Category Archives: Inspiration

Dishcloth Remix: Cloud Case

Welcome, once again, to"Dishcloth Remix", where we've been looking at ways to re-purpose our popular 2014 dishcloth patterns in new ways just by changing up a few things to the original patterns. The dishcloth patterns will always be free on our site, but you can also buy a compilation of them in our new book, 52 Weeks of Dishcloths: A Knit Picks Kitchen Spectacular. It's also available as an e-book! Sometimes it's nice to have everything in one place, you know? Last week we used my Emerald City Dishcloth pattern to make a Yellow Brick Road Rug, and the week previous, we made a trivet and coaster set with Stacey's Orbital Dishcloth pattern. This week, we've taken Hannah's A Chance of Rain Crochet dishcloth and made it into a fun and functional pencil case. The pattern is no harder than the one for the dishcloth, and you can download it HERE, for free! In case you're nervous about installing a zipper into the pencil case, we've taken some how-to photos to help you professionally finish off your project.

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Podcast 250: The Fit Show – Listen NOW!

Have you knit a garment you thought was unflattering or just didn't fit correctly? Did you know what went wrong, or were you stumped? This episode aims to help you target key elements of fit. Alison Backus, Director of Knit Picks, explains ease and what it means in knitting. Amy Herzog talks about all elements of fit, from how to assess which shapes might flatter your body, to what pattern elements can be altered and which should remain untouched. Podcast listeners also describe their stories of knitting things that fit. 3 easy ways to listen...

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Dishcloth Remix: Yellow Brick Road Rug

To celebrate the release of our 2014 dishcloth collection 52 Weeks of Dishcloths: A Knit Picks Kitchen Spectacular, we're taking some favorite dishcloth patterns of 2014 and re-purposing them into objects you'll love to own. Our Dishcloth Remix blog series offers you "pithy directions" (as Elizabeth Zimmerman would say) to help you make fun and whimsical objects out of the stitch patterns in this amazing book. Last week, we featured Stacey's Orbital Dishcloth, which became a trivet and coaster set. This week, my very own Emerald City Dishcloth was up-sized to make a Yellow Brick Road Rug, an adorable accent to any room in your home.

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Dishcloth Remix: Orbiting and Coasting

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?

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6 Ways to Wear the Spring Accessories Collection

The countdown to Spring is on and we've put together 6 layer-worthy looks featuring our new 2015 Spring Accessories collection. We asked Holly, the Multimedia Manager for Knit Picks, and Dawn, the Project Coordinator for our sister company Connecting Threads, to put together outfits featuring three projects from the Spring Accessories collection by showing off their own personal style. I love how different and unique each of these looks turned out - and we hope you get inspired to start your own Spring Accessories style. And in the meantime, let's get things started with the Dahlia Shawl!   DAHLIA SHAWL by Allison Griffith PRINTS CHARMING: Spring is just around the corner, which means color will soon be popping up everywhere! Take this cue from nature and add bright colors into your wardrobe mix - try a fun printed dress and dress it up with coordinating accessories for a "spring has sprung" ensemble.

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Chill Zone: Totally 80’s to the Max

  Belmont by Gundren Johnson via KnittyBaker on Ravelry Totally tubular news of the day: Stroll Brights are back AND we've added Swish Worsted Brights to the neon party! Kicking off our neon-love inspiration is the KnittyBaker's Belmont cardigan - we think this is a perfect match for Stroll Bright in Pucker...or how about Highlighter Yellow? We've put together a weekend's worth of 80's inspired goodness for you enjoy: free knit and crochet patterns, must-watch movies along with the perfect snacks and drinks as well as a curated Spotify playlist to listen to while you craft.

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Happy Lunar New Year!

Today marks the beginning of the Year of the Sheep and as crafters with a passion for all things fiber, we couldn't be happier to celebrate! From yarns to colors, patterns and more, the world of knitting and crochet is filled with creativity inspired by our favorite fiber animals. And to kick off the year of the sheep, we're sharing our some of our favorite sheep-inspired patterns and products. First up, the Sheep Scrubby Dishcloth!

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For The Love Of…Swish!

Swish Worsted Brights is out today! I was able to grab some a bit early and work up this lopi (short for icelandic "Lopapeysa") sweater for my daughter. I'm so pleased with how the colorwork came out in the bold and bright colors (free pattern here)! But I have a secret to confess about Swish, one of my favorite Knit Picks yarns.

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Podcast Call for Entries: FIT!

Do you knit or crochet fitted garments, or do you choose styles that are relatively unshaped? We're looking for stories about how you nailed it, and made a piece of clothing that fit you like a glove (or a sweater, or a...well, you get the point). What made it a success, and what trials did you have to go through? We also know you have disaster stories: sweaters that reached the ground, garments that strangled their recipients, necks that hung agape. We want to hear those, too! We're also curious as to what you think is helpful in a pattern, to guarantee a good fit. What do you make sure is included, before you cast on? Contact us at podcast@knitpicks.com and if we choose your entry for our next podcast, we'll send you a charm pack of our favorite yarns. Write now! Image from Popsugar

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For The Love Of…Brava!

Have you knit or crocheted with our acrylic yarn, Brava? Available in sport, worsted, and bulky weights Brava is big fun and easy care. And for two days only (2/16 and 2/17), we're having a Brava President's Day Sale. All weights are 30% off! To celebrate, we're rounding up some amazing Ravelry projects in Brava. Have a peak, and get inspired! We were blown away by "Michael's Wolf" made by SilentStich in Brava Sport. Blankets are a big win with Brava. Because it's is so affordable, the quantity of yarn you'll need still comes in at a good price, and the blankets, once complete, are easily washed and dried in your machine. Brava is not just for blankets, however!

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