October 2025 - Amy Opie
October’s Beanie Brigade brings something special, Reminisce, a 100% Non-Superwash MT & WY Rambouillet yarn that’s as cozy as it is classic. Each skein offers 185 yards per 2 oz in sport weight. Its bouncy 2-ply structure blooms beautifully when blocked, offering both softness and excellent stitch definition.
This month’s colorway is Homestake, named for the Homestake Pass in Montana. Known for its wide-open skies and shifting light, the pass inspired the layered, subtle tones in this yarn, the colors are full of depth, perfect for cozy fall projects like the Corner Hat by Amy Opie.
We are excited to share with you a wonderful discussion with Amy about her inspiration for the Corner Hat and the wider story behind her designs and creation process.
October Designer: Amy Opie
Q: Hi Amy, Thank you so much for being October's featured Beanie Brigade designer. Can you take a moment to introduce yourself?
A: My name is Amy Opie, and I’m a born-and-raised Alabamian who still calls it home. I started designing patterns back in 2015, encouraged by my co-workers at the local yarn shop where I worked for over a decade. Since then, my design journey has ebbed and flowed, especially as I shifted focus to caregiving for my parents, but creativity has always remained a constant. Alongwith knitting, I love to crochet, quilt, sew, and bake, basically, if it involves making something with my hands, I’m happy.
Q: While you have a wide range of patterns, it seems you always keep coming back to writing hat patterns and projects that include colorwork. What is it about hat knitting, especially colorwork hat knitting, that makes it so special to you? What about colorwork keeps bringing you back time and time again? (Do you ever get bored with it?)
A: I think my love of stranded (or Fair Isle) knitting is really just my love of color in disguise. Colorwork feels like having a little canvas where I get to play with shades and patterns in ways that can be surprising and sometimes delightfully unpredictable. Hats, in particular, are the perfect playground, they’re small, approachable projects that let knitters experiment without requiring a huge investment of time or yarn. And for the wearer, a hat can be a fun way to step outside of their comfort zone and try color they might not normally wear. Honestly, with endless color combinations and motifs to explore, I never get bored.
Q: As someone with extensive experience in knitting colorwork, what advice would you offer to some of our knitters who may have never tried colorwork before or have only completed a few projects?
A: Start small! A hat with a simple, easy-to-memorize geometric pattern is perfect. Stick with just two colors and reach for a chunky or Aran-weight yarn so the stitches are easier to see. That way, you’ll get to enjoy the magic of colorwork without feeling overwhelmed.
Q: We always love the colorful palettes that you put together for your projects. Do you have a specific method you like to use when putting together your color combinations? What would you recommend for those looking to mix colors? Any particular place you like to find inspiration?
A: I’ve always been fascinated by color. As a kid, I treasured a new box of crayons, and honestly, not much has changed, only now my “crayons” are yarn skeins!
Some of the things I do regularly:
• I scroll Pinterest, Instagram, and Ravelry for inspiration.
• When I spot interesting colors out in the world, I snap a picture on my phone.
• I keep colored pencils and markers on my desk so I can doodle and play with combinations. (Full disclosure: I’m not an artist, just a happy doodler!)
• My yarn stash is not only organized by weight but also in ROYGBIV order. It gets messy sometimes, but I always come back to that rainbow.
• When I’m struck by a color combo, I pull skeins from my stash, bundle them together in a clear bag, and keep them ready for future projects.
So my advice is: let curiosity guide you. Look at the colors around you, play with combinations without judgment, and don’t be afraid to try something unexpected.
Q: Are there any tools or resources you recommend for those looking to jump further into colorwork knitting?
A: Two resource books to consider for your library are Doodle Knit Dictionary by Jamie Lomax and Alterknit Stitch Dictionary by Andrea Rangel, both full of inspiration.
Q: October is the last little stretch of fiber festival season, and we know you loved going to Flock Fiber Festival in previous years! What do you stay on the hunt for when you are at a festival? What do you love most about attending fiber festivals? Any recommendations for someone going to a fest for the first time?
A: Fiber festivals are such a wonderful mix of energy, inspiration, and community. Flock Fiber Festival, in particular, has quickly become one of the best indoor events in the country. I’ve been lucky to attend the past two years as a vendor alongside my good friend, Pam Powers of Ikigai Fiber, and I always manage to sneak in some “power shopping.” There’s just something magical about being surrounded by people from all over the world who share the same passion.
For first-timers, my advice is to go in with a plan but also stay open to serendipity.
• Sign up for classes early, because they fill up fast.
• Look at the vendor list ahead of time and circle your must-see booths.
• Take photos of your stash before you go so you know what you already have.
• Jot down project ideas with yarn requirements.
That said, be prepared to toss the plan out the window when you stumble across something inspiring, which you absolutely will.
Q: The featured beanie for October was your Corner Hat, which we knit from three colors of our Reminisce Sport. Did you have any specific inspiration behind this pattern? What led you to make some of the design choices in the hat, such as the folded brim?
A: The Corner Hat design incorporates a playful optical illusion, I love how the geometric squares transform into soft, circular shapes when viewed from a distance. As for the folded brim, it’s one of my favorite design elements for hats. Not only does the folded edge create a clean, refined look with a touch of luxury, but it also provides an extra layer of warmth and comfort for the ears, making it as functional as it is beautiful.
Q: At least here in Montana, October is the beginning of cozy season - perfect weather for curling up with tea and knitting. Do you have a favorite knitting spot or ritual when you're working on a project? Is there a moment in your process that feels particularly magical?
A: I once heard the phrase, “Nothing is as exciting as your next project,” and I think most knitters would nod along to that. For me, the magic is in the planning. Inspiration tends to strike at the most random times, so I keep my iPad close by. It’s my go-to tool for sketching charts, playing with graphics, and testing color combinations. While I don’t have a set ritual or spot, what stays the same is that little spark of joy I get from the creative process itself. That’s what keeps me coming back.
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