I’m Kristin Tolle, a ninth generation native Idahoan living on Orcas Island at West Beach in the state of Washington. I’m an avid kayaker, knitter and photographer, not necessarily in that order. My aim is to find a little slice or heaven in the chaos of my mind.
I’ve been a knitter for a very, very long time–since I was very young. It goes back in my family for generations–mostly on the Swiss side of the family (Hunsaker). I love sharing free knitting patterns, those I create and those others share, so come back often to find great things to make.
You can find me: on Instagram at: @Kristin_Tolle, on Twitter @orcasisleknits, and on Facebook as Kris TravelinGal CrispenTolle–a merge of partner’s and my last name and a nod to the blog I used to write on which we met and fell in love.
Orcas Island Knitting 
June 13th is World Wide Knit in Public Day.
Is anyone gathering to knit at the market or library or on the interisland ferry?.
I will be on Orcas and would like to join a group.
for information – http://www.wwkipday.com/
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I don’t know if it is happening more broadly. I can try to find out. My plan is to do something in Redmond, WA where there are a few more folks!
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Hi Kristin, I am looking to connect with you as I have lost a precious hat that I believe was made by you. It is was purchased in an Orcas shop about 2 years ago & I would love to replace it. Is there a way we can connect so I can share a photo of the hat?
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Hi Kim, Since have only ‘gifted’ not sold my knitted items (so far) I think you may have confused me with someone else. I haven’t associated an email with this blog (yet) until I have the time to move from a home knitter to a retailer. Hoping to do that soon. Hope you find out who knitted your hat!
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Hello–I am a new full-time resident on Orcas Island and am actively looking for a knitting community here to not only participate in, but also foster and grow. I would love to be in contact with someone who could provide some guidance for this.
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Hi Julie. We are a small population, but have an active set of knitters, spinners, weavers and shepherds. My recommendation is your join San Juan County Textile Guild (http://www.sjctextileguild.org/) and then start attend the local meetings, which used to be weekly before the pandemic.
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There is another knitting needle interchangeable kit by Kollage that was missed in your review. I love them!
https://kollagesquare.com/
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Hi Kristin, I would love to know which company you used for the Antarctic trip. Looks wonderful. By the way, I wonder if you know my friends who also live on Orcas, Ricardo Guzman and his wife? I’m happy that I found your blog. Shannon
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I traveled with Hurtigruten, also known as H|X. I’d definitely recommend them.
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Shannon: I realized I didn’t answer all your comments. I have heard of Ricardo, but I don’t know him personally. Even though there are few year-round residents on Orcas, it’s a big enough geographic area that it’s hard to get to know everyone. I’ve been here since 2015 and I’m still meeting “new” people that have lived here longer than I have.
I’m glad you found the blog too. I’ve been a bit challenged to keep up with it. It’s not that I don’t have much to say, just that I’ve been focusing a lot more on my photography. I knit a lot and travel a lot, but somehow, I’ve lost my mojo to write about it. I think because it was popular when I wrote about tips and tricks, but less so when I wrote about projects and travels.
BTW: I also went to the Galapagos with Hurtigruten this year. That was nice as well. But if I have one word of advice–no matter who you go these places with–never let them book flights–not any of them. Get yourself to Ushuaia–don’t settle for their charter flights at terrible times with poor service. It’s a nice place to go–in and of itself. And you won’t see much of it if you let someone else plan your flights.
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