2025 was a year of focused effort toward completing the Master Hand Knitter certification program curated by The Knitting Guild Association (TKGA.org). TKGA is a group of highly experienced knitters who work to help others learn and improve their knitting through various correspondence courses, certification programs, online conferences, in-person conferences and online reference materials. They publish an online magazine, Cast On, quarterly. A yearly membership is $35 and is well worth the price – giving you access to a wide range of resources and expertise.
The Master Hand Knitter certification program is a guided mastery learning program. One achieves mastery through a guided self-study process that includes improving various techniques through practice, learning to research and judge your work and applying new skills. You submit your work and it is reviewed by a group of Master Hand Knitters. You receive a written evaluation of your work along with suggestions on how to improve your work where it did not meet their standards for proficiency.

There are three levels in the program:
Level 1 focuses on basic skills such as determining gauge, making increases and decreases, and knitting some basic stitch patterns.
Level 2 focuses on finishing techniques. It covers different cast ons and bind offs and different methods for seaming and finishing.
Level 3 focuses on designing knitwear and pattern writing. Includes work on advanced techniques such as double knitting, entrelac, brioche, slip stitch and mosaic patterns.
Each level includes completing at least one project demonstrating the skills covered in the level.

This program is a journey – not a race. But it was, for me, a wonderful learning experience and a proud accomplishment. I achieved my certification as a Master Hand Knitter in August 2025.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As a 13-year survivor of breast cancer, I make a point of promoting Breast Cancer Awareness. I was about 18 months overdue for my annual mammogram when I went in and had it done. To my great surprise, I had a small lump in my right breast and that started me on my journey as a woman with breast cancer. If you are reading this and are a female age 40 or more — please get your annual mammogram this month. If you are a male who has women in your life — ask them to get their mammogram if they haven’t done so. Early detection increases the chance of survival in breast cancer.

I designed a pattern for a Turban Style Hat that is knitted using a soft yarn specifically for women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. If you are a knitter and know someone who is dealing with breast cancer, please feel free to download the pattern.