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!
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!
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!
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 CashPipsqueak (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).
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!
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, Sweet Dumplin’ Socks in Bella Cash (pattern link here).
If you’ve been knitting along with us on our Bella Cash Socktober Mystery Knitalong, then you’re already familiar with today’s free pattern. However, you may not have seen the socks in their full glory!
Bella Cash was developed for garments and accessories. It wasn’t until one of us said, “you know… this would make great socks” that the light bulb went on.
I mean, who wouldn’t want machine washable socks with a touch of cashmere? I use Bella Cash for the knitworthy people in my life. Including me. (And yes, they really are machine washable. I’ve tossed my Bella Cash socks in the washer and dryer many times.))
Rachel Brockman designed the Sweet Dumplin’ Socks to be a fun sampler of techniques – right and left twists on the cuffs, Fair Isle on the leg, and a lovely texture on the foot.
She used her favorite heel – the afterthought – to finish it off. And she picked colors and patterns that shout “autumn.” I’ve been knitting along, and these have been a joy to work on.
We hope you have a great weekend, maybe with some old-fashioned apple dumplings with a side of ice cream.
Happy crafting!
Happy November and welcome to Week 6 of the Bella Cash Socktober Mystery Knitalong! Hopefully by now you’ve been able to finish your socks. We’re so excited to be able to reveal them to you this week!
Use this graphic on Ravelry and on social media to share about the knitalong.
Each week in October I revealed a new portion of the pattern. Now that each piece of the puzzle has been fully revealed, I hope you’ll enjoy seeing the projects of others. If you didn’t have a chance to join last month, no worries! It’s never too late to knit socks, right? You can find the pattern for the Sweet Dumplin’ Socks here (link). Grab your colors of beautiful merino/cashmere/nylon Bella Cash here (link).
We hope you’ve added your project to Ravelry, too! You can find the Ravelry listing here (link).
The finished Sweet Dumplin’ Socks in their full glory!
I’m so excited to fully reveal the completed socks. I had so much fun designing and knitting them, and I hope the process has been great fun for you, too. The mornings and evenings around here have grown quite chilly, so I’m excited to be able to start wearing mine! This week I want to share a few photos of your projects in addition to our versions here at the office. You might recall that Aubrey, Yonca, and Heather all joined in on the fun. We’ve already revealed their color choices, but it’s great to see them knit up!
From left to right: Aubrey’s sock, Yonca’s sock, Heather’s sock.
First let’s take a look at Aubrey’s progress. She hasn’t quite reached the toe and heel portion yet, but she’s well on the way. I so love how she opted to arrange her colors. The pink as the main color is so fun, and I love the slate grey as the background color.
Aubrey’s color choices.
Aubrey used 117 Tulip as the main color (MC), 109 Snow as contrast color one (CC1), and 110 Graphite as contrast color two (CC2). Here is how it looks knit up:
Aubrey’s Sweet Dumplin’ Socks progress.
Next we have Yonca. Like Aubrey, she hasn’t yet reached the toe and heel portion. However, she’s been knitting her socks simultaneously, so she’s actually pretty darn close to finishing the pair. Here were her color choices:
Yonca’s color choices.
Yonca used 122 Amethyst as the MC, 118 Orchid as CC1, and 109 Snow as CC2. The subtlety of Snow and Orchid together is just beautiful, and the Amethyst really provides a pop.
Yonca’s Sweet Dumplin’ Socks progress.
Finally, let’s take a look at Heather’s hot chocolate-inspired palette, for her aptly named “Hot Chocko Sockos”. She’s nearly finished with the toe. I have a feeling these will be off her needles in just a couple of days.
Heather’s color choices.
Heather chose to use 107 Coffee as the MC, 121 Cabernet as CC1, and 106 Oat as CC2. The results are so autumnal and I would love a pair of socks in the same color combination!
Heather’s Sweet Dumplin’ Socks.
Now let’s take a look at some of your socks! I’d like to give a special thanks to those who participated in the Ravelry chats – it was so fun to watch your progress and interact with you as the weeks ran along. Some knitters chose the sample colors, and others went in totally different directions. Let’s have a look!
Sati of Rows and Roses yarn shop modified her socks to be a bit shorter. She also chose a warm, autumnal palette for her socks.
Sati’s socks using Bella Cash 103 Violet, 106 Oat, & 107 Coffee.
Thatgirlknit and 4Laurel both chose to use the sample colors for their Sweet Dumplin’ Socks. They look great!
Left: 4Laurels’ Sweet Dumplin’ Socks; Right: Thatgirlknit’s Sweet Dumplin Socks
FrauReisende created this stunning version – and FAST. It seemed like she shared a progress photo of the next portion the same day as it was revealed from week to week. It was so fun to watch her fly through her knitting, and the colors are simply perfect. For a similar version to hers, I’d suggest using Bella Cash in the following colors: 103 Violet (MC), 109 Snow (CC1), and 124 Mustard (CC2).
FrauReisende’s Sweet Dumplin’ Socks.
BlaueOdonata blew me away when I saw that she added beads to her colorwork motif. Beads! Absolutely genius. This autumnal pair of socks was suddenly transformed into something well-suited for Christmas. For a holiday version of your own, I’d suggest using Bella Cash in 126 Forest (MC), 121 Cabernet (CC1), and 111 Cream (CC2).
BlaueOdonata’s Sweet Dumplin’ Socks.
Fireboysgirl used colors extremely similar to Yonca’s, but needed to improvise since she was working from her stash. Her modification to the toes is so fun.
Fireboysgirl’s Sweet Dumplin’ Socks.
UDalily created a really fun, vibrant version. My favorite detail is how she mirrored the colorwork motif for the left and right sock. Now why didn’t I think of that?! For a similar version, I recommend using Bella Cash 123 Maldives (MC), 121 Cabernet (CC2), and 126 Forest (CC2).
UDalily’s Sweet Dumplin’ Socks.
Looking at everyone’s different socks reminds me of what I love so much about knitting. The possibilities are really endless. You can choose any colors you love to make a project uniquely yours. Is there a detail on the pattern you’d like to adjust? Go for it! As a designer, I get a ton of inspiration out of seeing how others creatively modify my designs. I always want to encourage people to step outside of the box and view patterns are guidelines rather than rulebooks. It truly fills me with so much joy to see people creating beautiful things from our yarns.
Thank you so much for joining me over the last month for the Bella Cash Socktober Mystery Knitalong. Check back in with us on Friday, when we’ll reveal more photos of the finished socks for our Free Pattern Friday. Happy knitting!
“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.”
It seems lately like there are a lot of things that fall under the “things I cannot change” heading. If you’ve already voted, and you’re following best COVID practices, and are generally doing the things that are within your power to take care of others, this is your moment to remember to take care of yourself, too. And as crafters, one of the ways we can do that is by sitting down and picking up our yarn and tools.
With that in mind, we have some recommendations for “comfort crafts.” These are projects that are big, fluffy, mindless, or some combination of the three. And to further keep stress at bay, they’re all free patterns.
Looks super cozy, doesn’t it? Well, it is. Here’s our Creative Lead Rachel Brockman wrapping herself up like a human burrito in this blanket and the Mosaic Cowl, also in Bella Chenille Big.
I’m not entirely sure Rachel would be thrilled with this picture being posted, but she’s off at a photo shoot and can’t object. As long as you don’t tell her, it’s all fine.
This may look like an enormous project, but it’s knit in Bella Chenille Big on US 15 (10mm) needles, so it goes faster than you think. Plus you have the advantage of being able to snuggle under it while you’re making it!
2. The Choux Cowl knit in Alaska
Honestly, Alaska is soothing just to touch. It’s one of those yarns that you find yourself stroking like it’s a tribble. And because of its construction, it’s surprisingly light and warm.
The Choux Cowl is worked as a tube in the round, with columns of slip stitch on the even rows making the plaid effect. The pattern provides options for seamed and seamless finishing. If you’re a crocheter who wants to use this yarn, may we suggest…
3. March Fog crocheted in Alaska
This sample took pretty much exactly two balls each of 902 Peach Puff and 905 Stormy. If you plan on making this any bigger, we’d recommend grabbing an extra ball of each color.
This is a light and lofty stole that would work equally well as a scarf. Its two row repeat is easy to memorize, for a great dose of calming crochet.
4. The Behemoth Scarf in Revolutions
Big? Check. Soft? Check. Easy? Check! Revolutions is a unique blend of fibers with a soft halo (thanks to the mohair and alpaca included). Each ball (wheel? roll?) includes four colors in stripes that go together beautifully.
Work the four-row shell pattern lengthwise. If you want to shorten your scarf, just subtract 10 from the stitch count. Easy peasy.
5. The Dappled Shawl knit in Be Wool
Big, squishable Be Wool is one of our newer yarns, and it’s proven to be a popular one. No wonder, when you can make projects like this so quickly!
If you want to try your first shawl, this is a great beginner project. If you’re an old pro, this will feel like coming home. Either way, on US size 17 (12mm) needles, it’s the definition of “instant gratification” comfort knits.
These are just a start. We’re sure you have some go-to projects that are favorites, and we’d love to hear about them. So make yourself some coffee-maker apple cider (works great in a crock pot, too) and settle in. Breathe, let go of stress, and enjoy the work of your hands.
Happy crafting.
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, Olive in Kingston Tweed and Penna (pattern link here).
First things first: the model for this hat is also the designer, Rachel Brockman. Rachel is a big fan of the outdoors, and takes a lot of inspiration from her time in nature.
We have it on good authority that one of her favorite yarns is Kingston Tweed – you’ve probably seen her fantastic Jay Sweater. For this hat, she took that rustic yarn and gave it extra flair by combining it with laceweight Penna.
We’re sharing the picture of the yarn to show exactly what Penna brings to the design – a slight blur to the edges from its soft alpaca halo.
You can see the gentle feel it imparts to this cable and rib delight.
Start with the cable panel, worked flat. Seam the ends together, and it becomes the brim of this hat.
Pick up stitches from the edge, and work broken rib in the round upwards to the crown. Love those decrease swirls!
It’s a gentle beauty of a design. We hope you enjoy it.
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:
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).
