Does the world need another fingerless mitt pattern? Maybe it does! It’s been sixteen years since my first fingerless mitt pattern, Fetching, was published in Knitty, and people are still making them (with over 21,000 projects currently posted on Ravelry). I designed these Terra Nova mitts for my dad at his request, to keep his hands warm when he’s out taking pictures. They’re named for the Terra Nova rural park near where I grew up and appear in Knitty First Fall 2022.
A cool hat for cold days
We were watching AMC’s Turn a while ago, and commenting about how cool-yet-utilitarian main character Abe Woodull’s clearly hand-knit slouchy toque was. I searched online for patterns, found an interesting blog post and a discussion about spelling, but no patterns that looked exactly right.
Abe’s hat looked like it might be a bit itchy, but I thought it would be okay to be slightly less authentic in that regard, and got some super-cozy Woolfolk SNO to make this hat. I’m pretty happy with the way it turned out!
It’s equally fashionable on men and women!
#fetchingknits
I’m finally on Instagram. I don’t know what took me so long–it’s so much fun! Follow me for project updates and sneak peeks, and see where I’m finding my inspiration. Don’t forget to tag your photos with #fetchingknits too!
Sophistical – in Knitty First Fall
How excited am I to be back in Knitty?
I’m very happy to present Sophistical. This is a great loose-fitting layering piece that’s mostly super-simple and quick to knit. The front and back are worked flat and seamed at the shoulders and sides. Drop sleeves are picked up and worked in the round until they’re exactly as long as you want. Simple 1×1 ribbing finishes the neckline.
However, there are a few slightly tricky parts that really add a lot of style: a tubular cast-on and bind-off start and finish your ribbing beautifully, three organic-looking welts on the front skew the hemline in an interesting way, a box pleat on the back adds a bit of swing, and short-row shaping provides a better fit at the shoulders.
The instructions include modifications for simplifying the pattern if you think you might not be up to the challenge (but don’t be afraid to give it a shot–what’s the worst that could happen? You can just unravel and try again . . .)
Thanks to my two amazing dancer models, Kate Franklin and Vanessa Goodman.
Spring into knitting
Spring is a great time to learn to knit! You can practice on a scarf or two, maybe make some mitts or a hat, and by the time the cooler weather rolls around again, you’ll be ready to make your first sweater! Seriously, my second project ever was a sweater. I learned to knit because I love sweaters, and didn’t want to spend any more time on flat things. It wasn’t the greatest sweater, but I wore it proudly.
Are you a beginning knitter? Once you know how to knit and purl, here are some patterns you might like to try:
These are super easy: How about a reversible scarf with different stitch patterns on each side? Or a garter stitch boa that works with pretty much any yarn.
Try these next: Learn to knit in the round on double pointed needles (it’s not that hard!) and create cables (also not that hard!) while making these popular fingerless mitts. There’s also a guy-friendly version). Maybe you want warmer hands? How about some mittens? Or a simple baby hat worked in the round (it makes a great gift)! Do you know a Life Aquatic fan who needs a basic ribbed hat?
Ready for a challenge? How about a sweater? This one only takes a few hours. Mr. Darcy is very straightforward (exactly what you need in a Regency-era hero). Or try this drawstring-waisted skirt for a versatile addition to your wardrobe.
The Red Queen is finally ready
Well, this took a lot longer than I thought it would. Probably because I stopped to make a load of tiny sweaters and alpaca cowls for our pop-up sale last month. Anyway, it’s finally done and I think it turned out pretty well. I’m especially happy with the tubular bind off on the ribbed edging. Such a great technique–I highly recommend learning how to do it if you don’t already.
My new Queen Street cardigan in madelinetosh tosh merino light (in Tart)
Pop up sale!
Come to this tiny holiday market featuring original hand-crafted gifts and accessories by three five Vancouver designers. You’ll find beautiful leather goods, amazing Selfie dolls, stylish knitted & crocheted things like chunky cowls and tiny sweater ornaments, and more. We might even have cookies for you!
Here’s a preview for you (click on any image to enlarge) | ||
Some of Katharina Brand‘s beautiful leather ornaments & lavender sachets | ||
Some lovely warm items by Candice Leung | ||
Imagine wrapping a gift card in one of these wallets made from vintage maps of Vancouver! |
Would you pay for Knitty?
Knitty is doing this interesting thing. I’m so happy to be able to support such an excellent online knitting magazine. I got my start as a designer in Knitty, and still feel like Amy Singer is my knitting fairy godmother.
Can you support Knitty too? $2 an issue is quite a bargain.
Queen Street goes both ways
I’m excited to release my newest pattern, the Queen Street reversible cardigan.
Right-side out, you get sleek slip-stitch ribs on a reverse-stockinette stitch background, with exposed seams. Inside-out, you have nice plain stockinette stitch with garter stitch bands at the hemline and sleeve cuffs, and wide-ribbed sleeves.
It’s made from gorgeous Americo Originals Brezo (a wool/silk/linen blend you will love). It also works beautifully in MadelineTosh Tosh Merino Light.
Click here for more details or
Introducing: Sleepy Bunny!
Need a gift for a summer baby? Here’s a sweet cotton garter stitch blanket with i-cord edging and a handy loop on one corner. This is a free pattern; get it here.