Category Archives: Uncategorized

Holiday Decor to Knit & Crochet

Isn’t it interesting that as the days get shorter we fell the need as human beings to bring divinity closer to us and into our homes. As I was reminded last night, there are a lot of cultures that celebrate holidays at this time of year … Divali just passed us, of course there is Christmas and Hannukah, the soltice (which is what it’s all about), Kwanza, and Dec 8th is Bodhi Day (the day celebrating the Bhuddha’s achieving enlightenment).

How do you like to decorate for the holidays? Which colours are you feeling the need to bring into your life right now? There are a lot of decoration projects & pattern ideas out there (see the links below) but I’ve rounded up a few for you that have caught my eye …

December Bow

I can totally see myself getting caught up in making these bows …. either a bunch for myself or give them as little gifts. They’re very charming, kind of semiotically neutral, and essentially a pretty basic knit. The December Bow is worked back and forth in one piece from tip to tip in garter stitch with i-cord edges. The work is folded into a bow and sewn together at the end following the diagram with instructions that can be found at the end of the pattern.

Materials

Yarn Alternatives

You’ll need 100m of each of the two yarns above, or 100m of a DK weight yarn like the following:

Snowman

Another winter creature, the snowperson is a delight for everyone’s eyes. To help your snowpeople stand tall, try putting some metal washers in their bottoms (you can get them at the hardware store) – it will improve their balance immensely.

Yarn Options

Double knitting weight yarn is perfect for this project – many people like the simple grace of a pure merino like Sandnes Garn Double Sunday for this type of project. If you want to keep things cheap ‘n cheerful go for Berroco Vintage Baby (it comes in 50g balls), or if you want a village of snowpeople you can also opt for Berroco Vintage DK in 100g skeins.

Materials

I prefer shorter double-pointed needles for little projects like this: either the 5″ DPNS from Clover, the 6″ DPNs from Knitters Pride, or the 8″ Flexi-Flips from Addi

Easy Granny Christmas Baubles

Aren’t granny squares (and circles) are best?! This is my idea of a great holiday ornament … use lots of colour or do any colour combination you want, or even monochrome – whatever floats your boat!

Yarn Options

Double knitting weight yarn is perfect for this project – many people like the nuanced Scandinavian colour palette of Sandnes Garn Double Sunday for this type of project. If you want to keep things cheap ‘n cheerful go for Berroco Vintage Baby (it comes in 50g balls), or can also opt for Berroco Vintage DK in 100g skeins. You can also use Sudz Crafting Cotton and a slightly larger 3.5mm crochet hook.

Materials

Birdie Decoration

Ok, it doesn’t look exactly like a dove, but peace is a seasonal themes and in my opinion birds never go out of style! This FREE pattern is a VERY simple crochet project (it’s just a circle) and comes with full tutorial instructions.

Yarn Options

Double knitting weight yarn is perfect for this project – many people like the nuanced Scandinavian colour palette of Sandnes Garn Double Sunday for this type of project. If you want to keep things cheap ‘n cheerful go for Berroco Vintage Baby (it comes in 50g balls), or can also opt for Berroco Vintage DK in 100g skeins. You can also use Sudz Crafting Cotton and a slightly larger 3.5mm crochet hook.

Sun Star & Flower Star Snowflake

Sun Star Snowflake and Flower Star Snowflake make the prettiest winter decorations, no matter which holiday you celebrate (or even if you don’t celebrate a holiday). Hang them on a tree, or in garlands across a mantle or just off a book-case. These little decorations also make delightful (and fast) little gifts.

Yarn Options

Any fingering weight yarn will do for these little gems: Berroco Vintage Sock is a popular, economical option, or you can opt for the amazing colour selection of Cascade Heritage (also still a very good price). If you want a multi-coloured yarn that knits in a long colourway and shifts try Schoppel Zauberball Cotton, or for a hand dyed yarn Artfil Belle.

Materials

Marled Christmas Stocking

I think these stockings are super groovy! You can either make them marled by holding two strands together (try Berroco Vintage, Cascade 220 Superwash), or use a single strand of Berroco Vintage Chunky in a solid colour.

Yarn Options

Materials

Christmas Wreath, Holly & Mistletoe

There are a lot of wreath patterns out there, for all seasons and occasions, but I just kind of enjoyed this one because it’s so leafy – I love the idea of using different shades of greens and different textures of yarn to recreate a natural abundance.

Yarn Options

Materials

Little Tanenbaum

This must be one of the easiest patterns goings …. a simple tree ornament. This pattern is great for less experienced knitters … that pattern PDF even has links to video tutorials for the skills.

Materials

Crochet Christmas Tree

This adorable little tree is a simple crochet (only chain and single crochet are used), and it comes with a free video tutorial to walk you through it! Make one, make a forest, and decorate them with little beads for ornaments or leave them in their natural state.

Yarn Options

Materials

Never Not Gnoming

Gnomes can be knit mini (ornament) sized with fingering weight yarn, or start upsizing with a thicker yarn and make yours a super-gnome! Whatever you choose will be marvelous …. you’ll never stock gnoming! Go down approximately 1 mm from the recommended needle size to get a tight tension.

Materials

Black Friday Weekend Sale! 20% to 50% OFF

BLACK FRIDAY SALE!

Hi Friends!

It’s that time again …. this year our BLACK FRIDAY SALE is from Thursday Nov 24 at 12pm to Monday Nov 27 11:59pm! You can save up to 20% OFF select regular-priced items and select Clearance items (that comes to up to 50% off some items that are already on sale!).

Curbside Pick-up, shipping & same-day/next-day delivery are available!

*Sale is online AND in-store. Discount is automatically applied at check-out, and can not be combined with any other offers or discount codes (including free shipping, which will not be available on sale items). We will not be able to process any in store returns during the sale (any products that are returned during the sale will be credited at the discounted price). Sale is only on products that are currently in stock, and does not apply to products that are pre-order or special order.

Shopping in Store?

Things are HOPPING in the store at this time of year (especially during a Black Friday sale)! If you’re coming to shop in-person for a project we recommend a few things you can do before leaving the house that will help us elevate your experience and make it as smooth as possible:

  • PICK A PROJECT. Think about what you might like to make …. This REALLY helps us to help you! The best place to browse is an advanced search on Ravelry.com (you can refine your search as you narrow down what you like). You can also browse our Blog – we always list the materials required for our project recommended. If you need support with your skills try a Project that comes with an online video Tutorial. On our website we also have a link for Project Ideas.
  • MATERIALS. Think about your yarn preferences …. What thickness of yarn do you prefer/require? What type of fibre do you prefer? Is machine washability important? Do you need needles or do you already have the right size?
  • PRINT YOUR PATTERN. If you have settled on a project, please bring your pattern printed out (or at the minimum download the file to your phone or tablet). Things to consider: What size do you want to make? What is the yarn your pattern is calling for? How much yarn does your pattern require (in meters or yards)?

Please keep in mind, if you need help making these choices when you come in that it might take a little bit longer than usual.

Happy Holiday Shopping!

~ Haley

SHOP SALE NOW

Clearance Items

Family Slippers Update

I’m so sorry the link for the Family Slippers pattern wasn’t connecting last time we posted that … here it is updated!

Family Slippers

How can anyone go wrong with slippers?! I recommend a washable yarn, feet being what they are, and socks generally end up in the machine eventually. These slippers are a simple, fast knit. The pattern is writen for holding 2 strands of yarn together, but with the yarns we’ve suggested you’ll only need a sigle strand.

Materials

GIFT KNITS Go-to Favourites

Around the store, the go-to favourite knits for gifting are simple, elegant, and affordable. hen under time constraints, I say KISS: Keep It Simple Sister!

Best Hat Hack

My ultimate secret for giving any hat, made with any material a polished finish …. add a Fur or Synthetic Fur Pom-Pom – it makes any hat look like it just strutted off a catwalk!

Need Help?

Check out our CURATED LIST OF TUTORIALS & RESOURCES – we’ve collected the best resources so you don’t have to scour the web when you need help. If you’ve found something you’d like to recommend please contact us or leave a note in our blog comments; we’re always on the lookout for anything that can help people grow!

On the C- Train

On the C Train is one of my favorite go-to gift knits – it’s pretty, simple and looks good on everyone. The pattern calls for a combination of light and fluffy yarns, making it soft and airy. If you want a denser, heavier fabric try one of the yarn alternatives below (I’ve made it with a DK weight yarn & soft alpaca blend). If you want to impress someone with something rally special I made one on 4mm needles holding 2 strands of Fibre Co Road to China Light.

Materials

Alternate Yarn Combinations

You can also combine a DK weight yarn with a thicker brushed alpaca to get a nice density with a bit more weight to it:

On the C Train Cowl

I actually just found this pattern but it looks like a great gift and simple knit. Anyway, it’s going to be a chilly winter … keep warm with this simple cowl. It can be worn double as a cowl or as a cape around your shoulders.

Materials

Long Beanie

The Long Beanie is a great pattern, but especially for newer knitters who don’t already have a lot of equipment. The basic construction also makes it a great first hat! The sample looks a little funny on the model, but it’s just a normal beanie pattern, it fits beautifully on any head. This hat pattern also includes child sizes – I suggest making the largest size for adults, the smallest for toddlers, and the medium for kids.

Yarn Options

Choose one of any of the following yarn options:

Materials

Alternate Yarn Combinations

You can also try combining two yarns to get a consistency you may not otherwise be able to find in a single yarn. For a light, airy, fluffy hat try holding together Drops Air & Drops Brushed Alpaca & Silk (1 skein of each should be enough).

If you want some flouff but need some heft too, try holding together Drops Brushed Alpaca & Silk with a strand of a basic worsted weight yarn like Cascade 220 Superwash, Malabrigo Rios, or Berroco Vintage (1 ball of each is fine).

Chunkeanie

Chunkeanie is my personal favourite hat – it looks great on people with small heads, so I make it for myself and my mom.

Materials

Alternate Yarn Combinations

You can also combine a DK weight yarn with a thicker brushed alpaca to get a nice density with a bit more weight to it:

The World’s Simplest Mittens

My favourite mitten pattern is from Tin Can Knits – you just can’t go wrong with their patterns! The World’s Simplest Mittens is sized for all humans, and it is written for different-sized yarns (today I’ll be suggesting materials for the chunky/bulky weight so you can get your knits done faster).

Yarn Options

You’ll need 64 (73, 110, 136, 173) yards of chunky/bulky weight yarn, so choose one of any of the following yarn options:

Materials

Infinitude Scarf (it’s a cowl)

The Infinitude Scarf (it’s really a cowl) is one of the most popular around the store. It’s fast, simple, looks impressively classic, and is very affordable. We made the smaller size and its just right, but if you like something more ample then you’ll need an extra ball.

Materials

Materials

Getting Warmer

Getting Warmer is a great little cape to keep your neck & shoulders warm. You can wear it as a capelet over a sweater, or tuck it up and in under a coat. Using a super soft, light yarn combo like Drops Air with Drops Kid-Silk keeps it airy yet warm.

Materials

Yarn Alternatives

Family Slippers

How can anyone go wrong with slippers?! I recommend a washable yarn, feet being what they are, and socks generally end up in the machine eventually. These slippers are a simple, fast knit. The pattern is written for holding 2 strands of yarn together, but with the yarns we’ve suggested you’ll only need a single strand.

Materials

FINISHED Algoma Cardigan

Algoma

I just finished a new store sweater for myself, Algoma by Tara-Lynn Morrison. It’s a roomy retro inspired cardie made with light, fluffy, airy yarn. I used two strands of Drops MELODY held together and 10mm/US15 needles and once I figured out the tension and stuff it FLEW! Its VERY cozy, very light, very soft, and not too hot over a T-shirt (although I haven’t really given it a proper winter wearing, so I can’t really speak to that fully).

I did my swatching, I cast on for the second size, but it was coming out a bit large for my taste (and I was swimming in it), so I ripped it back to the underarms and I went down from the second size to the first size and made a few mods (see notes below, or on Ravelry). As I worked I was feeling a bit shy about the the fuller sleeves, so I opted for the narrower ones and more fitted profile, but now I’m feeling like maybe I would like to try making a second one with a fuller silhouette and see how I enjoy that (ya know, let go and live … it’s just a sweater, after all). I’m also looking at the marled version the designer made (see pictures below and on Ravelry) and thinking that could be cool ….. You know how it goes, one day I’m feeling very charcoal grey, and the next I want Barbie pink.

Size

  • (XXS/XS) S/M (L/XL) (XXL/XXXL)
  • Finished Bust: (19” / 48.5 cm ) 21 / 53.5 cm (22” / 56 cm ) (24 / 61 cm)
  • Body length: (18) 19” / 46.5 cm (20” / 51 cm) (22” / 56 cm ) or desired

Materials

We think Interchangeable needles are a great way to go when a pattern calls for a bunch of sizes you don’t normally use. The Knitter’s Pride tips can be a great value, while the Addi Interchangeables are the premium option and Chiaogoo make excellent sets too!

Modifications
I made a few modifications, and the pattern also offers a few choices along the way, so I took notes …

The size was coming out a bit large, so I ripped it back and I went down from the second to the first size and made a few mods:

  • Collar: cast on 50 sts for collar. Worked in K2P2 rib, slipping the first stitch of each row.
  • After Collar: after switching to larger needles, I worked the K4 garter border edge as ribbing – (WS) Sl1 Pwise, K1, P1, K1 …. K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, and as (RS) Sl1 pwise, K1, P1, K1, P1 ….. P1, K1, P1, K1, P1
  • Before separating for sleeves: worked body as smaller size until I had 23 front sts, 36 sleeve sts, 44 bag sts. measures approx 19″ laying flat.
  • Sleeves, followed instructions for narrower sleeves and decreased until 32 sts, worked until sleeves measured 19” from pickup.

FINISHED PROJECT Weekend Hat

Weekend Hat

The Weekend Hat by Hiromi Nagasawa is a great little project for fall and winter! It’s a pretty cabled toque that can be worn with the brim turned up like a fisherman cap or turned down to make it slouchy, or knit half a brim for a true beanie.

It’s made holding two strands of yarn: we used Sandnes Garn DOUBLE SUNDAY as our base yarn and Drops KID-SILK to fluff things up and give it a bit of dimension. If you can’t tolerate mohair you can knit the hat with a single strand of worsted weight yarn like Cascade 220 Superwash.

Many thanks to Leslea for making this sample for us! It was her first try with cables and she did it with grace (if you haven’t tried cables yet they aren’t actually hard, they just look fancy).

Notes

  • The top has a fancy finishing technique but we didn’t bother with it. Instead we just decreased to 8 sts, broke the yarn and pulled tail through remaining sts. Easy-peasy!

Size

  • The pattern is one-size and based on our sample it should fit a medium to large size head (23″ to 24″)
  • To make the hat smaller you can either omit the two ribs at each side, or make it with a fingering weight yarn held with the mohair and 3mm/US2.5 & 3.5mm/US4 needles.
  • Length for short brim: 9” / 23 cm
  • Length for folded brim: 11.5” / 29.5 cm length (8.5” / 21.5 cm length with brim folded up)

Photos by Hiromi Nagasawa

PROJECT Turtle Dove II

Turtle Dove II

Turtle Dove II is a super pretty, simple and very popular free pullover pattern that’s great for fall! It’s made with super soft, like, airy and fluffy Drops AIR (keep it simple sister). It is a loose, raglan-style sweater with a turtleneck and a modern silhouette. Knit from the top-down with optional short-rows to raise the back of the neck slightly, the entire sweater is knit in the round so there is no seaming at all. There are two options for finishing the body – a simple rolled hem or a twisted rib split-hem. Turtle Dove II is nearly identical to the original Turtle Dove sweater except that it is knit at a tighter gauge.

SEE FINISHED PROJECTS

Size

  • 1 (2, 3, 4) (5, 6, 7, 8)
  • Finished circumference: 45.5 (47.5, 50.5, 54.5) (58.5, 61.5, 64.5, 67.5)” 115.5 (120.5, 128.5, 138.5) (148.5, 156, 164, 171.5) cm
  • Measurements above are given for the finished circumference measured at the end of the raglan increases (i.e. at underarms). This sweater is designed to be worn with 14 -18” / 35.5 – 45.75 cm of positive ease; however, this is just a guide. Some people prefer a closer fit; do not be afraid to select an option that provides somewhat less than the suggested ease according to your own preferences.

Materials

For projects like this that require several lengths of circular needles (if you don’t already have the right sizes) we generally recommend INTERCHANGEABLE needles.

FYI: Original Turtle Dove

The original Turtle Dove sweater is a bit thicker and knit on larger needles, so if you want to do that I suggest using one strand of Drops AIR held with a strand of Drops Kid-Silk on 6mm/US10 needles to get that light, airy look. If your sweater needs to be machine washable go for Berroco Vintage Chunky or Malabrigo Mecha.

Photo: theknittingnerd27 on Ravelry
Photo: reetselig on Ravelry

PROJECT Louisiana Sweater by PetiteKnit

Louisiana Sweater

The Louisiana Sweater by PetiteKnit is a fast little top-down project to keep you warm & cozy in the fall & winter months. It’s worked on 9mm/US19 needles, and there are lots of soft & comfy yarn options to choose from! See the YARN OPTIONS

Construction and Fit

The Louisiana Sweater is worked from the top down with raglan increases on the yoke. The ribbing at the neck edge is folded and knitted together to form the neckline. The Louisiana Sweater has a short, feminine fit. The sleeves have tight-fitting ribbed cuffs. The designer recommends using the Italian bind-off method (or Tubular Bind-Off) on cuffs and hem for a neat, elastic edge. 

Notes

Gauge

  • 10 sts x 14 rows in stockinette stitch on 9 mm [US13] needles with 2 strands of yarn held together = 10 x 10 cm [4 x 4 inches], after blocking
  • Before you start knitting the sweater, begin by knitting a swatch to determine which needle size will give you the correct gauge
  • Always wash your swatch to get the accurate tension measument.

Size

The Louisiana Sweater is designed to have approx. 10-15 cm [4-6 inches] of positive ease, meaning it is designed to be 10-15 cm [4-6 inches] larger in circumference than your widest upper body measurement.

  • Size: XS (S) M (L) XL (2XL) 3XL
  • Finished Bust circumference100 (104) 110 (114) 124 (132) 138 cm [39¼ (41) 43¼ (45) 48¾ (52) 54¼ inches]
  • Length53 (54) 56 (58) 58 (60) 62 cm [20¾ (21¼) 22 (22¾) 22¾ (23¼) 24½ inches] (incl. folded neck edge)
  • Sleeve Length: 41 (42) 43 (43) 43 (44) 44 cm [16¼ (16½) 17 (17) 17 (17¼) 17¼ inches]

Yarn Options

One of the great things about this project is that you have lots of options to choose for your yarn. The yarn that is closest to the one called for in the pattern is Drops Melodya super-soft, bulky weight brushed alpaca blend, which is worked holding two strands together. For a slightly less fuzzy look you can also use a single strand of Drops Wishor try Drops Air holding two strands together. For a more mixed texture try combining a strand of Drops Air and Drops Melody together. Finally, for a super smooth surface texture and complete machine washability you can work with a single strand of  Estelle Merino Big

A. Drops Melody (2 strands held together): 7(7, 8, 8, 8, 10, 11) balls. SEE FINISHED PROJECTS – DROPS MELODY

B. Drops Air (2 strands held together): 6(7, 8, 8, 8, 9, 10) balls SEE FINISHED PROJECTS – DROPS AIR

C. Drops Wish (single strand): 7(8, 8, 8, 8, 10, 11) balls SEE FINISHED PROJECTS – DROPS WISH

D. Drops Air Drops Melody (1 strand of each yarn, held together) Air  3(4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5) balls,  Melody 4(4, 4, 4, 4, 5, 6) balls

E. Estelle Merino Big (single strand): 6(7, 7, 7, 7, 9, 9) balls

Other Materials

PROJECT On the C Train

On the C Train

On the C Train is a great hat project for any knitter. It’s knit with Sandnes Garn Double Sunday and Drops Brushed Alpaca & Silk held together, making it soft, warm, fluffy, but it also has the weight to hold up to cold weather.

We chose two colours that are close together but not exactly the same, which creates some depth of colour and vibrance in the finished piece. I’m including some colour combinations below.

Modifications

  • To make an adult size large (23″ to 24″ head circumference): 1. cast on 96 sts, 2. knit an extra inch before you begin the decreases (begin decreases at 9”); 3. begin the decrease section by working in 1×1 rib pattern for 21 sts, P3tog, then continue in the same logic.
  • If you want a folded brin knit for an extra 2.5″ to 3″ from cast-on edge

Size

  • One Size (fits medium-sized head: for a large see modifications above/in pattern)
  • 14.5” circumference (before blocking and unstretched), 10.25” height

Materials

NEW BOOK Textured Knits

Textured Knits by Paula Pereira

Textured Knits is a thoughtfully curated collection of contemporary and timeless handknits. The 20 fascinating patterns feature a variety of inventive ways to combine different textures, such as cables, colorwork, and embroidery.

Textured Knits is a thoughtfully curated collection of contemporary and timeless handknits. The book includes sweaters, cardigans, shawls, and a pair of socks. The 20 fascinating patterns feature a variety of inventive ways to combine different textures, such as cables, colorwork, and embroidery. The result is a versatile knitwear collection that features stunning yet delicate elements. In true Laine-style, the knits are photographed and presented beautifully creating a publication that promises to be a true classic.

Paula Pereira is a Brazilian knitwear designer. She is currently based in Luanda, Angola, where she lives with her husband. Paula is constantly inspired by the textures, colors, and motifs she sees around her, especially in architecture and art, which she then turns into stitches. Textured Knits is Paula’s debut book.

SEE PROJECT DETAILS ON RAVELRY

Alen

Alen is a laid-back sweater that symbolizes the pleasure of knitting. The folksy stitch pattern is one of many used in traditional Alentejo blankets from Portugal. It is perfect for beginners and lovers of stranded colorwork alike. The color possibilities are endless — swatch with leftovers from your stash, swap the colors so that you have a darker shade as the main color or even knit every section in a different color.

Balaio

Paula Pereira loves the idea of universal symbols found in different cultures. Some elements from The Balaio’s colorwork can also be found, for example, in traditional Fair Isle and Norwegian knitting patterns. In Brazil, similar motifs can be found in beautiful, traditional basketry! Balaio is a large basket in Portuguese, but it is also commonly used to describe a place where we can add all sorts of things.

Brocado

Brocado, meaning “brocade” in Portuguese, is another garment mixing knitting with different crafts. The Brocado sweater is Paula’s interpretation of brocade fabrics, and it combines knitting and delicate hand embroidery. The short-sleeved design has an all-over lace stitch pattern with a distinctive, almost three-dimensional effect. With a contrasting color, you embroider a few stitches to enhance the delicate texture even further.

Caliandra

Looking at hand-embroidered pieces, it is possible to see how, stitch by stitch, someone added a unique beauty to the fabric. It can be really fun to embroider while knitting, by combining knitting and crochet techniques. Using a crochet hook, you can make elongated loops while you knit, creating the cutest little flowers — this is what is done in the toe-up Caliandra socks.

Cestaria

Cestaria is a comfy and relaxed cardigan with long sleeves and beautiful details. Paula loves how the biased stitch creates an angle on the fabric that organically forms the shoulders and pockets! Cestaria means basketry in Portuguese — an ode to the fascinating panels of slip stitch cables that mimic the textured patterns of Brazilian basketry.

Cidreira

Textured knitted fabrics created by mixing different stitch patterns are fascinating! Something Paula loves to freely create stitch patterns that evolve from the previous one — no rules, only connecting textures. Cidreira’s yoke resembles vegetation, where every leaf has its own unique texture and shape but somehow they look connected. Knit and experience the flow of stitches of this sweater!

Cobogó

The Cobogó cardigan combines the comfort of a boxy shape with the warmth of a dense cabled fabric worked in stranded colorwork. Choose colors with medium to high contrast — pick two neutrals or go for brighter, bolder tones! The name Cobogó comes from a traditional Brazilian architectural element that can be assembled as either a full wall or part of one. Its geometric openings let sunlight through, creating amazing patterns.

Diamantine

Diamantine is a seamless top-down sweater with an all-over intuitive diamond cable pattern and a beautiful, ribbed neckline. Paula’s inspiration was to create a highly textured fabric for a construction so many knitters love — the top-down raglan. Diamantine, which in Portuguese means diamond, will be a garment that you will treasure for years to come!

Espedito

The colorful Espedito sweater, knitted with textured stripes, was inspired by the work of Mestre Espedito Seleiro, a Brazilian artist famous for his leather shoes, bags, saddles, and jackets. Espedito is a great stash-busting project, as you can use as many or as few colors as you wish. Another interesting variation would be to combine not only different colors but also different textures.

Florada

Florada features a colorful and textured pattern on both the circular yoke and the sleeves. The name means flowering in Portuguese, and the design combines two types of colorwork — a delicate dance between two yarns! A blend of suri alpaca and mulberry silk was used for a captivating effect.

Franzidinho

Franzidinho features a textured yoke created by playing with different needle sizes. The beauty of simplicity! The yoke stitch pattern looks like a gathered fabric, franzido in Portuguese. The sleeve cuffs and the hem are folded and sewed, adding a finishing touch to this versatile top. Franzidinho can be worn all year long, on its own or layered for colder weather!

Lina

Lina’s marled effect is created by the soothing and intuitive alteration of two colors. The sleeves have another motif, also worked with the same two colors. The inspiration for Lina was the Italian architect Lina Bo Bardi, and the glass and concrete easels that she created to display pieces in the São Paulo Museum of Art. In my mind, Lina truly is the go-to sweater for every knitter because of the simplicity of basic stitches that create colorful, textured motifs!

Lygia

Paula wanted to create a cozy shawl that can be comfortably wrapped around your shoulders and arms, and that would also be a pleasure to make. Knitted with a dense, textured fabric, the construction makes Lygia a quick knit. It is a highly textured shawl inspired by the work of the magnificent Lygia Pape — a Brazilian visual artist, sculptor, engraver, and filmmaker, and the co-founder of the 50s and 60s art movement Neo-Concretism.

Manacá

Manacá’s flower details on the yoke look like a necklace made of delicate flowers. The inspiration for this design was manacá, a fragrant Brazilian flower. The manacá trees also grow in Rio de Janeiro, where Paula was born. She remembers walking back from school, picking the flowers that fell off the trees onto the pavement. The memory of their shape has stayed with Paula ever since.

Mesclada

In Portuguese, the word mesclado is used to describe things that are mixed together — and a marled fabric is just that! Two light, neutral colors were used for the sample, but you can also choose two colors with more contrast. The construction and shape of the Mesclada sweater make it the perfect canvas for a marled and textured fabric, created by different placements of the simple knit and purl stitches.

Milhazes

Paula loves mixing textile production techniques with knitting! This was also her starting point for Milhazes. It was inspired by the art of Beatriz Milhazes, Paula’s favorite Brazilian contemporary artist, and her breathtakingly colorful circular shapes. Using a tapestry needle and an airy yarn, you weave into a loom created with yarn overs. For the sample, same-colored mohair yarn was used but feel free to play around.

Musgo

Musgo means moss in Portuguese. The combination of Musgo’s cozy and soft bouclé yarn and the cabled pattern remind Paula of mosses — both visually and the way the delicate, squishy fabric feels. The wide cables, with their lines and twists, create a unique movement in the garment. If you are into reversible knits, Musgo also has a different, equally beautiful, texture on the inside.

Oiticica

Hélio Oitica is another of Paula’s favorite Brazilian artists. He was a painter, a performer, and above all, an artist who fought against the oppressive military regime in Brazil. He created a series called Metaesquema that are a real inspiration — especially the small spaces between geometric shapes, where light can get through. The Oiticica sweater is an invitation to mix fibers in a garment. Use any fuzzy fiber or color as the contrasting yarn.

Rendado

Rendado’s stitch patterns look intricate, but all of them are knitted with basic and very straightforward stitches and techniques. The light shawl is worked in two different directions: the first section is knitted sideways, with an ensemble of delicate stitch patterns alternating eyelets, knit and purl stitches. The second section is worked from the top down with big flowers made with a crochet hook. Rendado in Portuguese means lacy, or lace-trimmed.

Viana

Picot is an element that is used in textiles in different handcraft traditions, adding a beautiful, delicate texture. Viana is a blank canvas that gives this cute detail room to shine. It is knitted top down with raglan sleeves and a henley front opening. Picot details are added to the sleeves and the neckline opening — a simple and beautiful way to make this top unique!