Murat
It all adds up…
Letter From Jodie Morgan: Founding Editor
In this issue, there’s art meets yarn, dress your teddy in nordic style, lace luxury & summer ease and elevate your home decor with knitted elegance.
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Plus, you’ll find…
Embrace icelandic tradition with bulky yarn bliss, a nostalgic nickname transformed into a chic scarflet, knit a classic scarf with timeless appeal and a mellow mood top. A colorwork sweater inspired by snow peaks, the magic of norse mythology, a cowl dedicated to talented knitter and pace yourself with this scarf design.
Knitters, get ready to shine on screen, tame those tricky floats and sheep shenanigans make for wonderful knitting breaks! No more tangled yarn: a clever new tool, natural dye techniques with a twist and elevate your ribbing.
Swatching success in circular knitting, seamless sock fixes for pesky heel gaps and discovering Kyrgyzstan and fine cashmere fibers. A quick trick to erase jogs in zig zags, perfect your socks with the star toe technique and letting go: a crafter’s journey through unfinished projects.
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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’m trying to switch from English to Continental knitting and finding it hard! How do I make it easier?
Switching knitting styles is like learning to write with your other hand: tricky at first, but doable with practice! I suggest starting with simpler projects to build muscle memory. Focus on maintaining a comfortable yarn tension and remember, it’s perfectly okay to switch back and forth as needed.
For more tips, check out this guide on Continental knitting.
How about you? Any tricks for making the switch easier? Share your insights!
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 enjoying a night of cozy knitting.
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
Keep Your Knits Looking Fresh
“Wool yarns, especially non-superwash ones, require extra care. Never soak them or wring them out, just gently squeeze out the excess water. Nor should you hang them out to dry or peg them on the clothesline! Dry it flat, and pull it gently into the correct shape.”
— 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 a knitter. Of course, I’m crazy. Do you think a sane person would hoard so much yarn?
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…
How Do You Store Your Yarn Stash?
- Option #1: Organized by weight and color. 20%
- Option #2: In various bags and boxes. 60%
- Option #3: What storage? It’s everywhere! 20%
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 Principles of Knitting by June Hemmons Hiatt
“The Principles of Knitting includes everything you need to build skills and confidence. How-tos, knitting methods, circular and flat knitting. Includes decorative techniques plus so much more. Written in a clear and easy-to-follow manner. Suitable for beginners to advanced knitters.”
— 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 watercolor poster for ‘America’s Knitting Song’, which is what looks like to be the cover for a collection of sheet music.
The Wisdom Of Words
“Knitting not only relaxes me, it also brings a feeling of being at home.”
— Magdalena Neuner
This Week In Knitting News
Here’s what I’ve found for you…
Would You Knit With Dog Hair?
Have you ever thought about turning your dog’s shed fur into something wearable? Knitting with Dog Hair dives back into a 90s trend.
Community Crafting: More Than Just Yarn
This heartwarming project a 16ft knitted Christmas tree, crafted to gather people and combat loneliness. It perfectly showcases the power of knitting to connect and care across generations. Community-building in every stitch!
Wooster Woolies: A High School Crafting Club
Isn’t it refreshing to hear how high schoolers at Wooster High are embracing knitting and crochet? The image of teens gathered around, yarn in hand, aiming to craft everything from amigurumi to beanies providing creativity and calm is so lovely!
The Lucky $77 Yarn Giveaway
7 lucky winners, so you have a great chance of winning…
Knitting Designs You Can’t Miss…
Art Meets Yarn
Elenor Mortensen’s Art Nouveau Sweater reflects the beauty and intricacy of its namesake art movement. What I love most is the large motif on the yoke: a challenge and a joy to work on. Plus, the option to choose between long or short sleeves makes it versatile for different seasons or styles.
Dress Your Teddy In Nordic Style
Isn’t it wonderful how knitting can dress up even our smallest friends? The Nordic-Style Teddy Outfit caught my eye with its vibrant Norwegian sweater.
Work the project on a size 3 mm double-pointed or circular needles.
Lace Luxury & Summer Ease
Xyris by Audrey Borrego is the epitome of lace elegance combined with comfy design. Knitted with a fingering weight yarn on US 3 (3.25mm) needles, it features a delightful all-over lace design that’s on-trend and timeless. I’m fond of the 3/1 ribbing and German short-row bust darts that add a nice touch to its fit.
Knitted Home Decor Elegance
The Cables and Lace Pillow from KnotEnufKnitting caught my eye with its intricate cables and delicate lace trees, creating a unique tactile experience.
If you’ve tackled the matching Afghan, imagine the cozy elegance this pillow could add to your home! It’s knit in the round, so no pesky seams to sew up later.
The Lucky $77 Yarn Giveaway
7 lucky winners, so you have a great chance of winning…
Icelandic Tradition & Bulky Yarn Bliss
The Moska cardigan, designed by Védís Jónsdóttir, is a brilliant blend of classic Icelandic style and modern knitting techniques. It’s crafted with Ístex Álafosslopi, a bulky yarn that promises warmth and a lush texture. What I love most is the construction: knitting from the bottom up allows for a seamless union at the yoke, a detail that makes finishing so satisfying.
A Nostalgic Nickname Inspires A Chic Scarflet
What a heartfelt origin story for The Radling Scarflet! Naming a design after an old nickname given to her daughter, Lauren adds personal history into her design.
This scarflet, designed in soft baby alpaca, promises warmth and fashion in one neat package. Happy knitting if you decide to give this one a go!
Knit A Scarf With Timeless Appeal
This stylish yet simple scarf involves basic knit techniques.
A versatile addition to any knitter’s repertoire!
Mellow Mood
Isn’t it wonderful when a knitting project feels more like joy and less like work? That’s the vibe of Julia Piro’s Mellow Mood Top, designed for anyone making their first garments.
The simplicity coupled with helpful video tutorials makes it excellent for beginners. Opt between classy ribbing or a sleek i-cord hem.
Inspired By Snow Peaks
If you’ve been shy about tackling colorwork, try the Snow Peak Sweater!
Shalea from Idaho Knits crafted this design with beginners in mind, complete with a supportive video walkthrough. It’s knit with bulky yarn, so it knits up fast.
The Magic Of Norse Mythology
The Huldra Norwegian Wool Sweater by Kat from Kniterine captivates with its nod to Norse middles ages designs.
I love the subtle edging design on the bottom hem and the sleeves!
Dedicated To Alice
The Sweet Alice Cowl from Grey Owl Knits By Sarah with its Fair Isle charm and the wonderful backstory of Alice Armstrong who the design is dedicated to.
She was born and raised in the Shetland Islands and emigrated to Canada after marriage. Her knitting was amazing, including colorwork and Shetland Lace.
Pace Yourself
The Pace Yourself Scarf balance simplicity with a touch of elegance.
Created by Cowl and Owl, it requires worsted weight yarn and suggests using US size 8 and 7 needles, perfect for a cozy winter project.
Insider Knitting Inspiration…
Knitters, Get Ready To Shine On Screen
Exciting news in the crafting world! Tom Daley, famously known not just for his Olympic medals but for his knitting too, will be hosting a new show on Channel 4 in the UK. The Game Of Wool is seeking participants, so if you live in the UK, this could be fun and your chance to show off your knitting prowess!
Tame Those Tricky Floats
I always appreciate a good tutorial, and this one from MistyMorningKnits is pure gold for anyone diving into Fair Isle knitting. Float catching keeps your work neat and prevents pesky long loops on the back of your work from snagging. Perfect for knitters who juggle Continental and English styles!
Sheep Shenanigans: A Wonderful Knitting Break
Who can resist a chuckle at this cute video? Those quirky Valais Blacknose sheep will make your day.
Discovering Kyrgyzstan & Fine Fibers
What an enriching episode of Fruity Knitting!
The interview with Pamir Fine Fibers in Kyrgyzstan was visually stunning and gave a wonderful insight into Cashmere fiber production.
No More Tangled Yarn: A Clever New Tool
I just came across the Knotty Fob from the Knitting Loft. It promises to end the frustration of tangled yarns, making knitting sessions a lot smoother. I can’t wait to test it with my multicolor projects. Have you tried it?
Natural Dye Techniques With A Twist
Take a look at Billy Nou’s journey with natural dyeing on wool using ice cubes!
Circular Knitting: Swatch Success!
Whitney from Purl Soho shares a must-know for circular knitting: the importance of swatching your gauge in the round rather than flat! It looks rather messy but trust me, getting gauge means your garment will fit.
Perfect Your Socks with the Star Toe Technique
I discovered Lauren Rad’s clever instruction on knitting a star toe for socks! Whether knitting top-down or bottom-up, this is ideal if you dislike grafting stitches at the end.
Not to mention, it’s especially nice for those with a longer second toe. Lauren simplifies the process, whether you’re increasing or decreasing stitches.
Seamless Sock Fixes for Pesky Heel Gaps
Staci Perry’s tutorial on managing those annoying gaps at the heel of socks is great!
A Quick Trick To Erase Jogs In Zig Zags
This is a nifty way to get rid of jogs in zig zags when knitting in the round.
Letting Go: A Journey Through Unfinished Projects
I really enjoyed the insights from the Finish or Frog Along. It’s a fabulous concept—finish your projects or decisively frog them!
I’ve struggled with leaving projects half-done myself, and the lessons about motivation and the relief of letting go are spot-on.
Ribbing Made Even (And Easy!)
Struggling with uneven ribbing? This nifty trick from bart.knits might just be your solution! The combination knitting technique outlined gives a tidy, consistent finish.
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. Such a complex intarsia design!
The Lucky $77 Yarn Giveaway
7 lucky winners, so you have a great chance of winning…
