Category Archives: knitting

Knitted bunny with green cowl.

Jetkat Knitted Bunny Pattern Review and Toy-Making Pep Talk

In my Jetkat Knitted Bunny Pattern Review I share all about this challenging, but delightful project. There are definitely positives and negatives. I not only learned a few new knitting techniques, but I created a toy that I shall cherish forever.

You know the feelings….intimidation, frustration, indignation. But slowly those emotions begin to morph into hope, optimism and finally confidence. I regularly experience this combination of mental states while knitting or crocheting toys. And time and time again I’ve learned to never judge a project at the beginning.

Continue reading →

Should You Crochet or Knit? Take the Quiz!

Should you crochet or knit? That is the question. Take the short quiz to find out which hobby would be better suited for you!

Have you joined the masses of people who have become interested in handicrafts from earlier generations? Does the word handmade make your heart flutter with excitement? If the answer to one or both of these questions is yes, have I got the craft for you! Take the quiz below to find out if you should crochet or knit. I promise not to give you a bad grade.

In a recent article from the New York Times titled, People Have Gone Full 1800s, folks are returning to their roots in unexpected ways. People are putting down the screens and picking up the pastimes their grandparents’ generation enjoyed. Knitting and crocheting are experiencing a wonderful resurgence and you may be wondering if either of these is the hobby for you.

Continue reading →

Favorite Knit & Crochet Projects for Easter

These knit & crochet projects for Easter are just about the cutest things I’ve ever laid my eyes on. Bunnies and carrots are symbolic of the season and I believe these patterns are the best of the best.

This Easter is going to look quite a bit different than every other one I’ve ever celebrated. I’ve come to accept that. But doggone it, I’m still going to enjoy one of my favorite holidays. I’m going to make deviled eggs, eat chocolate and put a big smile on my face. And these adorable knit & crochet Easter projects are sure to bring a smile to YOUR face.

Read more

How to Design Knitted Colorwork Charts

How to Design Knitted Colorwork Charts is a guide to creating your very own fair isle designs. The process couldn’t be easier and the best part is that it’s completely free.

I’m about to blow your mind. In the best way possible, that is. Designing your own knitted colorwork charts is so simple and So. Much. Fun. And not only that, it’s completely free! I mean, come on! There’s nothing better than fun and free!

Continue reading →

Stranded Knitting for Beginners

Stranded knitting for beginners is a true guide for the novice. If you can cast on, knit and purl, then you can create gorgeous colorwork knits. I will share a little rhyme I created and teach you how to read colorwork charts. You’ll be knitting fair isle sweaters in no time!

If you have never tried stranded knitting before, you are in for a treat, dear friend. This technique looks incredibly complicated, but I assure you it is not. It takes time to become comfortable with colorwork, but once you are the possibilities are endless. And stay tuned for next week when I share how you can design your own colorwork patterns for free!

Continue reading →

10 Ways to Stop Pain from Crocheting and Knitting

Pain from crocheting and knitting is more common that I ever knew. Neglecting to address the problem doesn’t help, but I have actionable steps that will. From icing, to dry needling, to CBD oil, I’ve combined all the tricks that have helped me heal from serious tendinitis into one post.

I tried ignoring the pain for months. Pretending it wasn’t a big deal and wishing it would go away weren’t working for me anymore. When I finally walked through the door to my orthopedic doctor’s office I was in constant pain. I was so afraid that he would tell me I needed to stop crocheting and knitting. Thankfully he didn’t and I’m going to share the strategies he gave me (and a few of my own) that helped me to heal.

Continue reading →

Knitting on the Faroe Islands

For this American, learning about knitting on the Faroe Islands has been absolutely fascinating. Their beautiful shawls and unique colorwork are as unique as the islands are remote.

Geography has never been my strong suit. In school, latitude and longitude lines swirled in my head and made little sense. I have been told I’m directionally challenged more than once by my dear husband. Probably because on more than one occasion I’ve lost my van in a parking lot because I couldn’t remember my way back.

When I met Leigh on Instagram last year I literally had never heard of the Faroe Islands. I had no idea that such a place existed with a rich culture and strong knitting heritage. According to Vogue Knitting the islands are equidistant to Norway, Iceland and northern Scotland. Basically in the middle of the North Atlantic. Brrrrrr.

Continue reading →

Action Plan for Knitters & Crocheters

Planning is a tool makers can use to become more productive, stay motivated and feel less stressed. This new action plan for knitters & crocheters has helped me organize what needs to be done and how to do it.

My love for planning began in middle school. I had this cute little calendar from the Hallmark store and I wrote in it every single day. Without fail, I detailed all my important appointments like getting on the school bus and making friendship bracelets with my best friend, Katie. I even began documenting my crushes and the outfits I wore each day.

As I matured I continued using a planner throughout high school, college and into life as a wife and momma. I found that planning made my tasks seem less overwhelming and a little more manageable.

Continue reading →

How to Knit Cables for Beginners

Learning how to knit cables has been one of the highlights of my knitting experience. Cables are a detail that look complicated but when broken down into bite sized pieces are not only manageable, but downright fun.

My latest bunny is wearing a gorgeous ruby colored cable knit sweater designed by Julie Williams of Little Cotton Rabbits. I think there’s something incredibly charming about a toy wearing clothing that I would love to own myself. The rich color and the intricate details create a look that is sophisticated and adorable all at the same time. Who says you can’t be classy AND cute?

Continue reading →

Knitting a Vintage Nurse Bunny

Nursing is one of the MOST under appreciated professions. Knitting a vintage nurse bunny makes such a unique gift or a wonderful addition to your own handmade toy collection. This is my interpretation of the original idea from the talented Suzanne from Suzy Marie Knits and with her permission I’m showing you how I made mine.

Have you ever stumbled upon a project and knew in that instant that you HAD to make it and exactly who it would be for? That’s exactly what happened when I saw Suzy Marie Knit‘s vintage nurse bunny on her Instagram account. If you haven’t seen her amazing work you definitely need to check her out. She has a gift for creativity and whimsy that regularly inspires me by her beautiful creations.

Continue reading →