Knit, Blog & Be Happy!

My least favorite thing to do when knitting a top-down sweater is the sleeves. I simply do not like knitting in a small circumference. I am not a big fan of double-pointed needles or magic loop. Using two circular needles is another good option, but it is still not my favorite. So, before I talk about how I chose to knit the sleeves, I will link all the options for knitting sleeves in the round so you can pick your poison. double pointed needles - Elizabeth Smith makes it look easy here! magic loop - great Cocoknits video two circular...

Now that the yoke is complete, it is time to knit the body of the sweater. While this is basic, knitting around and around, I have a couple of tips to make it a bit easier. You will start by separating the sleeves from the body. I like using TKB cords (see my blog post here), but you can use your preferred stitch holder or waste yarn. Following the pattern you have, knit to the markers for the sleeve, put the sleeve stitches on a holder, cast on the prescribed number of stitches using the backward loop cast on, knit...

Pattern and supplies at the ready; it is time to cast on the sweater! There are three rules I live by when knitting a sweater or, quite honestly, any project. Read the pattern carefully, think about your knitting (does this look right?), and count. Read the pattern carefully - I cannot tell you how often I have been sitting in my chair knitting away, assuming that I am such a great knitter, so I know what happens next without looking at the pattern. Wrong!  Because I didn't refer to the pattern, I discovered I had missed a step or done something...

I thought it might be helpful to knit a sweater from start to finish and break it down into a series of blog posts. The posts will not focus on finding the perfect size or fit for you but look into the process of how I like to approach sweater knitting. I selected a simple toddler sweater as an example. A smaller-sized sweater is a great way to dip your toe into the world of sweater knitting. The process is the same, with fewer stitches to manage! I decided to knit the Teddy Bear Sweater by PetiteKnits, a top-down raglan-sleeved pullover. I am...

Are you still traveling over the summer season? Quick knits and single skein projects make for a great companion!  We've rounded up some of our favorite single skein patterns so you can pack light...More room for LYS souvenirs!    Summer holiday off the coast in Italy? We've already booked the next flight, and we're taking this fun little shawlette, An Italian Summer Scarf, with us. An easy garter and eyelet pattern makes for a relaxing knit. Calling for a worsted-weight, we think this cute accessory will be divine in one skein of mYak Baby Yak Medium.  If you love self-striping or gradient yarns, Zuzu's Petals by Carina...