Many of you know Maya Gooding, The Endless Skein's beloved retail manager for our first 3 years of operation. In 2022, Maya pivoted to another field for her full-time gig, but she continues to design under her label Edition Knitwear. Her latest design project is a special collaboration with indie dyer Jenny Brown of 316 Dye Studio. Maya's new pattern will be available at The Endless Skein on Local Yarn Store Day, April 29, 2023.

We recently caught up with Maya for a little Q&A. Read on!

Inquiring minds want to know what you’re up to these days! Tell us about your new position. With your new schedule, is it challenging to find time to knit and design?

I am currently store manager for an optical brand called Garrett Leight California Optical (GLCO). GLCO is based out of my hometown (Los Angeles) and has about 7-8 stores nationwide. Definitely a pivot from my last job (store manager of The Endless Skein, of course!) but there are still some fun ways to stay creative with helping customers find their frames and customize their eyewear.

As for knitting time, I honestly have way more than ever before, thanks to a nice long train commute into Brooklyn. Will definitely take audiobook recommendations, I’m running out!

How did the collaboration with Jenny of 316 Dye Studio come about?

Jenny and I have been toying around with a collaboration for nearly a year now, so when Sue brought up the idea of a pattern for LYS Day, we both jumped on board! I’d do pretty much anything Sue asked. ;)

Is your process different when you are designing for a particular yarn?

I have a notebook filled with ideas and sketches in various states of progress, so sometimes it’s as easy as matching the yarn with the idea that I think would work for it.

In general I think many people may not know the full effort that goes into making a single pattern collaboratively, so I’ll share a bit of our time line across the past 6-7 months:
- I sketched out a few new ideas and sent them to Jenny, with an idea of what weight I wanted to use.
- We decided on our favorite design, and she came back to me with her base that best matched.
- We went back and forth for a few weeks on color ideas, and Jenny dyed up a ton of samples from which we settled on a small palette we both liked.
- Once I got the sample skeins, I went to work knitting up the first pattern sample while simultaneously writing the first draft.
- I sent out the rough draft to a few helpful test knitters for feedback, while I re-edited, formatted the pattern, adjusted for tester notes, and eventually made the finalized version.

What has been inspiring you lately?

European and Scandinavian street style! It’s been inspiring me to create and design more simple, functional pieces that have really fun little fit details and color.

Can you tell us what’s on the horizon?

The career switch was a big change for me last year, and as a result, a lot of my focus went to work. I used knitting more as a personal stress-relief, which meant more knitting regular patterns rather than writing. But now I’m feeling refreshed off of my “hiatus,” and am coming back with a ton of new ideas and patterns I’m getting ready to roll out!

How are Waffles and Charlie???

Cozy and cuddly, but ready for spring weather (a.k.a. the ultimate walking weather).

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

I miss my Endless Skein family!!! It’s definitely difficult not always being around the inspiring women I had the pleasure of working with for years, but I’m glad technology (and the occasional day off) is keeping us all connected.

Be sure to follow Maya on Instagram @editionknitwear.

Join us on Local Yarn Store Day, April 29, 2023! We'll have Maya's new pattern, yarn dyed for the cowl by 316 Dye Studio, and other brightly colored surprises as well!