I’m watching game 1 of the NBA Finals as I write this. It’s history in the making as Toronto gets a shot at being NBA champs! It’s the very first time the Finals is held outside of the US and I couldn’t be more proud and happy for my city! Let’s gooooo, Raptors!
I haven’t been as active on Social Media these past few months. I had a big deadline to meet and I noticed going on Instagram distracts me so much that before I know it, an hour has gone by! I struggle with remaining relevant, and felt anxious due to major FOMO, but in the end I made a conscious decision to limit my browsing and put the phone away so I could get work done.
I allow myself a few minutes in the morning to browse, often while I sip my second cup of coffee after dropping the kids off at school. A couple of days ago, I stumbled upon this gem from @knitbot and had to share it with you!
This is the Nini Pullover, designed by Hannah Fettig. It’s an oversized cropped sweater knit seamlessly from the bottom up and calls for DK weight yarn.
It comes with 2 variations for the neck – a rolled hem or a hood. Love both, and as much as I adore a great hoodie, I know I’ll get more use out of this garment worn layered over a collared shirt. Preppy all the way!
[ images via Hannah Fettig ]
I got excited because I have been wanting to use up the yarn I brought back from my trip to Rhinebeck last year. At first, I thought I was going to make the Mara Shawl but I’ve since had a change of heart with knitting triangular shawls – at least, for the time being. When I checked the pattern details for the Nini, I knew I finally found the perfect project for it!
The yarn is from Primrose Yarn Co’s Rose Gold Collection in the colorway Dreams. It’s 100% SW Merino, 3 Ply Sport Weight and I can’t wait to cake it up! I’m excited to cast on my very first hand dyed sweater!!!
I really like this contrasting stripe detail for the bottom hem. I have some leftover Brooklyn Tweed Arbor in Arabesque that I hope to use up. The pattern did not include yardage for this however, and Arabesque is DK not Sport weight so I’ll have some playing around to do!
>> If you’re interested in this pullover, there is a sale happening right now on Ravelry! Buy the Nini pullover and get any other pattern from Hannah Fettig for free! Add both to cart and discount will apply automatically. I got the Rosemont Cardigan and even purchased the yarn for it as well! My friend Lisa at NBK Knitting is also having a sale right now (just sayin!) get 20% off all yarn purchases with code: SPRINGSALE <<
I received Making Stories’ newest book, Jewels, in exchange for a complete review. I have enjoyed reading it over the past week and am now able to share my thoughts about it below. There is also an opportunity to win a copy for yourself and even some yarn! More on that later.
Making Stories was founded by Berlin-based designers, Verena Cohrs (@sustanablistco formerly known as the Wool Club) and Hanna Lisa Haferkamp (@hlh.designs). Their work is focused on sustainability and ethically produced European yarns. Jewels is their 3rd publication containing 12 modern knitwear designs inspired by “deep strong tones of rubies, emeralds, sapphires and opals.”
Ever since I saw the first teaser photo on Instagram, I knew I had to make it.
The bold lines combined with a boxy, cropped fit and close-fitting sleeves are all elements of my ideal sweater. Not to mention it’s knit using worsted weight. Can it be more perfect?
I knew I wanted to try out the same yarn used for the pattern, De Rerum Natura Giliatt, so I immediately went on their website to choose a color. As always, I find this to be the toughest part! I was torn between genet, fauve, and plume. Unfortunately, genet which was my first choice, and the same color used for the sample wasn’t in stock but that’s ok because I couldn’t take my eyes off fauve.
It’s so far outside my typical color palette, I know! But I’ve been loving earth tones lately and have been craving to add a deep orange to my wardrobe. I also think since I already have a lot of neutrals that I won’t have a problem matching a shawl with it. Plus, it’ll look great with blue jeans 🙂 I can’t wait to swatch!
Here are a few more patterns I’m loving from the book:
The Morganite Hat designed by Imke Von Nathusius is made up of beautiful “diamonds, getting smaller and smaller, flowing out of a line of twisted rib.” I love the color they chose – Darkest Lac from Moel View Yarn.
If you’ve been following me for a while, you know how much I love geometric patterns and the texture of twisted stitches. I can definitely say this is must knit for me.
The Paraiba cardigan designed by Nadya Stallings has an open front, all over texture and has my name written all over it.
Described as “the one garment you’re going to grab from your closet to throw on over your pj’s to have your morning coffee and your black turtleneck when you meet your best friend for dinner”.
Ummm, yes, please!
The only thing I will note is that it is kind of hard to see the texture of the sweater from the book. They’re all lovely photos, don’t get me wrong, but the motif is somewhat lost against the dark background.
I did have a peek on Ravelry, and was able to see the design clearly from one of the project photos. Based on that, I do see myself knitting this in a shade of grey. Instant wardrobe staple!
I have been wanting to cast on a blanket type shawl and the play on bold lines and contrasting colors drew me in.
I did wish they included a photo in the book where I can see the full shape and design of the shawl. I mean, I knew from the description that it was basically a rectangle, but I would have still liked to see it laid out for a clearer view.
It doesn’t bother me though, just a personal preference. I’m totally in love with this design either way and can not wait to make one for myself. It is knit using fingering weight and requires approx. 1690 yards which is going to be a labor of love for sure.
But it’s totally worth it!!!
I have been working on mittens for my kids for Christmas this year. It has been so satisfying to have a quick FO with very little effort so I was thrilled to see a pair included in this book, Spinel by Becky Sorensen (also known as @sopranoknits).
What an adorable colorwork pattern! I haven’t decided if I’ll go with the original 4 colors or just 2. All I know is that this will be the matching mitten to go with my Morganite hat. Both are knit in DK weight and I’ve already made a note to pick up an extra skein 🙂
I always have a pair on the needles and I do have quite the collection already but what I did notice is the lack of lace socks. I’ve only made 1 lace pattern before and I intend to rectify that, starting with this beauty!
There are many more amazing patterns in the book and I encourage you to have a peek at the entire collection. You can find Jewels on Ravelry here.
There is also a KAL happening in the Making Stories group which you can join here. There will be lots of prizes and there is plenty of time to enter. The deadline is not until Feb. 28, 2019. There are also 2 other KAL’s happening right now for Topaz and Rubellite.
Here’s a peak of the rest of the patterns included in the book:
Topaz
Rubellite
Diopside
Tourmaline
Tanzanite
Alexandrite
Jewels also has plenty of insightful articles from Melody Hoffman, Paula Goosen, Diana Walla, and Katie Green on yarn + color substitutions. The book also features a designer and yarn profile where you can learn about their creative inspirations and backgrounds.
As mentioned earlier, I did receive a second copy of Jewels as a brand ambassador to give to you! Look out for that giveaway on the next podcast (episode 6) on YouTube.
I may have also picked up an extra sweater’s quantity of De Rerum Natura Gilliatt to make Citrine. I’ve been wanting to do a giveaway on Instagram as a thank you to my followers. I’m just blown away for reaching over 5k! Can you guess which color I got?
It’s no secret how much I adore all things Brooklyn Tweed – from their yarn to their patterns and overall aesthetic. I’m like a little kid in a candy store whenever a new collection comes out. I get the goosies. (Anyone else watch the finals for World of Dance Season 2?)
Goosebumps. I get the goosebumps.
It’s been a while since I mentioned anything under this category because A) I’ve been a little busy and totally slacking in the blog department B) a project I cast on that I once was excited about under this category didn’t quite work out (total fail on my part) and C) aside from one other thing that has been sitting in my draft for forever, I haven’t really come across anything that gave me the chills….until now.
So last week, Brooklyn Tweed released 3 new colors for Shelter and Loft to welcome the fall season. Pumice (grey), Iceberg (blue) and h-e-l-l-o Yellowstone!
I don’t have the yarn in front of me (yet) but it looks like the perfect marriage of yellow and green IMO. A yellow chartreuse. A heathered yellow chartreuse!!!
On top of this gorgeous new color, and basically what sent me over the edge is the beautiful lace half-hap design by Gudrun Johnson. The Perch Shawl.
I mean… damn! Isn’t she gorgeous?
I love the texture and the shape so much. I have a soft spot for triangular shawls because I find them effortless to style whether draped over my shoulders or wrapped around my neck a la scarf. I’m also curious about the construction – no spine like most traditional triangular shawls.
I am totally dream knitting this right now. It’s actually forcing me to finish something – anything! (read: I’ve got to get a handle on my castonitis) so I can get this on my needles….STAT!
The talented designer, Inese Sang, who I’m lucky enough to call my friend, has just released this gorgeous set of Tiilda Hat and Mittens as a free Ravelry download!
I simply adore knits in neutrals and the simple cable detail knit in bulky weight has me itching to cast on ASAP! This will be my first attempt at making mittens and the timing couldn’t be more perfect. Winter is definitely here!
I too, am a pom-pom lover so you can bet I will have an epic one on my hat as well 🙂
Every so often, I come across a design that I fall head over heels for and want to knit IMMEDIATELY. This is the case for La Maison Rililie’s No Show Socks.
I mean… damn! Isn’t she gorgeous?
Do you get excited when you come across a design that speaks to your whole being? 
(image via 
