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by Holly K on July 20, 2015
Do you knit lace? Personally, it terrifies me. I've tried it a few times, but between the intricate charts and constant yarn-overs, I get very confused, make mistakes, and often end of ripping my whole project back to the beginning, where I sit baffled at how anyone actually does this. I like lace in small doses: a panel here and there to complement the rest of a (simple) knitted project. I'm working my way up to Estonian shawls in very small increments, and when I look at books about lace, I dare myself to go forward, "lifelines" in hand. Here are five books from the Knit Picks shelves I love to page through. You might enjoy them, too! At 40% off in our current book sale, why not pick one up and cast-on (or dream, like me, of casting on). Our book sale is on, for only a bit longer! "Lace Yarn Studio" is a fun book with a collection of patterns from varied designers. From smaller projects to larger sweaters, you can work your way up to complicated projects and learn a bit more about lace yarn, in the process! |
Category Archives: crochet
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by Hannah on May 15, 2015
I'm in a swoon over the new Well Made-Home: Crochet pattern collection! There are so many great projects from throws to accent pillows and even a set of small storage baskets, ideal for gift-giving or housewarming presents for everyone you know. Who doesn't need something homemade and cozy to decorate their abode? I wanted to take a moment and offer some ideas for alternate colorways for the projects I've come to love and covet. |
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by Stacey on May 14, 2015
I've been knitting much longer than I have been crocheting and when I started out, I was facinated by crochet cables - I never knew you could cable in crochet. Cables are one of my favorite looks to any project so I am pretty excited that I now have small project to test my crochet skills - Beth Major's Cabled Spa Cloth! |
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by Jenny K on May 12, 2015
"It's like knitting a kitten!" - these are just one of the many comments you'll find from crafters on Ravelry professing their love for Andean Treasure. And it is true! Andean Treasure is easily one of the softest yarns with a plush, squish-ability that you just can't get enough of. Andean Treasure is 100% baby alpaca, which means it's the softest and finest classification of alpaca fiber. If you haven't tried Andean Treasure yet, we've put together a handful of free patterns (including knit and crochet!) that just might tempt you to add a ball...or two...or three. 1. The Hyde Park Hat - free crochet pattern |
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by Jenny K on April 20, 2015
Say hello to your favorite new blanket - easy enough for even the most timid beginners while more experienced crafters will enjoy the meditative repetition (perfect for netflix marathons)! This super easy pattern uses simple stitches to make a bold impact with large, modern stripes. And taking cues from all of the knitters and crocheters here at Knit Picks, we decided to make two versions - knit and crochet - that each shine with undeniable beauty while highlighting the essence of each craft. |
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by Stacey on April 18, 2015
This week in our 52 Weeks of Dishcloth series we have a fun pattern by Kalurah Hudson - the Aztec Dishcloth! |
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by Jenny K on April 6, 2015
Have you had the pleasure of knitting or crocheting with Diadem yet? This dreamy yarn is a delectable blend of baby alpaca and mulberry silk – and if that wasn’t enough to get your attention, the lusciously saturated colors will most definitely have you dreaming of silky soft accessories. No wonder a skein of two of this splurge-worthy yarn has found its way into my yarn stash! If you’re in a similar situation and have 1-2 skeins of Diadem just waiting to be transformed into something incredible, we’ve got 4 stunning and delightfully FREE patterns for you! First up is the Simple Shells Crocheted Cowl from designer Beth Major. Simple Shells Crocheted Cowl |
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by Holly K on March 31, 2015
Our book sale is here again! With 40% all titles, it's really hard to pass up the opportunity to browse new titles, or add a book you've been eyeing for while, to your shopping cart. Alison's sea creatures have been eliciting such a great reaction both online and in the office, that I thought I'd present some of our favorite books for knitted and crocheted toys and dolls. Have a look! You might just see something (someone?) you just have to make. |
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by Jenny K on March 30, 2015
We are officially a quarter of the way through our 52 Weeks of Dishcloths program! Have you been following along this year for 2015? We are so excited to have some of our favorite independent designers create these fun freebie patterns for us. This week's free pattern, Granny's Rainbow Dishcloth, comes from designer Beth Major - she designed a classic granny square with a colorful rainbow twist that works up quickly and is great for using up those yarn odds and ends. It's also a great pattern if you are new crochet and want some instant gratification. |
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by Holly K on February 24, 2015
So many of you were fans of the last year's free weekly dishcloth series that we've published a book of the all the patterns compiled, plus 8 brand new ones! To celebrate the release of 52 Weeks of Dishcloths: A Knit Picks Kitchen Spectacular, we're featuring a new series on the blog called "Dishcloth Remix", where we find alternate uses for these great patterns. We've switched up the scale or the fiber, and knit up these patterns into fun objects to enhance your life or bring a smile to your face. We'll offer "pithy directions" (as Elizabeth Zimmerman would say), and hope you'll follow along. The patterns are free on our site, of course, but the book, at its very essence, is an amazing compilation of stitch patterns that can be used for so many things. The possibilities are, truly, endless! Let's start out with something simple that makes a big impact, shall we? |
