Malojos

It's going to be another beautiful day at Maryland Sheep and Wool!

It was wonderful to see so many folks stop by to see us at the booth in the Main Exhibition Hall. We're booth C13, right under the American flag hanging from the ceiling.

I treated myself yesterday to a lovely bud vase from and I love the way it brings a pop of color and Spring to my table.

Greetings from Maryland Sheep and Wool! Cooperative Press and Malojos Jewelry are in the Main Exhibition Hall, booth C13, right under the American flag.

It's a beautiful day, perfect for wearing your handmade woolies and buying functional jewelry, books, and t-shirts!

I am packing up for Maryland Sheep and Wool! Will be in the booth in MAIN C13!

I just finished a batch of This Machine Kills Fascists necklaces, and have plenty of knitting needle gauge rings and more!

See you there!

Today I bring you a look at what I am working on for Maryland Sheep and Wool, where you can find me and the "This Machine Kills Fascists" necklaces in the booth, along with just a few pictures from

Thank you to everyone who came to YarnCon, and who came by our booth, where my most excellent booth babe, Lauren ("fake-Natalia"), was covering for me while I ran the show with Laura and Sara. I am so lucky to get to work with these amazing people!

1. Today's view of the bench-pin
2. Lauren and me at my booth which I totally neglected to photograph
3. A screenshot of Sara, myself, and Laura- co-organizers of YarnCon, from the article in the Chicago Sun-Times and public radio station WBEZ!!! https://chicago.suntimes.com/arts-and-culture/2026/04/11/knitting-and-crocheting-devotees-swarm-yarncon-for-threads-and-thrills-its-all-about-community
4. I am hovering over the ballroom from the balcony, just thrilled to see so many happy people at YarnCon!
5. Myself and Sara, taking selfies and making YarnCon since 2007!

Malojos and Cooperative Press are ready and super excited for day two of YarnCon !!

We'll be waiting for you in booth 24 (I mistyped yesterday, sorry!)

I am positively giddy over the coverage in the Sun-Times and WBEZ! If you read to the end of the excellent article by Erica Thompson you will see a picture of yours truly with Sara Ware and Laura Staley.

Knitting and crocheting devotees swarm YarnCon for threads and thrills: 'It's all about community' The fair returned to Chicago this weekend to support independent fiber producers and hobbyists who praise the social and mental health benefits of knitting and crocheting. The event continues on Sunday at Plumbers Hall.

Tomorrow is !!!!

Malojos and , booth buddies extraordinare are looking forward to seeing you tomorrow and Sunday in booth 26. The fabulous Lauren (pictured) will be ready to help you find the piece that's just right for you.

I will be running around with Sara and Laura, keeping YarnCon running smoothly, but I'll be around, and happy to stop by if you have any questions, or just want to say hi.

Happy YarnCon everyone!

Today's view from the bench-pin as I scramble to get jewelry ready for while also working on preparing for YarnCon!

What?

Yup! I vend at YarnCon, and am one of the organizers.

YarnCon is this weekend, April 11-12, here in Chicago! Admission is free, and the doors open at 10am both days.

Today's view from the bench-pin is of gauge plate bracelets, one for an order and the rest so I have all of the sizes ready for which is just over a week away! Eep!

The second picture is from the other side of the bench-pin. Hi!

Welcome back to the view from the bench-pin, where I share a snapshot of the work on my jeweler's bench and bench-pin (where the action takes place.)

I apologize that I haven't been sharing much lately, but it turns out that our current dystopian reality and sharing pictures on social media has been a hard balancing act for me.

I've actually taken a week and a half off from social media, while still keeping up with the news. I finally hopped on FB, etc., yesterday while waiting in line after line to speak to my kiddo's teachers at a parent-teacher conference. I really wish I had brought a book. It was demoralizing, and repetitive.

I am going to try to find a balance. I want to share what I am doing with all of you, which right now is preparing for on April 11-12, here in Chicago. After that I will be at Maryland Sheep and Wool. I am also working on a new collection I am hoping to debut this Fall, and am really excited about it!

And that's the weirdness. I am excited about the work I am doing, but then I get on any one of these platforms, and in 5 minutes I feel that weight on my chest. I think a lot of us are feeling that way right now- that feeling that it isn't okay to carry on like it's business as usual. It isn't, and believe me, I know it. I know it when I have to pay so much more for precious metals, and my tools, and everything else. I know it when I read the news, or talk to my parents about needing to carry "their papers" in case they get stopped on the street. I knew it when I breathed a sigh of relief that I was able to renew my passport, even with my married name.

But, I need to do my job. I need to make things because I find release in the process. And, let's face it, it is also my job, my source of income. So, I will try to find that balance.

I am back in my big city after a fantastic week in NYC for Vogue Knitting Live. I am going to the Jeweler's Center (you can see the sign on the building across the street, just to the left of my hat) to work on some orders with my caster.

I worked in that building for 4 years for a casting house. Now I work mostly out of my small studio, but I still have my castings made there (my studio is way too small for casting, alas).