We're living in a time when authentic creativity is more valuable than ever. The certainty that when you looked at an image and knew it was real, is now being questioned. I made the decision years ago to NOT use AI in knitwear design. I don't use it in photos, patterns, on social media, or anywhere in the process of design. Hiring a local photographer, local models, and using different locations in town for our photo shoots is real and feels right. For everything else, li

Sweaters are making their appearances on the runways and definite trends are emerging. There is a difference in Trendy and Trends and you don't need to be trendy to follow emerging trends in sweaters. "Trendy" is popular right now. It might or might not be around tomorrow. But "Trends" can last for years and years. A few trends show more staying power than others. When several top designers are showing the same design elements across a wide range of shows from pre-fall t

When you want a visible seam as a decorative design feature, especially at the shoulders, work this method of Three Needle Bind Off. It creates a pretty chain that lies nice and flat on the right side of your knitting. It stays centered between the two pieces without bending forward. This is created by alternating knit and purl stitches as you bind off. Watch how it's done here: Step-by-Step Directions Setup: Make sure you have the same number of stitches on separate needle

Thank to you everyone who has purchased patterns from my website! I've quietly found a way to give back to each of you and have rolled out a rewards program awhile ago. I've been working on the back end to make sure it's a good program, that is fair, rewards loyal knitters, and works as it should. If you're a member of the loyalty program you should have received an email when you signed up. If you're not yet... How to Begin You can join the loyalty program by becoming a site

When you buy from indie artists, designers and crafters, your money goes directly into local communities. We hire photographers, models, tech editors, sample knitters, buy crafting supplies, and give back. Keeping creatives employed, ensures that as a society, we have authentic art in all forms. That true creations will continue to be born from the heart and minds of people, not copies churned out by computers. We understand that you have a choice. You can choose free. You c

If you’re a designer incorporating button bands into your garment, or a knitter wanting to add a button band – read on because buttonholes and bands are all about advanced planning especially if your pattern will be graded over a large number of sizes. Your Goal: Design a functional band that lies flat without distorting the fabric, with evenly spaced buttonholes that is written out clearly in the pattern. Stitch Pattern of Band Can be any stitch pattern that lies flat lik

The relationships that bind the knitting community are many. While we share a common craft, in some ways we are so different. A farmer may not care about what's coming down the runway this fall. A designer may never want to get her shoes muddy. Yet between the ends of the hand-knitting spectrum, one trade blends into another until a perfect chain of passion is formed. Through this passion are shared values which form a stronger bond than any personal divide. At the heart

I used to felt in my washing machine, but now I only felt by hand. What prompted this change was the death of my old washing machine. I replaced it with a modern washer with all the bells and whistles. It's one big computer. It's constantly sensing the wash. I can no longer fill it up with super-hot water and let it agitate until my knitting is a firm piece of boiled wool. So now I felt by hand. It takes longer. But it does allow more control over the felting process,

Knitters are creative souls who love to bring our own style and fair to knitting. When knitters and designers blend their own yarns, we create a unique fiber! Sometimes you can’t find the perfect yarn for a design, or you may just like the look and feel of two yarns held together. By holding two different colored yarns together while knitting, you can tone down a bright color (try combining a neon yarn with a dark neutral color like grey or brow n. ) You c an also lighte

See what's trending in sweaters for the Fall 2025 and Winter 2025/2026 season

There are a few considerations to designing for children which differ from designing for adults, but it's SO much fun.

When I think of knitted art, I think of the intricate stitches and harmonious colors that go into designing a truly unique and impressive

The Yarn Journal has created an insightful map of Scottish Bred Wool showing over 50 farms, crofts and others. This 2-page map lists...

Find out key elements needed to design sleeveless knitwear tops and what knitters should consider when selecting a sleeveless tee pattern.

It's that time of year when the fashion shows are walking more sweaters down the runway! After watching so many sweaters appear, certain...

I'm super excited to be teaching two design-related classes at Next Level Knitting Conference in April 2024. Writing Patterns Learn the...

If you've ever knitted a sweater in superwash yarn, finished binding off and smiled because it looks so awesome, then blocked and thought WHAT????? ..... this post is for you. The process of making wool yarn washable, strips its natural elasticity. A merino superwash wool, which is already soft, can become a huge (HUGE) mess of wet fabric as you take it out of the sink. It just doesn't spring back and behave as nicely as pure wool or untreated yarns. But don't let this shy

Peach Fuzz has been announced as Pantone’s 2024 color of the year! Neutrals are trending so strong now, that it makes sense that the 2024...

Herringbone has a distinct, polished look and is easily recognized in the sewing, knitting, and fashion worlds. Visually, it looks like an arrangement of columns of short, parallel lines sloping the same direction, next to columns of short, parallel lines slopping in the opposite direction. The zig zag look resembles the bones of a fish or “herring” bones. It is synonymous with tailored suits and high fashion. In knitting, herringbone is not one stitch pattern, but a group

Double Decreases are a hallmark of lace knitting and are also used in highly textured stitch patterns. There is usually more than one...