OW: In The Loop- Blog - Issue #1
Spring & Summer - Studio News, Sneak Peek at a New Series, What is Combination Art?
By Kelly Kanyok - Artist & Founder of Orphaned Wool
Exciting New Blog and Updates at Orphaned Wool!
The Essential Punch Needle Guide, now renamed The Punch Needle Informational Series, will remain available as a valuable resource, featuring a collection of articles filled with useful information for anyone interested in learning more about punch needle embroidery, understanding the difference between Thread & Yarn Punch Needles, and providing answers to many frequently asked questions.
I'm also excited to introduce my new blog series, OW: In The Loop, which will highlight the latest Studio News, including behind-the-scenes looks at my latest rug hooking and punch needle designs, upcoming releases, and creative insights. I'll be sharing what inspires me—from tools and materials to ideas and tips—all curated especially for fellow textile artists like you.
Summer with Fresh Inspiration at Orphaned Wool
There's something especially joyful about the transition from spring to summer—especially here in Northeast Ohio, where winter often lingers longer than we'd like. The warmth, color, and light of the season feel well-earned, and for many of us, it's a perfect time to reconnect with our creativity.
From Spring to Summer Studio News
It's been a busy stretch in the studio lately! I've been happily designing new patterns for Orphaned Wool—because honestly, I can't help myself. It's what I love to do. I also had the opportunity to participate in a special collaborative rug hooking project, which was a truly enjoyable experience. I also continue to work on new punch needle designs for Punch Needle & Primitive Stitcher magazine—be sure to check out my latest design in the upcoming Summer 2025 issue!
The Special Project: Maryland Counties Rug Hooking Design
I was so honored (and excited!) to be one of seventeen women invited to take part in a special collaborative rug hooking project, beautifully designed by Colleen Teifenthal of BeachNut Studio. The concept was amazing—each of us was assigned a section representing one of Maryland's 23 counties, much like putting together a giant textile puzzle. Once everyone finished their pieces, Colleen assembled them into a stunning 3 x 5-foot rug—an authentic tribute to the state and a celebration of our rug hooking community. The finished piece will tour around Maryland and be showcased at various art venues from 2025 through 2027. It's been so fun to watch this project come together and be part of something bigger than my studio work. Huge thanks to Colleen for the vision and hard work she put into making it all happen!
Sneak Peek: The New Botanical Fruit Series (soon to be released)
As we move into summer, I've been feeling inspired to create something bright, fresh, and full of sunshine—say hello to my new Botanical Fruit Series! So far, the collection includes designs for Lemon, Lime, Peach, and Cherry, and I wouldn't be surprised if a few more fruity designs join the mix as the ideas continue to flow.
These designs will be available in both Punch Needle Embroidery and Rug Hooking formats, so whether you love one art form or both, there's something fun and colorful for you to dive into this season.
What's Combination Art?
If you're a fan of both rug hooking and punch needle (or curious to try something new), you'll want to check out Combination Art Kits. These fun, creative kits blend punch needle embroidery with wool rug hooking to create unique, dimensional pieces full of texture and charm.
Each kit is designed to let you make it your own—use wool from your stash and simply follow the included thread kit as a color guide to help pick your wool colors. The step-by-step instructions make it easy to follow along, so if you love rug hooking and enjoy a little punch needle work, you'll love the Combination Art Kits.
Currently, there are five different Combination Art Kits available, with more on the way. You can check them all out in the Combination Art section of the website.
Summer's the perfect time to slow down, soak up the sunshine, and enjoy being outside. Whether you're stitching a punch needle piece out on the porch, pulling loops in the evening light, or feeling inspired to try something new with a Combination Art kit, I hope these designs spark a little creativity in your season.
Don't forget to sign up for the Orphaned Wool newsletter so you're always in the loop on new pattern releases, kit updates, and special sneak peeks. And of course, follow along on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram for even more inspiration.
Wishing you a summer full of color, creativity, and joy!
Warmly,
Kelly Kanyok
Orphaned Wool