Follow along and discover your next inspiration as we cast on for projects we love, explore new techniques, and dish about the latest and greatest from Knit Picks.
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Fall is in the air…cozy pullovers, gift knitting, and endless cups of warm spiced cider are on the horizon. If you’re not quite ready to say goodbye to summer and need a little nudge, our latest batch of fiber creations and exclusive patterns are just the ticket to get you in the fall mood.
(more…)As someone who works full time and frantically tries to manage the daily routines of her entire household, I often find myself with less time to be creative than I would like. As such, I find that I often gravitate more towards quicker knits, and quicker usually means bulkier. The beauty of the Beginner Bulky Knits collection is that it’s perfect for those of us who lean more to the novice end of the knitting spectrum and for those of us who love a cozy, chunky stitch. I happen to fall somewhere in the middle of this hypothetical Venn diagram, so naturally, I am eager to give some of these patterns a turn on my needles.
First up on my list, Roscoe’s Toque. This simple textured knit hat will serve as the perfect adornment to my pre-k aged daughter’s head when out exploring our backyard. I mean c’mon, who doesn’t love an oversized pom pom?
Next up (and for moi), the Turnpike Cowl. What I love about this project is the generous shape and textural contrast, making it perfect for sinking your head down into on those days when adulting is just a little too much.
Tuff Puff: a beginner’s bulky bff
Wool of the Andes Superwash Bulky: machine-washable bulky wool
Biggo: bulky, comfy and cat-approved
Mighty Stitch Super Bulky: a superwash superhero
Whichever of the 11 projects from the Beginner Bulky Knits collection you may choose to cast on, rest assured that instant gratification is only a weekend away!
The flowers are blooming and the days are getting warmer which means it must be time to break out the lace knitting! Lightweight, versatile and oh-so-classic, lace shawls are the perfect accessory to knit and wear. Our new Joyful Lace Pattern Collection is an exquisite compilation of 15 lace designs, just the thing to inspire you to dip into your lace yarns. We’ll take a deeper look at three of my favorite patterns from this collection, including the shawl in our brand new Luminance Yarn!
First up is Singer’s Austen Shawl in Bare Luminance. The large-scale rectangular shape makes this an easy pattern to knit and wear. A fairly simple repeat makes up the body of this piece, with a delicate and lightly romantic peaked edge as the finishing touch.
Luminance shines in this shawl, the fabric is so light-weight but cozy, perfect for wrapping around your shoulders while enjoying the last throes of sunset out on a patio on a romantic evening out.
Next, Caroline Steinford’s Dewdrop Paths is an absolutely stunning example of a single-skein shawl. Perfect for stashbusting, you can complete this pattern with just one skein of Alpaca Cloud Lace. I love the idea of making a few of these in various “pop” colors and using them as the finishing touch to any outfit throughout the year.
Alpaca Cloud has excellent stitch definition as shown in these crisp points. Wouldn’t this look great in a hot pink like Rose or even a warm, wine red like Juliet? By choosing radically different colors, a single pattern can be knit up over and over to fill a different niche in your wardrobe.
Lastly, my absolute favorite pattern from this collection is the Half Moon Summer Shawl by Halleh Tehranifar. I love the circular motif at the neckline and the absolutely flattering way this shawl falls along the shoulders.
Unlike the other shawls, I consider this a “draping” shawl that’s worn more like a cardigan rather than a “wrapping” shawl with ends that are meant to be tossed over your shoulder in a scarf-like fashion. Plus, the slightly heavier fingering-weight yarn used in this project makes this shawl oh-so-cozy with a satisfying weight once blocked.
Whether you’re a die-hard lace knitter or interested in trying your hand at this delightful genre of knitting, Joyful Lace is a great collection with patterns for every aesthetic. Make sure to grab a copy while we’re running our fabulous book sale too! All in stock books are available at 40% off, including our new collections!
We’re finally approaching days of warmer weather filled with beach visits, time in the backyard, and long car or plane rides. What do you like to knit in Summer? I like smaller projects – things in smaller bags that I can tuck into a beach bag or suitcase. I like to stash bust in warmer months too, so that, come September, I am ready to tackle that Fall sweater or other large project. So today, I’m highlighting 3 books with great small projects that you might want to consider. It’s the last day of book sale! At 40% off, one of these books might just have the perfect patterns to see you through the warmer months of kntting and crochet.
Fans of Jane Richmond will love Island, her collection of 5 unique designs inspired by the spirit of adventure. You’ll find fingerless mitts and hats to see you through days of hiking and cool nights on the beach. You may remember Emily, our Graphic Designer, knitted a mesh scarf from the collection, and loved it! You’ll find great patterns presented in a cool and fashionable way – and it’s a smaller book, easily tucked into your project bag!
Fans of crochet know that Japanese Craft books are a vast and wonderful source of inspiration. Sometimes it’s just so hard to translate them, however! Lacy Crochet is a great book of small projects that would make your home look finished and classy, or provide great gifts for year-round giving! From cutesy corsages to pin cushions and tissue box covers, this book will have you inspired to make thing you never considered before.
Finally, a shout-out to our own Knit Picks Spring Accessories Collection is in order. If you loved our previous accessories collection, Under 100, this book takes things up a notch! The variety of projects is really extensive and if you’ve fallen in love with a KP yarn but aren’t quite sure what projects would work for it, chances are, you’ll find one in here that fits the bill, perfectly! From shawls and scarves to socks you’ll wear throughout the year, check out the patterns in this collection – you get so many patterns for the price!
As I mentioned, today is our last day of book sale. With all titles at 40% off, it’s hard to resist a new title that could inspire you this Summer with smaller projects to tuck into your travel bag. Come Winter, you’ll have so many gifts to give, or if you’re a selfish knitter like me, so many new accessories to wear!
I love my job! I have the pleasure of finding books at Knit Picks. Today is double exciting because we have new books to share and it’s book sale time! With 40% off, it’s hard to resist! Here are some knitting, crocheting and tatting books that have caught my eye.
KNITTING
Vogue Knitting: Very Easy Sweaters is a classic book of sweaters. 50 Projects! You’ll be able to find something for anyone in here – many of the projects are plus sized as well. The projects include light weight, cabled, striped & colorwork, as well as stockinette and dramatic shapes.
For the colorwork fans, Interweave has come out with a new book Fair Isle Style. Mary Jane Mucklestone brings you 20 fresh designs from several designers. Projects include scarves, gloves & mittens, socks, sweaters, a skirt, and many more. The sweaters and skirt include plus sizes, which is a plus (no pun intended!). Not only is it a book full of projects that focuses on fresh, modern uses of color, it’s a book about knitting the Fair Isle technique.
CROCHET
Wedding Crochet is filled with 20 romantic and feminine crochet designs. Though the title says “wedding” there are many projects in here that can be used for everyday wear. There are wraps, shawl, lacy cardigan, little girls shrug, belt, necklace, long gloves and corsage. Wedding specific projects some short veils, favors, garter, and ring bearer pillow. I have my eye on the lacy cardigan. its beautiful!
Treasury of Holiday Crochet has 84 gifts and home accents for holidays all year round. Projects include Halloween Masquerade mask, Chanukah throw, American flag afghan, ornaments, Christmas stockings, Father’s Day tie, Easter dress and basket and oh so much more!
TATTING
The last two new books are tatting books. Tatting is a new adventure for me and I love it! I love the design options that are available. Needle tatting is my preferred method. We have lots of tatting tools as well as hankies for your tatting pleasure!
Celtic Tatting has 12 original designs using the graceful loops and whorls of Celtic knots. In this book you will find edging, a Celtic flower, butterfly, heart & cross. You will find projects using these designs in earrings, a collar, bookmark, doily and a decorative frame
The title Festive Snowflakes & Ornaments says it all. It includes 14 snowflakes and 4 motifs. You can hang them as snowflakes or attach them to ornaments to create an unique, dazzling look. These are perfect for decorating your house or to give as gifts.
There are so many more new books available that I could go on for days! Check out the rest of the new books here. We’ve included images of the projects to help you in choosing the perfect books for your library!
