Murat
And the patience is always worth it…
Letter From Jodie Morgan: Founding Editor
In this issue, there’s… wrap up warm with a swish of color, tailored tweed elegance, decorative cloudberry cables, the 3 Cs: chunky, cozy & comfortable, and…
Note: If you click a link on this page and make a purchase, I may receive a commission, but at no extra cost to you. Learn More.
Plus, you’ll find…
Paris dreams, wrapped in wool, a cute classic for summer, a gorgeous cowl inspired by British Columbia, striking stranded colorwork mitts, living the knit life, chunky plaid cuteness, fall splendor in every stitch, and the friend-to-friend poncho.
Woven knitting, assumed knowledge in knitting, a friend to knit with, transform your shawls: tips for effortless chic, a heartfelt journey from yarns to dreams, and i-cord ingenuity: exploring creative applications!
Inspiration for Christmas sweaters that definitely aren’t ugly, weaving in ends on cotton yarn projects, try this simple cast-on technique for lace projects, center pull balls by hand, revamp your technique toolkit with these tips, and Patty Lyons has you covered for tension troubles.
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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 been trying different knitting techniques to reduce hand strain. Is lever knitting effective good for this? How hard is it?”
Lever knitting might be the answer to your needs! It’s known for increasing knitting speed and reducing hand. While it may feel awkward at first, with consistent practice, many find it becomes second nature.
Check out this guide for more on how it’s done.
Found lever knitting helpful? Let’s discuss in the comments!
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 busy knitting gifts in time for the upcoming holidays… Except one! 😂
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
Learn To Keep Even Tension
“Stay relaxed, and avoid gripping the yarn too tightly. As Elizabeth Zimmermann says, ‘don’t knit when you are in a rage, or tense for any reason.’ Uneven tension can create messy knits! Doing a test swatch to see if you reach the recommended gauge is important. Your swatch tells you if you’re knitting too loose or too tight.”
— 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…
If they don’t want me to dance in the yarn aisle, why the heck do they play music?
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…
Which Of These Yarns Do You Use The Most?
- Option #1: Wool 50%
- Option #2: Alpaca 50%
- Option #3: Cotton 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.
Knitting Gritty by Aneeta Patel
“Knitting Gritty – Knitting for The Beginner is an invaluable resource for those taking their first steps of their knitting journey. Designed with the absolute beginner in mind, this book expertly breaks down the essential techniques, tools, and terminology in an easy-to-understand and engaging way.“
— 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 called Maren Sofie knitting by Michael Ancher.
Fabulous Yarny Happenings
Here are just some of the fiber craft events happening in the world this week:
- Knitting & Stitching Show in Harrogate, UK
- Creative Hand Show and Sale in Kansas, US
- Fall Fiber Fiesta in Santa Fe, US
- Pennsylvania Fall Fiber Arts Festival in US
- Threads and Fiber Festival in Iowa, US
One of my most popular posts has been my list of global Knitting Events. Check it out for all the details of the upcoming festivals, gatherings and retreats.
The Wisdom Of Words
“Creativity is intelligence having fun.”
— Albert Einstein
This Week In Knitting News
Here’s what I’ve found for you…
Runway To Real Life: Knit The Trends
The allure of translating runway trends into day-to-day wearable knits has never felt more exciting. This insightful article by The Knitting Explorer creates a fabulous bridge between high fashion and translating the trends for a handmade wardrobe.
Tales of Knitting & Spinning
I was so moved by Jennifer Edwards’ story told by Bertie The Knitted Bear. Bertie is a wonderful observer of life that goes on around him in the craft room.
A beautiful reminder of how our crafts can soothe us in troubled times.
The Lucky $77 Yarn Giveaway
7 lucky winners, so you have a great chance of winning…
Knitting Designs You Can’t Miss…
Wrap Up Warm With A Swish Of Color!
Tanis Lavallee’s Swish Scarf is just the thing to learn 2-color brioche knitting! The contrasting colors makes the design pop. Perfect for trying something new.
The scarf is knit in DK weight yarn: recommended is Tanis Fiber Arts PureWash DK (100% Organic Merino Wool) with US 6 (4mm) needles and about 520 yards.
You could also make it in Swish DK (100% Fine Superwash Merino Wool.)
Tailored Tweed Elegance
The Dern Cardigan stands out with its structured design and luxe feel. Julie Hoover’s design focuses on tailored details, like a ribbed front and neck facing. If you’re aiming for comfort with a stylish flair, this is it!
It’s knitted flat in pieces and uses Purl Soho’s Hedgerow Yarn, a blend of 93% Merino Wool, 3.5% Cashmere, 3.5% Mulberry Silk, in worsted weight.
You could also make it in Wool of the Andes Tweed Worsted (80% Peruvian Highland Wool, 20% Donegal Tweed.)
Decorative Cloudberry Cables
Lisa Hannes has outdone herself with the Cloudberry Hat. Its cable design flows from the ribbed brim. Ideal for those chilly days or simply as a stylish accessory. Whether you prefer reading charts or written instructions, both options are available.
And if you adore matching accessories, there’s a coordinating wrap!
It’s knit with Lang Yarns Merino 120 in DK weight, using US 4 and US 6 needles. It’d be also wonderful in Capra DK (85% Fine Merino Wool, 15% Cashmere.)
The 3 Cs: Chunky, Cozy & Comfortable
The Chantal Sweater design is a stunner! It’s knitted top-down in a slip stitch design, meaning adjusting the length for a perfect fit is a breeze. I appreciate the strategic use of short rows for shoulder shaping.
The suggested chunky yarns like Gepard Garn Puno (68% Baby Alpaca, 10% Merino, 22% Nylon) and Woolfolk LUFT (55% Merino, 45% Pima Cotton) creates a quick knit. I’d also suggest Wonderfluff (70% Baby Alpaca, 7% Merino, 23% Nylon.)
The Lucky $77 Yarn Giveaway
7 lucky winners, so you have a great chance of winning…
Paris Dreams, Wrapped in Wool
Louise Tilbrook’s shawl design Paris Is Always a Good Idea is lovely. Imagined as a cozy companion for a Parisian jaunt with fellow knitters, it became a comfort knit during unexpected downtime. Enjoy the therapeutic rhythm of garter stitch.
Best knitted with 4mm needles and fingering weight yarn, this might just be your next beloved project. I’d suggest Twill (100% Fine Superwash Merino Wool.)
A Cute Classic For Summer
Looking for a delightful summer project? The ERA Summer Top could be your next favorite! I appreciate Therese Davidsen’s thoughtful design ideal for sunny days.
I love the scallop-like detailing on the front.
A Gorgeous Cowl Inspired by British Columbia
I’m always excited about designs that evoke a sense of place, and the Beautiful BC Cowl is one of those. With options for two ribbings and inspired by the breathtaking landscapes of British Columbia, this design is a treat for any knitter.
DK weight makes it a robust yet detailed project, ideal for those chilly days. Plus, Monika from Knitted Wishes offers some handy video tutorials for tricky parts!
She suggests Brooklyn Tweed Dapple (60% Merino, 40% Organic Cotton, DK weight) and you could also try Jimmy Beans Wool Reno Rafter 7 (100% Rafter 7 Merino.)
Striking Stranded Colorwork Mitts
The Springbound Mitts are delightful. The design so engaging. If you’re comfortable with reading from charts and knitting in the round, this could be fabulous. Plus, the contrasting color play really brings out those intricate details!
Recommended yarn: Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light (100% Merino Wool, fingering weight.) You’ll need needles in US size 1 (2.25mm.)
Living The Knit Life
Have you seen the Vivir Shawl by Kavitha Raman? It’s the perfect example of how the essence of life is found in our knitting projects. “Vivir,” meaning “to live” or “to be alive,” captures the spirit through its lively color play and versatile wearability.
I’m drawn to its ease of styling: just wrap it and go! Using mainly knit-purl stitches, it’s approachable for many knitters while offering a stylish result.
Chunky Plaid Cuteness
SuzyRai really knows how to make big yarn shine with her Hetty Vest design. The plaid version adds a quirky twist. The flexible styling options, making it ideal for either a snug or a more relaxed fit depending on your mood.
Designed for Rowan Big Wool (100% Merino Wool) or similar super chunky yarn. This piece promises quick and satisfying results: a perfect weekend project!
Fall Splendor In Every Stitch
The Quaking Aspen Wrap from designer Gianna Mueller for Purl Soho is a celebration of Fall’s palette. Knitting this wrap feels like painting with yarn. The fringe adds a whimsical touch, mimicking the delicate sway of aspen leaves.
It’s projects like these that make each stitch a joy.
Friend To Friend Poncho
The Friend to Friend poncho by Leslie Friend is perfect for keeping your shoulders and torso warm. Crafted bottom-up with purl columns that mimic seams, it’s both stylish and practical.
It’s perfect for a bulky yarn like Lion Brand Hue + Me, ensuring warmth.
Insider Knitting Inspiration…
Woven Knitting
You may already be familiar with knitter extraordinaire; Nancy Marchant who is famous for her Brioche Knitting designs and books. If you adore color and texture, take a look at her woven knitting here. It’s truly inspiring.
Assumed Knowledge In Knitting
If you are relatively new to knitting, this is an excellent article by Elizabeth Smith. She shares her Top 10 “assumed knitting knowledge tidbits” will help you with things you don’t know.
A Friend To Knit With
I love catching up on Leslie Friend’s latest projects. In her latest podcast episode, she’s finished her Clover Tee, a design by Lene Holme Samsøe which I’ve featured here on What To Knit Next. Her other projects are gorgeous too! Well worth a watch.
Transform Your Shawls: Tips for Effortless Chic
Ever get stumped on how to spruce up those knitted shawls? Knicoleknits just made our day a little easier with her latest tutorial on shawl styling. She offered some clever techniques to turn those tricky triangles into effortlessly chic wrapovers.
A Heartfelt Journey From Yarns to Dreams
Chandi’s charming story of a garage sale discovery that orchestrated her lifelong dedication to fiber arts touched me deeply. A simple set of crochet hooks unlocked not just creativity but a fulfilling path that many of us can relate to.
I adore how she celebrates this journey and its unexpected turns!
I-Cord Ingenuity: Exploring Creative Applications!
Icords might seem simple, but they’re incredibly versatile!
The Knit Guru’s tutorial showcases three fantastic ways to use icords, from basic neat edges to forming toy appendages with pipe cleaners.
Inspiration For Christmas Sweaters That Definitely Aren’t Ugly!
The choices of ideas by Tayler Earl of Wool Needles Hands for comfortable and festive sweaters are well worth a look.
She talks more about some of these in her podcast here.
Weaving In Ends On Cotton Yarn Projects
There are some excellent quick tips shared in ways Very Pink Knits’ Knit*Minute on how to weave in cotton yarn in your projects.
Try This Simple Cast-On Technique For Lace Projects
NerdyKnitting’s Easy Lace Cast On video could be just what you’re looking for when requiring a stretchy cast on. The reverse yarn-over method is uniquely effective.
It’s always a treat to find techniques that simplify the knitting process.
Center Pull Balls By Hand
The Tech Knitter always has something valuable to share. Her latest video on how to create center pull balls in any size when winding by hand.
Revamp Your Technique Toolkit With These Tips
Norman from NimbleNeedles shares ten exciting techniques he thinks should have gone viral, they’re that good!
From the alternative to tubular cast-on to neater stitch pick-ups, each method is a gem. Great for newbies and seasoned knitters alike.
Tension Troubles? Patty Lyons Has You Covered!
Who doesn’t struggle with yarn tension from time to time? In Patty Lyons’ blog post, she lays out clear steps to enhance your control, especially with tricky yarns.
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. A sweater in fields of gold…
The Lucky $77 Yarn Giveaway
7 lucky winners, so you have a great chance of winning…
