When was the last time you tried something new? It’s no secret that I love being a lifetime learner, but over the past year especially, trying out new stuff has been a real bright spot. From tackling new hobbies (sourdough, running) to sussing out new knitting techniques, I love the quiet absorption that comes with first trying to understand something unfamiliar, followed by the rush of excitement when I’ve got it right. And I absolutely love that part of my job is getting to share that fabulous feeling with you. Read on to learn which techniques we will be covering in Confident Knitting…
Read moreBaby Knits to Stretch Your Knitting Skills
My finished Sooper Sweater, knit in shades Strawberry and Sky of Something to Knit With 4ply.
I recently finished the Sooper Sweater from Boost Your Knitting which got me thinking about how useful baby knits are for learning and perfecting new techniques. Like (grown up) accessory patterns, they are small enough to be achievable quickly — a perfect canvas on which to try new skills. Today, I’m taking a look at other baby knits that are great for learning new skills.
Read moreBoost Your Knitting: The Designers
Are you ready?
We are beyond excited by the stellar list of designers who have contributed patterns to Boost Your Knitting: Another Year of Techniques. These are the people whose patterns I turn to for fun knitting. They have all contributed to my knitting knowledge, and I am thrilled to be sharing their creations with you!
Read moreBoost Your Knitting: The Techniques
Have I mentioned recently how much I absolutely love enabling knitters to learn new techniques? That feeling of breaking it down into achievable chunks, leading people through the process, and watching them achieve more than they thought possible is almost as intoxicating as the thrill of learning something new. I can’t wait to help you to Boost Your Knitting!
Read moreBoost Your Knitting: Another Year of Techniques
We have twelve new techniques, twelve patterns from twelve fabulous designers, twelve sets of photo and video tutorials, and most importantly, twelve opportunities for you to experience the joy of learning something new!
Read moreChapter 1: Basic Cable Techniques
Chapter 1 of Something New To Learn About Cables covers basic cable techniques and is supported by the Areto Hat by Rachel Coopey.
Read moreAnnouncing Something New To Learn About Cables
We are proud to announce the launch of Something New To Learn About Cables, the second book we have published.
Read moreBristol Ivy talks intarsia
We've been beavering away behind the scenes to get A Year of Techniques ready for the final copy editing and layout process, which is why it's been a bit quiet around here. In between all that I've been knitting like mad on my Brambling Shawl. I'm feeling a little bit sad that it's nearly done, as I've enjoyed it so much. But I'm also bursting with excitement to share May's pattern with you next week. It's a corker!
So how have you found intarsia? Was it as tricky as you thought? Or were you already a seasoned intarsia expert who had knitted a heap of picture sweaters in the 80s? I've been chatting to Bristol Ivy (the genius designer of Brambling) about her experience of intarsia, and I've pumped her for pattern inspiration for my next intarsia project. Here's what she had to say:
Read moreThe Techniques
Heartfelt thanks for all the kind words you've said about A Year of Techniques. We've been overwhelmed by the messages in our Ravelry group, on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and via email. It's so great to hear that you're sharing our excitement!
I've always been a bit of an enthusiast for learning something new. In fact, that might be the understatement of the century. Whether it's in my knitting, or the garden, or helping the kids with their homework, I absolutely adore that satisfied feeling you get when you've mastered something you couldn't do before. I want to spread that feeling far and wide! You don't have to love every new thing you try, but there's always something to learn from the process of having a go. At least that's what I tell the kids when I've cooked some experimental dinner and they are all turning up their noses. Sometimes it even works!
Read more