Back when I was a beginner knitter, I wrote my first Knitting and Crochet Favorites post. It’s way past time for a new roundup of my current favorites.
Needles and Notions
I have several types of needles – wooden, bamboo, metal. Chiao Goo 4” tips are one of my top favorites. I love how sleek these needles are and the join is flawless! At the same time, I have two sets of fixed bamboo circulars from Clover in US 5 that I use over and over again!
Stitch markers are one of the just-plain-fun things about knitting. I love my simple soft ring stitch markers, but I’m definitely hoping to pick up one of the DeliDino markers at some point!
Yarn
I love all kinds of yarn. I’m drawn more and more to 100% wool, or wool/nylon blends because of the lack of static electricity, but you’ll also find me enjoying acrylic too. When it comes to wool, I currently love Kelbourne Woolens Scout.
I’ve dipped my toes into dyeing yarn, so far just with food coloring, and it is so much fun! I love Knit Picks’ selection of bare yarn to dye. And if you are looking into dyeing yarn, check out Chem Knits for helpful tips and ideas! I love her video about using Wilton’s Violet food coloring.
To satisfy my love of bright, fun colors, I love Lion Brand Ferris Wheel. I discovered this yarn on the projects page of the Night Shift shawl. I loved how the colors came together, so I had to check out this yarn for myself! I have some in my stash ready for a Shift Cowl.
Patterns
Patterns I’ve Made
My go-to first sweater pattern recommendation will have to be the Purl Code by Isabell Kraemer. This sweater pattern was recommended to me as my first knit sweater attempt, but with the idea to make it without the purl code (purl stitches in Morse code) that you can include if you so choose. This leaves you with a basic stockinette raglan. I wear my Purl Code sweater all the time and love its structure and ease.
My favorite type of pattern to make is a shawl – I love that shawls are more complex than scarves, but less complex than sweaters. Plus I just really like how warm they keep me. So up next in favorite patterns is the Campside Shawl by Alicia Plummer. Highly wearable and so warm, this shawl is a staple for me. The lacework gives it an incredible drape that really wraps well. The pattern doesn’t call for stripes, but I decided to use two colors in mine. This would also be gorgeous in a single color!
Patterns I’m planning to make
I think I’ve only been fishing once or twice in my whole life but the Halibut patterns by Caitlin Hunter are calling my name. I also haven’t done stranded colorwork yet, so these are on my bucket list. I probably won’t start them for quite awhile, but you never know!
With my newly acquired Ferris Wheel yarn, I’m planning to make the Shift Cowl and eventually a Night Shift Shawl.
Patterns by Me!
I’ve decided to venture into the world of pattern designing. My goal is to present my favorite things to you in pattern form – shawl patterns with easy repeats for a relaxing, but fun project!
First up, is the Gridlines Shawl, published at the beginning of this month. Check it out Ravelry.
That’s all for now friends. Keep an eye out for more of my favorites and enjoy those little things in your life today!
Everyday with Ashley 