Creating Knitting Patterns with Junction Fiber Mill: Ona Wöldten’s Video Tutorial
Among the fashionable sweaters seen at the Vermont Sheep & Wool Festival in October, one stood out: the striking Lindal sweater. This eye-catching piece had captured the hearts of fiber enthusiasts who eagerly knitted it after its pattern release in August.
The mastermind behind this unique design is none other than Ona Wöldten, a talented Rochester artist with over twenty years of experience in knitwear design. While she has created countless stunning pieces over the years, the Lindal sweater marked her first foray into hand-knit sweater patterns.
Teaming up with the visionary minds behind Junction Fiber Mill in White River Junction, Wöldten launched the leafy-patterned sweater three months prior to the renowned New York State Sheep & Wool Festival, widely known as the “Rhinebeck” festival. This event sees attendees showcasing popular sweater patterns, affectionately termed “Rhinebeck sweaters.” Much like at the Vermont festival, fiber enthusiasts at Rhinebeck were enamored with Wöldten’s design, donning their own handmade versions of the Lindal sweater.
Junction Fiber Mill, founded by sheep farmers Peggy Allen and Amanda Kievet in 2021, has become a hub for high-quality wool yarn production and a thriving fiber community. Through their weekly “Millcast” videos and monthly open house tours, Allen and Kievet have cultivated a loyal following from around the globe. Collaborating with the mill, Wöldten has created an array of knitting patterns, with Allen and Kievet providing fiber bundles and organizing knit-alongs to bring Wöldten’s designs to life.
In a recent installment of “Stuck in Vermont,” Seven Days senior multimedia producer Eva Sollberger embarked on a journey to Junction Fiber Mill. There, she witnessed the mesmerizing transformation of sheep’s wool into vibrant, colorful yarns, capturing the essence of creativity and community that thrives within the mill’s walls.
Through the lens of Sollberger’s camera, viewers were transported into the world of fiber artistry, where tradition and innovation intertwine to create something truly magical. The harmonious partnership between Wöldten, Junction Fiber Mill, and the global community of fiber enthusiasts exemplifies the beauty of collaboration and shared passion.
As we delve into the intricacies of knitting patterns and the art of fiber crafting, let us take a moment to appreciate the creativity and dedication that fuel this vibrant community. Join us on this enchanting journey through the world of fiber arts, where every stitch tells a story and every creation is a masterpiece in its own right.
