Murat
A little creativity is all it takes…
Letter From Jodie Morgan: Founding Editor
In this issue, there’s flowing colors, Orchid-inspired warmth for your winter wardrobe, a bear with Fair Isle flare, big knits for big warmth, and…
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Plus, you’ll find…
Wrap yourself in meditation, cable comfort, handmade charm for kitchens and explore traditional Shetland with a touch of modern flair.
Escape to the seashore with a hat design, elevate your home decor with stylish storage and popcorn stitches pop!
Add a touch of artistry to your mittens, zip it good: mastering zipper installations in knits and rediscovering the charm of handmade gifts.
Ring in the yuletide, shine a light on your stitches: the best neck lights for knitters
and master symmetry with the central double increase.
Elevate your knitting skills with intermediate techniques, cable confidence and knitting up lit decorations for some festive sparkle. Dive into mosaic knitting, effortless German short rows on provisional cast-ons, doodling while knitting and a knitting haven in Orlando.
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Knitter’s Corner
Question From A Reader
I love getting emails from my readers and every week I pick out the best question and answer it here. So, today’s question is…
“I’ve always used a cable needle for my projects. Is it really possible to cable knit without one?”
Absolutely, it’s possible and quite freeing! I always cable without one. In my experience, once you get the hang of it, you’ll find it speeds up and simplifies your knitting. Check out my tutorial to learn how!
Have you tried cabling without a cable needle? Share your experiences below!
The Adventures Of Boobah & Friends
A fun new coloring page for your collection.
My youngest son has illustrated another delightful coloring page… This time, Boobah & friends are having fun in the snow.
Click the button below to download it as a PDF so you can print it out and color it in. I’d love to see your finished piece. Leave a comment or contact me!
Useful Knitting Tip
Ensure You Have Enough Yarn For Your Bind Off
“If you’re getting low on yarn, measure out 4 lengths of your yarn against the width of your project. If you’re knitting flat, it’ll be 4 times the width of your project or if you’re knitting in the round, it’ll be 4 times the diameter. Then tie a knot with some slack at the end of the measured out length.”
— Excerpt from the Knitting Habits Success Manual.
Casting On Comedy
I love sharing the fun of our craft and I hope you get a giggle out of this…
I’m in the right place right now. Not emotionally, I’m just at the Yarn Store!
The Great Knitting Debate
I so enjoy finding out about my readers’ experiences. Please let me know your thoughts in this poll.
You have until the next issue to cast your vote, and there, the results will be revealed!
And now… for last week’s results…
Where Do You Get Most Of Your Yarn?
- Option #1: Local yarn shops. 30%
- Option #2: Online retailers. 70%
- Option #3: Big box craft stores. 0%
Worthy Of A Spot On Your Bookshelf
Here’s my weekly recommendation for an excellent knitting resource to help you on your knitting journey.
The Ultimate Knitting Book by Vogue Knitting
“Written in a clear and easy-to-follow manner. Suitable for beginners to advanced knitters. The basics include English and Continental knitting style, increases, decreases, joining yarns, knitting gauge/charts/symbols, knitting in the round, and finishing techniques.”
— Sourced from my recommended books for your knitting library.
Knitting Through Time
I love finding pieces of art from history showcasing our craft through the ages.
This is a painting of a young woman knitting what looks like with double pointed needles by Daniel Ridgway Knight.
The Wisdom Of Words
“I love the way knitting brings people together.”
— Debbie Macomber
This Week In Knitting News
Here’s what I’ve found for you…
Crafting Carrots for a Cause in County Durham
What a delightful endeavor! These knitters are busily crafting giant carrots for the balletLORENT production of The Velveteen Rabbit. Check out the story here.
It’s fascinating to see how something as simple as knitting can enrich a community event and bring joy to children. Hats off to these wonderful knitters!
A Knitted Sweater Born From A Petri Dish
Vollebak’s innovative approach to knitting has captivated my imagination! Their method of creating a sweater using lab-grown fibers, and knitted by robot technology, mixes science fiction with fashion.
Zines For Hat Knitting Lovers
Woolly Wormhead, the maker of many clever hat designs, has some exciting news… Her books and zines collecting her designs are available for yarn stores to stock! Perhaps your local shop might be interested…
And of course, you can get them digitally or in print from her shop.
Handmade Hearts Warm Souls
The Kushdil ladies’ knitting group have created a network of comfort with their kindness hearts project. To think that one of the hearts stays with a patient even after they’ve passed, and its twin comforts a loved one, is so touching.
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Knitting Designs You Can’t Miss…
Flowing Colors and Seamless Construction
The Fluens Tee with its clever use of short rows creates a seamless color transition for a perfect visual twist. Kavitha Raman’s design taps into the joy of watching two hues merge beautifully.
I’ve always loved garments that combine technique with simplicity, and this one, done on US 4 needles with fingering yarn, is pure enjoyment.
Orchid-Inspired Warmth For Your Winter Wardrobe
Sandi Rosner’s Orchidaceae hat reflects a delicate balance between function and beauty, capturing the essence of orchid petals through its colorwork.
I love how it uses Purl Soho Note, a blend of merino wool and baby alpaca, to ensure warmth. This fiber elevates the tactile experience to match the visual appeal.
A Bear With Fair Isle Flare!
If you’re up for a delightfully detailed knitting adventure, look no further than this charming bear in a Fair Isle Sweater by Julie Williams from Little Cotton Rabbits,
Whether you opt for the traditional Fair Isle or simpler striped sweater, each bear you create will surely be infused with personality.
Big Knits For Big Warmth
Check out this chunky knit infinity scarf by Jessica Potasz. It strikes just the right balance of simplicity and elegance with a beautiful mesh stitch.
I love that it employs chunky yarn: perfect to curl up in as things turn chilly.
As a free member, you get the weekly previews, and on the first Tuesday of the month you get the entire issue for free. Lucky you!
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- Finally turn your knitting indecision into inspired action…
- Become the go-to VIP knitter in your circle of friends…
And instantly unlock:
- Unlimited access to all past and future issues…
- An organized, user-friendly catalog of all featured knitting treasures…
- Surprise bonuses and lots more to come…
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Wrap Yourself In Meditation
Is there anything more soothing than knitting with natural yarns? The Nicole Shawl, designed by Aimee Sher, makes a compelling case. Inspired by the gentle rhythms of the natural world and a favorite knitting podcast, this piece uses Hinterland Range yarn, blending wool and alpaca for a truly luxurious feel.
Cable Comfort
The Song of Peace Hat by Lara Simonson of Knot Enuf Knitting could be a delightful challenge. I adore how cables add texture and depth to a project, creating a piece that’s not only functional but also a feast for the eyes.
Plus, with four size options, it’s ideal for gifting or personal use.
Handmade Charm For Kitchens
These would make excellent gifts. The Easy Textured Dishcloth Pattern Set from KnitOnDesigns blends simplicity with lovely texture.
Designed for beginners, these dishcloths are a superb way to enhance your kitchen’s aesthetic while mastering new skills.
Traditional Shetland With Modern Flair
Gudrun Johnston’s Sandness Shawl offers a beautiful mix of heritage and innovation. The shawl brings a fresh twist to the classic Shetland lace knitting by substituting garter stitch with stockinette in the center.
Escape To The Seashore
I just came across the free Pebbles by the Sea Hat, and it’s like a mini vacation! The backdrop of its creation, a pebbled Ventura beach, sets a serene stage for this project.
It requires a skein of chunky yarn and US 11 (8mm) needles, finishing up in just an evening.
Stylish Storage
The Oodles Basket by Deja Joy is great for those into organization and itching to infuse handmade charm into their living spaces.
This project is a quick knit with its super bulky yarn and the size is just ideal for stashing everything from magazines to knitting supplies.
Popcorn Stitches Pop
The Warm Me Tee by Kirsten Nørgaard has a touch of femininity with its oversized design and boat neck style. The texture is absolutely delightful: those popcorn stitches truly pop and give a gorgeous visual contrast.
Artistry In Mittens
The Burnished Mittens by Lily Kate Makes showcase what you can achieve with small-scale colorwork and detailed design elements like Vikkel braids.
Ideal for fingering weight yarn, they promise a satisfying project and lovely results.
Insider Knitting Inspiration…
Zip It Good
I absolutely love how practical and approachable Julie makes this seem in her tutorial on adding zippers to knitwear. The choice between machine and hand installation caters to all comfort levels, and the tips on choosing the right zipper type and thread color are invaluable aspects.
Rediscovering The Charm Of Handmade Gifts
Clara Parkes beautifully captures the essence of a maker’s December in Maine, from crafting wreaths to navigating holiday craft fairs with a community spirit that shines.
Her commitment to reviving handmade gifts resonates with me. This piece is a reminder of why we craft: not for obligation, but for expression and connection.
Ring In The Yuletide
There’s something magical about TeaCosyFolk’s final vlog of the year: it just fills the room with festive cheer. I love Susan Cowper’s charming array of tea cosies.
Can’t wait to see what tea cosy delights await us in the new year!
Shine A Light On Your Stitches
Ever struggled to knit in dim light without increasing the brightness in your room? Norman from Nimble Needles’ thorough review of the top neck lights from his personal testing gives you guidance on the best options.
Symmetry with the Central Double Increase
The Central Double Increase is like a little bit of magic for your needles! The highlight of this method is its balanced elegance: no left-hand or right-hand bias.
Add To Your Intermediate Knitting Skill
Need some guidance on intermediate knitting projects? This helpful guide covers essentials like German Short Rows and the Three-Needle Bind Off—perfect for those ready to tackle something a bit more challenging
Cable Confidence
Master the art of simple cable stitches.
The clear step-by-step breakdowns on how to execute basic 2-over-2 cables are excellent starters before you leap into more complex designs.
Light Up Your Stitches
Here’s a possible material you may have never considered knitting with before… A string of battery or electric lights! It’d make a wonderful festive decoration.
If you’ve never tried it before, Laura Nelkin has some tips for you.
Dive Into Mosaic Knitting: A Colorful Adventure
Mosaic Knitting 101 demystifies a technique that balances simplicity in execution with extravagance in effect, showing you can make a big visual impact with just slip stitches. You work with one color at a time, making it less daunting for beginners.
Effortless German Short Rows On Provisional Cast-ons
Exploring German short rows on a provisional cast-on might sound daunting, but Woolly Wormhead makes it feel approachable.
This guide is a handy resource to add to your knitting toolkit!
Doodling While Knitting
I adore how Dana Williams-Johnson turns simple ideas into colorful knitting adventures! Her excitement about Doodle Decks reveals a whole new level of imaginative colorwork. These card decks allow knitters to mix and match motifs, making each project uniquely delightful.
A Knitting Haven In Orlando
Kristie takes you with her on a tour of Knitcessities in Orlando, Florida, and what a gem! It’s places like these that remind me why knitting is more than just a hobby: it’s about connections. If you’re nearby, don’t miss out!
Below is the accompanying video.
Interested in more tours of Florida yarn stores? I have good news for you! This tour is part of a series. Previously, she’s visited the Knit & Stitch Boutique, the Barefoot Stitchery, the Knit or Knot Yarns store, and Knitting on the Lamb.
Hope this issue has inspired your next knitting project!
Was this valuable to you? How could I make it more useful for you?
Leave a comment or contact me with what you’d like to see. And as an extra thank you for sending me your feedback, I’ll have a surprise for you… 😀
P.S. I love this painting of a knitter making a scarf…
P.P.S Don’t forget to become a VIP member for even more knitting inspiration…
