You might be thinking, wait, what? Christmas stuff again?? I had something else planned for today, but when the photos from last month’s Make the World Better with a Sweater party/Save the Children fundraiser came in, a change of plans was in order. I think most of you are down for seeing epic yarn nerdery any time, even if it’s mostly red and green, right?
Blog
How to Fix Mistakes in Brioche Knitting
A couple months ago I shared a pattern for an awesomely fluffy cowl in brioche stitch, which a lot of you lovely knitters out there have made (and even adapted!) for yourselves. One thing I didn’t think to write about in that post was how to tear back and fix a brioche project if you make a mistake. Luckily one of your fellow readers reached out on Facebook to ask if I’d make a video on just that.
Picks of The Week
I skipped on my weekly roundup last week for the holidays, which means today’s picks cover more than usual. And as it’s a new year, I think I’m going to expand my picks of the week to include other yarn projects like fancy pom poms, macrame, and weaving. I’m new to funky poms, but I would love learn how to make & design cool poms of my own!
Top 10 Posts of 2014
In 2014, I really focused on blogging about knitting and crochet, and you guys were into it! Looking back, it’s no surprise that most of the top posts of the year were knitting patterns and tutorials on how to do knitting related things like make your own yarn, finger knit, keep yarn colors from bleeding, and casting on techniques.
Red Hats for Preemies
A couple months ago I shared a very personal story about losing a relative to a congenital heart defect as a teen. In that post I shared a pattern called Baby Hearts Hat in two sizes, newborn and infant, and I let you guys know about the American Heart Association’s Little Hats, Big Hearts drive. For those who missed it, the AHA is looking for red baby hat donations to be given to (hopefully!) every baby born in February in Chicago.
DIY Metal Stamped Stitch Markers
Stitch markers are really easy to make, you guys! I didn’t really realize it until trying it for myself last week, but with just a few jump rings (which you can find at my big box craft retailer or online) and charms, you’ve got a stitch marker. I DIY’d these as a last minute gift for a knitter friend, but you can put this tutorial in your back pocket for any time you’ve got a knitter in need of a personalized gift.
Picks of the Week
It’s almost knitting & crocheting for yourself time, kittens! In honor of that glorious, post-Christmas zen knitting glow, today’s collage features four totally cute winter patterns you should whip up for yourself after your December gift-making marathon. I, for one, am looking forward to some selfish knitting in 2015! 6 days and counting, my friends. 6 days.
55 Last Minute Knit & Crochet Gift Ideas
Christmas is a week from tomorrow, which means I’m finishing up a few knit and crochet gifts, but of course, there are more I’d like to get done between now and Christmas Eve. I have a hunch I’m not the only knitter quaking in my boots, so today’s post is all about one-skein/fast-to-make knitting and crochet gift ideas that you can get gone between now and the 25th.
Low Tide Cowl
This toasty cowl is great for blustery winter walks! It’s bulky enough to stay up around your chin on its own, but won’t totally suffocate you as you wear it. An everyday accessory, you can wear this reversible cabled cowl all winter long. The nice thing about reversible cowls when you’re in a rush: you won’t need to waste an extra second of your morning routine figuring out which which way to wear your neck warmer!
