My first goal was to become a cast member of Knit and Crochet Now! which is a TV show that airs on PBS and Create TV.
Knit and Crochet Now! Season 13 Now Available Worldwide!
Okay, actually it was my husband who pushed for me to be an instructor on this TV show. It kind of terrified me thinking about being on TV, but he was determined to get me on Knit and Crochet Now!
He started emailing Annie’s pretending to be me asking if there was an opening on the show so that I could be an instructor.
He asked for years.
At the end of 2021, I got the email saying I got accepted, and I can still remember exactly where I was standing, what I was doing, and my shaking hands as I frantically called my husband to scream/tell him.
September 2022 Season 13 began airing on PBS and other local channels. I was in 6 episodes, and the first episode I was in was episode 2 called “Stylish Shawls”.
We filmed for a total of 2 days, and it was a whirlwind, but so much fun!
I really enjoyed myself. Teaching crochet and knit is a love of mine, so it was a fun to work with such nice, kind people.
After getting on PBS, I was determined to continue working towards my second goal.
I began teaching a teenager how to knit, which really pushed me outside of my comfort zone, but was probably the quickest way for me to gain confidence.
I began reading knitting books, and dedicating Sundays to non-work days and only fun knitting project days.
Here is one of the knit sweaters I worked on to grow my abilities.
I also made socks, cardigans, hats, pillows, and the most important skill for a knitter, collecting hand-dyed yarns.
In September I went to the Maker’s Retreat, which is basically a big sleepover for knitters and crocheters. Workshops, dying yarn, a gift exchange, and lots of chatting.
Being around such inspiring people gave me the courage to ask after many years of being rejected in hopes I could reach my second goal.
In October of 2023, I got the acceptance email that I got accepted to design a knit kit for Lion Brand Yarn!
It was such a pleasure to design a kit with Lion Brand Yarn.
Lion Brand is my favorite yarn company, and I have used their yarn for years.
It was a pleasure to try their new-to-me yarn called Basic Stitch Anti-Microbial.
Basic Stitch Anti-Microbial takes a classic yarn and adds a fun twist.
The yarn is made from 65% recycled polyester and 35% amicor acrylic.
Amicor is an anti-microbial fiber, which provides protection against odor, allergens, and bacteria.
And it is GRS certified due to the huge amount of recycled product.
I got to design a knit blanket with Basic Stitch Anti-Microbial yarn, and the colors are so dreamy.
I used “Sprice” and “Vintage”, and I feel like these two colors were meant to be made into a blanket together.
My kit will release tomorrow Thursday, February 1, and I can’t wait to see it uploaded on Lion Brand’s website!
Thanks to everyone for their support over the years. I love knitting and crocheting, and going along the journey with y’all has been such a fun time!
*Pinch me!*
ABOUT THE DESIGNER
Cozy Nooks Designs
Rachel Alford from Cozy Nooks Designs was on the PBS TV show Knit and Crochet Now! season 13. She also designs for Lion Brand Yarn, has been in several crochet/knit magazines, and freelances by filming videos for Annie’s online episodes. Be sure to check out her YouTube Channel for tips, tricks, & tutorials!
