Beth gorishek Beth gorishek

Think you know the new Knit Stars?

Think you know the new Knit Stars?

Do you love a good guessing game? How about prizes? If you answered yes, you’re going to love this! (And if not, no worries—carry on with your latest WIP!)

Knit Stars is celebrating 10 incredible seasons, and to make things extra fun, they’re hosting a Guess the Stars Giveaway! There are three amazing prizes up for grabs, including a grand prize worth over $1300, featuring two gorgeous Joji & Co. bags plus yarn from past Knit Stars and favorite dyers.

How to play:
All you have to do is submit your best guesses for who’s in this year’s lineup by signing up for the Season 10 waitlist—easy, right? Plus, the hint videos start rolling out today, and I’ll be sharing them with you so you can make even better guesses!

My journey with Knit Stars began in 2021, when I joined the team to help run their membership club. From there, my role has grown, and in 2023, I had the incredible opportunity to teach Adaptive Knitting as a star in Season 8. That was an unforgettable experience where I got to share techniques that help people knit in a way that works for them. Now, in my role as Relationships & Affiliate Manager, I get to work with the current season stars to help develop their Masterclasses and exclusive yarn kits. It’s such an exciting part of my job—helping showcase their projects and bringing all their hard work to life in ways that inspire our community.

I believe in Knit Stars with my whole heart—it’s not just about knitting and crochet; it’s about connection, creativity, and a sense of belonging. And if you’ve ever felt the magic of this community, you know exactly what I mean.

So, are you in? CLICK HERE to get on the waitlist, and join the fun!

Thank you for your support! Can you help me out by clicking through to the site using my link? Every click helps support Adaptive Knitter and the work I’m doing to make knitting more inclusive for all.

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Beth gorishek Beth gorishek

The Secret to Knitting with More Joy (No Rules Required)

The Power of Adaptation

Have you ever felt frustrated because you couldn’t knit exactly the way a pattern or tutorial told you to? Maybe you’ve had to hold your yarn differently, adjust your tension, or swap out tools. If so, you’re not alone.

Society often tells us that adaptation is a sign of struggle. But at Adaptive Knitter, I challenge that narrative. Modifications aren’t burdens - they’re solutions. They make our craft work for us, not against us.

Many knitters experience internalized ableism when they feel ashamed for knitting differently - whether due to arthritis, neurodivergence, chronic pain, limb differences, or any other thing that makes them feel “other”. But knitting should be a joy, not a test of conformity. That’s the power of adaptation.

Practicing the Portuguese Purl stitch.

One moment that solidified this for me was when I met a woman at a knitting event who hadn’t picked up her needles in over 10 years after experiencing a stroke. She loved yarn but believed she would never knit again because her hands didn’t work the same way as they once had.  But with a few small modifications, like switching to a different needle style and adjusting her grip, she was able to knit comfortably again. Seeing the excitement in her eyes reminded me why I do this work - because everyone deserves to experience the magic of making.

If you've ever doubted yourself or felt like you had to “keep up” with traditional techniques, I invite you to rethink what knitting means to you. Your way is the right way.

Need help making knitting work for you? Let’s chat! Book a one-on-one session today.

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Beth gorishek Beth gorishek

What a Playground Taught Me About Knitting (and Ableism)

The Playground Debate

The before and after images of the playground in my community.

Recently, a conversation in my community unfolded that perfectly illustrated how society views adaptation. A wooden play structure was replaced with a more open, accessible design. While I saw it as a win - more kids, more inclusion - some members of my community pushed back. “Life isn’t centered around people with disabilities,” they said. “We can’t carpet the world for everyone.”

But here’s the thing: accessibility doesn’t take anything away - it opens doors.  Sometimes literally… did you know that automatic doors are now standard in many public buildings? Originally designed to assist individuals with mobility or strength limitations, they make it easier for everyone to enter stores, offices, and hospitals, especially when hands are full or when quick access is needed.

The same is true in knitting. People often see modifications as unnecessary or burdensome. But when you let go of rigid expectations and embrace solutions that work for different bodies and brains, you create a craft that’s more welcoming for everyone.

What’s one modification you’ve made in your knitting that has helped you? Leave me a comment, I’d love to hear about it!

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Beth gorishek Beth gorishek

How Adaptation Helped These Knitters Find Joy Again

How Knitters Have Reclaimed Their Craft

I love hearing stories from knitters who thought they had to give up their craft only to rediscover it in a way that worked for them.

One knitter told me she was ready to sell off all her yarn because chronic pain made knitting unbearable. After working together, she learned how to modify her hand position and needle choice, and that limiting the time she spends in one sitting doesn’t take away from her experience as a knitter. Now, she knits every day without pain.

Another knitter struggled with focus due to her ADHD diagnosis and felt like she could never finish a project. We explored different stitch markers and tactile cues to help her stay engaged, and now, she’s completing projects with ease. We also talked about the fact that sometimes, the best reason to knit is simply for the joy of it; no deadlines or specific purposes are needed.

Knitting for the sake of knitting is valid, and the process itself can be meditative, soothing, and deeply rewarding.

Have you found a new way to enjoy knitting? I’d love to hear about it

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