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LIGHT & LUFFY for Spring!

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These light, airy sweaters have just the right amount of warmth for unpredictable (and often rainy) early spring weather.

Cloud Blouse

Construction

The Cloud Blouse is worked from the top down. First the back yoke is worked flat back and forth while short rows hare worked to shape the shoulders. Then, each shoulder is worked separately, back and forth and with short rows. The shoulders are then joined to form the front yoke. The front and back yoke are joined at the underarms to form the body, which is worked in the round on a circular needle. The sleeves are worked from stitches that are picked up and knitted along the armhole openings. The sleeves are worked in the round. At the end, the stockinette stitch funnel neckline is worked from stitches that are picked up and knitted along the neck opening.

Materials

Size guide
The Cloud Blouse is designed to have approx. 12-15 cm [4¾-6 inches] of positive ease. The sizes XXS (XS) S (M) L (XL) 2XL (3XL) 4XL (5XL) are designed to fit a bust circumference of 75-80 (80-85) 85-90 (90-95) 95-100 (100-110) 110-120 (120-130) 130-140 (140-150) cm [29½-31½ (31½-33½) 33½-35½ (35½-37½) 37½-39½ (39½-43¼) 43¼-47¼ (47¼-51¼) 51¼-55 (55-59) inches].

  • Sizes: XXS (XS) S (M) L (XL) 2XL (3XL) 4XL (5XL)
  • Finished Bust circumference: 92 (96) 102 (106) 112 (122) 130 (140) 150 (160) cm OR [36¼ (37¾) 40¼ (41¾) 44 (48) 51¼ (55) 59 (63) inches]

Cumulus Blouse

Construction

The Cumulus Blouse is worked from the top down in stockinette stitch with two strands of thin mohair/silk yarn held together throughout. The design has a deep rounded V-neck. All edges are finished with i-cord.

Yarn Options

You’ve got 3 great yarn options for this top, all a light and fluffy. The pattern is designed with two strands of kid-mohair held together (Drops Kid-Silk), but you can also substitute a single strand of Drops Brushed Alpaca & Silk, or Drops Air for an even softer texture.

Materials

Size guide
The Cumulus Blouse is designed to have approx. 10-15 cm [4-6 inches] of positive ease, meaning it is designed to be approx. 10-15 cm [4-6 inches] larger in circumference than your bust measurement. The sizes XS (S) M (L) XL (2XL) 3XL (4XL) 5XL are designed to fit a bust circumference of 80-85 (85-90) 90-95 (95-100) 100-110 (110-120) 120-130 (130-140) 140-150 cm [31½-33½ (33½-35½) 35½-37½ (37½-39½) 39½-43¼ (43¼-47¼) 47¼-51¼ (51¼-55) 55-59 inches].

  • Sizes: XS (S) M (L) XL (2XL) 3XL (4XL) 5XL
  • Finished Bust circumference: 96 (102) 109 (116) 126 (136) 140 (149) 156 cm or [37¾ (40¼) 43 (45¾) 49½ (53½) 55 (58¾) 61½ inches]

Cumulus Blouse O-Neck

Construction

The Cumulus Blouse O-neck is worked from the top down in stockinette stitch with two strands of thin mohair/silk yarn held together throughout. The design has a round neckline. All edges are finished with i-cord.

Yarn Options

You’ve got 3 great yarn options for this top, all a light and fluffy. The pattern is designed with two strands of kid-mohair held together (Drops Kid-Silk), but you can also substitute a single strand of Drops Brushed Alpaca & Silk, or Drops Air for an even softer texture.

Materials

Size guide

The Cumulus Blouse O-neck is designed to have approx. 10-15 cm [4-6 inches] of positive ease, meaning it is designed to be approx. 10-15 cm [4-6 inches] larger in circumference than your bust measurement. The sizes XS (S) M (L) XL (2XL) 3XL (4XL) 5XL are designed to fit a bust circumference of 80-85 (85-90) 90-95 (95-100) 100-110 (110-120) 120-130 (130-140) 140-150 cm [31½-33½ (33½-35½) 35½-37½ (37½-39½) 39½-43¼ (43¼-47¼) 47¼-51¼ (51¼-55) 55-59 inches].

  • Sizes: XS (S) M (L) XL (2XL) 3XL (4XL) 5XL
  • Bust circumference: 96 (102) 109 (116) 126 (136) 140 (149) 156 cm [37¾ (40¼) 43 (45¾) 49½ (53½) 55 (58¾) 61½ inches]

SPRING PROJECTS

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Field Sweater

Camilla Vad (designer of Magnolia Bloom) has come out with another simply and beautifully textured pullover, Field Sweater. Field Sweater is made top-down in the round with a lighter DK weight yarn, making it a great spring knit and wear. The texture will pop with a merino wool like Sandnes Garn Double Sunday, but the project can also be made well within the realm of affordability with a yarn like Berroco Vintage DK (the heathered colours will be especially beautiful and give it a depth of colour.

Size

  • Circumference under armhole: 37.5(40, 42.5, 44.75, 48, 50.5, 52.75, 55.25, 56.75) inches OR 94 (100, 106, 112, 120, 126, 132, 138, 142) cm
  • Length from armhole to bottom: 12.75 inches/32 cm
  • Sleeve length from armhole: 17.5 inches/44 cm
  • Full length: 56 (57) 58 (59) 60 (61) 62 (63) 64 cm

Yarn Options

Materials

Corran Cardigan

I kinda love an all-over mesh lace sweater (like Look at My Holes or Menden – it’s pretty but also mod and and very retro, all at the same time. The Corran Cardigan is an all-over lace cardigan, knit seamlessly from the bottom up with drop shoulders (this means you’ll be picking up stitches for the sleeves). There are two neckline options: round and V-neck and two sleeve lengths. This pattern can be knit in a wide variety of fibres making it a perfect transitional piece. To see the Corran knit in a variety of yarns and with various modifications, please see the #CorranCardigan on Instagram.

Corran is knit with worsted weight yarn, giving you lots of options for fibres suitable for cool or warm weather (I HEART pragmatic designers, they really understand knitters).

Size

  • Finished Bust Circumference: 37.5(40.75, 44.25, 47.5, 51) (54.25, 57.75, 61, 64) inches OR 86.5 (95, 103.5, 112.5, 121, 129.5) (138, 146.5, 155, 163.5) cm
  • Recommended Ease: 2-8 cm/0.75-3.5 inches

Yarn Options: Short Sleeve

Yarn Options: Long Sleeve

Other Materials

  • 5mm/US8 needles (see pattern for full details)
  • 4mm/US6 needles (see pattern for full details)
  • tapestry needle
  • PATTERN

PROJECTS Knit/Crochet for Charity

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Letters written by the children at Lamberton Public School thanking Streetknit for the donatations of hand knits.

Despite the warm weather, it’s still cold and the need for warm accessories for the homeless is high this year. If you’d like to knit for the homeless you can drop your knits & crochets off at the store and we will donate them to Streetknit, or if you aren’t in our neighbourhood you can contact shelters in your community (you can also look into organizations that collect donations for refugees, or who are sending outerwear to the Ukraine).

FYI: Catherine from Streetknit says there is extra need of mittens right now!

Events

If you like knitting for the homeless and need some yarn donations please contact Streetknit or you can pick some up at their next event:

Considerations when knitting/crocheting for the homeless:

  1. The yarn MUST be machine washable. Machine washable wool, wool blends, or synthetics are best.
  2. The knit should be warm – a loose, holey tension doesn’t serve.
  3. Keep it simple … fancy isn’t important
  4. Preferred accessories include hats, neck-warmers, and mittens.

To make thing easy, many the patterns below recommend Berroco Vintage Chunky – it’s machine washable, warm, a little bit thicker (so it goes a bit faster and makes a knit that’s a bit warmer), and relatively affordable. You don’t have to use this particular yarn, it’s just a guideline that’s works for me.

Yarn Combining

If you want to use up your stash you can hold a few strands together. Here are some general guidelines. A project like SNAP (above) is great for using up stash yarn. :

  • 2 strands of sock-weight yarn = light worsted weight (4.5mm/US7 needles)
  • 2 strands of DK weight yarn = worsted to aran weight (5mm/US8 to 5.5mm/US9 needles)
  • 2 strands of worsted weight = chunky/bulky weight (6mm/US10 to 6.5mm/US10.5 needles)

Neckwarmers/Gaiters/Cowls

Whatever way you want to refer to it, a neckwarmer is a great way to stay warm! It stays on your body, and there are no long ends to flop around, get wet, trail in the snow – just snuggle down into it and stay warm.

1. The Cowl

This pattern calls for 3 different sized needles, but for you purposes we don’t need to get fancy, one pair is fine. It also holds a couple of strands of yarn together, and we can skip that – you only need the single strand of Berroco Vintage Chunky.

2. Clara’s Sorbet Cowl

This pattern is good for newer knitters, especially if you’ve learned how to knit and purl, but you haven’t got the knack of doing them in the same row. If you don’t know how to knit in the round you can find a good video tutorial on our Knitting Skills Page under “Working in the Round”. If you’re still not up to working in the round, you can cast on and knit the neckwarmer on regular old single pointed needles and them seam it up the back (see “Seaming & Sewing” on the Skills Page).

Stash Dive Scarf

This is a VERY big scarf, and if you’re knitting for charity it would probably be better made shorter and joined as a cowl, but I love an artful stash-busting and it’s so inspiring!

Hats

1. Jason’s Tweed Hat

A basic watch cap is a great solution for cold weather.

2. Barnes

A simple 1×1 rib makes for a warm watch cap or slouchy hat – whichever way its worn works!

3. Northward

Don’t be intimidated by basic cables – they only look hard, they’re really very easy – check out some good videos under “Cables” on our Knitting Skills Page.

1. Easy Ribbed Crochet Beanie

This free pattern features 7 sizes and works up a little faster with a bulky weight yarn.

2. Easy Everyday Crochet Beanie

This free pattern features 7 sizes, video tutorial and photo tutorials.

Mittens

World’s Simplest Mitts

These mitts are knit in the round on double pointed needles, and the pattern is written for 3 thicknesses of yarn and a full range of sizes.

Rita’s Family Mitts

These mitts are knitted flat on singe-pointed needles and then seamed.

Wassail Crochet Mittens

This pattern is free when signing up for the Creative Crochet Corner newsletter.

SALE Boxing Week 20% OFF!

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I’m so sorry, yesterday’s note was supposed to be a BOXING WEEK SALE, not Black Friday (that’s soooo last month) …. I guess it gives me an opportunity to wish you a happy Christmas and look forward to a fresh New Year! The store is closed today, but the sale is online as well and we will reopen tomorrow for in-store shopping. Love you!

Boxing Week SALE

From Dec 25 (5pm) to Monday Jan 2 (11:59pm) take 20% OFF:

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.

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

SHOP SALE NOW

Yarn
Needle & Hook Sets
Other Crafts
Books
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Storage & Organization
Accessories
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Winding Tools
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HOLIDAY STORE HOURS

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It was so busy and crazy this week that I completely forgot to post our holiday store hours and wish you a happy holiday!

LAST MINUTE GIFT Brisk Day Cowl

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Brisk Day

We made the Brisk Day cowl a little while ago, but I didn’t want to formally introduce you until the yarns were restocked (I felt like it would be cruel, and the stock was very low, we had been waiting a LONG time). My friend Jo brought this one to my attention and I’m really grateful she did, it’s such a clever little accessory! It keeps you warm at the neck, but you can pull it up over your head when the wind kicks up and it won’t mess up your hair. The neck is split to give you more coverage where your coat closes. We made the smaller size, but I have a small head and feel that if you really want decent head coverage go for the larger size.

Our sample is made with Drops Wish (colour 12), which is light, airy, and thick so it knits up fast! You can also use Drops Air, holding two strands together. Wish is a new yarn this year and comes in a muted palette, whereas Drops Air has been around for a little while and offers a broader colour selection and many brighter, more saturated hues. Either way, the pattern knits up quickly on 8mm/US11 needles.

What are your go-to last-minute knits? Are you a knit-ahead person or are you like me and find yourself weaving in the ends on the 24th?

Yarn Options

You can use either of the following yarns:

Other Materials

Bird beauty shot

By the way, Gru say Hi!

Holiday Decor to Knit & Crochet

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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.

Materials

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

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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

Yarn
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Other Crafts
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Accessories
Pompoms
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Clearance Items

Family Slippers Update

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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

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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