June 2026

Anna Hrachovec

The Artist:

Anna Hrachovec is a Chicago-based designer and artist who is obsessed with knitting little toys and
bringing them to life through stop-motion animation. She named her woolly world Mochimochi Land after
learning to knit as an exchange student in Japan, which is also where she fell in love with the cute,
minimalist characters that inspired her early designs.
She has written five books of knitting patterns (with a new one coming in 2026) in addition to hundreds
more independently-published patterns and knitting kits. Anna has also written two picture books
illustrated with her knitted characters, 2023’s Catside Up, Catside Down, and 2025’s Short Dog, Long Dog.
Anna’s animation clients have included Nickelodeon, The Washington Post, and Sesame Street. A new
animated series based on her knitted world, Woolly Woolly, debuted on television in France and Canada in
2025.

Guild Meeting/Program: Play with your knitting

Play is something we all need at every age. Not only is it good for mental health, problem solving, and
relationship building, but it’s also an essential part of what makes us human in an increasingly artificial
world. In this talk, Anna Hrachovec of Mochimochi Land will share the ways that play has factored into her
own creative life and career as an animator and designer of knitted toys, and she’ll discuss how we all can
incorporate more play into our lives, no matter how serious our endeavors.

Date/Time: June 13, 2026 10:30 AM (following Guild meeting)

Location: St. James Episcopal Church, 11815 Seven Locks Rd, Potomac, MD 20854

Mini Workshop: Tiny Toy Knitting Basics: Four legs

What’s made of stitches and walks on four legs? Your next knitting project! In this workshop we’ll use
small-circumference circular knitting to make simple a bean-shaped quadruped that can be turned into
many kinds of animals, from cats to elephants, with just a few embellishments. It’s an introduction to toy
knitting basics that will open up a menagerie of possibilities to you!

Date/Time: June 13, 2026 1:00 to 4:00 PM

Location: St. James Episcopal Church, 11815 Seven Locks Rd, Potomac, MD 20854

Mini Workshop Fee: Members: $80 Non-Members: $115

Student’s Materials Fee: $5
Materials: small amount of polyester stuffing

Student Supply List:

• Small amounts of yarn (20 yards or less) in a few colors.
  Yarn weight depends on personal preference and familiarity with circular knitting—I recommend worsted weight yarn for those who are less experienced, and fingering-weight yarn for those with more experience.
• Set of 4 double-pointed needles—size 5 US (3.75mm) for worsted-weight yarn; size 1 US (2.25mm) for fingering weight yarn
  Note: A circular needle and magic loop technique may be used, but DPNs will be the focus of the
  workshop.
• Small tapestry needle

Extended Workshop: Knit a Mini You! Stop Motion Animation

Knit yourself, a friend, or your favorite celeb! We’ll start with basic templates and
incorporate modifications big and small to customize and personalize these tiny circular-knitted projects.
We’ll also discuss using basic shapes and techniques to create mini accessories and props to accompany
our tiny friends.
Students will also learn techniques to create stop motion scenes using simple tools and materials readily available.

Date/Time: June 14, 2026 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Location: PFAG Studio: 11810 Parklawn Dr Suite 204 #11, Rockville, MD 20852

Workshop Fee: Members: $120 Non-Members: $165

Student’s Materials Fee: $5

Materials: styrofoam and polyester stuffing

Student Supply List:

• Small amounts of yarn (20 yards or less) in a few colors.
  Yarn weight depends on personal preference and familiarity with circular knitting—I recommend worsted weight yarn for those who are less experienced, and fingering-weight yarn for those with more experience.
• Set of 4 double-pointed needles—size 5 US (3.75mm) for worsted-weight yarn; size 1 US (2.25mm) for fingering weight yarn
  Note: A circular needle and magic loop technique may be used, but DPNs will be the focus of the
  workshop.
• Small tapestry needle
• T pins
• Fabric or colored paper to create backgrounds for the animated scenes

NOTE: Students must download ‘Stop Motion Animation’ app to their phones.  Make sure you have means to prop up your phone: a tripod, or a case with a stand, a mug also works.