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brightening my days with color March 02 2024



 as of late, i wake each morning with great anticipation of embracing a new, brighter season…
i have grand plans of getting out to the greenhouse to start my seeds and get my hands dirty in the garden. then the wind picks up and the rain or snow starts falling, and i postpone yet another day. while my mind is swimming with this intention, i play with color and texture from the comfort of my studio. with the endless grey of the pacific northwest as my backdrop, my days are brightened by the vibrant shades of plant-dyed wool felt and wool gauze.  


i love working with the plant-dyed fabrics from my home dye studio. there is a subtle variation in the color and texture of the felt and gauze, and i feel so connected to the palette. coaxing color from plants has morphed from a hobby to an obsession. i stitched a small batch of these flowers with my home-dyed wool using thin silk thread and my favorite mohair/silk yarn from the lamb & kid. they are layered and dimensional and one-of-a-kind. i love how they turned out. 

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you can find bunnies (and sheep, and birds, and flowers!) in my shop in anticipation of spring celebrations. despite the weather, spring truly is right around the corner. i have pulled together a collection of my spring favorites. you can find it here. 

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my collection of over 45 free sewing tutorials is filled with so many spring-inspired projects. happy stitching!
 


as always, thank you for supporting small makers and shopping handmade. i feel so lucky to be able to do this work.

warmly,
alison kaplan
founder/owner/maker
kata golda handmade

 

PS: myra will never give up on trying to fit in tiny boxes.they seem to just keep getting smaller.


tiny notes for staying connected... February 17 2024


tiny notes are a way for me to connect to others and cultivate my ideas.
i feel most fulfilled when i am engaging with other people and taking the time to explore and expand on my ideas that surface throughout the day. tiny notes are a meaningful way for me to concentrate my thoughts - a place to jot down an idea, a sketch, or craft an intimate message to a friend. the confines of a tiny space eliminate overwhelm and invite creativity. the
tiny notes pocket is the newest addition to my shop, though writing little notes has been a part of my routine for a while.


i keep my pocket nearby like someone might keep their phone. while i often have a slim simple journal or my extra large journal with me, there are times that i want something small and more versatile. the single papers can be taped into my journal or sent away in a letter. the tiny notes pocket is a kind of security, so a thought is not lost. i do love writing long letters, but sometimes a small engagement is what i crave and/or what i have time for. sending a passage from a book, a favorite poem, a shared memory, a dream, an idea, an apology, or a wish in the mail is so much more intimate than sending a text. often these little notes lead to a bigger letter, and i reach for my letter writing pocket

taking the time to write a letter is an act of intimacy, generosity, self-reflection, and connection. when i keep all of my favorite bits and pieces for letter writing tucked together in one place, i am ready to write when a bit of time presents itself. opening  my letter pocket, unpacking the contents and putting pen to paper is the most thoughtful gift to myself. using a letter writing pocket has transformed my dedication to the purposeful act of keeping in touch. i made a new collection of letter writing pockets for my shop, where you can also now find the letter pocket sewing tutorial with detailed instructions and color photos if you’d like to stitch your own.

this project was first featured in taproot issue 56::CULTIVATE. the article includes the step-by-step sewing tutorial, my musings about letter writing and details how i organize my letter pocket. my most cherished pen pal, polly hatfield, also wrote a beautiful piece for this issue. you can find the magazine here

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you can explore many projects connected to taking note and sending love in the collection of over 45 free sewing tutorials on my site.
happy stitching!


PS: frank built a cage for my embroidery floss, so now myra just gets a little bit to play with. she has let me know that she prefers full access.


for the love of stitching... February 03 2024


i truly love making small batch collections and one-of-a-kind designs. 
i used to follow a trade-show calendar, do product launches, and stitch a (crazy) amount of items to order. now i allow myself to follow my curiosity, delve into the ideas i have sketched in my journal, and make things that i want to have (or gift) while making a few extras for my shop. i give myself the time to pursue new passions (a dye garden and dye studio!), and let the outcomes of that exploration inform my designs. this has been a deeply satisfying change for me.



recently i was on the quest for a new tape measure design - i wanted something a little more substantial, dense, and tightly stitched. a stack of fresh-leaf indigo dyed wool felt and a journal page filled with new botanical sketches led me to my perfect tape measure. i made a few more for my shop, which then inspired me to make an assortment of needle books, a colorful collection of plant-dyed tiny botanical pin cushions, and coordinating scissor slips. i love how they turned out.



here is a collection of one-of-a-kind heavily stitched hearts for valentine’s day. these are absolutely my favorite thing to make for the people i love. i get lost in the process of stitching...each heart is a little treasure, with a detailed design on the front and the back sides. you will find cats, dogs, birds, botanicals, houses, and a few other designs from the pages of my sketchbook. 



the newest free sewing tutorial is a loving bear pin. this sweet and simple pin can be tucked into a love note, attached to a backpack, or pinned on to a coat. you will find many other projects for sending love (including the gift i gave jeff & myra: rat for a naughty cat) in the collection of over 45 free sewing tutorials on my site. happy stitching!

PS: jeff & myra are always underfoot. i think they love each other?
it’s hard to tell sometimes.



finding sunshine in a dye pot January 20 2024


 these dark winter days have me craving the colors of summer.
i spent some time in my new dye studio and coaxed this cheerful palette from marigolds, quebracho, and madder root, all sourced from my dye garden and my friends at botanical colors. stitching with these fabrics feels like bringing sunshine into my studio. i made a small collection of little treasure boxes for my shop. each box is filled with an assortment of these textiles in different colors, weights, textures, and fibers.  



i dyed three weights of wool (gauze, crepe, and felt), along with hemp, linen, and cotton gauze. i paired the plant-dyed fabrics with a bright assortment of mohair/silk yarn from the lamb & kid (colors vary in each box). i also tucked in a pair of sharp snips capped with fresh leaf indigo-dyed wool felt, and a small assortment of pins and needles. while i was trying to manifest summer, i also made a small collection of tiny pin cushions stitched with detailed floral designs. these plump little cushions are densely stuffed with crushed walnut shells to keep your needles sharp. 



i felt inspired to turn some of the wool felt from my dying project into heart decorations. these hearts are a reminder to keep an eye on your heart, to keep an eye on the hearts of those you love, and to allow the hearts of others to watch over you. while this symbol carries different meanings for different people, to me it represents protection and loving care. this project is also available as a free sewing tutorial, stitch a few up for the people you love. 



 i hope you find some inspiration in my collection of over 45 free sewing tutorials - there are many projects that are perfect for valentine’s day crafting. happy stitching! 

PS: myra has discovered the embroidery floss shelf
and my studio will never be the same.


reflections and a fresh page... January 06 2024



at the beginning of the year, i revisit the pages of my journals…

they tell of the past while informing my future path. i review the lists of completed and uncompleted tasks. as i flip through the pages, i can see trends in my ideas… the ones that kept appearing again and again and the ones that were forgotten. some fell through the cracks and get put on a new list, many were intentionally left behind. it is hard to describe how important these pages are to me. they ground me, remind me, and help me reacquaint with myself.



beginning the year with reflection on the past is a practice in letting go. it clears space in my messy head and allows me to start anew on the next fresh page. i choose what to carry forward into the new year, knowing that if i need a reminder of past inspiration, it is held safely in the pages of my old books. this year, i tidily wrapped up 2023 at the end of a book, so my first thoughts of the new year are in a brand new book. a true new beginning.

when i made myself my new handbound journal,
i made a handful of extras for
my shop.
i only make these a few times a year and they sell out quickly.

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it is hard to bid farewell to things i love, but i am also excited about the new designs that have been repeated on the pages of my journals for quite some time. if you have had your eye on these scissor slips, pin cushions, tape measures, and zipper notions pouches- now is the last chance. 

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i hope you find some inspiration in my collection of over 40 free sewing tutorials - there are many projects that are perfect for winter crafting (the theme above is sketching, list making, tea drinking, and intention setting).  happy stitching!

as always, thank you for supporting small makers and shopping handmade. i feel so lucky to be able to do this work.

warmly,
alison kaplan
founder/owner/maker
kata golda handmade


PS: myra misses the boxes that were scattered around my studio during the holiday shipping frenzy. this tiny one will have to do for now.

 


12/11 is the last day for holiday orders! December 09 2023



my hands are stitching non-stop and my heart is full.
thank you so much for your incredible support this holiday season.



if you have been considering a handmade gift from kata golda, now is the time to shop. december 11 is the last day i can accept orders to feel confident packages will arrive by december 25.

need some ideas? find the handmade holiday gift guide on my site.



…free sewing tutorials…

if you plan to stitch your own holiday gifts, i hope you find some inspiration in my collection of free sewing tutorials. you will find ideas for gifts, holiday and tabletop decor, and thoughtful packaging. if you need any plant-dyed fabrics, wool felt, and plant-dyed sashiko thread or silk ribbon you can find these supplies in my shop.
happy stitching!

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as always, thank you for supporting small makers and shopping handmade. i feel so lucky to be able to do this work.

warmly,
alison kaplan
founder/owner/maker
kata golda handmade


PS: myra is ready for things to slow down.
she would prefer not to get kicked off my lap. 





a handmade holiday gift guide December 02 2023

 

i rarely leave the studio this time of year...
my once-tidy studio is currently an explosion of fabric scraps, bits of thread, DIY kit materials, and shipping boxes. and i love it. while i could never sustain this level of creative energy for the long term*, the holiday surge fills me up. i’ve pulled together a list of my favorite items for (almost) everyone on your shopping list, including things you can make with your own hands. i feel so grateful as your orders come in, and i hope you can feel the love and care that is in every package.
*i will need to surface from the studio at some point!
the last day for holiday orders is december 11.


while most of my (over 40!) free sewing tutorials can be made with remnants from your fabric stash, you can also find plant-dyed fabrics, wool felt, and plant-dyed sashiko thread and silk ribbon in my shop. i hope you find some inspiration in these projects. happy stitching!


a gift bag to keepsitched cards felt pockethanging bud vase (for a gifted plant cutting)


as always, thank you for supporting small makers and shopping handmade. i feel so lucky to be able to do this work.

warmly,
alison kaplan
founder/owner/maker
kata golda handmade

 

PS: apparently myra would like to be packaged up and shipped off for the holidays. 


a small collection of tiny treasures November 25 2023



i am tucked away in my studio, buried in my threads and fabrics, making little treasures for the holidays. my hands are busy stitching
woolen amulet bags, heavily stitched hearts, and wool felt flower pins as gifts for my dearest friends and family, and i made a small collection of these tiny treasures for my shop. they feel meaningful, intimate, and a little bit precious. i find so much delight in the process from start to finish - sketching ideas, selecting color palettes, and slow stitching the designs.



this is a perfect weekend to stay cozy and stitch up handmade gifts for those you love. i encourage you to dig into your stash of remnants and make your own tiny treasures. you can also find plant-dyed fabrics, wool felt, and plant-dyed sashiko thread and silk ribbon in my shop if you need materials to launch your handmade holiday projects.



need some ideas to get started? i have a collection of over 40 free tutorials on my website, i hope you find some inspiration in these projects. happy stitching!



as always, thank you for supporting small makers and shopping handmade. i feel so lucky to be able to do this work.

warmly,
alison kaplan
founder/owner/maker
kata golda handmade



PS.. myra the studio assistant is NOT helpful. she also loves the cute little balls of mohair/silk yarn that are all over the studio these days.


from seed to studio: a homegrown & home-dyed treasure box November 20 2023



this little
treasure box is a glimpse into my creative world.
it is a compilation of things that bring me joy: dirty hands from time in the garden or at the dye pot, my love of cozy wool, my curiosity about color and delight with texture, and the deep satisfaction i feel when everything is gathered into one tidy collection. i made a very limited quantity of these treasure boxes. they are the perfect present for your favorite stitcher or a lovely gift for yourself.



i love the challenge of using new colors, creating new color combinations, and using an unexpected color to highlight or shift the color balance. colors are like seasoning, used to change the flavor and surprise the palette. i dyed three weights of wool (gauze, crepe, and felt), the subtle shade difference between the fabrics is so beautiful. i have paired the plant-dyed wool with a bright assortment of mohair/silk yarn, i love the aura this yarn creates when it is used for embroidery projects.



this treasure box lends itself to small, patchwork projects or meaningful decorations like ornaments and amulets. i have gathered some ideas from my collection of free sewing tutorials. i hope you can feel the love and care that is bundled up in every box.



as always, thank you for supporting small makers and shopping handmade. i feel so lucky to be able to do this work.

warmly,
alison kaplan
founder/owner/maker
kata golda handmade





shades of blue November 04 2023


i find that when i feel overwhelmed with grief and sadness about the state of the world, my stitching focus turns inward to small, intimate, meaningful projects.
i sew little treasures for people i love, i’m pulled to work with fabrics dyed with plants grown in my garden...shrinking my focus to a tiny part of the world that i can control. (while also supporting organizations who are truly helping people in crisis). blue amulets have been my favorite thing to stitch lately. originally featured in taproot magazine issue 57:BLUE, this project first stemmed from a towering pile of indigo-dyed linen that sits on the table next to my writing desk. the subtle shades of blues and greens are mesmerizing to me, a whole spectrum of sky and sea tones pulled from the leaves of one humble plant.



i have been making these for friends and for this enchanting shop in port townsend, and have now made a small collection for my website. they are a treasure to wear or to display as a decoration... hang one from a wall, from your rear-view mirror, over your bed, in a shrine. they make a very special gift and are truly handmade with love.

want to stitch your own? you can also find the DIY kit here.



i have also made a small collection combining my two latest obsessions: wool felt hand dyed with plants from my garden and stitching with mohair yarn. you can find a small batch of thick wool felt coasters and trivets in time for holiday entertaining and an assortment of hanging bud vases on my website (i received many requests for these after posting the tutorial). both are also available as free sewing tutorials



if you have plans for holiday crafting and homemade gift giving, don’t forget that i have over 40 free sewing tutorials on my website. the newest project, thick wool felt coasters and trivets, are quick to sew and make a lovely gift. you will find plenty of crafting inspiration for the cool, dark days ahead.



as always, thank you for supporting small makers and shopping handmade. i feel so lucky to be able to do this work.
warmly,
alison kaplan
founder/owner/maker
kata golda handmade




the kata golda studio is open again! October 14 2023

my website and etsy are now open after a much needed break. i spent the past few months prioritizing my health after a scare and giving my body what it needed to recover. then i fully immersed myself in a summer of creativity in the dye garden, in my studio, and out in nature. i am now re-focused, energized, and feeling more inspired than ever. a small snapshot of my summer is below... the gorgeous palettes and stunning views are infusing my work.

what’s new? you will find new DIY kits inspired by my time on the road, where projects that fit in my pocket and could be easily worked on in my lap were the favorite: the DIY stitch the design kit,the DIY blue amulet kit, and the DIY floral uterus pin kit. i made limited quantities of my essential extra large handbound journal, the letter writing pocket with a bundle of essentials inside, and my foraging buckets. i also re-designed my bracelets and changed up the designs on the botanical coasters. it is a small new collection reflecting the colors i have seen in new landscapes, the flowers i have nurtured, and the love i have felt over the last 10 months.

as i simplify my collection and explore more custom projects for select retailers, you will find more “one of a kind” and limited edition offerings on my website. be sure to follow along on instagram to see what i’m working on. 
 i also have a line-up of free sewing tutorials coming your way. the newest one, the hanging bud vase, is perfect for the last fresh blooms and dried seedheads of fall. there are 42 others available, plenty of crafting inspiration for the cool, dark days ahead.

as always, thank you for supporting small makers and shopping handmade. i feel so lucky to be able to do this work.
warmly,
alison kaplan
founder/owner/maker
kata golda handmade

2022 handmade holiday gift guide November 18 2022

note: the last day for guaranteed delivery by the holidays is
saturday, december 10

thank you for shopping handmade! i am working hard to fulfill orders. if you place an order after 12/10 i will work hard to ship it quickly, but i can not promise that it will arrive in time for holiday gifting.

 

why did i make this this holiday gift guide so early?
making things by hand takes time and the kata golda studio is smaller (yet busier) than ever.
i want to make sure that everyone receives their gifts on time.

the last day for holiday orders is december 10, 2022.

scissor slip • tiny sewing kit • pocket pal • little felt journal

bracelet • necklace • earrings

stitch the scene kit • sea star ornament kit • block printed stitching kit • plant-dyed linen amulet bag kit

 stuffed companion DIY kit • snowy owl family DIY kit • pin tin DIY kit • pocket pal DIY kit

imperfect patch & little stitchings kit • plant-dyed fabric • plant-dyed sashiko thread • DIY bookbinding kit

photo album • letterpress printed & hand-stitched card •  watercolor card • slim handbound journal

pocket purse • stitched handbound journal • notions pouch •  DIY pocket purse kit

DIY crown kit • decorative silk ribbon • botanical stitched coaster • plant-dyed silk ribbon

stocking • DIY polar bear family • DIY animal face pin • DIY little deer garland

as always, thank you for supporting small makers and shopping handmade. i feel so lucky to be able to do this work.
happy holidays!
warmly,
alison kaplan
founder/owner/maker
kata golda handmade

 


a stitched keepsake October 22 2022

i just returned from a fiber tour in the UK with my mom.
it was a dream to be in this beautiful place together, surrounded by endless rolling hills, winding roads, wandering stone walls, and SO MANY SHEEP. while i am a huge fan of putting real photos in 
keepsake photo albums, i also love to make tiny densely stitched pieces as a travel memento. incorporating my favorite qualities from a landscape and capturing the essence of how it made me feel takes time. i pour through photos from my phone and sketches from my journal. i make piles of thread until the palette is just right. then, i begin the slow work of stitching. the finished piece feels intimate and special. it is a sweet snapshot of a truly wonderful adventure.

i recently wrote about this process for taproot magazine — ‘stitching the scene: a project that fits in your pocket to be worked on wherever you might find yourself.’ it can be found in issue 52::SAVOR. the article includes steps for creating your tiny drawing, tips for selecting thread colors, and instructions for assembling the stitched piece into a pocket or square that can be worn as a necklace or hung on a wall. it is always such an honor to be featured in the pages of this lovely publication.

do you feel inspired to stitch the scene?
grab a copy of the magazine for some ideas, or you can find desert, forest, and seaside stitch the scene DIY kits on my website. each kit includes detailed instructions with color photos, a piece of organic cotton/hemp stamped with the design template, a plant-dyed piece of organic cotton/hemp for the back side, cotton embroidery floss, alpaca/cotton yarn, and a sewing needle.

more free sewing inspiration can be found on my website
find halloween projects and so much more… over 40 tutorials to choose from. is it time to start stitching holiday gifts?

as always, thank you for supporting small makers and shopping handmade. i feel so lucky to be able to do this work.

warmly,
alison kaplan
founder/owner/maker
kata golda handmade


new collection: fall/winter 2022 October 08 2022

 this new little collection includes refreshed fabric bundles and paddles of sashiko thread along with new DIY kits, fall-themed watercolor cards, and a 2023 desktop calendar. i continue to find endless inspiration in plant-dyed textiles, and i have refined my color palette this year to make it just right.

my favorite new DIY kit of the season is the little cat pocket pal.
i REALLY love my cats, jeff and myra, who were the models for the kit. 
click on any image to see what’s new at katagolda.com.


as always, thank you for supporting small makers and shopping handmade. i feel so lucky to be able to do this work.

warmly,
alison kaplan
founder/owner/maker
kata golda handmade


back to school rituals September 19 2022


i love the start of the school year.
even though it has been years since the end of my summer was marked with the flurry of procuring school supplies for my daughter, i find that i still crave the ritual. i refresh my pencil case at the start of every fall: i consider the contents, replenish as needed, and make tool changes. this year i decided to embellish my pouches with plant-dyed sashiko thread and make myself some new scissor slips (find the free tutorial below).


would you like to stitch your own zipper pouch?
find the plant-dyed sashiko thread and notions pouches on my site (some are are on sale). you can also head over to instagram for a giveaway (win a notions pouch and a full palette of plant-dyed thread).


free sewing tutorials for back to school…
starting the ‘school year’ with my tool pouch refreshed, i made some new tips for my scissors out of wool felt scraps. i like to keep the tips of my scissors protected so they don’t poke through the fabric pouch. i love how they turned out. from the free tutorial archives: a pencil holder, pen & paper holder, book cover, weekly wall hanging, and a pocket pal (since some of us might need a friend to start the new school year).


as always, thank you for supporting small makers and shopping handmade.
i feel so lucky to be able to do this work. enjoy the transition to fall…

warmly,
alison kaplan
founder/owner/maker
kata golda handmade


studio update: a DIY sale and cat & dog hearts June 18 2022

these little hearts have been accompanying me everywhere lately.
i love having a portable project that i can pick up and work on wherever i end up. the heavily stitched cat & dog hearts (back sides shown below), the floral uterus pins, and the sunflowers for ukraine are just the right size for campsite stitching. all are available in the small batch collection on my website.
 
i am looking forward to diving into some big creative projects this summer, building my new studio, and doing plenty of stitching out in the middle of nowhere. for the first time ever, i will be closing up shop for the month of july. scroll down for a little DIY sale…
 
 
   
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looking for a project? find FORTY free sewing tutorials on my website.
the latest addition is a little festive donkey wall charm.
    

 

as always, thank you for supporting small makers and shopping handmade. i feel so lucky to be able to do this work. happy summer!

warmly,
alison kaplan
founder/owner/maker
kata golda handmade


a well-worn apron June 14 2022

you will almost always find me wearing an apron.
i wear one in the garden, i wear one when i sew, i wear one in the kitchen. i like to keep all of my supplies at hand, and i rarely have enough pockets in my clothes. the ability to complete a task with everything i need at my fingertips is so satisfying. my aprons are not precious - they are well-loved and they get dirty. i cover up stains and holes with patchwork. aprons get better with time - a well-worn apron is the mark of a creative life.
 
i made a small batch of aprons for you - each one is different. you can find them here. i also designed a garden apron pattern that is featured in the current issue of taproot (shown above, scroll down for a peek at the magazine).
 

 
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do you have a favorite apron that could use some sprucing up? plant-dyed fabrics make the most wonderful patches, which means i never mind when i get a stain or a tear. i have bundles of linen in my new color palette (limited quantities), remnant envelopes that include various weights and colors, and organic cotton/hemp in small and large squares.
 

 
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want to sew your own apron? pick up issue 50::SOW of taproot magazine for my latest pattern. it is available online and at select independent retailers and libraries. this apron features reinforced pockets (so sharp tools don’t poke through) and an optional tool loop.
 

 
 

as always, thank you for supporting small makers and shopping handmade. i feel so lucky to be able to do this work.

warmly,
alison kaplan
founder/owner/maker
kata golda handmade




a floral uterus fundraiser May 26 2022

  
when i feel angry, powerless, and sad… i stitch. so i made some pins and lavender pillows adorned with floral uteruses. they are a little reminder of your body and your choice.
  
*50% of the proceeds will benefit PLANNED PARENTHOOD*
  
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would you like to make your own floral uterus pin?
i have added this pin to my collection of free sewing tutorials. take a stand and show your solidarity. make one for yourself, make one for a friend. make one for a supreme court justice.
 
 
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flowers make me happy.
even with everything happening in the world, i am flooded with hope in spring. i made a collection of wool felt evening primroses and frank patiently drilled holes in stones for me (while breaking all of his drill bits, oops!). i just love how they turned out. they are available as a single stem or in the drilled stone.
 

  

as always, thank you for supporting small makers and shopping handmade. i feel so lucky to be able to do this work.

warmly,
alison kaplan
founder/owner/maker
kata golda handmade


last chance for cups and planters! May 26 2022

 
LAST CHANCE FOR CUPS AND PLANTERS!
it’s the end of an era. i am selling my very limited stock* of stoneware cups and planters and (reluctantly) bidding them farewell for good. they have been a beloved part of the kata golda line for over a decade, but i’m making space for new exciting projects.
 
*[retail sales only… available only on katagolda.com]
 
 

as always, thank you for supporting small makers and shopping handmade. i feel so lucky to be able to do this work.

warmly,
alison kaplan
founder/owner/maker
kata golda handmade

 

raising a flower May 26 2022

i am raising a flower to those who teach and protect us,
to those who nurture and guide us.

as i stand in my favorite field, delighting in spring and all the budding and blooming, i am thinking about motherhood and all its meanings. i’d like to honor all the caretakers and nurturers who keep us rooted and help us bloom.

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i do a lot of planning this time of year, and as i plot and plant in the garden i look out into the open field – my favorite place to sit and stitch. i am thinking ahead to all the things that i will carry to the field to craft, and have begun to make all the parts of this ‘traveling studio’ exactly the way i want them. my first project was a needle book. i delighted in carving out the time to make this a priority – to make something for myself, so well thought out and useful. i made eight of them, one of them is for me. maybe one of the others is for you?
  
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i have pulled a small collection of favorites together for mother’s day gifting (or a gift for yourself). enjoy 15% off everything in this collection with the code MOTHERLOVE (expires april 30, the last day to order for mother’s day). find the one-of-a-kind needle books and heavily stitched hearts, jewelry, handbound journals, sewing kits and notions, DIY kits, plant-dyed pouches, photo albums, cards, and more.
  
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handmade gifts are always meaningful and love-filled.
explore the growing collection of 38 free sewing tutorials for inspiration for your next project. the newest is a single flower stem similar to the one pictured above, my most favorite project yet.
  
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my sunflowers for ukraine fundraiser is still going strong…
find made sunflower pins, DIY kits so you can make your own pins,
and a free sewing tutorial. a tiny way to show your solidarity.
100% of the proceeds benefit CARE.org’s Ukraine Crisis Fund.
  

  

as always, thank you for supporting small makers and shopping handmade. i feel so lucky to be able to do this work.

warmly,
alison kaplan
founder/owner/maker
kata golda handmade


a new little collection for spring April 09 2022

what’s new at kata golda?
i have been very intentional lately about stitching things that bring me joy.
this means i have been refining the collection (thus, my big
sale), refreshing old favorites (like the pocket purse kit and the photo albums) and making treasures for my small batch collection that i LOVE.
i hope that you find something that brings you a little joy too.

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free sewing tutorials for spring stitching…
find over 36 free tutorials on my website.

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my sunflowers for ukraine fundraiser is still going strong…
find made sunflower pins, DIY kits so you can make your own pins,
and a free sewing tutorial. a tiny way to show your solidarity.
100% of the proceeds benefit CARE.org’s Ukraine Crisis Fund.

 

as always, thank you for supporting small makers and shopping handmade.
i feel so lucky to be able to do this work.

warmly,
alison kaplan
founder/owner/maker
kata golda handmade


spring cleaning sale... March 08 2022


i am making space in the studio for the new collection and bidding farewell to some old favorites. find deep markdowns on discontinued items, plain bags and pouches (ready for you to embellish!),
and treasures for kids of all ages.

see a small sampling below… find the full sale HERE.





my spring cleaning adventures led me on a deep dive into my 30+ year old rubber stamp collection. i decided that if i was going to keep them, i needed to find more ways to incorporate them into my daily stitching. i had so much fun playing with stamps, fabric scraps, and thread. i put some inspiration together in the
rubber stamp stitching sewing tutorial.

find that (and 33 other free sewing tutorials!) HERE.


 

as always, thank you for supporting small makers and shopping handmade. i feel so lucky to be able to do this work.

warmly,
alison kaplan
founder/owner/maker
kata golda handmade


imperfect, scrappy hearts January 22 2022

i love stitching imperfect, scrappy hearts.  
some might think that valentine’s day is a corny holiday, and some might be quite reflective on their lives and their loves. this ‘holiday’ can stir up a lot of conflicting feelings. i think of it as a reminder to spread the love and spend time thinking about those we love.
even if it is your cats.
(i love my cats very, very much.)

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take a peek at the small batch collection of handmade hearts
use them as inspiration (along with this tutorial) to make your own sweet gifts, or buy one for your love.
you will also find some special necklaces and little love notes.

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select jewelry is ON SALE! earringsheart necklaces, and bracelets are 20% off through february 7.
♥️ use the code SPREADLOVE during checkout ♥️

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find everything valentine-related in the hearts & love collection

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free sewing tutorials! stitch up our own hearts, a gift bag to tuck them in, or a rat for your favorite (cat) valentine… you can find the projects (and so many more) on my website.

as always, thank you for supporting small makers and shopping handmade. i feel so lucky to be able to do this work.

warmly,
alison kaplan
founder/owner/maker
kata golda handmade


happy new year: journaling & letter writing January 20 2022

writing makes me feel less overwhelmed and more connected to myself. carving out the physical space and the time to take note is important to me. when i am writing, time disappears, and i have clarity and a sense of purpose. ideas flourish and plans fall into place. every year i promise myself that i will do more of it.
and so, once again, i start the year with this intention.

i do not write in a journal in the typical reflective sense. my journals are filled with lists, sketches, and excerpts from letters i have written to friends. i find scraps of paper with lists and little drawings all over the place: in my pockets, on the fridge, next to my bed, etc. when i am in a mindful place, i transfer these to my journal. they flood me with memories of that time. i think lists are so worthy of living in a journal. i don’t mind that the pages look messy when i cross something out or tape in a sketch.
my journal is a fluid and informal chronology of my life.
i started making journals and cards because i love to use them.
i think that when we have well made, beautiful things we are more likely to use them in a meaningful way.

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as a little nudge to encourage your writing practice in the new year, i am offering 15% off all HAND-BOUND JOURNALS and WATERCOLOR & HAND-STITCHED CARDS through the month of january on katagolda.com
*use the code: TAKENOTE during checkout*


embroidered journals • simple & embroidered slim journals
extra-large patched (what i use) • indigo dipped • little felt


watercolor cards • letterpress printed & hand-stitched cards

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free sewing tutorials! if you would like to make your own cards, pocket notebook, or covered journal, you can find the projects
(and so many more) on my website.

as always, thank you for supporting small makers and shopping handmade. i feel so lucky to be able to do this work.

warmly,
alison kaplan
founder/owner/maker
kata golda handmade

 


the (early!) handmade holiday gift guide November 15 2021


why are you receiving this holiday gift guide so early?
making things by hand takes time, there are abundant postal delays, and the kata golda studio is smaller (yet busier) than ever! i want to make sure that everyone receives their gifts on time. the last day for holiday orders is december 13, 2021.

*i will tuck in a wool felt ornament with all orders placed on katagolda.com over $100 until 12/13/21. the watercolor calendar that was available with the code mentioned in the original newsletter version of this gift guide is now sold out.




as always, thank you for supporting small makers and shopping handmade.
i feel so lucky to be able to do this work.

warmly,
alison kaplan
founder/owner/maker
kata golda handmade


tools for stitchers & scrappy free sewing tutorials November 09 2021

 

There is no shortage of sewing notions in my studio, yet I reach for the same treasured set time and time again. I made a collection that is practical and a little extra special to keep you company while you stitch… a thoughtful gift for anyone who likes to work with a needle and thread. Scissor slips, tape measures, and pin cushions are available individually or as a set. The set comes in a muslin gift bag with a plant-dyed silk ribbon tie.

 

It it always an honor to be included in Taproot Magazine. In the current issue 47::SUSTAIN you will find my piece “Using Every Little Scrap.” This concept is the root of my business. I find so much inspiration in my remnant bins, and I love the challenge of making use of all my off-cuts. Here are a few free sewing tutorials (see below) with scraps in mind. These are also sweet projects for holiday gifting.

 

As always, thank you for supporting small makers and shopping handmade. I feel so lucky to be able to do this work.
warmly,
alison kaplan
founder/owner/maker
kata golda handmade

foraging buckets & free fall sewing projects October 11 2021

My hands are always overflowing with the goodness of fall on my morning walks. There is much to collect from my daily loop… madrona berries after a good wind, seedpods from all sorts of wild growing plants, and brilliant fall leaves. I notice the ground more than ever at this time of year as it is reminiscent of my midwestern childhood with colorful and bountiful leaves underfoot, painting the landscape. Although the leaves are not as prolific here in the Pacific Northwest, there are other treasures to be found, like the blanket of pine needles that illuminate the path like a red carpet. A walk down a trail in a new landscape always brings its share of inspiration. Horse chestnuts with similar but differing shapes, acorns with their sweet little caps, and pine cones of all shapes and sizes.

This is the time of year that I am literally attached at the hip to my foraging buckets. In addition to collecting, it is the time for seed saving. I am attentive to the weather as I want to collect before the rain and before a big wind. I gather marigolds, scabiosa, calendula, nigella, hollyhock, and poppy. I do love the fact that many of the seeds will fall to the ground to reseed themselves and be carried off by the birds to grow in another place. I have added a small batch of my favorite foraging buckets to my website, find them HERE.

 

Want to sew your own collection of foraging buckets? This pattern was first published in Taproot Issue 38::FORAGE, and it is now available for sale on my website. I use these little buckets for so much more than foraging. They hold sewing projects and organize craft supplies in the studio. My mom loves to use them for knitting, she can loop the tie around her arm and knit on the go.

 

And don’t forget the collection of FREE SEWING TUTORIALS available on my website. You will find fall-themed projects to keep hands of all ages busy as we transition to darker and cooler weather.


new 2021 fall/winter collection September 20 2021

my new collection is filled with craft supplies and DIY kits. i think so many people have found comfort in handwork this past year, myself included. i also have many new embroidered designs for handbound journals and pocket purses. as keeping in touch feels more important than ever, you will find new watercolor and hand-stitched cards. take good care as we settle into this new season. -alison

three generations of hands: mother's day love April 22 2021