It’s hard to believe that we’re already slightly past the halfway point of our ShetlandTrader3KAL! I’ve got to say, it’s been so so inspiring seeing Gudrun Johnston’s fantastic designs translated onto your needles. Every time I peek into the KAL topic, I’m so tempted to immediately cast on a project from the book. So today, I thought we’d celebrate some of what you lovely folks have been knitting!
Read moreStellar Hat + Long-Tail and German Twisted Cast On for Ribbing
It’s December, and winter has well and truly arrived in the UK — we’ve even had a dusting of snow! So it feels very appropriate to be kicking off the winter quarter of Confident Knitting this week, starting with Gudrun Johnston’s Stellar Hat.
Read moreFinished Smora and Managing Colourwork Ends
Have you joined in our #ShetlandTrader3KAL yet? It has been so fun seeing the stunning patterns from Gudrun’s latest book hop onto needles the past few weeks! And I (whispers) have actually already finished a project! Say hello to my Smora Beret!
Read moreShetland Trader Book Three: The Accessories + KAL IS LIVE!
Our Shetland Trader Book 3 KAL kicks off today, and we couldn’t be more excited! Two months of hanging out with Gudrun Johnston, knitting some breathtaking designs, learning and enjoying one another’s company … and of course, some really juicy prizes. More on all that in a second, but first, let’s have a whistle stop tour through the accessories that feature in Shetland Trader Book Three. These would be perfect if you’d love to join in the KAL fun, but don’t want to commit to a garment … and a great opportunity to try skills on a smaller skill and make something nice for yourself, or your handmade gift pile!
Read moreShetland Trader Book Three: The Dresses
Have you ever fancied a knitted dress? If so, you’re in luck! Gudrun Johnston’s newest book, The Shetland Trader Book Three: Heritage, features not one, not two, but three stunning knitted frocks. Like all the patterns in this knockout book, the dresses marry 1970s aesthetic with modern sensibilities for beautiful and highly wearable pieces. And each dress features some different Shetland knitting techniques to try! I’m willing to bet that, even if you don’t think your wardrobe needs a dress, once you see these, you’ll change your mind. The designs are just. so. good. Shall we have a peek?
Read moreShetland Trader Book 3: The Sweaters!
We’ve got precisely three weeks to go until the official kick off of our #ShetlandTrader3KAL, and we can hardly wait … though, I’m going to be honest, I’m also happy to have a bit of time to clear some projects off my needles! There are so many patterns to love in this newest book from Gudrun Johnston, so over the next few weeks, we’re going to be diving in and taking a closer look at what you’ll find in those lovely pages. Today, it’s all about the sweaters!
Read moreTerrain Mitts + Mosaic Knitting
Are you ready for October’s Confident Knitting project? It’s the Terrain Mitts by Marceline Smith, and oh, do I think you’re going to enjoy knitting them! These cosy mitts are just the ticket for chilly wind and shortening days. And the best part? They look a lot more complicated to work than they actually thanks to the cleverness of this month’s featured technique, mosaic knitting!
Read moreShetland Trader Book 3: Heritage by Gudrun Johnston
To say that we have been excited about this release would be something of an understatement…
I’m not entirely sure when I first started to talk to Gudrun Johnston (below) about working on her next print book, but from a trawl through my extensive email collection, it seems to have been around five years ago. From the start I knew that this collection was going to be something really special.
Read moreTutorial Round-up: Stranded Colourwork
It’s been so exciting to see some really stunning versions of Janette Budge’s triumph of a toque, the Variance Hat, coming off the needles. Quite a few folks have tackled this as a first colourwork project, which is brilliant to see! Even though Janette’s design features eight shades of J&S 2ply Jumper Weight, you never use more than two colours on any given row, making it a very approachable introduction to colourwork (and one that is sure to wow your knitting and non-knitting friends alike).
Read moreVariance Hat + Catching Floats in Stranded Colourwork
Happy release day! April showers were in short supply in our neck of the woods. If you too are still waiting for May flowers, never fear, today’s Confident Knitting pattern is bloomin’ marvellous. Take a gander at this spring-y beauty, the Variance Hat by Shetland designer extraordinaire, Janette Budge!
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