I’m writing this with a conflicted heart, but I’m here today to let you know that I’m putting the blog on hiatus. Short-term? Long-term? I honestly don’t know. I just know I’ve been writing this blog for 8+ years and I need a break — and a chance to focus on some other projects I can never quite get to. It’s a very hard decision to make because I value your company more than you know, but I’m not going away. I’ll still be knitting and sewing, obviously, and will strive to be better about sharing my makes on Ravelry and on my @karentempler feed on Instagram. I’m also aiming to do more with the @fringesupplyco feed, and I’m thinking of adding links and such to the shop newsletter, so make sure you’re following and subscribed accordingly. (There’s a newsletter signup field in the page footer here). I’m hoping this will lead to MORE creative output from me, and I still want to share it with you — just in different ways, for now.
Of course, Fringe Supply Co. marches on! And there are years’ worth of content in the archives that might be new to you, so I encourage you to explore it:
– All of the free patterns and how-to’s, including the top-down Improv tutorial
– The trove of pattern recs and links and stuff that fall under Finds
– The Hot Tips that make knitting life simpler and less stressful
– The Beginning to Knit archive of posts for anyone starting out or wanting to advance their skills
– And a peek behind the scenes with so many talented makers in Our Tools, Ourselves
Among many other things!
I’m so grateful to you for being here so far, and for all you’ve shared with me and taught me, and I hope you’ve found my work here useful in exchange. There’s definitely a next chapter, and I’m eager for the chance to figure out what shape it takes! So stay tuned, and thank you.
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Will miss reading the blog, but wishing you the best in your ventures.
Thank you for all of the inspiration and information you share here! Here’s to fulfilling creativity and focus! The blog will be missed, but I look forward to following along via Instagram and Ravelry. Thank you!
Thank you Karen! Looking forward to your new journey😊
That’s a loss… but I know how time consuming a blog is… and then all the other platforms. … it is necessary to make decisions. Thank you Karren for all the wonderful blogposts you shared with us. I’ll follow along on Instagram. Happy and creative new year!
oh, going to miss you so much!
I’m sitting here finishing Grete with your modifications. Your blog will be missed but onward and upward to you!
best wishes! i hope the withdrawal symptoms will not be too heavy to me! you will be missed! greetings from belgium
Good idea to give yourself a break–but we’ll miss you.
Best of luck in all of your endeavors!
I applaud your decision to take time off for your own making (and of your own making). Your consistency and dedication to regularly updating it has been admirable. It’s funny that I’m thinking about returning to my own blog (beyond the images of what I’m wearing to teach). I like to think of blogs as ways to expand a certain kind of space when needed (I am not one for long IG posts), and I’m sure you’ll find the return of that space to you exciting. Happy making!
Please let me know if you do!
I, like many others, am going to miss your blog. I don’t comment much but want to acknowledge now that you have inspired me in so many ways to look at clothing differently. I like how you put things together in ways that are new to me. I have made some Robbie pants after seeing yours and have a few simple handmade tops to wear as well. I hope you can resume you blog at some point but I totally understand your need to focus on other things now. I never knew how you could have made time to do anyway. Meanwhile I will subscribe to your newsletter and maybe tackle an Improv sweater. Log Cabin mitts are also in the line-up. Best of luck to you Karen.
Thank you for being there/here. I’ve truly enjoyed reading your thoughts. Enjoy your time away.
Thank you so much, Karen! The wealth of info here to pop into has no measure. I return again and again. May all of your new adventures be bright!
I feel the same. Your blog is one I never fail to read, and I appreciate your attention to detail, generosity, and accesibility. I wish you all the best.
Blessings!
Good luck to you – looking forward to more content from you on IG!
I’ve enjoyed your blog for a long time and always impressed with the quality of the content. Understand it’s a lot of effort on your part and you may want some of that energy for your life and other projects. Hope you make that happen for you!
Yours is the only blog I follow. Finding someone who did both knitting and sewing, as I do, was a wonderful thing. I’ve enjoyed reading about your projects for a very long time. Thanks for offering a newsletter. I already signed up.
Cheers to you, Karen. I hope your shoulders are feeling a little lighter today. Sending all the best wishes for your next phase. xox
Thank you so much for all of the inspiration and creativity you have inspired over the years. Yours was my favorite blog – one I checked on a daily basis. To say I will miss it is an understatement. However, having said that, I can’t imagine the amount of time it took to create so I totally understand your decision to step back. The very best to you in the future and I will follow on your other platforms.
Best wishes Karen, your generosity is tremendous. I learnt and discovered so much thanks to you. May the blessings be xx
I, too, will miss your blog. Thanks so much for writing it! I have read it probably from the beginning, or very nearly so, and have always enjoyed, and learned from, whatever you chose to write about. I wish you all the best as you go forward.
Dear Karen, I don’t know if you’ll ever understand how much your blog means to me! Thank you for sharing your thoughts, projects, and love of all things fiber! You have been hugely influential on the choices I now make in consuming materials more sustainably as well as my personal style. In 2020 I hope to be as open and candid as you are in sharing works in progress. My best wishes to you in this new stage of you!
I regularly start the day with an espresso and a check on your blog. Your writing, musing, making and photography inspired and taught and entertained me. I salute your growth into your next ventures. Thank you for the work it took to create and maintain this space.
Thanks for all the years of inspiration! I have enjoyed your blog from the very beginning and will miss it a LOT.
We’ll see you “elsewhere”!
At one point in 2015, I went without blogging for five months. It wasn’t anything I planned, but my interest in sharing my work evaporated, poof, just like that. Net result, however, was that soon after that, we started MDK–something totally different from the blog. It will be interesting to see where your lighter load leads you!
I wish you only success and satisfaction with your decision and the newly opened creative time. But I must confess it means I won’t be a viewer any longer. Instagram is a toxic platform, not only for the outrageous and inhumane treatment of people who express any differing view (or reveal any vulnerability) outside of an accepted perspective but also because of the data collecting, marketing, and monitoring. I truly hope some of your time finds itself dedicated to an expanded newsletter, emphasis on letter, and that you don’t only rest on lovely images that deceive and distract from the messy, authentic, rich life you’ve revealed on this platform.
Jenny Odell’s book How to Do Nothing may also underline or emphasize some of my discomfort with IG. I’d greatly encourage you to read it before entrusting your public presence to that platform primarily.
All the best, Karen. I’ll miss your creative process and getting to be a witness to it.
I will miss reading you first thing in the morning — you’ve offered so much joy and mathematical insight and accountability and beauty. Thank you thank you.
And mostly … enjoy your renewed creative energy and the flood of ideas that come when there’s the brain space to invite them in.
Even creativity needs recharging. Your blog really gave me the shot in the arm when I dove back into knitting some 6 years ago. Thank you.
Karen, your blog is an amazing source of inspiration, much needed thoughtfulness and technical know how!! Thank you so much for all this work over the years. You totally deserve to have a lighter schedule!! I will keep following you on the other platforms.
I’ve really enjoyed your blog ~ thank you! Appreciate all of your inspiration – I really want to make that little vest with a pocket that you just finished, it’s too cute!
Anyway, best wishes and be creative!
I’m so excited for your perspective-gaining step away from the blog. I remember when it was brand new. You were always 100% dedicated to it and to your readers and in creating a space for makers. Bravo for doing so with such style, grace and generosity. And most of all, authenticity. You are an exemplar of accomplishment – with heart. Carry on!
Thank you for all the inspiration and education over the years! And I hope this frees you up for something exciting. But this Luddite (no instagram, Twitter, Facebook, for a myriad of reasons) is REALLY going to miss your posts…..
I’m one of the many that have really enjoyed your blog. It has been inspirational, filled with knowledge and oh so practical. Just the right combination. Your blog has been dry well done and the pictures are great. I wish you the very best in whichever direction life takes you. Thank you.
Thank you for everything and best of luck! You have been an inspiration.
It’s hard to keep something going week in week out for so long, and we’ve all benefitted so much from everything you’ve shared. I wouldn’t have visited A Verb For Keeping Warm, or learnt to knit top down, just for a start. But sometimes you have to clear the decks. The very best to you as you get back some precious time for yourself.
Thank you for all the work you have put into this blog Karen. You deserve a break and I wish you the best in finding the next part of your journey.
Thank you for keeping up your blog for such a long time. It can become a slog and when that happens it is time to re-assess. I have loved watching your interests ebb and flow. I look forward to what the next part of your creative journey will be. Best of luck from western Massachusetts.
To echo the above comments, I have gained so much from your willingness to show missteps and mistakes, we all have these lofty goals and it is so encouraging to see your process. I will especially miss your wardrobe forensics posts (who says clothes are trivial, knowing what helps us feel most ourselves when getting dressed is important, so thank you for highlighting that). And… thank you for Slow Fashion October and Summer of Basics.
I recommend your blog to beginning knitters regularly (yarn/textiles store employee), and will be delving into the archives myself. Time is precious, so thank you for all these hours you’ve spent making these posts, I for one, have truly benefited. Best wishes
Nothing to add to the appreciation above except, hear! hear! Eight years is more than generous – eight years with no “filler”! Best to you in all pursuits.
This blog has inspired me and pushed me to learn new techniques and push my skills higher! BUT, I still have so far to go…….count me as sad!!! Can’t remember how I first stumbled up on this but I talk about it constantly……a life change for all of us! Thanks for all you have done!
I’m going to really miss reading about your knitting, but I totally understand. Good for you for recognizing when you need a break!
Thank you so much for all of your wonderful writing and creativity throughout the past eight years. I have enjoyed and appreciated it every day. I will really miss your knitting ideas and inspiration, but wish you the best in your future endeavors!
Will miss you so much!
Thank you for sharing your wisdom and creativity with all of us. You have inspired me to change my mindset from “I can’t because I don’t know how to this” to “I wonder what happens if I try to do this.” I rarely commented, but have looked forward to your posts for a number of years now. As a non-Instagrammer, I will miss your gifts to the creative world. Best wishes to you!
I’ve learned so much from your blog, and I’m eager to see what you do next. :)
Supporting whatever you do, however it is you do it.
:)
thank you for all you’ve done here-i’ve greatly appreciated your writing, links, photos and musings; best of luck in your endeavors :)
I hope you’ll come back when you’re ready. I for one really mourn the loss of blogs, Instagram is simply not the same. Even the legendary Yarn Harlot seldom blogs. I do understand that you are both a maker and a business owner, and hard decisions must be made that make the most sense for you.
I’ve enjoyed reading your blog and getting to know you, and I hope I’ve contributed a little with my comments from time to time. Best wishes!
I am so grateful for your blog because its existence is what helped jumpstart of our friendship, which I am so so so grateful for (and now, however many years later, could not imagine my life without). I can’t wait to see what all this extra time allows for you, my dear. Xoxox
Your blog will be so missed! It’s rare to find a blog that values brevity alongside all the wonderful content, it’s one of
my few daily reads as a result, and I’m sad to see its hiatus. But, excited for future projects. x
I’ve enjoyed your posts and am often inspired by your aesthetics. Best of luck on the next stage of your creativity.
Hi dear
I’m Anna from Italy
This is one of the few blogs I still read. I’m so sad about what you wrote. I will miss you very much but I understand your reasons.
So much luck for you!
My favourite blog! Hope you have a great break, but do hope you come back ….
Greetings from Belfast, N Ireland. I have enjoyed your blog from the outset and learned much about so many things from you. I wish you all the best x. Kate
Thank you so much for all you have generously given me over the years. I have made numerous mitts, hats, and shawls – all spurred on by your blog. I have also been sewing Robbie pants and various tops – something I never thought I would do – all because of your inspiration. I trust you realize how many lives you have impacted, and we are all so grateful for your wisdom, skill, generosity in sharing your life, and perseverance. Thank you and all the best for your next endeavors!
I will certainly follow along on your otger social medias and i do receve the newletter.I have learned so much because of your pateince and teachings. Cant wait to see what youll be up to
You’re all very kind — thank you. ❤️
I understand your desire to do different things and for change – but I have to admit, I will really miss your blogposts. I love your writing style, and of course the content.
Wish you all the best in your new endeavors, Karen – and I’ll follow you along the other media posts.
I cant help but be selfish about the loss of your blog. I have learned so much. I do recognize the need for space to rejuvenate. You will discover new leads and one day I hope to see you share your ideas and thoughts and knowledge with us, as only you can, Love your style Karen, thank you.
Thank you for your years of dedication to this blog. Like the other readers, I will miss your insight, wit, creativity and thoughtfulness. I am not a maker (hope to be one day) but you have opened my eyes to the greater implications of how I think about and consume clothes, fashion and body image. (And the greater world of consumption beyond clothing.)
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for helping me to realize that I do not need to dress “like everyone else.” That my clothing can (and SHOULD) fit me the way I want it to, and look the way I want it to. You freed me from the tyranny of fashion cycles, educated me about how clothes are made and gave me a window into your thoughtful life.
I bless you, your family, and your future endeavors. May they bless others the way you have blessed me.
You’ve helped so many and achieved so much! I for one have loved reading your blog, and know it will still be here, in the background, for me to return to whenever I need to. So here’s cheers and all the best for you and your family’s future.
Thank you for your blog, it’s been a great source of inspiration. Good luck with your other ventures
Ahhhhh Noooooo! I recently made a commitment to myself to start my days on a positive note and determined that your blog would be the first thing I read every morning instead of the news. Ironically, you have also made a commitment to yourself and the two do not align. Nevertheless I am chuffed to learn that a woman I admire from afar is herself re-prioritizing her time, energy, and creativity. Please know that your words from this blog are threaded through my intentions for myself and my loved ones and have inspired me to develop a more deliberate and conscious approach to my wardrobe, my making, and how I invest my time. I wish you satisfaction and joy as you go on.
Thank you for sharing so much of yourself over these years. Honestly, I’m amazed that you’ve been able to blog as often as you have for as long as you have, always with something worthwhile to say. I don’t think I’ve ever commented here before, but I owe you huge thanks for your inspiration. I started following this blog for the wonderfully curated knitting patterns and tips. But then your Summer of Basics Challenge — and the discovery of the many indie patterns that participants used—spurred me back to my sewing machine as well. Since then I’ve slowly built my (formerly small and frustrating) wardrobe into a me-made treasure trove of beautiful garments that I love to wear. Thank you for reminding me of the joy in making and the value of thoughtful craft. I hope that joy stays with you, too.
Thank you for everything you’ve ever written, for all the resources you’ve shared!
Rest, create, recharge and restore according to your passion now.
Thank you for caring enough for yourself!
You have been a true inspiration and teacher for me. I’ve learned about slow fashion, natural products and making and so many knitty things I never would have learned without you pointing the way. All the best to you and I’ll be following you on social media. Cheers!
Thank you. Your blog has been one of my favorites to start the day with and will be missed. But enjoy, relax, knit, sew. (And before you go, can you remind me the name of the pattern of the beautiful cardigan at the top of the post? Thank you!)
Will miss your blog, Karen! Totally understand as you post so many interesting blog articles. Looking forward to seeing your Instagram posts about your latest creative ventures. Happy sewing and knitting and good luck to you! Karen C.
Thank you for sharing your blog with us. I am a knitter and have been learning to sew (and hope to one day make some clothes that I will wear). I’ve enjoyed seeing how you put outfits together and determine what you need to fill in the gaps!!! As soon as my husband heals from his broken back and learns to walk again (it’s been a long year), I hope to start making clothes that I will wear! You have been an inspiration to me. I wish you the best. Enjoy your time!!!
Thank you for sharing all your work, your process, your inspiration, and your questions. I have learned a great deal from reading your blog (“How to account for gauge differences” is an entry I return to again and again….) It takes courage to be in the public view, so thank you also for the courage you have shown. May your next venture be fruitful!
I find I need a change every seven years or so. I’ll miss the blog and your wonderful sensibilities, but wish you only good things as you explore the world and share it with us all in new ways.
I’ll miss you, Karen. I enjoyed all of it: wardrobe posts, things catching your eye for the upcoming season, discussions of travel. Thank you for a window into your thoughts.
I can’t tell you how much I’ve learned from you, and this blog, over the years. I am truly grateful for your knowledge.
I have so much respect for your decision.
Waiting patiently for all your FO pictures on Ravelry :)
Thank you Karen!
You,ll be missed badly from Luxemburg,Europe
Just to echo the many lovely comments here – I understand your decision and applaud you for making a tough one – and have learned so much here.Thank you for all the thought, effort and making you have put into this blog.