I’ve been experimenting with a new format for my Weekly Reader recently, and I think I’ve finally got it! Every Friday, I round up my favorite yarny finds, and then when I do other inspiration posts, I pick a different theme. The next big hurdle for me as a blogger, which has been a hurdle of mine for awhile now, will be actually opening up and sharing more of my personality. For now, I’m still most comfortable with being a teensy bit opaque and continuing my grand tradition of simply sharing my overwhelming enthusiasm for DIY and knitting. For now. :)
Knitting
Little Sprout Baby Hat
This super simple spring-inspired baby hat is a great way to eat up the leftover sock yarn. I was inspired to make this, of course, during the Knit Along as I played around with some test patterns and love its little sprouty top. This hat is super perfect for newborns coming home from the hospital.
I hope my onion model makes you smile, by the way! You’ll have to excuse it subbing in for a real baby, since I don’t have one of those lying around to exploit for photos, lol. I think onion baby is so cute, and the only crying I have to worry about is if I cook with it. ;)
Shorty Socks / Knit Along Wrap Up
It’s been real, folks, but the first Hands Occupied knit along has come to a close. :( I had so much fun sharpening my knitting needles skills, making some new friends and finishing a couple pairs of socks during this process. Pictured today is my new Shorty Socks knitting pattern, made using the exact techniques shared in each step of the Knit Along.
Knit Along Day 5: The Toe!
We’re in the home stretch, knitters!! Today I’m going to show you all how to do a toe decrease, which, surpriii-iiise!, is way easier that the parts of sock knitting you’ve already mastered. Aren’t you excited?
Weekly Reader
It’s been a full year of the Weekly Reader format we’ve come to know and love, so I’m thinking it’s time for a change. Instead of sharing random faves of the week every Friday, I think I’ll start sharing themed roundups that feature amazing projects from a little more than the past week. But! I’ll still share items that are fresh, focusing on the most recent month or two. Pinky swear!
Weekly Reader
I can’t believe it’s Friday and I’m just now remembering to tell you guys about the wonder that was YarnCon. It’s a two day yarn/knitting/crochet/fiber/etc. show in Chicago. Last weekend was my first time attending, and I got to take workshops on new casting on techniques and entrelac with knitting designer Theresa Schabes, and I definitely bought some beautiful sock yarn from Icemelon’s Stash. I had a nerdy blast and can’t wait to practice my new skills!
The First Hands Occupied Knit Along!
I have a big announcement – I’ve decided to finally take the plunge and host a knit along right here on Hands Occupied! Starting April 15, we’ll be knitting a pair of socks, top down style, on double pointed needles (a.k.a. DPNs). This is a great knit along for intermediate knitters who want to try socks (or using DPNs) for the first time!
How to Block a Knitting Project
Blocking is something I took years to start doing with finished knitting projects. Just like test swatches. It turns out that both can be pretty important as your knitting gets more sophisticated. Especially if you are making a wearable item, testing your yarn by knitting a sample swatch and blocking it is how you’ll establish a good fit. Here are the basics of how to block a knitting project.
These Colors Won’t Run
The basketweave baby blanket knitting pattern I shared recently was made with one of my favorite yarn colors ever. As much as I love the color, I noticed early on that it turned my fingers blue! Using a simple vinegar bath, I was able to keep my fingers dye-free and preserve the yarn color’s vibrance.
