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Texture, Color, Blocks

Just before the start of 2012 (when I made a New Year’s Resolution to learn to knit), I can recall a moment when I was shopping and suddenly thought “I want to learn to make a sweater.” I can’t recall if it was a particular sweater that inspired me, or if it was simply the notion of creating something both beautiful and functional. Either way, to this day I often find myself inspired by ready-to-wear (RTW) apparel. I think the inspiration goes both ways: RTW designers are inspired by handcrafters, too. When I’m on the go, I snap photos of interesting details, save pins, admire silhouettes, stitch patterns, and more. I’m confident that I’m not alone, too. I can’t say I know a maker who hasn’t been inspired by something they’ve spotted in the wild, whether it’s a specific garment or a current trend.

That seed of inspiration eventually sprouts into unique and interesting designs. Today, I wanted to spotlight a ready-to-wear trend that truly nods to the homegrown handmade items: patchwork and texture blocking. This style lends itself to scrappy projects, playful samplings of stitches, and a lot of room for creative expression. These garments are statement knits and don’t necessarily need to be polished, but they certainly can be. Here are just a few examples from ready-to-wear fashion.

Left to Right: High Snobiety scarf; J. Press cardigan, Line & Dot sweater/skirt set

Perhaps the most notorious textural, patchwork sweater was designed by J.W. Anderson and donned by Harry Styles. This sweater took social media by storm with many fiber artists creating their own versions of it. It was so popular, in fact, that the designer published the pattern (link) so you can make your own. Might I suggest Deluxe Bulky Superwash if you’re so inclined to make your own?

  • The now iconic J.W. Anderson sweater that has been recreated by thousands of knitters and crocheters!
The now iconic J.W. Anderson sweater that has been recreated by thousands of knitters and crocheters!

Today I’m going to spotlight several sweaters using our yarns that tick all of those boxes. Get ready for a healthy dose of inspiration!

The Street Art Vest is knit using five colors of Dona: #130 Steely (MC), #103 Amber (CC1), #132 Alabaster (CC2), #125 Navy (CC3), & #131 Onyx.

We’ve been seeing knitted vests left and right – so what could be more on point than a color and texture blocked vest? Add an off-centered zipper and the result is truly a statement knit. The Street Art Vest (pattern link) is just the kind of zest design you’d expect from designer Amy Gunderson. In fact – you’ll notice that most of the patterns I’m sharing today are her designs!

One of the most exciting things about these patchwork projects is that they’re essentially sampler projects. It’s hard to get bored! This vest utilizes a combination of intarsia, twisted stitches, cables, and knit-purl textures. Thanks to the superior stitch definition of 100% superwash extra fine merino yarn Dona, the motifs stand out – even in the darkest colors. I love the industrial palette of this project with a dash of yellow to add just the right amount of zest.

Our theme today isn’t strictly about multi-color projects. In fact, monochromatic texture-blocking can look rather elegant. For those who aren’t comfortable sporting boldly colored garments, the single-color variations of this trend are an excellent option. Just take a look at #07 Lace Pullover (pattern link), designed by Amy Gunderson and published in the Fall, 2019 issue of Vogue Knitting magazine. This design also uses Dona and the results are stunning. A breath-taking sampling of lace and twisted ribbing for the trim make this sweater as polished as can be.

Ainsley is knit using four colors of Deluxe Worsted Tweed Superwash: #912 Ebony (A), #910 Porcelain (B), #913 Smoke (C), & #905 Pine (D).

Ainsley (pattern link) is another exciting design by Amy Gunderson. Much like the Street Art Vest, this design features intarsia and a variety of rich textures. It is knit using Deluxe Worsted Tweed Superwash – a tweedy, woolly yarn that adds a rustic quality to any project. The relaxed fit gives this piece an androgynous appearance. It’s easy to wear with anything, and the v-neck lends itself to a bit of layering.

Soiree uses Deluxe DK Superwash in colors #861 Blue Rustic, #818 Dusty Blue, 860 Twilight Rustic, & #838 Twilight.

In the Fall, 2020 issue of Vogue Knitting, the patchwork inspiration was in full display in #7 Soiree. We love the cool shades of Deluxe DK Superwash. Bishop sleeves and a funnel neck make this piece especially cozy. Designer Laura Zukaite made bold textural choices for this design. It includes intarsia, chunky cables, fisherman’s rib, garter stitch, classic K2, P2 Ribbing, and lace. You’ll get to exercise all of your knitting skills with this pullover.

My own contribution to this selection of patterns is Lollipop (pattern link), knit in Donnina. This design is perfect if you want to play with color blocking and texture blocking, but it doesn’t fully step into patchwork territory. This candy-colored cutie features two different twisted stitch motifs and a pop of cherry twisted ribbing along the neckline. It’s lightweight, making it perfect for the spring weather we’re all dreaming of.

Those are my picks for patterns that use color, texture, and blocks to create a visually stunning product. How do you feel about this patchwork trend? Do any of these patterns speak to you? We’d love to know!

Happy crafting!

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Design Spotlight: Galentine

How do you feel about Valentine’s Day? Some people aren’t a fan of those “Hallmark Holidays,” but personally, I enjoy them. It’s frivolous fun, whether you celebrate by yourself or with someone special. Love it or hate it, we’re pretty sure you’ll enjoy the surprise free pattern we’re sharing just in time for Valentine’s Day. Say hello to Galentine (pattern link)!

You can wear the sleeve with the cuffs folded up, or not. Whatever makes you happy!

So, why Galentine? Well, first, how could we not choose a Valentine-related name for such a happy pink sweater? But more importantly, this sweater was designed by our managing director, Yonca, for her daughter, Talya. Mother, daughter, sister, friend – who wouldn’t want to treat their favorite gal-pal to a hand-knit sweater? (Side note: this isn’t the first sweater Yonca has knit for Talya. You might recall the Flouncy Fringe Tank from last year, another cute design!)

We love a good funnel neck sweater.

Talya requested a cozy, oversized pullover with a funnel neck and roomy sleeves that she could scrunch up or fold at the cuffs. And, as you can see, Galentine is just that. We love the funnel neck featured in this design. It’s perfect for keeping you extra warm on these chilly February days.

Dona comes in a variety of beautiful colors, many of which are perfect for Valentine’s Day! Here, Aubrey is holding balls of Dona in colors #108 Red Delicious, #111 Sweet Pea, and #114 Camellia.

Galentine is knit using staff-favorite, Fibra Natura Dona. It’s a dk-weight, 100% extra fine superwash merino wool yarn that is a dream to knit (or crochet). Its plump, smooth, and round texture give it unbeatable stitch definition. Although this pattern is mostly stockinette, the ribbing pops in Dona. Yonca used color #114 Camellia for the design, but Dona boasts a palette of 38 colors so there is truly something for everyone. Personally, if I was opting for a pink version I’d go with #112 Smoky Peach…but my top choice would be #105 Gingerbread – a burnt orange hue I can never resist!

This sweater is knit flat in pieces from the bottom up and seamed. After assembling the body, the neckband stitches are picked up and knit in the round. This is an easy pattern and would make a great first sweater. It’s excellent for virtual knit nights when you might find yourself a little distracted while chatting away with your friends.

So you might be thinking, “there is no way I can knit this before Valentine’s Day”. Of course not, but if you did we’d be super impressed! We primarily named it Galentine because of the delightful pink and its purpose as a gift. This sweater is great no matter when you choose to knit or wear it! However, if you are looking for a Valentine’s Day present, may we suggest the Stavanger project bag (pictured above) by muud? It would make a great last-minute treat for yourself or a loved one.

Stavanger is a crossbody project bag great for taking your WIPs on the go. The top opens with two zippers and inside there is room for yarn, notions, and your project. Earlier I mentioned that Galentine is knit in pieces. This makes the project more portable and there is plenty of room in Stavanger to store your yarn and the piece of the sweater you’re working on. It’s also great for shawl projects and other small accessories. Stavanger comes two colors: black (as shown) and whisky (a lovely brown).

Stavanger features several pockets for storing notions and the inside has plenty of space for your yarn and project.

So what will you treat yourself to this Valentine’s Day? A cozy new sweater? Decadent Dona? Or a nifty new project bag? We’d love to know!

P.S. For more Valentine’s Day inspiration, be sure to check our Instagram feed (link) this week, where we’re highlighting some seasonal favorites!

Happy crafting!

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‘Tis The Season: Last Minute Gift Ideas

The holiday season is my personal favorite. The weather is crisp, people are cheerful, and cozy knitwear abounds! Though the holiday season is my favorite, it can also be very hectic. This year has been one like no other, and while everything feels topsy-turvy, it can be hard to figure out how to make the holidays feel special. I thought I’d share some last minute gift ideas that you can make and send off to your loved ones. There is truly nothing like a handmade gift to put a smile on someone’s face.

Accessories are always quicker projects that people love. Maybe a scarf they can cozy up in, or the perfect hat to throw on as they head out the door for work in the morning. Uptown Super Bulky is our 100% anti-pilling acrylic bulky weight yarn that is easy to care for and soft to wear.
The Flourish Scarf is a gorgeous lace scarf knit using Uptown Super Bulky. A lace pattern is repeated along the entire scarf; it’s a breeze! This is a project that feels delicate, yet cozy, and a perfect gift idea. I know I personally would love this one knit in color 408 Old Rose.
Another project in Uptown Super Bulky that makes a great gift is the Coffee Beans and Sugar Cubes hat. This is a fun, easy knit, and one ball of each color will make 2 hats as shown! Double the gifts, double the fun. Have a knitter on your gift list? This comes in a kit as well, with a few color options to choose from!
Merino Mist is a yarn that just feels like the holidays. It is plush and soft, with a little bit of metallic sheen that makes it easy to dress up or down. The Swivel Cowl (pictured here) is a 2 skein project that makes a great grab-and-go accessory. The beautiful cables combined with the yarn also make it a piece easily dressed up for a chilly night out. Bonus: also available as a kit for the knitter in your life.
Know someone who’s expecting? The Storytime Blankies, knit using Bella Chenille Big, is an ultra cozy baby blanket just perfect for snuggling up. We offer two color suggestions in this free pattern, and it is beginner-friendly as well. This ultra bulky weight chenille yarn knits up so fast, you can make a baby blanket in no time!
Adore is our 55% superwash merino, 45% acrylic blend yarn that makes an excellent choice for baby and adult projects alike. It has such a luxurious look and feel in a very affordable skein. Can you tell I Adore it? Excellent. Another great last minute gift idea for babies is Toasty Toes! Quick to knit and just oh so adore-able (I can do this all day), one skein of yarn makes approximately four pairs of tiny socks. Grab the free pattern by clicking the link above!
Meet one of our newest yarns on the block, Deluxe Stripes! This 75% superwash wool, 25% nylon worsted weight yarn does the work for you, as it stripes itself while you knit. With colors available well suited to anyone in your life, we’ve introduced some free patterns that make for quick gifting! The Citrus Hat pattern is sized from Child/teen to Adult Large, and the stripes make simple stockinette stitch more fun!
Sock knitters looking for fast and fun projects? Look no further. The Deluxe Socks are a free pattern using our brand new Deluxe Stripes yarn. With a heel flap and gusset and stockinette stitch foot, these socks are a weeknight knitting dream. Both of the patterns I just mentioned are also one skein wonders!
I wanted to give a bonus mention to some projects that may not be winter weather oriented, but they make amazing gifts. The Malawi Earrings are an adorable group of earrings made using our Yashi Iro and Yashi yarns. This raffia yarn is great for home decor and accessory projects. I love these earrings and would be so happy receiving them from a friend!
Maybe you know someone who has a new house, or who just loves bohemian style decor? The Shoreline Rug is a quick to work crochet project using our Clean Cotton Big yarn. This 85% recycled cotton, 15% cotton blend yarn is great for home decor and macrame projects. I think this would make an adorable entryway or bathroom rug!
My final mention: Ricorumi kits. Little crochet friends for you (or someone you love) to make! Each kit comes with all the supplies you need to make your chosen buddy. We also have Ricorumi pattern books, like Ricorumi Friends and the Ricorumi DK mini skeins, if someone you know loves to make amigurumi. Sometimes the best last minute gift is just the supplies you need to make the things you love! I hope this gives you the inspiration you need to get the holiday gifts going.

Happy Holiday Gifting and Crafting!
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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!

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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!

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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!
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Little Stitches: Projects for Little Ones

Few projects are more satisfying than baby projects. I always relish the opportunity to knit baby projects for several reasons. First, they are satisfyingly fast. Want to make a sweater in less than a week? Just throw a baby project on your needles or hook! How about in a few hours – try an accessory! Second, they’re small, therefore they’re cute. Does that need any further explanation? I didn’t think so. Finally, baby projects are great for perfect, lovingly handmade gifts. I’ve created numerous projects for my niece and daughter of one of my dearest friends, and I love knowing they’re staying cozy in knitwear!

Today, I want to share some great projects for all the little ones in your life. From cute sweaters to cuddly toys, you’re sure to find a perfect project.

Cotton is a popular choice for baby projects because it’s soft and easy to care for. Plus, it’s gentle and great for sensitive baby skin. Last year we introduced Cotton Supreme Sapling, a 100% cotton bulky-weight yarn that is – put simply – baby soft. Since then we’ve introduced two excellent projects for babies using Sapling: the Sunshine Throw and Daisy Cardi.
Sunshine Throw in Cotton Supreme Sapling
A striking lace pattern framed by garter stitch decorates the Sunshine Throw (pattern link). The lace motif is deceptively simple. It is an 8-row repeat that you’ll memorize in no time. This blanket would be an impressive gift at a baby shower, and an heirloom piece to last for years to come.
Daisy Cardi in Cotton Supreme Sapling
Whether it’s the baby’s first cardigan or your first time knitting a sweater, the adorable Daisy Cardi (pattern link) is a perfect choice. It features little more than beginner-friendly garter stitch and K1, P1 Rib but has lots of impact, especially when you add some cute buttons! Knit in Cotton Supreme Sapling, this cardigan is optimal for the chilly weather of autumn, winter, and early spring.
Storytime Blankies in Bella Chenille Big
Few yarns are softer than our chenille yarn family, consisting of Bella Chenille and Bella Chenille Big. These 100% polyester yarns create a velvety, plush fabric perfect for snuggling. The Storytime Blankies (pattern link), knit in Bella Chenille Big, are completely worthy of cuddles. These simple blankets feature a bit of twisted stockinette for a nice texture and a bold stripe in the center. It’s finished off with fun tassels little ones would love to play with.
Which Way is Up? in Bella Cash
So far I’ve shared projects in bulky yarns, but finer yarns are also perfect for baby projects! Although we created Bella Cash, a blend of superwash merino, cashmere, and nylon, with all sorts of projects in mind, we specifically intended for it to be a yarn perfect for babies and children. We have the patterns to prove it, too!

Sized newborn to four years, Which Way is Up? (pattern link) is an excellent example of a baby project using machine-washable Bella Cash. Little arrows decorate this seamless raglan cardigan. If you prefer to knit accessories, try the sweet Heartsbloom Hat & Mitten Set (pattern link) instead. The superb stitch definition of Bella Cash shines in the textured accessory set, which is great for the chilly days ahead!
Heartsbloom Set in Bella Cash
Toys also make great gifts for babies. Unlike baby accessories and clothing, little ones are sure to hang onto stuffed toys well into childhood (and perhaps beyond!).
Pipsqueak in Bella Cash
Pipsqueak (pattern link), a cute mouse crocheted in Bella Cash, is the perfect size for babies. Not too big, not too small. Spike stitches and pastel stripes add texture and visual interest to the project. All of Pipsqueak’s facial features are embroidered, too, meaning you don’t have to worry about making sure you have safety buttons for the eyes. (Side note: this pattern has a complementing jacket included – sized from 2 years to 12 years. Don’t miss it!)
Itty Bitty Set in Bamboo Pop Sock
Earlier I touched on accessories for exceptionally quick baby patterns. Tis’ the season for keeping the head, hands, and toes cozy! The Itty Bitty Set (pattern link) is soft and stretchy thanks to the lightweight and breathable Bamboo Pop Sock. The combination of simple ribbing and elasticity of the yarn helps to ensure the little one can wear this project for more than a month. After all, they do grow up so fast!

Left: Mini Mittens Right: Toasty Toes – both knit in Adore
We also absolutely adore Adore for baby projects. In fact, I wrote a whole blog post dedicated to baby projects using Adore earlier this year. You can find it here (link). Like the other yarns I’ve mentioned, Adore is touchable and soft, yet durable and easy to care for. We’ve knit everything from baby blankets to accessories in this yarn. The Mini Mittens (pattern link) and Toasty Toes (both pictured above) are both projects that are great last-minute gifts. They also require so little yarn that you could easily make many pairs from just one ball. So if you have multiple babies in your life, you’re all set!

This list is by no means comprehensive. We have a plethora of wonderful patterns for children and babies. If nothing here strikes your fancy, don’t forget to browse or selection of patterns for children! You can find all of our children’s patterns here (link).

Happy crafting!
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Free Pattern Friday – Imprint Scarf

It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, the Imprint Scarf in Wool Pop (pattern link here). Happy Friday, y’all! Wait, what’s that you say?
Oof. Okay then. Let’s not tempt fate with teeny tiny cabled lace. How about we keep things nice and calm, with an easy pattern in a knitter-favorite yarn?
The Imprint Scarf uses simple knits and purls to create a slanted block texture. It’s written and charted to make things easier.
Lightweight Wool Pop has a bit of a sheen from its bamboo content, giving this scarf a lovely feel. If you’re a beginner, or if you just prefer simple projects (and don’t we all, sometimes?) then this is a great project for you.
We hope you have a calm and relaxing weekend.
Stay safe, and happy crafting!
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Bella Cash Socktober Mystery Knitalong – Week 4

Welcome to Week 4 of the Bella Cash Socktober Mystery Knitalong! We’re getting so close to the final stretch now that the cuff and leg are complete! Watching your projects come to life has been so inspiring. We’ve seen some lovely peeks at your Sweet Dumplin’ Socks progress, and we can’t wait to see more!
Use this graphic on Ravelry and on social media to share about the knitalong.
Just like my last post, I want to give a refresher about the knitalong for those who might be joining in late. Don’t worry – if you haven’t started, newcomers are more than welcome. To play a little catch-up, here is where you can find my previous blog posts:

Week 1 – Colors

Week 2 – The Cuff

Week 3 – The Leg

Each week in October I’ll be revealing a different portion of the pattern. The pattern is updated on our website every Wednesday and you can find it here (link). Grab your colors of beautiful merino/cashmere/nylon Bella Cash here (link).

This is a mystery knitalong, but if you don’t want to commit without seeing the socks first you can find spoiler images here (link).

If you join, we’d love for you to spread the love and share your progress on social media using the hashtag #UYSocktoberMKAL and tagging us on Instagram (link) and Facebook (link). Join in with chatter here on the blog and in our Ravelry forum (link).

Please add your project to Ravelry, too! You can find the Ravelry listing here (link). You can use the graphic above and on the Ravelry listing for your project page, too.
If you finished Week Three, your socks should look like this.
If you’ve been following along, whether by knitting or knitting vicariously, you’ll have seen the colorwork portion of the pattern, pictured above. The bold vine motif worked in the main color really pops against the contrast colors. For this week, though, you’ll return to working with a single color and have the opportunity to play with a fun textural pattern that is every bit as addicting as the leg and cuff.

This week you’ll be working on the foot. What’s that? Did you think I skipped the heel? Fear not – the heel is not forgotten! But, these socks feature an afterthought heel. Sorry for the small spoiler, but you were bound to find out in the first few rows of this portion! This is one of my favorite methods for knitting socks because I simply love the look of them, plus I feel like they make the knitting fly by. I’m not going to get into the how-to of that now, because that’s for another day.

Today I want to talk a bit about foot length to help ensure your socks fit well. Keeping the after-though heel in mind, it’s important to note that the heel will add to the final length of the foot. So will the toe. So, how long should you knit the “Foot” portion from this week? To answer that you need to know what the total length of the Foot should be, measuring from the back of the heel to the tip of the toes.
The Craft Yarn Council’s Foot Size Charts
If you aren’t sure, there are various sources available that tell you the average lengths for various shoe sizes. The Craft Yarn Council has handy sizing charts for standard body measurements, including foot sizes. The chart above suggests foot lengths based on shoe sizes. The Craft Yarn Council chart is pretty general, but more specific charts are available. I found this shoe size chart to be extremely helpful because it gives precise measurements for each shoe size in inches, centimeters, and includes conversions to sizing in different geographic locations. Sizing charts are especially helpful if you’re knitting for somebody else.

Measuring your own foot length is simple. Simply place a sheet of paper on a flat surface, then stand on it and trace your foot as closely as possible. Using a tape measure, measure your foot from the back of the heel to the longest toe. After you know your foot length, knitting the foot of the sock is a breeze. Simply work the foot pattern as long as the pattern instructs (this is different for each size). This pattern takes into account the total length the heel and the toe add to the sock, so the length of this portion will be different from your actual foot length. That’s all there is to it, so you can get cracking on the Foot portion of the pattern!

Remember, you can share your progress on social media using the hashtag #UYSocktoberMKAL and tagging us on Instagram (link) and Facebook (link). Join in with chatter here on the blog and in our Ravelry forum (link).

Happy knitting – I’ll see you next week!
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Bella Cash Socktober Mystery Knitalong – Week 2

Welcome to Week 2 of the Bella Cash Socktober Mystery Knitalong! It has been a week since we shared about color choices and how to select your colors for the project. We hope you’ve selected your colors, received your Bella Cash yarn, and are ready to get to the best part: knitting!
Use this graphic on Ravelry and on social media to share about the knitalong.
Before we dive in, I just want to give a quick refresher about the knitalong, especially for those who might have missed my last post.

Each week in October I’ll be revealing a different portion of the pattern. The pattern is updated on our website every Wednesday and you can find it here (link).

This is a mystery knitalong, but if you don’t want to commit without seeing the socks first you can find spoiler images here (link).

If you join, we’d love for you to spread the love and share your progress on social media using the hashtag #UYSocktoberMKAL and tagging us on Instagram (link) and Facebook (link). Join in with chatter here on the blog and in our Ravelry forum (link).

Please add your project to Ravelry, too! You can find the Ravelry listing here (link). You can use the graphic above and on the Ravelry listing for your project page, too.

These are the suggested colors for the Sweet Dumplin’ Socks: #126 Forest (MC), #116 Sage (CC1), & #124 Mustard (CC2).
This week is exciting because it means you’re finally able to cast on your socks! It’s all about the cuffs. You’re sure to knock this portion out in no time at all. Without spoiling too much, I will say that the left and right socks in this pattern are the same. With that in mind, you may choose to start both of your socks this week. There are a couple ways to do this. One method would be knitting two-at-a-time (TAAT) socks – and you can find a great tutorial by Very Pink Knits for that method here (link). Personally, I’m not a fan of the method because I find it to be a bit fiddly and annoying to keep my yarn organized, but I know many knitters who swear by it. Another option is to knit them concurrently, but separately. Work the cuff for one sock, then set it aside and work the second sock cuff. You can either use two sets of needles for this method or place stitches on holders. Of course, you can absolutely knit these socks one at a time. That’s how I’ll be knitting my pair. The choice is yours!

Speaking of choices, knitters have many options for knitting small circumferences in the round. Many knitters are loyal and true to double-pointed needles. Some are fans of 9″ circular needles. Other knitters, myself included, love the Magic Loop method. It’s my go-to method whether I’m knitting socks, mitts, sleeves, or hats. If you haven’t tried the Magic Loop method, you’re in luck because I’ve created a tutorial to show you how to get started.
Learn how to knit small circumferences using the Magic Loop method.
I hope you enjoyed the tutorial and find it helpful. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. Remember, you can share your progress on social media using the hashtag #UYSocktoberMKAL and tagging us on Instagram (link) and Facebook (link). Join in with chatter here on the blog and in our Ravelry forum (link).

See you next week!