Artist: Ana Brito Skalos

What kind of items do you make?
I sew just about anything, but for this show you will see lots of pouches to store all those miscellanous knitting gadgets, needle rolls, circular organizers, small draw string project bags, tote bags, large project bags.

How long have you been in indie artist?
I’ve been an indie artist for many years but my business was created during the summer of 2009

What got you interested in your art of choice?
Yarn is my passion and I’m a knitter at heart but I just never had much interest in designing items since everyone else does it so well. I’ve been interested in sewing for many years but was always “scared” of the machine. One day, after moving to Pittsburgh in 2005, an idea for a circular needle organizer popped in my head and the rest is history.

What do you most enjoy about what you do?
Knowing that I’m creating items that are truly useful as well as appealing to the eye.

What most inspires you?
All my crafty friends.

What makes your creations unique?
Face it, I haven’t invented the wheel but my items are well thought out and well made. I take great pride in creating pieces that you will use for many years.

Do you have a favorite item or colorway?
Typically, it depends on the time of the years, but I love my earthy tones and colors.

What is something you strive to offer the fiber arts community?
Organization! Don’t you want to know where those size 7 needles are rather than buying another set?

Does being an indie fiber artist affect other aspects of your life?
I’m much more aware of where I buy things. I believe in supporting local artists and local shops whenever possible.

What is your fiber arts superpower?
Project monogomy!

How is the fiber arts world different for you today than it was five years ago?
I’ve expanded my knitting skills and have become very interested in spinning my own fiber.

Artist: Maggie Broderick

What kind of items do you make?
Hand-painted and hand-dyed yarns, hand-knitted wool diaper covers, my book “Knitting Wool Diaper Covers from Start to Finish,” and kits for learning to knit and dye.

How long have you been in indie artist? Since 2006

What got you interested in your art of choice?
I’ve been crafting all of my life, mostly with yarn and fabric. My grandmother and aunt taught me to knit and crochet when I was a young child, but I became completely obsessed with knitting around the time I became pregnant with my first child. Now that I’m a mother to three daughters, I’ve combined my love of fiber arts with my love of my family and the environment by starting my own business related to wool diaper covers and yarn dyeing.

What do you most enjoy about what you do?
I love combining color, texture, and style into something that I’ve created completely by hand.

What most inspires you? My children :)

Does being an indie fiber artist affect other aspects of your life?
I consider myself foremost as a teacher in all aspects of my life. I have a Ph.D. in Education, and have loved teaching others for as long as I can remember. Teaching is a part of my parenting, my career (outside of being a fiber artist), and my work as a fiber artist. It gives me great joy showing others how to do the things that I enjoy doing and seeing the looks of pride on their faces when they learn something new.

What is your fiber arts superpower?
Teaching others to knit and dye

How is the fiber arts world different for you today than it was five years ago?
I’m so excited to see the Indie fiber arts scene opening up so beautifully in Pittsburgh. Five years ago all of my sales were online, but now I get to meet many more of my customers in person.

We have a simple flier that can be printed in black and white if you want to share this event with your fibery peeps. Message Gwen if you’d like a PDF emailed to you.

And the call for vendors is closed and the show is full. exciting!

We are looking for a couple more artists to share this event with us! The show is supply oriented, so dyers, spinners, designers, button makers, stitch markers, knitting bags etc. are all welcomed to apply.

To apply, please look at the other artists in the sidebar and if you think you fit in, email me with a link to pictures or your website at cosyknitsliterally(!at)gmail(dot!)com. The cost will not be over $30.

What: Pittsburgh’s only Indie Fiber Arts Marketplace

Who: Everyone who loves to work with beautiful and unique yarn and fiber. There will be yarn and fiber dyers, spinners, designers, creators, and sewers – and, of course, you and your knitting friends!

Where: Wilkins School Community Center in Regent Square, 7604 Charleston Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15218

When: Saturday, November 19th from 11 to 5

Why: Because this is the best place in Pittsburgh to score fabulous hand-made yarns and fiber! Come shop for your holiday knitting, gifts or… just for you!

and entry is free!