MEET THE SPEAKERS
We're thrilled to introduce the extraordinary lineup of talented individuals who will be gracing the virtual stage at the Knit Happy Summit!
Our summit is not just an event; it's a celebration of the diverse and vibrant world of knitting.
Get ready to be inspired, educated, and entertained by these exceptional speakers, each bringing their unique expertise, passion, and creative energy to the forefront.
From seasoned designers and skilled instructors to passionate advocates of the craft, this remarkable group is dedicated to sharing their knowledge and love for knitting with you.
As you embark on this knitting journey with us this week, we invite you to meet the brilliant minds behind the Knit Happy Summit and discover the wealth of insights they have in store for our knitting community.
Meet Your Hostess
Jessica Ays
Knitwear Designer, Workshop Teacher, and the Host of the Knit Happy! Summit, Double the Stitches & Stitch Society Membership
Session 1: aMAZEing Mosaic Knitting Challenge
Session 2: Knit Smarter, Not Harder: KnitCompanion Made Easy
Meet Jessica Ays, the creative force behind Double the Stitches and the hostess of the Knit Happy! Summit.
Jessica designs approachable, joy-filled patterns that help knitters build confidence and skills - one stitch at a time. Sheās the creator of the Stitch Society Membership and teaches workshops that make even complex techniques feel doable (and fun!).
As the host of the Knit Happy! Summit, sheās passionate about building a community where knitters of all levels feel supported, inspired, and encouraged to keep growing their craft ... at their own pace, in their own way.
When sheās not designing, teaching, or cheering on knitters in the Stitch Society Membership and Double the Stitches community, youāll find her sipping coffee, chauffeuring her twin teenagers, and trying to keep her cat June from stealing the spotlight on Zoom.
Ashleigh Wempe
Designer ā¢ Ashleigh Wempe Designs
Short Rows, Big Impact: How to Add Color + Shape to Your Shawls
Hi there! I'm Ashleigh, a Minnesota mom of two who loves coffee, travel, and doesn't take myself too seriously. My ultimate joy? Knitting. It's my happy place, especially for my often-anxious brain, providing a beautiful kind of peace.
My knitting journey began in high school with a rather holey scarf, but my passion for transforming yarn into art quickly grew. After seven years in the military, I traded my boots for #momlife and found that I craved a creative outlet that was truly mine. Knitting became that perfect fit!
Now, I design vibrant knitting patterns that are more than just instructions; they're invitations to explore colorwork, brioche, and texture. In five years, I've designed over 55 patterns and authored a best-selling book, "Mosaic Knitting Workshop." I'm passionate about helping knitters like you grow your skills, embrace new challenges, and feel truly confident and creative!
Beth Kirkpatrick
Designer ā¢ things.beth.makes
The Heel Deal: Demystifying Flaps and Gussets
Beth is a yarn enthusiast - a lover of all things fiber, if you will.
She has been knitting since she was five years old, and designing accessories (hats, scarves & cowls, and socks) professionally since 2020.
Her designs feature simple stitches and stitch combinations that are both accessible to beginner knitters and engaging enough for more experienced knitters to find satisfying.
Her true passion lies in helping knitters move beyond the "too intimidated to try" mentality into the "holy sh*t I knit that!" accomplished feeling.
Bronwyn Hahn
Designer & Technical Editor ā¢ Bronwyn the Brave
Crack the Knitspeak Code: How to Read Any Pattern Without Fear or Frogging
Bronwyn Hahn is the designer, technical editor, and fearless maker behind Bronwyn the Brave Designs. She creates clever knitting and crochet patterns for curious crafters who love a challenge and crave those āa-ha!ā moments.
Her origin story? A twisted sweater. A moment of doubt. And thenāa heroic comeback! Bronwyn emerged with a mission: to help makers turn missteps into momentum and tackle their next project with confidence.
She designs with intentionāpatterns with thoughtful details, clear instructions, and teachable momentsāso makers feel like they have a trusty sidekick on their crafting quest. Whether youāre decoding a lace chart or stitching your first toy, Bronwyn is ready to lend a hand.
When sheās not saving the day with designs and tech edits, sheās holding down the fort in Washington, Illinois, as a wife, mom, and notorious handmade gift-maker.
Begin bravely. Finish fearlessly.
CĆ©line Feyten
Knitwear Designer ā¢ CĆ©line Feyten Designs
Horizontal Bust Darts: Everything You Need to Know to Add Them to Your Next Project
My name is CĆ©line and Iām a knitwear designer committed to great fit and helping knitters grow their knitting practice.
Everything I do is meant to inspire confidence. Confidence in our knitting and how we feel when wearing our knits, regardless of race, gender, or sexuality. Most of my garments are designed and graded with a womenās size chart, but I do my best to include modification guidance to serve a more diverse set of bodies. Iām always in pursuit of the perfect fit.
My designs are thorough, so you can dive in with confidence, knowing youāre well supported. They include construction overviews, schematics, links to special technique videos, and modification guidanceā¦ and if you still need a little extra help? Iām just an email away with prompt pattern support.
Crystal Hiatt
Designer ā¢ Factory Girl Design
Crack the Colorwork Code: Charts, Color Dominance, and Confidence for Every Knitter
Hi there! Iām Crystal, the heart and hands behind Factory Girl Design, where every stitch tells a story. My journey into knitting and crochet began with my Grandma Milly. While I didnāt pick up the needles right away, her love for making inspired me to create something meaningful.
Now, I design size-inclusive knitwear patterns that fit beautifully and bring joy to everybody. Through Factory Girl Design, I share not just patterns, but curated Makerās Boxes, self-care favorites, and a sense of community for makers.
When Iām not designing, Iām running our family manufacturing business, riding my motorcycle with my pup Sophie, or enjoying time with family and friends.
Iām so glad youāre here! Get ready for creativity, connection, and a few surprises along the way!
Dawn Prickett
Owner & Product Creator Ā· Twice Sheared Sheep
Magic Socks Made Simple
Dawn is the owner and lead designer of Twice Sheared Sheep. What started as a small stay-at-home mom project has grown into a business dedicated to helping knitters feel confident, creative, and empowered. Dawn loves designing tools and techniques that solve problems for knittersāwhether itās creating solutions for common frustrations or helping someone bring their dream project to life.
At the Knit Happy Summit, sheās excited to show you all about making socks. The magic sock pattern is perfect for beginners and can be made in any yarn at any gauge for any foot. And they are made from the toe up so you can try them on as you go!
Dawn believes every knitter deserves to explore their creativity confidently. Sheās excited to share tools and techniques that make knitting easier and more fun, so you can focus on the joy of bringing your ideas to life.
Erin and Tamara
Podcasters who Specialize in Self-Care through Hobbies Ā· The Art of Hobbyness
Why Your Hobby Isnāt Extra ā Itās Essential
Weāre Erin and Tam, two millennial moms on a mission to help others rediscover joy and balance through hobbies. Like many moms, we found ourselves stuck in the grind of everyday life, struggling to carve out time for self-care and creativity. But when we began exploring hobbies, it sparked so much joy that we had to share!
Thatās how The Art of Hobbyness Podcast was born. We created this podcast to be dedicated to empowering moms to prioritize self-care, find fulfillment outside of the hustle, and embrace happiness through creativity.
Every week, we share stories, tips, and inspiration to help you reconnect with your passions, whether youāre trying something new or picking up an old interest. Join us on this journey to make space for yourself, rediscover creativity, and craft a life that feels like YOU!
Ethan Pyle
Natural Dyer and Knitwear Designer Ā· Refracted Light Fiber Arts
Garments that Fit: Gauge as the Key to Modifications
Ethan Pyle is a natural dyer and knitwear designer based in Southeast Wisconsin who pours his heart into helping other people be creative.
Heās dedicated to careful stewardship of natural resources by crafting with renewable materials, and this is why all his yarns are dyed only with natural dyes.
He has a pattern library of over 20 self-published patterns on Ravelry, many of them inspired by his favorite author, J.R.R. Tolkien. His patterns are focused on helping knitters tackle new skills and techniques through detailed written instructions and tutorials.
He loves spending time outside with his wife and two young children, is an avid reader, and hopes to one day grow all his own dyestuffs on a family homestead.
Eve Noelle Hildebrandt
Yarn Dyer and Designer Ā· Holly Dyeworks
Once Upon a Yarn: Telling stories through Fiber and Color
Eve Noelle Hildebrandt is the owner of Holly Dyeworks, where she is both a yarn dyer and a pattern designer for knitting and crochet.
She grew up in East Tennessee near Chattanooga, and now lives in Huntsville, Alabama with her husband and three kids. A proud maker from a long line of crafters, Eve Noelle has always been drawn to the fiber arts.
She holds a degree in musical theatre and has worked as a theatrical costumer, choreographer, and director. Her love of fiber deepened through study at the John C. Campbell Folk School in North Carolina, and later during several years working in a local yarn shop.
Eve Noelle co-founded her first indie yarn business in 2016, then launched Holly Dyeworks as a solo venture in 2019. She specializes in fingering-weight yarns and creates colorway collections that tell a story - often inspired by literature, nature, and the places sheās lived and traveled.
Galaxy Nova Salo
Knitting Teacher and Designer Ā· Galaxy Knits
Around the Neck, Around the World: Discover Portuguese Knitting
Galaxy has been an adventurous knitter for over 18 years, joyfully exploring all kinds of techniques - and teaching others along the way.
As a self-taught knitter, theyāve learned plenty of lessons the hard way and are passionate about helping others skip the same struggles. They write a knitting blog and recently published their first book, Unraveling the Math for Non-Mathy Yarn Enthusiasts.
Galaxyās mission is to share their love of knitting and make it feel accessible, welcoming, and fun for as many people as possible!
Heather Swan
Yarn Queen Ā· Yarncom: Community Through Creation
A Local Yarn Store in Creve Coeur, MO
The Fit Formula: Applying Your Measurements to Any Pattern
Heather has over 25 years of leadership experience in corporate roles.
Currently, she is the Yarn Queen at Yarncom, Head Fiber Freak for Midwest Fiber Festival, and CEO of The Swan Factor, where she helps individuals through transitions.
Heather published her first book in 2024 to help fiber artists organize their making to learn new skills and complete their projects.
She coaches makers in their fiber arts, empowering them to learn knitting, crocheting, weaving, and felting to boost their confidence and creativity.
Holli Yeoh
Designer Ā· Holli Yeoh Designs
Intarsia 101: Colour, Confidence, and Creativity
Holliās passion for knitting has spanned a lifetime, from learning to knit as a child to her fine arts degree majoring in textiles and jewellery, and an over 20-year designing career.
A Holli Yeoh pattern is sure to offer something to learn, as well as a casually elegant aesthetic. Interesting techniques, clear instructions, and inclusive sizing ensure a rewarding knit with beautiful results.
Holli feels strongly about fine craftsmanship, believing that while thereās more than one right way to do things, itās important to do it right!
To this end, she teaches skills that enable knitters to feel justified pride in their finished projects, while accommodating different knitting styles and preferences. Students leave her workshops with an arsenal of valuable techniques, a deep understanding of the choices to be made in knitting, and new confidence.
Find her patterns on Ravelry, LoveCrafts, and Payhip as well as her website holliyeoh.com.
Hortense Maskens
Designer Ā· Knitting with Chopsticks
Why I Rarely Have to Weave In Yarn Ends and What I Do Instead
Hi, I'm Hortense. My mom taught me to knit, one summer when I was 10 and bored on the beach. From there, my love (some would say obsession) with yarn was born,Ā and I never stopped stitching.
A few years ago, I started to dig into the online world of yarn and discovered so many techniques, constructions, and concepts I had never heard about before. That's when a pattern tricked me into teaching myself to crochet and I got hooked.
Slowly, I started to move away from following patterns until 2018, when I finally launched my blog Knitting with Chopsticks, where I share my easy knitting & crochet patterns.
My goal is to break down knitting and crochet so they become simple enough for you to create exactly what you want, the way you want it, through my patterns, blog, ebooks, courses, the Stitching Squad, and summits like this one.
Hunter Mae
Designer Ā· Mae Crochets
The Future of Size-Inclusive Patterns: Interactive Technology That Fits Every Body
Hunter Mae is a pattern designer specializing in Mae to Measure patterns that automatically calculate perfect fits for any body and yarn weight.
Combining software engineering expertise with fiber arts passion, she eliminates the math anxiety that keeps crafters from garment projects.
She's known for size-inclusive design and making complex fitting concepts accessible.
Her Universal pattern collection transforms how fiber artists approach garments, proving that custom fit and professional results are achievable for everyone, regardless of experience level.
Irina Shaar
Designer Ā· Fiberchats
Combination Continental Knitting Demystified
Irina Shaar is the creator and host of Fiberchats on YouTube, where she interviews fiber artists from around the world and dives into the stories behind their craft.
A passionate knitter, lace enthusiast, and designer, she loves exploring the fine details that make knitting both challenging and joyful. In the classroom, Irina shares that same curiosity and energy, inviting students to rethink traditions and try new approaches.
She will be teaching Combination Continental Knittingāa fascinating (and sometimes controversial!) technique that challenges assumptions and opens up new possibilities for speed, efficiency, and beautiful results.
Jenessa Keller
Designer Ā· Just 1 More Thing Designs
Stop Turning Your Work!
Hello, I'm Jenessa, a knitwear designer from Missouri.
I've set out to change the perception that knitting beyond basic stitches is complicated by designing well-written and easy-to-follow patterns that empower knitters to express their creativity.
As a left-handed knitter, it was difficult for me to translate patterns to my backward style of knitting, so I make sure my patterns are easy to follow regardless of your knitting style by including charts and notes about why certain stitches are used.
I hope you will join me in creating amazing knits!
Jenn Lampen
Brioche Knitwear Designer and Instructor Ā· Synaptic Stitches
Add Dimension and Drama to Your Knits with Brioche Cables
Jenn Lampen is an avid knitter, knitting instructor, and knitwear designer, publishing under the name Synaptic Stitches, which comes from a combination of her background in neuroscience and her love of creating designs that keep your brain engaged and always teach you something new.
She loves creating brioche designs and coming up with new ways to combine stitches, colors, and techniques.
She is an advocate of fearless knitting and believes that any knitter can knit any pattern with a bit of patience and the right resources. She loves supporting knitters in taking on new challenges and learning new skills.
Jenn finds inspiration in a variety of sources, including classic cable motifs and the puzzle of creating brioche versions, and in the branching, organic patterns of plants that are mirrored so well in the structure of brioche knitting.
Jewell Washington
Designer and Founder Ā· Northknits and Our Maker Life
Signature Scarves: Designing Simple, Stylish Staples
Jewell Washington is the designer and founder of Northknits, a knitwear brand focused on design, yarn love, and community connection.
Based in Chicago, she creates modern, minimalist patterns and kits that encourage knitters of all levels to embrace slow fashion and build wardrobes they love.
Alongside her design work, Jewell teaches courses and workshops that help knitters and crocheters grow their skills with confidence.
She is also the founder of Our Maker Life, a networking and conferencing space where knitters and crocheters worldwide connect through annual events and an online membership community.
With a background in journalism and corporate marketing, she blends storytelling, strategy, and style to inspire makers everywhere.
Johnny Vasquez
Founder & Head Honcho Ā· Yarnist Media
How to Knit Faster
Since 2011, Johnny has been helping people around the world learn to Knit Without Fear.
As a pioneer of teaching knitting on YouTube, his channel now has over 1,000 tutorials that make knitting simple. Heās praised for his clear, well-paced instruction that is easy to follow along with in real time.
Today, Johnny is Editor-in-Chief of The Yarnist, a daily knitting newsletter and online community started in 2022. Its mission is to inspire you to knit fearlessly through informative articles, helpful tutorials, and a touch of humor. So far, almost 10,000 knitters enjoy reading The Yarnist every day.
Originally from Southern California, he currently lives in Tallinn, Estonia.
Juliette PĆ©caut
Knitwear Designer and Teacher Ā· Juliette PĆ©caut Designs
Knit With Intention: Create a Wardrobe You Love
IĀ am a knitwear designer and teacher focusing on sustainability and knitting with intention.
My patterns are designed to help makers embrace slow fashion and build a sustainable, unique wardrobe with modern, easy-to-style pieces that highlight the benefits of all-natural yarns and non-superwash wool.
I believe in sustainable knitting through timeless, durable garments that knitters can wear every day.
With a focus on authentic personal style over chasing trends, I encourage knitters to ditch overconsumption and align their values with their craft.
Katie Burk
Content Creator Ā· Knit Life Oils
3 More Insta-famous Knitting Techniques
Hi, Iām Katie! š Iām the heart and hands behind Knitlifeoils, and I love sharing tips and tricks to help fellow knitters grow their skills and confidence.
Iām all about working with vibrant, happy colorsāespecially pink, purple, and tealāand I love seeing how knitters bring their projects to life.
At the summit, Iāll be teaching a few of my favorite techniques that have become fan favorites on my Instagram, giving you practical skills and creative ideas to take your knitting to the next level.
I canāt wait to connect with you, share inspiration, and help you bring even more joy and creativity to your projects! ššš
Kavitha Raman
Designer Ā· CraftDoodling Designs
What to Knit Next? Growing Your Knitting Practice
I have been knitting for about 20 years and designing under the name CraftDoodling Designs for more than 6 years.
Designing allows me to explore fibers and techniques while engaging my math skills in a creative way. I enjoy working with textures, neutral colors, and simple, clean lines in my designs.
Over time, I am gradually discovering my personal style and cultivating an eye for both comfort and aesthetics.
For the past two years, Iāve had the privilege of teaching at my LYS and at festivals, and Iām deeply grateful for the learning, growth, and connections that knitting brings to my life.
Lauren Rad
Designer Ā· A Bee in the Bonnet
Choosing the Best Sock Yarn for Your Knitting Project
Lauren Rad is a former lawyer turned knitwear designer who designs soft, romantic knits for knitters who want a brief escape from the everyday.
She took up knitting in law school to cope with stress and found deep comfort in the rhythmic repetition of stitching.
That sense of peace drives her design philosophy, which centers on patterns that are just interesting enough to be engaging but not so complex that they lead to frequent mistakes.
Lauren lives in California with her husband and kid.
When sheās not knitting, you can usually find her puttering about in her rose garden or collecting sea glass at the beach.
Lena Mathisson
Designer Ā· Softyarn Designs
The 4 Keys to Successful Yarn Substitution
I am a knitting pattern designer with over 100 published patterns for sweaters, shawls, hats, and more.
My focus is on providing knitters with detailed, tech-edited, and test-knit patterns so that their knitting experience is smooth and error-free, and so that the knitting process will be as satisfying and enjoyable as the finished object.
I've been publishing patterns since 2016, but I have many more years of experience modifying patterns, making yarn substitutions, and designing for my own use. It's exciting and gratifying to share that experience with other knitters.
I love to hear from knitters, too, and include my email in all of my patterns so knitters can get in touch if they ever have questions - or send me pictures of their finished objects to admire!
Lisa Toppin
Knitting Instructor Ā· Three Of Skeins
Understanding Ease
I became a self-taught knitter in 2007.
As the first knitter in a crochet family, I was considered a bit of a knit sheep.
Iāve been clicking along for more than a decade.
Now, I share what I've learned in my fiber journey as a teacher and content creator.
Natalie Warner
Knitting Instructor Ā· Natalie in Stitches
Give Your Stitches A Lift: An Introduction to Directional Increases
Natalie Warner, aka Natalie in Stitches, is an apparel designer and educator from the UK.
She sells knitting patterns for her designs in her online shop and teaches courses on knitwear design, creative pattern cutting, and garment construction.
Her garment patterns feature her signature blend of dart manipulation, surface design, and fully-fashioned shaping, because she believes that all knitters should be able to customise patterns to look and feel beautiful regardless of their shape or size.
When not designing or making clothes, Natalie can usually be found in her beloved garden or traipsing around south London parks with a battered DSLR camera.
Shaina Bilow
Knitwear Designer and Knitting Teacher Ā· Shaina Bilow Designs
On the Edge: Picking Up Stitches With Confidence
Shaina Bilow inspires joyful knitting through engaging workshops and thoughtful designs. In her workshops, youāll find a patient and encouraging instructor who loves seeing the ālightbulb momentsā as students start understanding tricky techniques and learning new concepts that they can apply to their knitting projects.
For over 20 years, Shaina has had extensive experience in the knitting industry as a teacher, yarn shop employee, yarn shop owner, professional knitwear finisher, knitwear designer, small-batch yarn dyer, and more! Shaina has worked with thousands of knitters and brings an expert understanding of the craft to her workshops, helping students advance their skills while having a great time.
For Shainaās latest designs, tutorial videos, small-batch hand-dyed yarn, or next travel knitting spot, visit: www.ShainaBilow.com
Sƶnna Schuttner
Knitwear Designer and Writer Ā· Wool & Wyrd
Continental Shift: The Benefits of Knitting With Our "Other" Hand
Sƶnna is the designer, instructor, and writer behind Wool & Wyrd.
Through her fiber practice, she creates knitting patterns that honor Natureās cycles and span from simple, grounding projects to more complex pieces that invite focus.
She offers theory-infused classes and presentations that explore the mechanics of stitches and how their relationships shape fabric.
She also writes blog posts with tutorials, reflections on craft, and creative encouragement.
Sƶnna moderates the Tangled Makers Discord and Facebook communities, where fiber artists of all kinds gather to support and inspire one another while creating together.
Her work is rooted in the belief that knitting can be more than a hobby, it can be a grounding practice and reaffirm the maker's belonging to Earth and to each other.
Wool & Wyrdās mission is to empower makers to knit with confidence and intention, shaping not just stitches but lasting connections to Land, Craft, and community.