Socks are small, portable, colorful, kooky, or boring. They’re useful and give you the chance to indulge your creative, whimsical side. There are a bazillion different and, usually, very attractive sock patterns out there. In short, why wouldn’t you knit socks? Well, there are some real challenges to sock knitting.  I’ve always found them a … Read more

I’ve thought about knitting a flower for years, literally.  I’ve looked at lots of knitted flowers and I’ve been tempted so many, many times. This time, I’m going to do it.  I’m going to learn how to knit a flower. I found 3 very different and very appealing flower patterns, sort of.  So, which one … Read more

It’s Drink Beer Day! Plenty of knitters enjoy beer and even more have loved ones that LOVE beer, so why not combine knitting and beer? It turns out plenty of knitters have found a way to combine knitting and beer (or other beverages). First, came the drink cozy.  Koozy?  Coosy?  Well, however you spell it, … Read more

Sourcing Your Patterns Knitting has been around for a very, very long time. It’s a handcraft, so you must use your hands to do it. You can’t buy an app and “virtually” knit. In spite of that, or maybe because of it, knitting is hugely popular. But change has come to knitting patterns and knitting … Read more

While every knitter has seen or heard of sweaters or coats for dogs, there are other choices.  Some of them are much simpler and quicker, but not every idea will work for every dog.  Here are some of my thoughts on knitting for dogs, beyond the dog sweater. Toys Some dogs love stuffed animals.  Some … Read more

Everyone shops online.  It would be really strange if you didn’t buy at least some of your knitting supplies online.  But whether your looking to buy general knitting supplies online or just looking for knitting yarn suppliers, you can do better than Amazon.  Easily. In the past few years, basically since the pandemic struck, the … Read more

Is “back to school” a season or a day?  For most people, the beginning of the school year does mark the end of summer, even if you’re no longer a child and don’t have any school-aged children. During those hot, humid summer days when you couldn’t get to the beach, did you look at patterns … Read more

What is Aran Weight Yarn? Is it the same as worsted weight?  Source A says yes, Source B says no, it’s a little heavier.  All of which is to say, it’s very similar to worsted weight yarn.  The Craft Yarn Council specifically includes Aran weight yarn in the worsted weight category. Very confusing. What’s a … Read more

Knitting is an appealing craft.  It seems it gets adopted everywhere it goes.  It has spread so easily and so widely that no one culture can lay claim to it. The textile historians are reasonably certain that the oldest recognizable piece of knitting discovered, so far, is from Egypt.   The complex and sophisticated design and … Read more

A few knitted cat patterns in honor of International Cat Day – From Knitty.com Legally, I can’t include any of the photos, so you’ll just have to follow the links.  I have included a few completely unrelated cat photos for your entertainment.  #1.  Kate’s Knitted Cat The toy that started it all, at least on … Read more