Patterns
Vikky Perkins
I’m not sure why I have not talked about Vikky Perkins sooner. Her patterns are amazing, and all of them are free. She currently has over 130 designs in her Ravelry portfolio. I first got intrigued by medieval looking colour works. She mainly created cowls, although she also has created scarves. You should for sure have a look, if you like colour work and this style. She has other more subdued colours, although you can pick any pattern and use low contrasts and achieve the same look and feel 🙂
the Avena sweater pattern is out
I already mentioned two Wooly News ago that Jennifer Steingass, Knit.Love.Wool on Instagram and lovewool-knits on Ravelry wad going to release a new pattern. It is now out under the Avena Sweater name. If you check the Ravelry page or the avenasweater hashtag on Instagram, you will see so many interesting variations, using self changing colour gradient yarns or with a fade, stunning ! I am officially in love.
KAL
And Sew On KAL for first something
I found Lisa not that long ago and from what she publishes on YouTube, I think we have. a lot in common 🙂 I enjoy watching and listening to her. She recently launched a KAL in partnership with another YouTuber, you will find the details in her description box.
The KAL is for “things” that we make for the first time. I like the idea ! I may or may not follow along as the KAL closes on February 1st, 2022, and I am not sur I will have enough time to finish something by then. Anyway, there are two techniques that are waiting for my first attempt : brioche and steeking. I have one brioche project in mind, I may get to it, I may not ! I have not yet dared to venture into the world of steeking.
I am sure both techniques look more impressive from a distance.. I will need some more mental space before I cast on a project with some heavy novelties.
If you are interested, you can enter and follow #knittingfirstskal on Instagram after you watch her introductory video on YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmZ8nLhkWDk.
Tutorials
Trends
Yarn Companies and Stores
Aimée from La Bien Aimée, she is so productive, has launched a submission call for a new book. It is all about design and yarn. The book will also be in collaboration with Laine Publishing and is scheduled to come out in Fall 2022. What she is looking for is projects that feature different yarn bases, in particular associations her yarns with other brands and yarn producers. What a cool idea 🙂
If you are interested, all the details are on : https://www.labienaimee.com/pages/submission-page-mixing-bases, and you need to submit before January 10th, 2022.
Books, Magazines and Articles
LBA / Laine publishing worsted book
Talking about La bien Aimée, her Worsted book will be translated in French (February 2022) and Japanese (Spring 2022. An errata has been published on her website, the corrections will be into the second print sometime between the end of Winter and Spring 2022.
This coming December 17th, she will host a virtual knit night (7PM Paris time). The details are in her newsletter, that is a good reason to subscribe !
Knitting for radical self care : a modern guide from Brandi cheyenne harper
The title jumped at me when I saw it, not sure where.. I must have got the information from someone online because I just checked and I was not subscribed to Brandi Cheyenne Harper’s Instagram account.. Now I am ! It will remain a mystery and I thank you, whoever you are, human or algorithm, who directed me to this book. I think I preordered on a big world company and it has arrived last week.
Aside from techniques and patterns (I think I’ll knot one or two), I am much drawn to her wait of associating knitting with meditation. The whole book is food for thoughts to me, and a source of joy, self-reflexion, encouragements (no, you are not alone) and a very interesting angle of view on Life, the Universe and Everything, kinda my 42 🙂
I like to read a bit at random an pick up on what she wrote, each time I can relate. As much as I like book, this one will have a particular place.
You can find all the details on her website : https://www.brandicheyenneharper.com/home
Notions
Knit Eat Stich Markers
How adorable are these ? If you are located in France, or not too far away in Europe, or if you carbon footprint is of no importance to you, please check out this cute series of stitch markers. I love them ! I may add the to my Christmas wish list.
To note, they also have pins based on the same design and idea.
Companion YouTube Podcast : https://youtu.be/7momjic0GhU
Knit Now 