Newsletter May 17th: Free Hat Pattern + How to Video 😊

Hey everybody!

I hope you are all still doing as well as can be given our unusual times! I am doing ok, mostly just knitting up a storm over here! I've definitely been hunting for things to do to keep myself entertained though, as you are about to see...

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Knit a Hat: Start to Finish

One of the crazy ideas I had was to challenge myself to knit an entire hat in one day. Then, of course, I decided to take it a step further and film the entire thing. I figured, I have the equipment and ability, so why not?!?!? Well, I learned there are lots of reasons to "not" however it WAS a challenge, which is what I needed right now. And, I think it turned out pretty well! Please give it a watch, and like/subscribe to my channel if you want to see more like this!

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Tri-Color Beanie

For this debut "Start to Finish" project, I decided to use my go to formula for a super basic, slightly slouchy beanie! Since I had never written it down before, I decided to turn it into a pattern, so the Tri-Color Beanie Pattern is now available for free! The contrast cuff and pom pom make it a little more interesting, while keeping the knitting super simple. Make the body a little longer for more slouch, or shorter for a tighter fit! Download your copy of the Tri-Color Beanie and knit along with me!

The pattern is incredibly simple, and beginner friendly! If you are more experienced, check out my “Unraveled Tips” peppered throughout the video that show you how I quickly and efficiently change colors and deal with ends as I go! Also, the middle section of the video, when I am just knitting around and around on the body, includes the audio from an episode of the Historical Yarnspodcast for entertainment!

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Current WIP (Work in Progress)

I dug an old UFO (un-finished object) out of my knitting bin, and I am determined to finish it soon!

The Scorpio Cowl is the simplest of stitches - Fisherman's Rib, and the result is so light and airy - perfect for cool spring evenings here in Reno!

Hugs,
Rachel

Newsletter April 21st: Grosgrain Hat & Fraser’s Ridge Reveal

Hey everybody!

I hope you are are all safe and well as this pandemic continues. My husband and I are continuing to self quarantine in our house in Reno, NV, and are doing pretty good so far! I have been knitting and designing up a storm over here, and I have a couple new things to share today.

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Grosgrain Hat

The 6th pattern in the 20in20collection, Grosgrain, is ready to download! This hat is absolutely perfect for using up leftover bits of DK and worsted weight yarns. You can use as few as 3 colors, and up to 9, so there is tons of opportunity for matching your favorite colors into one unique hat. I prefer a bit of slouch in my hats, but if you like a beanie style fit better you can either knit a smaller size, or make it a bit shorter.

Design Inspiration

The slipped stitch pattern used in the Grosgrain hat design reminds me of the parallel lines of stitching on the edges of grosgrain ribbon! With stripes of varying width that are paired with slipped stitches, this hat holds your interest all the way through! Top it off with a unique and adorable polka dot pom pom (instructions included)! This pattern was originally released a couple years ago in the Jimmy Beans Wool Beanie Bag. Now seems like the perfect time to make it available to everyone since so many folks are trying to work from stash!

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Fraser’s Ridge Wrap Up

The next thing I am super excited to share is the final version of the Fraser’s RidgeMKAL pattern, inspired by the current season of Outlander! I have compiled all the clues into one file, and you can see all the photos here! Speaking of Outlander, have you guys been watching this season? It has had so many heart stopping moments so far, not to mention all the gorgeous knitted items that keep popping up!

Fraser's Ridge is on sale now for 30% off, so grab it before the price increases on Friday, April 24th at midnight! There are also a few kitswith the gorgeous Honey Girl Farms yarn left at JBW so there is still time to grab one of those :)

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Current WIP (Work in Progress)

I needed a colorful rainbow in my life, so I cast on some socks in this amazing color way from Haute Knit yarn! The working title for this pattern is the Rainbow Pop socks, and they will be in the 20in20collection sometime later this year! 

That's it for this update! Thanks again, and see ya next time, friends!

Hugs,
Rachel 

Newsletter March 26th: Free Pattern Alert!

Hey friends!

Any Gauge Cowl, the 5th pattern in the 20in20 series, is available for FREE! Head over to Ravelry to download it now :)

Things are a little crazy right now, and I know many of you are stuck at home with only your stash to keep you entertained. The Any Gauge Cowl is the perfect pattern for those single skein beauties you have been hoarding for just such a time. I mean you totally knew there would be a pandemic requiring you to stay at home for weeks on end when you bought that delicious skein in 2015, right?!?!

Design Inspiration

The Any Gauge Cowl is especially perfect for super soft and exotic fibers like cashmere and yak since it is worn snug against your neck. In fact, the inspiration for this pattern is the 100% cashmere boucle (grey sample) yarn that I picked up on a whim at Lofty Lou’s in Placerville, CA - the shop and town are absolutely adorable and I highly recommend a visit once things get back to normal! I loved how soft it was, but it needed a simple design that wouldn’t fight with the textured nature of the yarn. The garter ridge stitch was perfect, and this piece ended up being the one I reached for over an over this winter! It is just so snuggly soft and warm!

I hope you are all staying safe and occupied while we ride out this pandemic in relative solitude. Knitting keeps me occupied and creating designs is food for my brain, so I will keep them coming! Grab the 20in20 collection now for more stash busting project ideas!

Current WIP (Work in Progress)

I am working on a future design, of course! It is a faux plaid that is much easier than it looks, and I can't wait to share the finished photos! Sneak peak below :)