Even my husband calls me his “Goddess Artemis.” I don’t hide who I am, but I choose who I share my legal identity with.

The host of the event, someone I’ve known for a while, is known for sparking these kinds of conversations. As usual, I found myself in the proverbial “hot seat.”

“Okay, stay calm, don’t swear…” I thought. I shared my perspective, the host moved on, and my gears started turning. Why should it matter if someone uses a pseudonym or a different image? How does that affect creating a safe space? And how does it make me feel?

Someone in the discussion said, “People who don’t use their real name or picture must have something to hide.” That hit me hard. Do I have something to hide? No, I don’t believe I do. But suddenly, I found myself questioning everything.

Then it clicked. I was forgetting who I am. I was letting others’ expectations affect how I see myself. And that’s when I realized how this discussion was making me—and others—feel. It wasn’t a “safe space.”

Projecting our own views or expectations onto others only creates tension. Inclusivity isn’t about making everyone fit into the same box. It’s about ensuring people feel they can be their authentic selves, connect meaningfully, and truly belong.

It’s not just about creating a space—it’s about building a culture of understanding, respect, and genuine connection.

Until next time friends…

Building a community is like trying to write the first few words of a post—you’re full of ideas but unsure where to start. So, I guess the beginning is as good a place as any…

Like many of you, I learned a big lesson during COVID: I took the small things for granted. Local, in-person knit groups—those vibrant gatherings filled with laughter, inspiration, and connection—were suddenly on pause. Online groups popped up, but they often consisted of the little cliques that had already formed locally. Don’t get me wrong; those groups were great for keeping in touch, but… they just weren’t the same.

There’s something truly magical about being surrounded by people who are your tribe. You know what I’m talking about—someone finishes a long-term project and holds it up for the group to see, glowing with pride. Everyone cheers because they’ve been following every stitch of that project’s progress. They’ve shared the excitement, the struggles, the triumphs.

I.Y.K.Y.K. (If You Know, You Know.) It’s hard to put that feeling into words—belonging, shared joy, and connection. So instead of trying to describe it, I built it.

I met someone who told me about this immersive community platform, he and his team created. At first, I was skeptical—too good to be true, I thought. After all, I’d just built a Fiberarts Community server on Discord. If you’ve used Discord, you know it’s a powerful tool (and it’s free), but it’s not exactly user-friendly, especially for something as warm and visual as a knitgroup.

But then came GoBrunch. I didn’t fall in love right away—it probably took three tries—but when it clicked, I was hooked. (Honestly, I’m thinking we’ll need a 12-step program for this soon.) Picture attending a virtual knitgroup where you see the space, interact with people visually, and actually feel like you’re there. It’s not just text on a screen—it’s a full experience.

That’s when the Fiberarts Community was born, and let me tell you, it’s unlike anything else—online or off. I know because I’ve looked.

The community space is open 24/7 and completely free. No emails, no passwords—just pick a name, an avatar, and come on in. When you “walk through the front door,” you’ll find a main community space with a directory and a bulletin board to keep you updated on what’s happening. From there, it’s all yours to explore.

Gather with friends. Meet new ones. Each room offers something unique, with tools like circle cams, presentation screens, and (my favorite) Artybot—your fiber arts assistant. It’s a space designed for creativity, connection, and collaboration.

But here’s the thing about community: you have to start somewhere. I feel a bit like Kevin Costner in Field of Dreams—“If you build it, they will come.” Except it’s not quite that easy.

So I’ve set a date. Starting January 8th, 2025, the Fiberarts Community will host “Knit Happens Wednesdays” every week from 1 PM to 3 PM EST.

I have a friend who started her own initiative—something she truly believed in. She picked a time and just… showed up. Week after week, she sat there alone until, one day, people started joining her. Slowly but surely, her passion built something that added real value to people’s lives.

That’s what I want for Knit Happens Wednesdays. I’ll be there every week—showing up, waiting, ready to welcome you. And don’t think I’ll let you forget about it! I’ll be reminding you in emails, the newsletter, the podcast, and on social media because I believe in this space and its bright future.

Community takes time to grow, but I know it’s worth the wait. I hope you’ll come, pull up a chair, and be part of it.

Let’s make Knit Happens Wednesdays something special—together.

Until next time friends…

In a world where kindness can sometimes feel in short supply, the Facebook group “Random Acts of Crochet Kindness Canada” is a breath of fresh air. This vibrant community of crocheters is dedicated to spreading joy one stitch at a time, and their impact is felt from coast to coast.

The group consists of people from all walks of life, united by their love of crochet and their desire to make a difference. From local members in my hometown to participants across Canada, the spirit of generosity and creativity is infectious. These talented individuals create small, delightful crochet items and leave them in public places for others to find, brightening the days of countless strangers

What makes these random acts of crochet kindness so special is the personal touch. Each item is handmade with care, embodying the time, effort, and love of its creator. Whether it’s a cute amigurumi character, a colorful flower, or a cozy little heart, each piece carries a message of warmth and positivity.

Imagine walking through a park, having a rough day, and suddenly spotting a cheerful crochet creation with a note that says, “Take me home, I’m here to brighten your day!” These small tokens of kindness can turn someone’s day around, reminding them that there’s still good in the world. It’s a simple yet powerful gesture that resonates deeply with those who find them.

One of the wonderful aspects of “Random Acts of Crochet Kindness Canada” is the camaraderie among its members. The group shares cute little patterns with each other, ensuring that everyone has access to a variety of delightful designs to craft. Whether you’re a seasoned crocheter or a beginner, there’s something for everyone. The shared patterns range from adorable animals and whimsical characters to lovely flowers and hearts, providing endless inspiration for acts of kindness.

But the group is more than just a repository of patterns. Members offer advice and support to each other, creating a nurturing environment where everyone can improve their skills and feel part of a community. Whether someone needs help with a tricky stitch or wants feedback on a new design, the group is always ready to lend a hand. This spirit of cooperation and encouragement strengthens the bonds between members and makes the act of giving even more meaningful.

To make the act of giving even more special, the group has created QR codes and labels that members can attach to their crochet items. These labels often read, “Take me home, I’m here to brighten your day!” and include a QR code that links to the group’s Facebook page. This allows the recipients of these random acts of kindness to learn more about the initiative and perhaps even join in the fun. It’s a clever way to spread the word and grow the community, ensuring that more people can experience and contribute to the joy of crochet kindness.

If you’re a crocheter looking for a way to give back, or if you’re simply someone who appreciates the beauty of handmade crafts, consider joining “Random Acts of Crochet Kindness Canada” on Facebook. The group is welcoming and supportive, providing a platform for sharing creations, ideas, and stories of kindness. Whether you’re looking to share your own patterns, seek advice, or simply spread some joy, you’ll find a like-minded community ready to embrace you.

In these challenging times, it’s heartwarming to see how a simple crochet hook and some yarn can create ripples of joy. “Random Acts of Crochet Kindness Canada” is proof that kindness doesn’t have to be grand or costly; it can be as simple as a small crocheted gift left for someone to find. So, let’s celebrate these wonderful crafters and the happiness they spread, one stitch at a time.

By participating in this group, you not only get to indulge in a creative hobby but also become part of a nationwide movement that touches lives in the most delightful ways. Join “Random Acts of Crochet Kindness Canada” today, and start spreading some handmade joy!

Until next time friends…

I found it worth the effort to devise a method to keep track effectively. Many knitters have shared their hacks online, but I particularly enjoyed the guidance from The Yarn Queen NZ’s YouTube video—it was a real game-changer for me.

To help manage the colorful sections, I turned to the Knitting Genius app on both my tablet and phone. It’s packed with helpful tools and well worth the annual subscription.

As someone with a neuro-divergent mind, I can hyper-focus on a project but often struggle to remember where I left off if I step away for a while. This was one reason I hesitated to start this project, especially since working with short rows can be confusing and, if done incorrectly, can result in gaps.

My breakthrough came when I received a gift card for a local yarn shop, London Yarns. There, I met Judy, who had just finished her own version of the shawl. It was gorgeous, adorned with purples and pinks and a stunning edging in a crochet stitch known as the crab stitch, which she executed in the main colour. Inspired by her use of German Short Rows—an easier alternative to the traditional method—I decided to give them a try after watching a helpful tutorial by The Blue Mouse Knits.

With a solid plan in place, I began my shawl, although I frogged it several times until I settled on a colour combination that resonated with me. Now, several sections in, I find the process of knitting this shawl addictive. Each section’s texture is more captivating than the last, and it’s the first time I’ve worked with the garter stitch and thought, “Wow, that’s beautiful!”

I have a lot on my plate, so I’m not sure how long it will take to complete the shawl, but I do know that each time I pick it up, it fills me with joy. What more could a fiberartist want?

Until next time friends…