Appalachian Knits

Waterrock Vest by Olivia Siegel

Photographing for Appalachian Knits, a regional knitwear design collective, is always so much fun. In January we shot a collection designed by Jennifer Sadler and Christina Danaee using regionally dyed yarn from Fern Fiber, another Asheville business. Since the patterns were intended for a spring release, but we had to shoot in January, we partnered with local flower shop, Flora in West Asheville. This Haywood Road shop is a charming store featuring vibrant green plants, adorable planters, fresh cut flowers, and sweet gifts. We shot Jennifer's Waterrock Vest on local model, Abby Jay, as a layer and as a stand alone top. Check it out, and for pattern details, visit Ravelry.

Richland Mitts by Olivia Siegel

Jennifer Sadler of JayKay Knits is co-founder of Appalachian Knits. We collaborated on a shoot featuring one of her original knitwear designs that refers to historical Cherokee Indian basket patterning from the Appalachian mountain region. The Richland Mitts were designed around regionally grown wool from Mars Hill, North Carolina's Bovidae Farm.

Braddock Beanie by Olivia Siegel

This is NOT your grandma's knitting! I've been working regularly with Appalachian Knits and knitwear designer Christina Danaee. I adore Christina's aesthetic and when we get together to shoot it feels like a party! Christina designed this gorgeous Braddock beanie pattern using Magpie Fibers, a squishy and vibrant regional yarn. We shot on location at Asheville Glamping in their beautiful dome and had a blast. Our lovely model is the talented Abby Jay. Hurray for girl bosses, fiber, knitting, glamping, and photography!

Roan Sweater by Olivia Siegel

This shoot brought together some of my favorite things: girl bosses, knitting, farms, and photography. I met knitwear designer, Christina Danaee, on Instagram of all places! We connected over our shared love for knitting and all things handmade and began scheming ways we could work together. Christina, along with another Asheville knitwear designer, Jennifer Sadler, founded Appalachian Knits to celebrate the region's rich knitting history with original patterns featuring regional fiber farms. This shoot captured Christina's Roan sweater made from Bovidae Farm wool, at Bovidae Farm in Mars Hill, North Carolina. It's such a joy working with other creative entrepreneurs!

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