Getting ready to Count Down with the QF Advent Box

Qing Fibre is collaborating with Tamara of Starcrossed Knits on the 2026 QF Advent Box, a limited hand-dyed yarn countdown box for knitters.

As the Summer Solstice passes, we start thinking about those colder days coming up (or - like those of us in the heatwave - dreaming about them). This year, we are doing this dreaming and thinking with Tamara from Starcrossed Knits, as we are collaborating on this years Advent Box. 

We cannot reveal too much about the countdown mystery of 2026 - we must patiently keep it Under Wraps. 

Getting to know Tamara

Where did your love for craft and knitwear start?

I loved crafting as a kid, but it eventually shifted to more intense art classes in high school. I lost touch with my creativity for a long time until I moved in lockdown and needed a winter hobby, and immediately got completely obsessed with knitting. I can get intimidated by a blank canvas, so finding a creative outlet that also had a functional element and design constraints really helped me let go of that paralysis and explore my creativity again.

Is there a link for you between crafting and Christmas?

Knitting takes whatever maximum coziness I might feel during the holidays, and then amplifies it to another level. The holidays also feel like an excuse to be indulgent so I always let myself cast on as manyyy random projects as I can think of. I love the instant gratification of grabbing scrap yarn from my stash and casting on a colorful accessory before starting a movie marathon. I love getting crafty wrapping presents too, usually drawing on paper and using yarn or other random things from around the house.

How long in advance do you start planning out gifts?

I admire people who plan far ahead, but I’m too last minute for that!! I love to give a little knit swatch that’s like a coupon you can redeem for a full knit later. It’s procrastination-friendly but also lets you work with the recipient to make sure they get something they’ll really love, and I love the quality-time element.

What inspires you the most?

Inspiration comes from random places! Films, fashion, textiles, poetry, interior design, art, architecture, who knows. I try to pay attention to whatever gets my brain thinking for a second “what if I..”

What are you up to when not knitting or designing?

I love to read novels, watch films, take meandering walks through the countryside in Vermont, play tennis, practice French, and have recently gotten into hand building pottery!

What is the best crafting advice you’ve ever heard?

The stakes are low!!! This is the advice I give myself, at least. And it helps!!

What will be on your Christmas wishlist this year?

I love getting books, since it feels like another gift of quality time when you get to talk about it afterwards with whoever gave it to you. I’d also love to try out some ergonomic square knitting needles I’ve been hearing good things about, and always need more refillable notebooks for my leather journal.

Is there anything you’d really want to make, but haven’t (yet)?

I’d really like to explore my creativity more in general this year and try other crafts too like weaving, embroidery, and beading (I’ve made a list of 50 crafts so these are just a few!!). I think they’d be fun on their own, but could spark some inspiration when you think about incorporating them into knitwear!!