the daily practice hand-bound journal December 14 2024

a year (or more) contained in a very thick, 366 page journal.

i start each day with a few moments of reflection in my journal. this daily engagement has helped me subdue my tendency towards overwhelm and sets my day just right. i have discovered that it doesn’t really matter what i put to paper, it is more a matter of maintaining the ritual. i made myself a daily practice journal (thickest book i have made) and i keep it tucked inside a drawstring linen bag with my favorite pencil. i fill up a small bit of each page, and i intend to come back to the same page year after year to write or draw more. i can look back and ahead at the same time. 



if you are prolific, you can fill up a page each day. i have tiny handwriting and love the idea of making this a multi-year journal. i have been writing a quote of the day, defining new words, making daily drawings, copying my favorite lines from books, writing down the most outrageous thing that happened, recording my reflections on the news of the bigger world, making lists... my ideas of how to use this book shift in unforeseen ways so my book is a wandering assortment of thoughts, drawings, and plans.



i know many people like to begin a journal on the first day of a new year, but you can make the start date any time. i started mine on the day my cat jeff died. i felt stopped in my tracks and reflective that day (and i am not one that stops, i seem to always have a forward momentum). i love my daily practice journal so much that i made a small collection for my shop. 

writing this newsletter brought back memories of my old cat, jeff. i have projects for animal lovers in my collection of over 50 free sewing tutorials. a best pet award, angel kitty ornament, or finger puppet would be a sweet stocking stuffer. the rat for a naughty cat was jeff’s favorite toy. happy stitching!



PS: myra thought it was a good idea to oversee the photo shoot for the little house free sewing tutorial. so helpful, as always.

making time to slow down during the sprint December 07 2024

the holiday surge fills me up and creatively fuels me in an inexplicable way. my studio is absolute chaos, the to-do list is daunting, sleep is elusive, and yet i thrive on it ALL. i find that when i have countless orders to fill and projects to complete, i want to pause everything and create something new. luckily i now know this about myself, and understand that my high productivity needs to be balanced with untethered creativity. i can give myself permission to carve out a bit of time to explore a new idea (even though it feels crazy). during this holiday bustle, i decided to make an extra special plant-dyed treasure crate for the stitcher.



this holiday treasure crate is wrapped in a 15 x 32” piece of marigold dyed organic cotton cheesecloth and is tied with tea-dyed silk ribbon, a strand of madrona berries (my favorite special thing), and a bell. in addition to the fabric inside, i have tucked in an indigo thread wrapped charm hanging from a strand of gold cordage (this can be worn as a necklace or hung as a decoration). you will also find a one-of-a-kind plant-dyed wool felt “crazy quilt” pin cushion. it is filled with crushed walnut hulls (to keep your needles sharp) and has leather lining the base of the interior (to keep pins and needles from poking through the back).

my goal was to make the perfectly packaged special gift for a stitcher in your life (which of course might be you). i hope it inspires creativity and cozy stitching projects.



i have also been happily stitching up little house decorations, simply because i love them. they are the perfect way to use my precious plant-dyed wool felt trimmings. each one hangs from a long strand of crocheted mohair silk yarn, comes packaged on a little blank card (perfect for writing a gift note), and comes tucked inside a plant-dyed muslin bag.
50% from the sale of the little houses will be donated to habitat for humanity.

the new DIY sparkle star ornament kit also uses my plant-dyed wool felt. each kit is a different color (you choose a color family knowing that there is variation). it includes materials, a detailed instruction booklet, and template for making one star that is embroidered on both sides with gold thread, stitched with plant-dyed thread, stuffed with buckwheat hulls, and hangs from a tea dyed hand-torn silk ribbon. if you prefer to purchase a made sparkle star, i have also put a very small collection (only one of each color) in my shop.



and last... all of my holiday stitching means i have a bounty of scraps! my last batch of plant-dyed wool felt trimmings sold out quickly. a 5.5 x 7” plant-dyed muslin bag is overflowing with wool felt that was dyed in my home dye studio with plants and flowers from my dye garden. this homegrown color palette can be used to add pops of color to embroidery projects, stitching your own crazy quilt pin cushions, or making your own little house ornaments. for more inspiration, take a peek at my collection of over 50 free sewing tutorials.



whether you are looking to stitch up holiday decor or make a handmade gift, you will find lots of ideas in my collection of free sewing tutorials. they also can be printed out and gifted to your favorite stitcher along with an assortment of felt and fabric.
 happy stitching!


PS: myra is a constant lap-warmer this time of year which does not help my productivity.

the accordion fold book: a place to hold memories November 23 2024

staying present, paying attention, and tending to memories feels elusive to me in this digital age. 

i crave small, tangible ways to remember. i made this accordion fold book and it is the perfect little container to satisfy me. fill it with photos, sketches, watercolor paintings, a story, or mementos. the outcome is an inviting compilation of memories tied up with a bow. i turned this project into a DIY kit so you can also make one. it is the perfect gift to assemble for someone, for yourself, to put out on display, and to give to a crafty person so they can make their own.

when i made the commitment to start printing my photographs, i started a new hobby that requires a level of engagement that i think we collectively miss. the joy of spending the time compiling and sorting and touching and crafting will invite you to revisit the memories. the result is something that you will want to look at and share with others over and over again. 

as i dove deeper into this project, i began to consider how else we collect, hold, and save our memories outside of photographs and words. i like to think about this before i go traveling, and i am trying to be more mindful at home. i like the kind of paying attention required to stay present and create a tangible memory. during a camping trip this summer after our small backyard wedding ceremony (married after 20 years!), i filled a small flower press that my husband made with alpine wildflowers. making an accordion book, embroidering the cover with a bouquet, and filling the pages with dried flowers is a perfect keepsake from our special trip.

once you learn the method, the possibilities are endless. you can make modifications based on the paper you have access to and/or the book size you plan to make. it is easy to add more pages for a thicker book or use larger paper for a bigger book. i love to make tiny books out of a single sheet of 8.5 x 11” cardstock. i am currently making one filled with tiny stitchings.

i have holiday gifting on my mind and i imagine you do, too. you can find lots of ideas and inspiration for handmade gifts in my collection of over 50 free sewing tutorials. happy stitching!

finding solace in creativity, nature, and community November 16 2024

i have harvested all the flowers and put my dye garden to bed for the season.

the last batch of treasure boxes sold out in a few hours. i had not intended to make more as this is the busiest of holiday seasons, but i could not resist. once i started playing with different color palettes, i got lost in the process. there are four choices this time...

each box top is covered in wool gauze with a small hand stitched flower in the corner. a 28” strand of plant-dyed silk cordage adorned with flowers at each end wraps around the treasure box. this can be worn as a necklace or bracelet, or hung as decoration. 



this treasure box lends itself to small, patchwork projects and meaningful decorations like ornaments and amulets. you can look at my collection of over 50 free sewing tutorials for inspiration. happy stitching!



PS: it is not easy to get work done with myra always trying to squeeze in my lap.

a traveling sewing kit: bundled up and ready to go November 09 2024

i am more likely to pick up a project and stitch in my free time when everything i need is collected in one place. 

this traveling sewing kit is the perfect little package. it is filled with my essential tools (pins and needles, threads, scissors, and a seam ripper) and i can tuck a small stitching project inside. it lends itself to a quick mending project as well as methodical, detailed stitch work. this kit is so satisfying to hold, it just feels like the definition of a bundle (which is one of my favorite words).



i made a small batch of traveling sewing kits for my shop. they are machine stitched out of plant-dyed organic cotton/hemp fabric and are available in five colors: charcoal, green, red, terracotta, and walnut. i stitched “bursts” on the outside and inner pocket and filled it with my favorite notions.



the stitch the design DIY kits tuck perfectly into the traveling sewing kit. these little pieces of art are inspired by weavings, paintings, prints, and quilts...recreated with stitch marks. these tiny, densely stitched pieces are an ode to some of my favorite handwork. the original works live in my favorite art books; the pages have been marked as inspiration for years. i look to them because the patterns, movement, and colors are unusual and appealing. each little stitching is intended to adorn your wall or be worn as a necklace. it can be finished as a pocket or a square.



original design inspiration: early 20th century kantha stitchwork • 1940s folk art quilts • the paintings of georgia o’keefe • the weavings of sheila hicks • the paintings of paul klee • traditional star quilts

both the traveling sewing kit and the stitch the design DIY kits are sweet stocking stuffer ideas and perfect little gifts to yourself as we cozy up inside or adventure away from home. regardless of where your stitching takes you, i hope it brings you a sense of peace and a moment of solace.



whether you are stitching tabletop decor for the upcoming holidays or you need a tiny friend to bring a little joy, my collection of over 50 free sewing tutorials has you covered. happy stitching!



PS: myra continues to be oh so helpful in the studio.

fall plant-dyed treasure box for the stitcher 🌻 October 19 2024

for years i have been gathering information about natural dyes.

it could be that i felt too distracted by other projects to engage with the process fully. or maybe i was afraid that things wouldn’t turn out how i wanted and it would not be time well spent. would i remember what i had learned and be able to put the knowledge into actual practice? or would i end up with a stack of failed experiments? sometimes it just feels hard to dive in.

introducing the new imperfect patch kit... October 05 2024

creating the NEW imperfect patchwork & little stitchings kit, along with all of the add-ons, has been a long and thoughtful process.

the new version of the kit reflects the changes i have made to my personal stitching pocket. i have been refining, testing, considering, and modifying the kit for years. it took a lot of research, trial and error, and time to finalize all of the notions and materials inside the kit: the physical objects, the instructions, and the visual inspiration. i find integrating so many pieces together while paring down to just the important items to be challenging and essential. this kit is now complete, and i feel quite accomplished to have it ready to share with you at this moment as we say goodbye to summer and welcome fall – the perfect time to stitch. find the new kit HERE. 




the pouch is machine-stitched out of plant-dyed organic cotton/hemp and is lined in indian block-printed cotton with a stitched cotton twill wrap closure. it has an internal divider so you can keep your fabric and thread separate from your notions and tools. the kit measures 8 x 6” with 1.5" gusset and a 30” closure. 



MENDING ESSENTIALS:
• tape measure covered in plant-dyed wool felt (felt color corresponds to pouch)
• my favorite small scissors with plant-dyed wool felt tip cover (felt color corresponds to pouch)
• seam ripper
• imperfect patchwork & little stitchings booklet:  a 28-page booklet filled with patching instructions and full-color stitching inspiration
THREAD: (2 yards of each color)
• 4 colors of sashiko thread (3 plant-dyed colors and 1 natural/undyed): perfect for any embroidery.
• 5 colors of mohair/silk yarn from The Lamb & Kid: works well on any fabric, especially woolens, to add bursts of color.
• 7 colors of cotton embroidery floss: the 6 strands of embroidery floss can be separated to the desired thread thickness.
PLANT DYED FABRIC BUNDLES:
5 colors of plant-dyed 5 ounce hemp linen: green, terracotta, charcoal, lavender/brown, and ochre
5 colors of plant-dyed 9 ounce organic cotton/hemp muslin: green, terracotta, charcoal, lavender/brown, and ochre
5 colors of plant-dyed wool felt: assorted colors dyed in my home dye studio with home grown flowers

HANDMADE PLANT DYED ORGANIC COTTON/HEMP & FELT NEEDLE BOOK:(needle book is made out of the same plant-dyed fabric as the pouch)
• 3 sewing needles: 7 sharp for 1-2 ply embroidery floss, 3 sharp for sashiko thread and 3-6 ply of embroidery floss, 22 chenille needle for mohair/silk yarn
• (5) 1.5” glass headed straight pins
• (5) 1” straight pins
• 4 collarless safety pins

i have also created a collection of add-ons, extras that i keep in my personal kit. 

• the ephemera bundle includes special plant-dyed fabrics (cotton gauze, wool crepe, and velvet), printed tea-dyed patches, antique lace, vintage beads, and antique sequins. 
• i stuffed a little foraging bucket with plant-dyed wool felt scraps. this homegrown color palette can be used to add pops of color to embroidery projects, stitching tiny quilts, and making patches. 
• the raw edge linen pocket notebook is the perfect size to tuck into the kit, a place for sketches, doodles, notes, inspiration and dreams.
• the extra tools include a glue stick (for tacking down patches while stitching), hemostat forceps (for pulling a needle through thick fabric like canvas or denim) and my favorite thimble. these come packaged in a plant-dyed muslin bag (colors vary).

• • • • • • • •  • • • • • • • •  • • • • • • • •  • • • • • • • • 

there is a chill in the air! find these fall-inspired stitching projects in my collection of over 50 free sewing tutorials.  happy stitching!

PS: after a few weeks of travel, this is exactly where i want to be. in my garden picking dye flowers and snuggling myra, who actually seems to enjoy being in this front pack.

the rainbow of colors from my dye garden August 17 2024

each morning begins with collecting the flowers. i bring the harvest to my dye studio where i lay the day’s collection out to dry, and i start my dye pot for the day. this routine unfolds into a journey of unknown color mixing, over-dyeing, and careful observation. sometimes the result is a vibrant color surprise, often the outcome is a shade of yellow, and every single time i learn something new. i get lost in sorting my rainbow, making sure each piece is tagged with it’s unique recipe, and thinking about ways to use up the fabric bounty. i am taken over by this rhythm and suddenly i notice the sun is setting. at night i look to my natural dye books* and plan for tomorrow’s dye pots.

*see the end of the newsletter for the books and resources that i refer to for inspiration.



the first thing i made with the bounty was this needle book with an essential pocket. i always have a needle book or pin cushion close by, but i wanted something that i could tuck small snips and thread in to. i added a pocket for a perfect little book that fits in my pocket. i keep one in my knitting bag as well, the little pocket is just the right size for stitch markers and my needle tips. i loved this project so much that i turned it into a free sewing tutorial and added a small collection of plant-dyed fabric bundles to my shop so you can make your own. 



and what to do with all the plant-dyed trimmings? i am obsessed with finding a use for my remnants, and these little scraps feel extra precious. i began piecing together a crazy mini scrap quilt, working each piece within a color family. it is a perfect wind-down project for me. do you need something meditative as the season begins to shift? i’ll be posting a giveaway soon on instagram for a full rainbow of my plant-dyed wool felt scraps.



find the needle book with pocket along with my other favorite ‘traveling studio essentials’ in my collection of over 50 free sewing tutorials.  happy stitching!



PS: myra loves plant-dyed wool felt scraps too.

NATURAL DYE RESOURCES: Wild Color by Jenny Dean, Natural Palettes by Sasha Duerr, Quilt Alchemy by Sara Larson Buscaglia, and The Modern Natural Dyer by Kristine Vejar

 Botanical Colors is a wealth of information, both their website and workshops.

out and about: market totes & foraging buckets July 20 2024

the last few weeks, the weather where I live in the pacific northwest has been pure magic.

recently while sitting in the sun in my field, i stitched botanical designs on a small collection of market tote bags. it was a perfect day and i love how the bags turned out.



the market totes feature a hand stitched botanical design that carries around from the front to the back and are machine stitched with plant-dyed organic cotton/hemp. the bags are pre-washed and lined with indian block printed cotton. they are perfect for the farmer’s market, a craft project, or a wandering summer afternoon with a book, a journal, and a water bottle. small batch, there is only one available in each design.



i’ve also added a new batch of foraging buckets to the shop. these have become a staple in my home and studio. they are attached to my hip year round as i cannot resist collecting all of the goodness i find on my morning walks through the woods and in my garden. i also use them to hold sewing and knitting projects and to organize craft supplies. in the garden i use them for collecting dye flowers, beans and peas, berries, and seed pods.



i’ve had flowers and pollinators on my mind and in my stitching lately. you can find inspiration for both, and much more, in my collection of over 50 free sewing tutorials. happy stitching!

PS: myra also loves the foraging buckets (this one is filled with my favorite mohair silk yarn from the lamb and kid). if only she could fit inside one...

a new favorite tool in my traveling studio: the pin cushion bracelet June 29 2024

i when i am on the road, i pack my traveling studio with only the essentials. i love the challenge of curating the perfect collection of tools and materials for the stack of projects that come with me.

when i’m not exploring the landscape, i am in my travel chair or on a blanket in the sun stitching, sketching, or taking notes and recording observations in my journal.



i am regularly losing needles and pins in my lap and all around me, or i stick them in my clothes and forget that i did that only to get poked by them later. ever since we got a puppy (who is now a 3 year old dog) i have tried to be extra mindful of making sure to end my stitching with the same number of pins and needles that I started with. then i made myself a pin cushion bracelet and now i wonder why it took me so long. whether I am traveling, out in the field  or sitting in a favorite spot in my house, this pin cushion bracelet is just what I needed. 



i made small batch of pin cushion bracelets for my shop (there is only one available in each design). they are stitched out of plant-dyed wool felt (dyed by me in my home dye studio). each pin cushion is very densely stuffed with crushed walnut hulls to keep your needles sharp. there is a layer of leather lining the back side (tucked under the felt) so you don’t poke your wrist. i also made this available as a free sewing tutorial if you’d like to stitch your own. 



two other essential pieces of my traveling studio are my plant-dyed simple hemp handbound journal and my plant-dyed botanical tape measure. the tape measures are back in stock, they sold out so fast last time!



you can build your own traveling studio... my collection of over 50 free sewing tutorials has projects to keep you organized and inspired this summer. happy stitching!

as always, thank you for supporting small makers and shopping handmade. i feel so lucky to be able to do this work.

warmly,
alison kaplan
founder/owner/maker
kata golda handmade


PS: thank you for all your love about the loss of jeff. myra continues to live her best life, happily squeezing in to all of the boxes and baskets without any competition. and while he is no longer this adorable puppy, hunker had grown up to be a big handsome boy who won’t get poked by pins and needles.

an ode to jeff the cat June 26 2024

delighting in the abundance of spring May 03 2024

ideas morph and expand, inviting exploration May 03 2024

brightening my days with color March 02 2024

 as of late, i wake each morning with great anticipation of embracing a new, brighter season…

tiny notes for staying connected... February 17 2024

for the love of stitching... February 03 2024

i used to follow a trade-show calendar, do product launches, and stitch a (crazy) amount of items to order. now i allow myself to follow my curiosity, delve into the ideas i have sketched in my journal, and make things that i want to have (or gift) while making a few extras for my shop. i give myself the time to pursue new passions (a dye garden and dye studio!), and let the outcomes of that exploration inform my designs. this has been a deeply satisfying change for me.



recently i was on the quest for a new tape measure design - i wanted something a little more substantial, dense, and tightly stitched. a stack of fresh-leaf indigo dyed wool felt and a journal page filled with new botanical sketches led me to my perfect tape measure. i made a few more for my shop, which then inspired me to make an assortment of needle books, a colorful collection of plant-dyed tiny botanical pin cushions, and coordinating scissor slips. i love how they turned out.



here is a collection of one-of-a-kind heavily stitched hearts for valentine’s day. these are absolutely my favorite thing to make for the people i love. i get lost in the process of stitching...each heart is a little treasure, with a detailed design on the front and the back sides. you will find cats, dogs, birds, botanicals, houses, and a few other designs from the pages of my sketchbook. 



the newest free sewing tutorial is a loving bear pin. this sweet and simple pin can be tucked into a love note, attached to a backpack, or pinned on to a coat. you will find many other projects for sending love (including the gift i gave jeff & myra: rat for a naughty cat) in the collection of over 45 free sewing tutorials on my site. happy stitching!

PS: jeff & myra are always underfoot. i think they love each other?
it’s hard to tell sometimes.

finding sunshine in a dye pot January 20 2024

reflections and a fresh page... January 06 2024

at the beginning of the year, i revisit the pages of my journals…
they tell of the past while informing my future path. i review the lists of completed and uncompleted tasks. as i flip through the pages, i can see trends in my ideas… the ones that kept appearing again and again and the ones that were forgotten. some fell through the cracks and get put on a new list, many were intentionally left behind. it is hard to describe how important these pages are to me. they ground me, remind me, and help me reacquaint with myself.

beginning the year with reflection on the past is a practice in letting go. it clears space in my messy head and allows me to start anew on the next fresh page. i choose what to carry forward into the new year, knowing that if i need a reminder of past inspiration, it is held safely in the pages of my old books. this year, i tidily wrapped up 2023 at the end of a book, so my first thoughts of the new year are in a brand new book. a true new beginning.

when i made myself my new handbound journal,
i made a handful of extras for my shop.
i only make these a few times a year and they sell out quickly.

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it is hard to bid farewell to things i love, but i am also excited about the new designs that have been repeated on the pages of my journals for quite some time. if you have had your eye on these scissor slips, pin cushions, tape measures, and zipper notions pouches- now is the last chance. 

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i hope you find some inspiration in my collection of over 40 free sewing tutorials - there are many projects that are perfect for winter crafting (the theme above is sketching, list making, tea drinking, and intention setting).  happy stitching!

as always, thank you for supporting small makers and shopping handmade. i feel so lucky to be able to do this work.

warmly,
alison kaplan
founder/owner/maker
kata golda handmade

PS: myra misses the boxes that were scattered around my studio during the holiday shipping frenzy. this tiny one will have to do for now.

 

12/11 is the last day for holiday orders! December 09 2023

my hands are stitching non-stop and my heart is full.

thank you so much for your incredible support this holiday season.



if you have been considering a handmade gift from kata golda, now is the time to shop. december 11 is the last day i can accept orders to feel confident packages will arrive by december 25.

need some ideas? find the handmade holiday gift guide on my site.

…free sewing tutorials…

if you plan to stitch your own holiday gifts, i hope you find some inspiration in my collection of free sewing tutorials. you will find ideas for gifts, holiday and tabletop decor, and thoughtful packaging. if you need any plant-dyed fabrics, wool felt, and plant-dyed sashiko thread or silk ribbon you can find these supplies in my shop.
happy stitching!

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as always, thank you for supporting small makers and shopping handmade. i feel so lucky to be able to do this work.

warmly,
alison kaplan
founder/owner/maker
kata golda handmade


PS: myra is ready for things to slow down.
she would prefer not to get kicked off my lap. 

a handmade holiday gift guide December 02 2023

a small collection of tiny treasures November 25 2023

i am tucked away in my studio, buried in my threads and fabrics, making little treasures for the holidays. my hands are busy stitching woolen amulet bags, heavily stitched hearts, and wool felt flower pins as gifts for my dearest friends and family, and i made a small collection of these tiny treasures for my shop. they feel meaningful, intimate, and a little bit precious. i find so much delight in the process from start to finish - sketching ideas, selecting color palettes, and slow stitching the designs.



this is a perfect weekend to stay cozy and stitch up handmade gifts for those you love. i encourage you to dig into your stash of remnants and make your own tiny treasures. you can also find plant-dyed fabrics, wool felt, and plant-dyed sashiko thread and silk ribbon in my shop if you need materials to launch your handmade holiday projects.



need some ideas to get started? i have a collection of over 40 free tutorials on my website, i hope you find some inspiration in these projects. happy stitching!

as always, thank you for supporting small makers and shopping handmade. i feel so lucky to be able to do this work.

warmly,
alison kaplan
founder/owner/maker
kata golda handmade


PS.. myra the studio assistant is NOT helpful. she also loves the cute little balls of mohair/silk yarn that are all over the studio these days.

from seed to studio: a homegrown & home-dyed treasure box November 20 2023

this little treasure box is a glimpse into my creative world.

it is a compilation of things that bring me joy: dirty hands from time in the garden or at the dye pot, my love of cozy wool, my curiosity about color and delight with texture, and the deep satisfaction i feel when everything is gathered into one tidy collection. i made a very limited quantity of these treasure boxes. they are the perfect present for your favorite stitcher or a lovely gift for yourself.



i love the challenge of using new colors, creating new color combinations, and using an unexpected color to highlight or shift the color balance. colors are like seasoning, used to change the flavor and surprise the palette. i dyed three weights of wool (gauze, crepe, and felt), the subtle shade difference between the fabrics is so beautiful. i have paired the plant-dyed wool with a bright assortment of mohair/silk yarn, i love the aura this yarn creates when it is used for embroidery projects.



this treasure box lends itself to small, patchwork projects or meaningful decorations like ornaments and amulets. i have gathered some ideas from my collection of free sewing tutorials. i hope you can feel the love and care that is bundled up in every box.

as always, thank you for supporting small makers and shopping handmade. i feel so lucky to be able to do this work.

warmly,
alison kaplan
founder/owner/maker
kata golda handmade

shades of blue November 04 2023

i find that when i feel overwhelmed with grief and sadness about the state of the world, my stitching focus turns inward to small, intimate, meaningful projects.
i sew little treasures for people i love, i’m pulled to work with fabrics dyed with plants grown in my garden...shrinking my focus to a tiny part of the world that i can control. (while also supporting organizations who are truly helping people in crisis). blue amulets have been my favorite thing to stitch lately. originally featured in taproot magazine issue 57:BLUE, this project first stemmed from a towering pile of indigo-dyed linen that sits on the table next to my writing desk. the subtle shades of blues and greens are mesmerizing to me, a whole spectrum of sky and sea tones pulled from the leaves of one humble plant.



i have been making these for friends and for this enchanting shop in port townsend, and have now made a small collection for my website. they are a treasure to wear or to display as a decoration... hang one from a wall, from your rear-view mirror, over your bed, in a shrine. they make a very special gift and are truly handmade with love.

want to stitch your own? you can also find the DIY kit here.



i have also made a small collection combining my two latest obsessions: wool felt hand dyed with plants from my garden and stitching with mohair yarn. you can find a small batch of thick wool felt coasters and trivets in time for holiday entertaining and an assortment of hanging bud vases on my website (i received many requests for these after posting the tutorial). both are also available as free sewing tutorials. 



if you have plans for holiday crafting and homemade gift giving, don’t forget that i have over 40 free sewing tutorials on my website. the newest project, thick wool felt coasters and trivets, are quick to sew and make a lovely gift. you will find plenty of crafting inspiration for the cool, dark days ahead.

warmly,
alison kaplan
founder/owner/maker
kata golda handmade

the kata golda studio is open again! October 14 2023

my website and etsy are now open after a much needed break. i spent the past few months prioritizing my health after a scare and giving my body what it needed to recover. then i fully immersed myself in a summer of creativity in the dye garden, in my studio, and out in nature. i am now re-focused, energized, and feeling more inspired than ever. a small snapshot of my summer is below... the gorgeous palettes and stunning views are infusing my work.

what’s new? you will find new DIY kits inspired by my time on the road, where projects that fit in my pocket and could be easily worked on in my lap were the favorite: the DIY stitch the design kit,the DIY blue amulet kit, and the DIY floral uterus pin kit. i made limited quantities of my essential extra large handbound journal, the letter writing pocket with a bundle of essentials inside, and my foraging buckets. i also re-designed my bracelets and changed up the designs on the botanical coasters. it is a small new collection reflecting the colors i have seen in new landscapes, the flowers i have nurtured, and the love i have felt over the last 10 months.

2022 handmade holiday gift guide November 18 2022

note: the last day for guaranteed delivery by the holidays is
saturday, december 10

thank you for shopping handmade! i am working hard to fulfill orders. if you place an order after 12/10 i will work hard to ship it quickly, but i can not promise that it will arrive in time for holiday gifting.

why did i make this this holiday gift guide so early?
making things by hand takes time and the kata golda studio is smaller (yet busier) than ever.
i want to make sure that everyone receives their gifts on time.
the last day for holiday orders is december 10, 2022.

scissor slip • tiny sewing kit • pocket pal • little felt journal

bracelet • necklace • earrings

stitch the scene kit • sea star ornament kit • block printed stitching kit • plant-dyed linen amulet bag kit

 stuffed companion DIY kit • snowy owl family DIY kit • pin tin DIY kit • pocket pal DIY kit

imperfect patch & little stitchings kit • plant-dyed fabric • plant-dyed sashiko thread • DIY bookbinding kit

photo album • letterpress printed & hand-stitched card •  watercolor card • slim handbound journal

pocket purse • stitched handbound journal • notions pouch •  DIY pocket purse kit

DIY crown kit • decorative silk ribbon • botanical stitched coaster • plant-dyed silk ribbon

stocking • DIY polar bear family • DIY animal face pin • DIY little deer garland

a stitched keepsake October 22 2022

i just returned from a fiber tour in the UK with my mom.
it was a dream to be in this beautiful place together, surrounded by endless rolling hills, winding roads, wandering stone walls, and SO MANY SHEEP. while i am a huge fan of putting real photos in keepsake photo albums, i also love to make tiny densely stitched pieces as a travel memento. incorporating my favorite qualities from a landscape and capturing the essence of how it made me feel takes time. i pour through photos from my phone and sketches from my journal. i make piles of thread until the palette is just right. then, i begin the slow work of stitching. the finished piece feels intimate and special. it is a sweet snapshot of a truly wonderful adventure.

i recently wrote about this process for taproot magazine — ‘stitching the scene: a project that fits in your pocket to be worked on wherever you might find yourself.’ it can be found in issue 52::SAVOR. the article includes steps for creating your tiny drawing, tips for selecting thread colors, and instructions for assembling the stitched piece into a pocket or square that can be worn as a necklace or hung on a wall. it is always such an honor to be featured in the pages of this lovely publication.

do you feel inspired to stitch the scene?
grab a copy of the magazine for some ideas, or you can find desert, forest, and seaside stitch the scene DIY kits on my website. each kit includes detailed instructions with color photos, a piece of organic cotton/hemp stamped with the design template, a plant-dyed piece of organic cotton/hemp for the back side, cotton embroidery floss, alpaca/cotton yarn, and a sewing needle.

more free sewing inspiration can be found on my website
find halloween projects and so much more… over 40 tutorials to choose from. is it time to start stitching holiday gifts?

as always, thank you for supporting small makers and shopping handmade. i feel so lucky to be able to do this work.

warmly,
alison kaplan
founder/owner/maker
kata golda handmade

new collection: fall/winter 2022 October 08 2022

 this new little collection includes refreshed fabric bundles and paddles of sashiko thread along with new DIY kits, fall-themed watercolor cards, and a 2023 desktop calendar. i continue to find endless inspiration in plant-dyed textiles, and i have refined my color palette this year to make it just right.

as always, thank you for supporting small makers and shopping handmade. i feel so lucky to be able to do this work.

warmly,
alison kaplan
founder/owner/maker
kata golda handmade

back to school rituals September 19 2022

studio update: a DIY sale and cat & dog hearts June 18 2022

a well-worn apron June 14 2022

i made a small batch of aprons for you - each one is different. you can find them here. i also designed a garden apron pattern that is featured in the current issue of taproot (shown above, scroll down for a peek at the magazine).
 

 
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do you have a favorite apron that could use some sprucing up? plant-dyed fabrics make the most wonderful patches, which means i never mind when i get a stain or a tear. i have bundles of linen in my new color palette (limited quantities), remnant envelopes that include various weights and colors, and organic cotton/hemp in small and large squares.
 

 
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want to sew your own apron? pick up issue 50::SOW of taproot magazine for my latest pattern. it is available online and at select independent retailers and libraries. this apron features reinforced pockets (so sharp tools don’t poke through) and an optional tool loop.
 

 
 

as always, thank you for supporting small makers and shopping handmade. i feel so lucky to be able to do this work.

warmly,
alison kaplan
founder/owner/maker
kata golda handmade

a floral uterus fundraiser May 26 2022

  

 

last chance for cups and planters! May 26 2022

 

raising a flower May 26 2022

i am raising a flower to those who teach and protect us,
to those who nurture and guide us.
as i stand in my favorite field, delighting in spring and all the budding and blooming, i am thinking about motherhood and all its meanings. i’d like to honor all the caretakers and nurturers who keep us rooted and help us bloom.

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a new little collection for spring April 09 2022

what’s new at kata golda?
i have been very intentional lately about stitching things that bring me joy.
this means i have been refining the collection (thus, my big sale), refreshing old favorites (like the pocket purse kit and the photo albums) and making treasures for my small batch collection that i LOVE.
i hope that you find something that brings you a little joy too.

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free sewing tutorials for spring stitching…
find over 36 free tutorials on my website.

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my sunflowers for ukraine fundraiser is still going strong…
find made sunflower pins, DIY kits so you can make your own pins,
and a free sewing tutorial. a tiny way to show your solidarity.
100% of the proceeds benefit CARE.org’s Ukraine Crisis Fund.

as always, thank you for supporting small makers and shopping handmade.
i feel so lucky to be able to do this work.

warmly,
alison kaplan
founder/owner/maker
kata golda handmade

spring cleaning sale... March 08 2022

imperfect, scrappy hearts January 22 2022

i love stitching imperfect, scrappy hearts.  
some might think that valentine’s day is a corny holiday, and some might be quite reflective on their lives and their loves. this ‘holiday’ can stir up a lot of conflicting feelings. i think of it as a reminder to spread the love and spend time thinking about those we love.
even if it is your cats.
(i love my cats very, very much.)

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take a peek at the small batch collection of handmade hearts…
use them as inspiration (along with this tutorial) to make your own sweet gifts, or buy one for your love.
you will also find some special necklaces and little love notes.

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select jewelry is ON SALE! earrings, heart necklaces, and bracelets are 20% off through february 7.
♥️ use the code SPREADLOVE during checkout ♥️

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find everything valentine-related in the hearts & love collection

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free sewing tutorials! stitch up our own hearts, a gift bag to tuck them in, or a rat for your favorite (cat) valentine… you can find the projects (and so many more) on my website.

as always, thank you for supporting small makers and shopping handmade. i feel so lucky to be able to do this work.

warmly,
alison kaplan
founder/owner/maker
kata golda handmade

happy new year: journaling & letter writing January 20 2022

writing makes me feel less overwhelmed and more connected to myself. carving out the physical space and the time to take note is important to me. when i am writing, time disappears, and i have clarity and a sense of purpose. ideas flourish and plans fall into place. every year i promise myself that i will do more of it.
and so, once again, i start the year with this intention.

as a little nudge to encourage your writing practice in the new year, i am offering 15% off all HAND-BOUND JOURNALS and WATERCOLOR & HAND-STITCHED CARDS through the month of january on katagolda.com
*use the code: TAKENOTE during checkout*


embroidered journals • simple & embroidered slim journals
extra-large patched (what i use) • indigo dipped • little felt


watercolor cards • letterpress printed & hand-stitched cards

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free sewing tutorials! if you would like to make your own cards, pocket notebook, or covered journal, you can find the projects
(and so many more) on my website.

as always, thank you for supporting small makers and shopping handmade. i feel so lucky to be able to do this work.

warmly,
alison kaplan
founder/owner/maker
kata golda handmade

 

the (early!) handmade holiday gift guide November 15 2021

tools for stitchers & scrappy free sewing tutorials November 09 2021

There is no shortage of sewing notions in my studio, yet I reach for the same treasured set time and time again. I made a collection that is practical and a little extra special to keep you company while you stitch… a thoughtful gift for anyone who likes to work with a needle and thread. Scissor slips, tape measures, and pin cushions are available individually or as a set. The set comes in a muslin gift bag with a plant-dyed silk ribbon tie.

It it always an honor to be included in Taproot Magazine. In the current issue 47::SUSTAIN you will find my piece “Using Every Little Scrap.” This concept is the root of my business. I find so much inspiration in my remnant bins, and I love the challenge of making use of all my off-cuts. Here are a few free sewing tutorials (see below) with scraps in mind. These are also sweet projects for holiday gifting.

foraging buckets & free fall sewing projects October 11 2021

My hands are always overflowing with the goodness of fall on my morning walks. There is much to collect from my daily loop… madrona berries after a good wind, seedpods from all sorts of wild growing plants, and brilliant fall leaves. I notice the ground more than ever at this time of year as it is reminiscent of my midwestern childhood with colorful and bountiful leaves underfoot, painting the landscape. Although the leaves are not as prolific here in the Pacific Northwest, there are other treasures to be found, like the blanket of pine needles that illuminate the path like a red carpet. A walk down a trail in a new landscape always brings its share of inspiration. Horse chestnuts with similar but differing shapes, acorns with their sweet little caps, and pine cones of all shapes and sizes.

This is the time of year that I am literally attached at the hip to my foraging buckets. In addition to collecting, it is the time for seed saving. I am attentive to the weather as I want to collect before the rain and before a big wind. I gather marigolds, scabiosa, calendula, nigella, hollyhock, and poppy. I do love the fact that many of the seeds will fall to the ground to reseed themselves and be carried off by the birds to grow in another place. I have added a small batch of my favorite foraging buckets to my website, find them HERE.

Want to sew your own collection of foraging buckets? This pattern was first published in Taproot Issue 38::FORAGE, and it is now available for sale on my website. I use these little buckets for so much more than foraging. They hold sewing projects and organize craft supplies in the studio. My mom loves to use them for knitting, she can loop the tie around her arm and knit on the go.

And don’t forget the collection of FREE SEWING TUTORIALS available on my website. You will find fall-themed projects to keep hands of all ages busy as we transition to darker and cooler weather.

new 2021 fall/winter collection September 20 2021

three generations of hands: mother's day love April 22 2021