Day 8 of Winter – Series 4 Edition

This is part 8 in a 12 part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, Series 4 Edition. Happy Day 8 of our 12 Days of Winter celebration! When I first started sketching up ideas for designs for this year’s kits, I knew I wanted to create a non-wearable project that would challenge me as a designer. Enter Coco, the loveable, snuggly bunny friend you can make up for someone you love (or for yourself).
Coco in Uptown Worsted 376 Umber, 303 Cream, 374 Beet, 324 Black
I love stuffed animals. Always have, always will. Although I don’t have anything close to a ‘collection’, the ones I do have all hold special meaning to me. Amigurumi are all the rage in the crochet world, but I wanted to knit up a larger stuffed animal that was ultra-snuggly. Uptown Worsted is our 100% anti-pilling acrylic yarn, and it was the obvious choice for Coco. Whether he is in little hands, a dog’s mouth, or just sitting on your desk (as he is mine now), Uptown Worsted is easy to care for and very soft. I chose colors for Coco that went with our palette for this year’s collection, and got to work!
Coco’s legs, arms, head, and ears are knit flat, while his body, the hat, and scarf are knit in the round. Little pom poms are made for his hat and tail, while his face is embroidered on as the final step. Small fringe are added to the scarf ends after seaming the tube together.
Look at that little tail!
I wanted Coco to be very cute and be able to sit on his own, so his feet are far bigger than the rest of his legs. Uptown Worsted has some ‘stick’ to it, which makes for easy putting together of Coco’s pieces. While he has lots of shape, all you need to know how to do to make Coco is increase, decrease, knit in the round, and use mattress stitch.
Coco is ready to be your new BFF.
Aren’t those floppy ears just irresistible? I just had to make them extra long. If you’re interested in how I embroidered Coco’s face, watch the video below! But feel free to make Coco your own, and embroider his face however you like! After all, he is your new buddy.


I hope Coco brings as much of a smile to your face as he does mine. You can grab the kit at your LYS! Click here to find a shop near you.

Day 7 of Winter – Series 4 Edition

This is part 7 in a 12 part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, Series 4 Edition.

It’s Day 7 of our 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection, and we’re over halfway there! Cables are a knitwear design staple for garments and accessories alike. I grew up in ballet lessons, so legwarmers were an essential item throughout my young years. In fact, they were the very first thing I knit! I’ve long left the pointe shoes life behind, but I was sparked with the idea to make some ultra-cute lounge legwarmers for this year’s kit collection.
The Forest Fir Legwarmers in Deluxe Worsted Superwash
The Forest Fir legwarmers are knit using Deluxe Worsted Superwash. The machine washable version of our Deluxe Worsted yarn is made of 100% superwash wool. It is available in a broad color palette, and will always keep you warm! The Forest Fir legwarmers are knit in the round, worked from the bottom up. An interlocking cable pattern decorates the front, while the back is reverse stockinette stitch. I imagine I’d wear these legwarmers while watching movies with my family during the holidays.
Once you reach the top, you work a row of eyelets, and then the final ribbing. Deluxe Worsted Superwash has excellent stitch definition, so all of your hard work is sure to shine! After your legwarmers are done, you will proceed to making the I-Cord tie. I wanted to design this feature not only to look very cute, but also for function! The tie helps them stay up on your leg, just like very old school socks had.
If you’ve never worked an I-Cord before, don’t fret! It has a bit of ‘magic’ to it, but it is a really simple process. Just watch the video below, and I’ll guide you through the process step by step.


Don’t forget that the 12 Days of Winter Kits including the Forest Fir legwarmers are available at your LYS. Click here to find an LYS near you. Happy Knitting!

Day 6 of Winter – Series 4 Edition

This is part 6 in a 12 part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, Series 4 Edition.

It’s Day 6 of the 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection, Series 4. Today, treat yourself to a warm and inviting accessory set knit in luxurious Cashmere Lusso.
Personally, I think hats and mittens are excellent projects for building your skillset. They’re small and manageable but have endless possibilities. If you’re looking for a small project with intricate details, I’m sure you’ll love the Sugar & Sage Set.
The small cables in this pattern consist of ten different types of cables, ranging between two and three stitches wide. They’re easy to work, but it certainly takes some concentration to make sure you’re working the right stitch in all the right places. Don’t let that deter you, though, because the results are well worth the effort.
The cable pattern in both the hat and the mittens includes charts and written instructions. I know some knitters are intimidated by charts, but I encourage you to try and get comfortable with them. Especially in more complex patterns, they can help make things easier to read and to memorize. I think of charts as maps for knitting. Because charts are visual tools, they can help you conceptualize what your fabric will look like as you knit. I shared some useful tips and tricks for staying on track with charts in this blog post (link).
Undulating cable panels decorate each mitt.
Each side of the cable panel featured on the hat mirrors the other. I love the way that it looks, but when I was designing the mitts I didn’t want them to replicate the motif perfectly. Instead, I broke the cable motif into two parts, split right down the center. Then I took each half and applied it to the mitts, so the Right and Left mirror one another, too. The result is a coordinating set of sisters in this accessory set.
Each edge of the mitts are worked in K1, P1 Twisted Ribbing.
Knit in Cashmere Lusso, a blend of 50% virgin cashmere and 50% recycled cashmere, the Sugar & Sage Set is decadent. The yarn is incredibly soft and it has excellent stitch definition. This is a yarn shines however you work it: cables, lace, or colorwork, you just can’t go wrong. This kit would be an excellent gift for the knitter in your life who is truly special – that could be you, or it could be a friend!
Crown view of the Sugar & Sage Hat
This kit has three options available: the Sugar & Sage Set (enough yarn for both patterns), the Sugar & Sage Hat, or the Sugar & Sage Mitts. Remember, you can find each version of the Sugar & Sage Kit and the rest of the 12 Days of Winter kits at your local yarn store. Click here to find a shop that carries our yarn near you. Happy knitting!

Free Pattern Friday – Concord Stole

It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Woman wearing scarf knit in purple Deluxe Worsted yarn.
Today, the Concord Scarf in Deluxe Worsted (pattern link here). We’re going to keep this short and sweet today so that I can spend the day after Thanksgiving in the time-honored way: scarfing down leftovers. My daughter was inspired by the Great British Baking Show this year and now we have a lot of pie. With just the three of us from the immediate household for dinner this year, I’ll have to really work to eat my share. Such a sacrifice. But before grabbing a plate, let’s take a look at this gorgeous pattern!
The Concord Stole is called a stole because it can work well scrunched up as shown, or stretched wide to its full 20″ (51cm) width for more coverage. Designer Aubrey Busek cleverly used two complementary tones in Deluxe Worsted wool. 15002 Violet Rustic is the lighter main, and 15003 Grape Rustic is the stripe.
Deluxe Worsted 15002 Violet Rustic
Deluxe Worsted 15003 Grape Rustic
The Rustic colors in Deluxe Worsted are spun in an almost marled way, making them especially well-suited to work together. If purple’s not your bag, you might pair 15004 Teal Rustic & 15005 Turquoise Rustic, or if you’re a lover of subtler contrast and blue like I am, 15009 Blue Rustic & 15008 Twilight Rustic.
15009 Blue Rustic
15008 Twilight Rustic
Regardless of color choice, this sweet stole is a satisfying project. An easily memorized four-row repeat worked on US size 8 (5mm) needles makes for rhythmic, calming crafting, something we could all use right now.
Now if you’ll excuse me, there’s a piece of pie with my name on it in the fridge. Literally, since I stuck a note to it. We hope you have a safe and pleasant weekend. Happy crafting!

Day 5 of Winter – Series 4 Edition

This is part 5 in a 12 part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, Series 4 Edition.

Few things are more comforting than cuddling up with a good book while warmed by the heat of a fireplace. Growing up, I spent so many winter days doing just that. I would devour book after book, with the pages illuminated by the light of the fire, and it’s something I miss dearly about my childhood home. For the fifth installment of the 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection, I wanted to create a design that conjures the comfort of the days when I could sit by the fire. The result? The Chimney Socks.
The Chimney Socks are cozy house socks that feature graphic colorwork and a knit-purl texture to match. The socks are knit using two colors of 100% wool, Deluxe DK Superwash. I chose #848 Coral Heather and #839 Smoke Heather to emulate billows of smoke emerging from a brick chimney.
The cuff features tidy twisted ribbing in grey. It is followed by a pretty stranded colorwork motif that reminds me of little houses. Then, the same motif is transformed into a textural pattern for the foot. The toes are knit using the contrast color to balance out the cuff and leg of the pattern.
The Chimney Socks are knit from the cuff down. They feature an Eye of Partridge heel flap and gusset, creating a sturdy sock with a perfect fit. I love how quickly these socks knit up. As someone with second sock syndrome, heavier socks are perfect for me because they knit up quickly. They also make great beginner socks for the very same reason. Plus, they are just ridiculously cozy. I have multiple pairs of DK-weight socks and I get so much wear out of them during the winter.
These socks feature an Eye of Partridge heel with a gusset.
You know what else is great about this kit? It includes enough yarn to knit two pairs of socks! Simply reverse the main color and contrast color for a coordinating set. It’s perfect for giving a gift to yourself and to a loved one!
Remember, you can find the versions of the Chimney Socks Kit and the rest of the 12 Days of Winter kits at your local yarn store. Click here to find a shop that carries our yarn near you. Happy knitting!


Day 4 of Winter – Series 4 Edition

This is part 4 in a 12 part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, Series 4 Edition.

It’s Day 4 of the 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection! Today I’m excited to share a fun and festive design knit in luxurious and lightweight Bella Cash. Say hello to the Holiday Lights Shawl!
A sampling of stripes and textural stitches make this project an addictive knit!
If the name didn’t give it away, the shawl was inspired by strings of holiday lights that are so abundant during the season. I think festive lights are something we can all appreciate. Whenever I pass by a home brilliantly illuminated with thousands of little lights I feel such a childlike sense of awe and wonder. It just feels so magical to me!
The Holiday Lights Shawl features a semi-circular shape.
There are three elements that remind me of lights in this fun pattern. Slip stitches and texture to create the effect of dappled lights throughout the first section of the shawl. Following the first section of “lights,” addictive-to-knit stripes incorporate garter stitch for a graphic and bold effect.
You can wear this shawl wrapped bandana-style around your neck. This is my favorite way to style shawls.
The second set of lights adorn the border of the shawl and use a touch of lace, twisted stitches, and one of my favorite decorative stitches: the lifted knot stitch. Before I move onto the final string of lights (can you guess what that might be?) I want to share a little tutorial for working the Lifted Knot Stitch (LKS).
I hope you enjoyed the tutorial and that it makes things a bit easier as you knit. Now, the final touch: the mini fringe across the bottom edge. Soft and festive, the fringe reminds me of little gleams of lights during winter nights.
Peppermint-colored mini fringe decorates the bottom of the shawl.
Remember, you can find the Holiday Lights Kit and the rest of the 12 Days of Winter kits at your local yarn store. Click here to find a shop that carries our yarn near you. Happy knitting!


Day 3 of Winter – Series 4 Edition

This is part 3 in a 12 part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, Series 4 Edition.

Warm, neutral colors are essentials in my wardrobe, especially for Winter. I find those warm tones make the typically gray weather feel brighter, and they also tend to be flattering on all. I wanted to design a matching hat and scarf set for the 12 Days of Winter kits this year that felt elegant and still fun. Looking at colors of our Adore yarn, I was immediately struck by the combination of Sand (129) and Powder (104), and how it reminded me of my favorite winter beverage. So I designed the Chai Latte Set!
I’m a spicy food girl. The hotter the better, and one cuisine I adore is Indian. The depth of flavor, richness of the food, and variety always appeal to me. This decadence in spice doesn’t just apply to food in India, it also applies to beverages. A warm chai latte, to me, is like the essence of winter time. Delicious spices meld with tea and milk to make a cozy drink I cannot live without. Below, you’ll find a recipe for a homemade chai latte that is sure to warm you up during the cold months!
Image from BBC
Makes about 4 mugs of Chai

What you need:
  • cinnamon sticks – 2-3
  • cardamom pods (whole)- about 8
  • 4 whole cloves
  • 1 star anise
  • sliced ginger – 1 piece
  • 3 black tea bags – Assam or English Breakfast tea works well
  • Your milk of choice
  • 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
  1. Using a dry skillet, toast the spices until they are fragrant, watching them carefully so they do not burn.
  2. Add the spices, ginger, and tea bags to a small pot with 4 cups of filtered boiled water, and leave to infuse for approx. 10 mins (or longer if you want it strong).
  3. Heat milk with brown sugar and stir. Once the sugar is dissolved, use a milk frother or whisk to lightly foam the milk.
  4. To serve, use a strainer to strain the spices, ginger, and tea bags from the tea. Add the sugared milk, leaving the froth. Stir to combine. Finally, spoon the froth on top and you are ready to enjoy!
Once you’ve made yourself a nice mug of Chai, sit down with the Chai Latte Set kit and get to knitting! This set features a stranded colorwork snowflake on the front and back of the hat, each end of the scarf, and a lovely snow flurry-esque motif on the scarf body. The scarf is knit as a tube, so you never have to worry about seeing your floats when you wear it. A lovely pom pom adorns the top of the hat, and fringe is added to the scarf.
Adore is a blend of superwash fine merino and acrylic. It is a super-soft yarn, with a saturated and varied color palette. I ‘adore’ Adore, because it really is a luxurious yarn in a very affordable skein. Plus, it is easy to care for, so it makes an excellent choice for garments and accessories that will be worn often.

I hope you all enjoy your Chai Lattes, and knitting the Chai Latte Set! Remember, you can find the kit, along with the other 12 Days of Winter kits at your local yarn store. Click here to find the one closest to you.

Day 2 of Winter – Series 4 Edition

This is part 2 in a 12 part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, Series 4 Edition.

It’s Day 2 of our 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection! When I think of winter (my favorite season), I immediately think of the beautiful, quiet feeling when snow is falling. I have always loved snow, and just the sort of magical feeling it brings. Snow brings nostalgia with it as well; memories of making snowmen and sledding in the neighborhood with my sister when I was growing up.
Quiet Snow by Susan Chestnut
The details of individual snowflakes is always something that has fascinated me as well. They look like tiny gemstones! I’ve often imagined I’d eventually move to a place where it snowed all the time, but alas, here in Charlotte, we maybe see snow once or twice a year. I love Charlotte for many reasons, so I’ll deal with the lack of snow.
Snowflake captured by John Entwistle
That feeling of a quiet snowfall was my inspiration for the Day 2 of Winter kit, the Falling Snow cowl. Large cowls are a great winter knit project. You can wear them with anything, and their classic look works well for everyone regardless of your personal style. Our Deluxe Worsted yarn is a no-brainer for winter projects. It is 100% wool, always keeps you warm, and comes in lovely colorways for the winter season. This as a base for the project was perfect, but it needed a little something more.
That something more needed to be Penna. Penna is one of our newest yarns, and one of my absolute favorites. It is a lace weight blend of baby suri alpaca, merino, and nylon. The nylon gives strength, where the alpaca provides a fluffy, soft halo that gives an ethereal quality to projects. I chose to work the Falling Snow cowl with the two yarns held together throughout, which gives dimension to the gray tones, and that lovely halo reminds me of fresh snow on the ground. The lace pattern is reminiscent of snowflakes sprinkled all over the cowl.

This kit would make a great gift for a beginner knitter looking to grow their skills knitting lace. Since it is an all over repeat, you can really get the hang of working a lace pattern.
No matter whether you choose to wear the Falling Snow cowl open, or doubled up, it is a cozy knit that has an elegant appearance. Remember, this kit, along with the others from our 12 Days of Winter collection are available at your local yarn store! Click here to find a shop that carries our yarns near you.

Happy Knitting!

Day 1 of Winter – Series 4 Edition

This is part 1 in a 12 part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, Series 4 Edition.

In all of the madness that 2020 has had to offer, I’m amazed by how quickly it is passing by. We’re already well into mid-November and the holidays are just around the corner. For the fourth year in a row, we are absolutely thrilled to share that we are offering twelve wintry kits available exclusively through your local yarn store. Right now, local yarn stores need our support more than ever, so we hope all of the kits we reveal over the next twelve days will have you sprinting to yours! And with that said, let me introduce you to the first kit in the collection: the Boreal Hat!
The Boreal Hat in the Lilac option.
This year our palette for the kits took inspiration from the soft pastels of frost and the rich green boughs of evergreen trees. In the case of the Boreal Hat, I took inspiration from imagery of the northern lights glimmering in the sky above the spruces and firs of the boreal forests.
Northern Lights Over Boreal Forest, photograph by Ingo Arndt 
The a striking colorwork motif is an 8-stitch repeat that is rhythmic to knit. It does require a little concentration to make sure you’re on track from row to row, but it also isn’t overly complex and the results are well worth the effort.
The Boreal Hat in the Icy Blue option.
Yarn management is a breeze in this cozy accessory. Although the hat uses three colors, only two colors are used on any given row. The floats are no longer than three stitches wide, so there is also no need to trap your floats. All of the crown shaping is worked using a single color, so you also don’t need to incorporate shaping into the colorwork section. If you’re interested in some colorwork tips and tricks, don’t miss my blog post from Series 2 of the 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection.
Crown shaping is simple in this hat.
There are two versions of this kit for you to choose from: Lilac and Icy Blue. Both versions use one of my favorite yarns, Kingston Tweed. This rustic yet soft yarn blends wool, alpaca, and viscose. The result is a beautiful yarn with a slight halo that’s perfect for textural and colorwork projects. It’s lightweight but retains warmth, so it’s perfect for wintry projects.
The brim of this hat is knit in a contrast color and features K2, P1 Ribbing.
The Icy Blue version of the kit comes with a skein each of colors #110 Beryl, #114 Serpentine, and #111 Shale. The Lilac version comes in colors #107 Quartz, #114 Serpentine, and #102 Calcite. Honestly, I’m not sure which version I like more. The muted, frosty colors in each version pop beautifully against the deep forest green. The Boreal Hat kit would be a great last-minute gift for a loved one, or for yourself.

Remember, you can find the both versions of the Boreal Hat Kit and the rest of the 12 Days of Winter kits at your local yarn store. Click here to find a shop that carries our yarn near you. Happy knitting!

Free Pattern Friday – Roseate Cardigan

It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, the Roseate Cardigan in Bella Chenille (pattern link here). When people look at soft, plush yarns like Bella Chenille, they sometimes think they’re only suitable for babies. That’s a shame, because it overlooks real gems, like the free Lounge Pullover.
We’re delighted today to share another beautiful free pattern for adults in Bella Chenille, the Roseate Cardigan.
Designer Rachel Brockman uses eyelets to create a lovely texture, for an everyday cardigan that’s comfortable and stylish.
Sized from XS to 5X, this project knits up quickly on US size 10 (6mm) needles. It’s one of those pieces where you know just by looking at it exactly how soft it’s going to feel.
Absolutely delightful.
We hope you have a great weekend. Although our offices will be closed next Friday in observance of Thanksgiving, there will still be a Free Pattern Friday (yay!)
Happy crafting!