Tantalizing Textures Abound
Mosaics, creative cables, delicate shapes, oh my!
Letter From Jodie Morgan: Founding Editor
In this issue, there’s… warmth without the bulk, show off the beauty of mosaics, bring birdwatching to your fingertips, blends music and crafting, and…
Plus, beyond the velvet rope (unlocked for you this week) you’ll find…
Heading up north, the Pohjola Pullover takes from Finnish folklore, giving you a piece as stunning as the wild winter. For those who like practicality, there’s a no-swatch-needed project that’s great for gifts or treating yourself.
The Khanyisa Cardigan is a dream for cable enthusiasts, with its vibrant hues. And if you love geometric shapes, the Hexad Peaks Cardigan is perfect!
The Popham Hat shows simple is stunning, and for chilly nights, the Clotilde Cardigan adds a delicate layer of beauty.
Discover the fascinating concept of washing in the snow and find out about Stephen West’s lesser-known talent.
Get my recommendation for a yarn where the colors just sing. Learn the Norwegian way of purling and casting on.
Have you ever heard of Twiddle Muffs? Let softness and durability unite and unearth the combination to changing… everything.
Uncover a seamless solution, finding meaning through knitted stop-motion, how to brighten your community, and a great book recommendation.
Knitter’s Corner
Question From A Reader
“What projects can I make to use up my scrap yarn?”
Fortunately, there are plenty of options for reusing scraps from previous knitted items! Here’s an excerpt from my post of 60+ knitting projects for leftover yarn:
Placemats: Add a splash of color to your dining table.
Potholders: Keep your hands safe when cooking with potholders and stop hot pans from damaging surfaces. Always use 100% cotton yarn, as it withstands heat the best.
Produce Bag: Make your reusable bags for fruit and vegetables. They’re great for sustainability and can be easily thrown in the wash when they need a clean.
Rug: use up large quantities of scrap yarn. You could make a small one for the bathroom or a larger one for the living room. Ensure you use hard-wearing fibers.
Scarf: perfect for using up small amounts of yarn. You could try a simple garter stitch scarf or get creative with cables or other textures.
Useful Tip — Keep Your Yarn Organized
“Sort your yarn by color or type into airtight containers, and label for easy retrieval. Store them in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
When “shopping your stash,” a “yarn peg” can help. For each color in your stash, get a little yarn from that ball, and take a wooden peg.
Wrap the strand of yarn around that peg, and write the brand and the name of the color on the peg. Once you’ve got all your pegs, clip them to a piece of card or sturdy paper for easy access. When you’re choosing colors for a project, it’s easier to do it at a glance.
Don't discard the yarn label! Running out of yarn and forgetting what you need is terrible.”
— Excerpt from the Knitting Habits Success Manual
Knitting Joke — Yarn: an item to which the word ‘enough’ doesn’t apply.
Worth A Read — Knitting Gritty: Knitting for The Beginner by Aneeta Patel
“An invaluable resource for those taking their first steps on their knitting journey. This beginner's book simplifies essential techniques, tools, and terminology.”
— Sourced from my recommended books for your knitting library.
Publication Schedule
Tue — What To Knit Next
Fri — My yarny adventures
Here’s What I’ve Loved In Knitting Recently…
This post on Just keep knitting by Libby Page talks about her healing through knitting, guided by the keepsakes of a beloved lost relative. It's comforting to see knitting as an act of love and connection to those who've passed.
I love the look of this colorwork sweater in progress by Samantha Childress!
And can you resist knitting your own narwhal? He’s adorable! This delightful project, named Whally, comes from Patricia J.L. 👻🧶🖊️.
(Disclosure: Any purchases made through links may earn me a commission.)
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Knitting Designs You Can't Miss…
Stay Warm And Cozy Without The Unnecessary Bulk!
A new release fresh off the designer’s desk from Kavitha. Doesn’t it look lovely? The deep red she’s chosen suits it perfectly.
Kavitha recommends using Malabrigo Worsted 100% Merino Wool with size US 7 (4.5mm) circular needles (24”/60cm long.)
I love knitting merino wool with my Chiaogoo Red Lace circulars.
When Fall Becomes Winter, Celebrate The Change
Artus uses the mosaic knitting technique to great effect. The designer, Natasja Hornby, describes it as a statement piece. What an apt description.
She used Lichen & Lace Rustic Heather sport weight in her sample, with the Shrub, Ash, Birch, Pollen, and Sky colorways.
Also, she recommends using size US 4 (3.5mm) circular needles (40”/100cm long), size US 5 (3.75mm) circular needles (40”/100cm long), and two short size US 5 (3.75mm) double pointed needles.
My favorite needles to use with non-superwash yarn are the Knitters Pride Zing.
This One Is For The Bird Lovers
Isn’t the Songbird Mittens’ stranded colorwork design clever? The lighter color contrasts well with the dark blue, showing the bird in all its glory.
Erica, the designer, suggests using two contrasting colors of fingering weight yarn, with US size 2 (2.75mm) DPNs (or circulars for the magic loop method.)
I’d recommend Palette (100% Peruvian Highland Wool.)
Simplicity Makes The Spectacular Stand Out
Alive & Kicking is inspired by the 1985 song of the same name by Simple Minds. I love how the lace blends into the subtle heathering of the chosen yarn.
Melanie Berg chose the ITO Sensai (60% Mohair, 40% Silk) and ITO Kinu (100% Silk Noil) yarns held together with size US 3 (3.25mm) circular needles.
I’d recommend using the Clover Takumi brand, as the bamboo won’t grab or split the delicate mohair fibers.
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The Finesse Of Finnish Knitwear
The Pohjola Pullover by Sari Nordlund is inspired by the starkly beautiful wild winter. ‘Pohjola’ means ‘Northlands’ in Finnish, the mythical land in the epic poem, Kalevala.
She used skeins of Kässäkerho Pom Pom Suomi Single (60% Finnsheep Wool, 40% Other Wool, fingering weight) in her sample, and a variety of circular needle and DPN sizes for all the parts.
But since that yarn has been discontinued, I’d suggest Twill Fingering (100% Fine Superwash Merino Wool.)
Keep It Simple… No Swatch Required
The perfect project to use up all those single skeins lying around you don’t know what to do with… Mussleburgh is a reversible hat that makes a great gift.
Ysolda Teague suggests using a single skein of Neighborhood Fiber Co. Studio Sock (100% Merino Wool, fingering weight), but you can use any fingering weight yarn you have in your skein.
Choose your size, get your recommended needles, and you’re ready to go.
Calling All Cable Lovers
This beautiful orange on the Khanyisa Cardigan reminds me of my Mum’s fondness for bright, warm hues.
The cabling goes around the sides and back in a lovely repeat.
Nomagugu Ndlovu chose the Freedom yarn from African Expressions (75% Wool, 25% Acrylic) in the 5735 660 colorway.
You’ll need size US 6 (4mm) and US 7 (4.5mm) circular needles (32”/80cm long.) For a wool and acrylic blend, I use my wooden Knit Picks interchangables.
Blue Hues & Geometric Cues
Geometric shapes are one of my favorite design motifs and the Hexad Peaks Cardigan uses them to great effect! The color choice is lovely, too. I adore blue.
I love how the hexagons taper down and grow out in different sections of the body. It makes for such a unique addition to your wardrobe!
This uses Ancient Arts Fibre Crafts Merino in DK/Light Worsted, and size US 6 (4 mm) knitting needles. You could also try Swish DK (100% Merino Wool.)
If you use a wool yarn to knit yours, I’d use Chiaogoo Red Lace circulars. They glide along smoothly when knitting with this fiber.
One Skein, Infinite Elegance
The one skein wonder Popham Hat is a simple, yet elegant repeating cable growing in size as it moves further away from the crown.
Patty Lyons designed it for the attendants of the 2022 edition of her popular retreat, AfiKNITy, and now it’s available for everyone! As you’d expect from the expert knitting teacher, the instructions are clear, detailed, and easy to follow.
She recommends the Nash Island Grays yarn in the Winterberry Colorway (100% Wild Maine Island Wool, Aran weight.) But since it’s been discontinued, an alternative I’d suggest is Malabrigo Rios (100% Merino Wool.)
I recommend using the Knitters Pride Zing in size 8 US (5mm) with wool.
Simple, Fun & Durable
These pretty ankle socks are perfect for a touch of texture and simplicity. I love how she’s designed the heel with an extra layer of durability!
Perfect for everyday wear.
The designer recommends a skein of fingering weight and US size 1 (2.25mm) double-pointed needles, so you could use Stroll (75% Fine Superwash Merino Wool, 25% Nylon, fingering weight.)
Cool Nights & Cozy Knits
The delicate lace of the Clotilde Cardigan forms intricate diamonds. Great for layering during cooler weather, or colder summer nights. The designer, Pernille Larsen, is known for her detailed lace and cable creations.
It’s a companion to the Clothilde Sweater, features the same, lovely, lace pattern, but knitted in a lighter yarn, is seamless and is great if you prefer a pullover.
Pernille Larsen, the designer, chose to use Knitting for Olive Heavy Merino and Knitting for Olive Soft Silk Mohair held together for a heavy worsted weight. She also recommends US 10 (6mm) needles.
You could also use Rowan Pebble Island and Lana Grossa Silkhair held together.
An Adorable Companion From The Sea
This seal design from the maker of countless animal-inspired cuties is sure to capture the heart of any seal-lover! Isn’t it cute?
As Louise Walker, the creator, says:
“This project should get your seal of approval!”
It gets mine! And I’m sure it’ll get it instantly from the person you gift it to.
It comes with options for two sizes: DK or Aran. Louise recommends using Scheepjes Stone Washed XL (70% Cotton, 30% Acrylic), but you can use anything in your stash. She also offers a knitting kit with all the items you need.
Insider Knitting Inspiration…
Wool Care Goes Back To Historical Methods
Clara Parkes shows you how to wash knits in the snow. Her results are amazing!
I know it sounds unbelievable now, but as she says:
We've been wearing wool since 10,000 BCE. We've only had mechanized clothes-washing devices since the 1850s. Which means that we have quite a lot of experience cleaning our wool without a washing machine.
So head on over to learn something new (and spark a fascinating discussion with your knitting circle.)
Discovering Stephen West's Lesser-Known Talent
Stephen West’s ability and creative range never ceases to amaze me, but I had no idea he made children’s items too! This cardigan is adorable.
I love his thoughtful touch of adding plenty of ease into the garment for growing kids, and the color variations keep things interesting.
Edith Zimmerman shares why can’t get enough of this project.
Where Color Meets Conversation
These colors just sing! They’d be such a joy to knit with, and the name is a great conversation starter with your knitting friends… Popsicle Toes!
Step-By-Step: The Norwegian Purl
I knitted the beautiful Chasing Light shawl by Veera Välimäki and I love how designers share tutorials on techniques they use. She uses the Norwegian Purl.
This technique helps you keep the working yarn in the back, while still achieving the purl stitch. Useful for colorwork patterns!
I found Veera’s video on how to do it easy to follow.
The Symmetrical Cast On Transforming Sock Projects
This cast on, also demonstrated by Veera Välimäki, is knitting magic! It’s called the Old Norwegian Cast On (aka the German Twisted Cast On.) She says:
This cast-on is pretty easy to master and it works for so many different projects. I do love it for socks especially. 🧦
It’s the perfect balance between stretchy and rigid. As it looks the same on both sides, I’m going to use it for my next sock project.
Knitting With Purpose & Passion
Ever heard of Twiddle Muffs? This is a lovely story of how a group of knitters found a crafty solution for people with restless hands.
One of my favorite things about this hobby is how much joy it can bring to people’s lives. It’s always so heartwarming to see people doing good!
Softness, Durability, Warmth. Unite!
I love the feel of City Tweed yarn. It combines the strength of tweed with the softness of merino wool and alpaca. Great for sturdy, comfortable projects.
How Combination Knitting Can Change Everything.
A yarn store employee introduced me to the method of combination knitting. She described it was a way to get more even stitches.
I’m always interested in learning new techniques!
I found this video by Ellen of The Chilly Dog really helpful.
Seamless Solutions: An Easy Way To Close The Gap
When knitting garments, one of the things I struggle with the most is preventing a hole from appearing when I start knitting the sleeves!
While searching for ways to stop this from happening, I found Maryna’s tutorial solving just this problem. Give it a watch or read.
Finding Meaning Through Knitted Stop-Motion
A heartwarming documentary on meaning found through craft, told through adorable stop-motion animated knitted creatures.
It was directed and shot by the filmmaker, Samanatha Moore. She specializes in animated documentary films, created with painstaking detail.
My children used to make stop-motion videos with their Lego sets. It always amazed me how they had the patience to do all these shots, only for it to create such a small amount of finished film!
How To Brighten Your Community With Yarn
Emma Leith is a textile artist from Bath in the UK, and she and countless volunteers make beautiful yarn bombs for worthy causes and brightening up her urban neighborhoods.
Here are her tips for making your own. Plenty of helpful information from an expert! I loved her advice on planning it out to make the creation easier.
22 Beautiful Reasons To Love Learning
I have a book recommendation for you: Knit It! Learn The Basics & Knit 22 Beautiful Patterns by Melissa Leapman.
Aside from its beautiful photography, it features plenty of guides to master the basic + intermediate methods, plus twenty-two projects to put it into practice.
My eldest son loved how simple the instructions were, especially for some of the more complicated techniques. A clear teaching style makes learning easier!
Hope this issue has inspired your next knitting project!
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P.S. Isn’t this knitting helper adorable?
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Thank you for the shoutout :) Also I am 100% here for this--I subscribed immediately!
Extraordinarily rich post! Thank you!