As the seasons change in the northern hemisphere, it's time to pack away warm winter woolens in favor of lightweight, breathable garments and accessories. But before you store your handmade projects for the season, make sure to wash everything first!
There are many specially-made wool washes on the market that condition fibers while removing dirt and grime which can attract unwanted pests. Your nearest Knitter's Pride retailer should be able to recommend a wool wash, along with any other supplies you may need - we always recommend keeping a set of Blocking Mats and Knit Blockers handy, and if you knit a lot of lace, you may want to add a set of Blocking Wires to your toolbox as well. We have a free tutorial on washing and blocking handmade projects here our blog archive for anyone who needs a refresher on the washing and blocking process.
Moths, in particular, are something that every wool lover dreads; for tips on mothproofing your woolen wear, check out this post on the Martha Stewart website. Should you discover an infestation at any point, don't panic! Click here to tips on managing the situation on the Red Handled Scissors blog.
Warmer weather may also mean changes in the kinds of projects you like to knit and crochet! While many of our fans craft year-round (and some will even keep making sweaters no matter how hot it gets!), some folks set their needles and hooks aside for the season. But with all of the extra time at home this spring, why not keep your hands busy with a project that fits the season?
Smaller projects like socks, fingerless mitts and hats are quick to make and won't make you hot by resting in your lap the way a larger project would. That doesn't mean that shawls and sweaters are out of the question, though! Look for patterns which use lighter weights of yarn (think lace and fingering) and incorporate more breathable fibers such as cotton, bamboo, and flax, into your wool routine (even blending these fibers with wool will help!).
Let us inspire your next project with one of these fabulous free patterns!
Wishing you a safe & happy spring - make sure to share what's on your Knitter's Pride needles and hooks by using #knitterspride in your posts!
There are many specially-made wool washes on the market that condition fibers while removing dirt and grime which can attract unwanted pests. Your nearest Knitter's Pride retailer should be able to recommend a wool wash, along with any other supplies you may need - we always recommend keeping a set of Blocking Mats and Knit Blockers handy, and if you knit a lot of lace, you may want to add a set of Blocking Wires to your toolbox as well. We have a free tutorial on washing and blocking handmade projects here our blog archive for anyone who needs a refresher on the washing and blocking process.
Moths, in particular, are something that every wool lover dreads; for tips on mothproofing your woolen wear, check out this post on the Martha Stewart website. Should you discover an infestation at any point, don't panic! Click here to tips on managing the situation on the Red Handled Scissors blog.
Warmer weather may also mean changes in the kinds of projects you like to knit and crochet! While many of our fans craft year-round (and some will even keep making sweaters no matter how hot it gets!), some folks set their needles and hooks aside for the season. But with all of the extra time at home this spring, why not keep your hands busy with a project that fits the season?
Smaller projects like socks, fingerless mitts and hats are quick to make and won't make you hot by resting in your lap the way a larger project would. That doesn't mean that shawls and sweaters are out of the question, though! Look for patterns which use lighter weights of yarn (think lace and fingering) and incorporate more breathable fibers such as cotton, bamboo, and flax, into your wool routine (even blending these fibers with wool will help!).
Let us inspire your next project with one of these fabulous free patterns!
Free Knitting Patterns
Brighten up your living space or home office with a Mini Rainbow by Amanda Davies! If you have any loved ones who must wear a face mask for prolonged periods of time, use up leftover bits of yarn to knit a few of Lady C's Ear Savers to reduce irritation caused by the elastic loops which hold the mask in place. The Fadewalker Fingerless Mitts by Elizabeth Abiate is perfect for gradient or self-striping yarns in your stash, or rounding up several coordinating colors if you prefer. Practice your intarsia skills with The Ombis by Amy Singer, which appears in the Spring + Summer issue of Knitty. The Twilight Cowl by Sara Anthony-Boon has an interesting construction and is inspired by the Aurora Borealis. Sock knitters will enjoy the bold geometric design found on the Mitsuuroko Socks by Raeli Masina. Or, join our current charity craft-along, which has a color work theme and a fabulous free cowl pattern, A Precious Resource by Michael Harrigan!
Free Crochet Patterns
The Easiest Ear Savers by Jessica Underwood is a beginner-friendly pattern that's also great for using up scrap yarn. Scrunchies are making a comeback, and you can quickly whip up an entire rainbow of with the Ruffled Scrunchie by Crochet n' Create. The Crochet Rainbow by Crafting Happiness can be made with scrap yarn in your stash and proudly displayed in your window or used as a wall hanging. Whip up a pair of lightweight, lacy fingerless mitts with the Evies Eternities Gloves by Heidi Eisner. Vickie Howell's Singles Summer Scarf is a beautiful project designed especially for the fingering weight singles lurking in your stash. Keep cool with the Off The Shoulder Crop Top by Designs by Key, which comes in sizes ranging from XS-5X. For our fans who love both Star Wars and crochet, check out Amilyn by Rebecca Velasquez, which is inspired by a special-occasion dress worn by Vice Admiral Amilyn Holdo that is translated into a lacy open-work top.
Wishing you a safe & happy spring - make sure to share what's on your Knitter's Pride needles and hooks by using #knitterspride in your posts!
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