I've long been a huge fan of Woolly Wormhead's A-MAZING hat designs. A browse through my Ravelry projects reveals that I've knitted 8 of her hats over the years, and I can safely say that there will be MANY more in the future. So I was absolutely delighted when Woolly agreed to create a design for A Year of Techniques, and here is Ruschia:
Read moreIntroducing Martina Behm's Wood Warbler cowl
We have had the exciting phone call to say our books are on their way, so we're into the final countdown until parcels start landing on doormats around the world in September. The complete eBook will be uploaded to our shop and Ravelry on 6th September, when we will also be launching the September pattern video tutorial at Mason-Dixon Knitting. To pass the time between now and then, we're going to reveal a pattern a day this week, starting with our cover design: the Wood Warbler cowl by the wonderful Martina Behm.
Read morePresenting the Little Tern blanket and two provisional cast ons...
Welcome to August! This year is just flying by, and I'm still pinching myself that it's so much fun. A Year of Techniques has been a massive project for us, but now that the proofs are about to go to press I'm feeling a little sad that this is the last monthly pattern release! The anticipation each month has been brilliant. When we post the next pattern photos it will be the end of the month and we'll be on the countdown to the release of the whole book. There are still so many things to share...
So on to this month's pattern, which is an absolute stunner. Tin Can Knits have (again!) knocked it out of the park with a beautiful, beautiful blanket: Little Tern
Read moreJune in review
This month was all about knitted-on edgings, but as ever there has been plenty of discussion beyond the technique, in particular how to get the perfect finish and fit. Here's a brief guide form a selection of the projects completed recently.
Read moreJuly: It's all about the socks!
I remember clearly casting on for my first pair of socks. I was sitting on a sofa at Get Knitted, on a meet-up with a group of knitters from all over the UK, on a morning in January 2008. I worked through that first sock, but it never got a pair as I knitted the first so tightly it wouldn't fit my foot! Since then I have made countless pairs, gradually understanding the construction in more detail, and now I can happily pick up needles and yarn and set off on a sock adventure without requiring a pattern. It is my hope that working through the heel turn tutorial on this month's pattern will set you off on that same adventure.
Read moreRomi Hill talks shawls and learning new skills (plus a giveaway!)
Today I'm thrilled to welcome Rosemary (Romi) Hill to our blog. Romi designed the Talmadge Cloche for this month's project for A Year of Techniques, and she is well known for her beautiful lace designs. She has generously donated a prize for a blog reader, so do read down to find out more.
Read moreKnitted-on edging beyond Talmadge
his month's Talmadge cloche has proven to be a pretty quick knit for many. Rather than twiddling your needles in anticipation of July's project, why not try one of these patterns, also featuring a knitted-on edge, to cement your learning?
Read moreMay: month of the mouse
May was all about the pinhole cast on, and for many that has meant toys. Alex the Mouse by Ella Austin has, as we'd expected, been a big hit, even amongst those who have previously avoided knitted toys.
Read moreKnitted-on edging and the Talmadge cloche
It's the first of June, it's pattern release day, so summer must be here.
The technique for June, the first of the summer projects within A Year of Techniques, is knitted-on edging, a common feature in shawls, blankets and so on. This month's pattern is the Talmadge Cloche, designed by Rosemary (Romi) Hill.
Read moreWhat other uses can I find for pinhole cast on?
So, you've read the tutorial, watched the video, started (or even finished) Alex the Mouse, but what else is there to do with pinhole cast on?
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