knit – Called by Name

DETAILS

I recently moved across the country and was so excited to decorate our new home! We bought new furniture and the couch in particular was in desperate need of throw pillows. I had planned on going to Target or Marshall’s to buy some- which I did but I couldn’t find any that fit the look I was going for. So I kept looking but eventually came to realize that the pillows I was looking for probably just didn’t exist. So I made one!

I was wanting a pillow with dreamy texture, soft yarn, and versatile style. The Trellis stitch is just the texture I was looking for, the Big Twist Hush yarn is exactly what I had in mind, and both came together to be the perfect addition to our living room! I’ve even thought about making a couple to throw on our bed and I will definitely be making more as Christmas gifts this year.

The Wheaton Pillow is a beginner friendly pillow cover. It’s perfect for your own home decor, market prep, and gift knitting. It is knit in two panels then crocheted together to seam. The front panel is textured and the back is stockinette stitch. There are also alternate instructions to do a traditional, non-crochet seam.

If you want to make some modifications you can easily make two “front” panels for double texture, or just the stockinette “back” side for a simple and timeless pillow.

SIZES

20″x20″ 20″x16″
16″x16″

DIFFICULTY

Beginner: You will need to know how to cast on, knit, purl, slip stitch, and bind off. You will also need to know how to slip stitch in crochet or mattress seam.

It works up quickly and after a few repeats, the pattern is meditative.

YARN

Size 5 bulky yarn, such as Big Twist Hush

Approximately 438 yards- I used two 300g skeins in the colorway “Birch”

OTHER MATERIALS NEEDED:

US 13 (9.00 mm) needles

9.00 mm crochet hook (optional)

Stitch Marker

Tapestry Needle

Scissors

GET A DISCOUNT!

Use the coupon code below to get 10% off on Etsy and Ravelry.

BLOG10OFFWHEATON

POLICIES

This pattern is copyright of Samantha Martin of Called by Name.

Feel free to sell any items made from this pattern while giving credit to Called by Name and linking to it

You may not share, sell or distribute the pattern itself

You may not use pattern and photos to resell

Be sure to tag me in your progress or finished photos.

@calledbyname.co on Instagram

#WheatonPillow

Happy knitting!

Samantha

Raglan with a Twist Test Knit for Knifty Knittings

I finished up my Pepin Cowl Chunky test knit for Aly of @Alythreads on Instagram a few weeks ago (read about it here) and have been blessed with a few wholesale and some Etsy orders. I promised myself I wouldn’t do any more test knitting until January so I could take some time to focus on my own designs and trying to get my items in more stores.

When I saw Destiny of @kniftyknittings post a tester call for her Raglan with a Twist, I had instant regret for making a promise to myself that I was going to break. BUT DO NOT WORRY- it was very well worth it!

I’ve been following Destiny since I created a knitting account on Instagram and have always loved her designs! They always strike me as simple while still being sophisticated and unique. I had been seeing her progress photos on her feed of this design but couldn’t imagine what it was going to turn into when she was done. Let me tell you- this design did not disappoint.

Let’s talk about the logistics.

You can make this sweater using a few skeins of Lion Brand Yarn Touch of Alpaca. How many you need depends on what size you knit. I knit a size 6 and used five skeins. But hold on a minute- size 6? I LOVE when designers use numbers for their designs. It’s just something small that makes them seem even more size inclusive.

I knit a bit looser than Destiny so I had to go up a needle size to meet gauge. Since this is a category 4 yarn that seems more like a category 3 light worsted yarn, I thought this sweater would take FOREVER. But I was pleasantly surprised! I think having the applied hem to look forward to made the body of the sweater fly off my needles. The applied hem did take a bit longer than I anticipated but I wasn’t mad because it’s something I don’t do that often and I found it fun!

Let’s talk about DAT TWIST THO. I’ll be honest, it was my favorite part of the pattern in pictures but I was not looking forward to actually figuring out how to make it happen. Thankfully, Destiny has made a video that goes through every technique in the pattern you could possibly have questions on- including the twist. After watching the video, making the twist was a breeze and I cannot wait to incorporate it in other patterns!

This sweater is designed to be cropped but would be so easy to add length to. I normally don’t wear cropped sweaters because #insecurity BUT I took a leap of faith with this one and I’m so glad I did! I don’t know if it’s the applied hem or the fit or what, but it is so flattering. I think having it cropped actually made it look better on than if I would have added the 4 inches I normally would.

I would say this pattern is for an adventurous beginner/intermediate knitter. It probably shouldn’t be your first sweater but if you want to add a twist (hehehe) to your regular stack of sweaters, this is a great choice!

There are only two things I would change about this design: one is how you work the collar and the other is the yarn. I don’t love picking up stitches. And I won’t go into much detail because you should buy the pattern, but though it’s not personal preference, it really isn’t bad. Just not personal fave and honestly the only thing I would change (and I am very particular about my knit sweaters).

The yarn is high quality and has great colors. I love Lion Brand and have had this particular yarn for about a year, just waiting for the right pattern to come along. But my skin is very sensitive to wool… and I guess alpaca too! Normally I can tough it out and with this sweater, it’s well worth the slight itch. But if you’re sensitive like me, I’d recommend looking into other options that are wool-free or merino.

The pattern goes live around November 12th, so make sure you keep your eyes out, follow Destiny on Instagram (@kniftyknittings), and snag this pattern. You’ll also be able to get it as a kit with Lion Brand which is a GREAT option!

Happy Knitting!

Samantha

The Kimberly Cowl

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Buy pattern on Etsy

Buy pattern on Ravelry

Buy finished pieces on Etsy

DETAILS

I love fair isle knitting, especially to create little hearts. This led to the Kimberly Hat, which quickly became a best seller. Since it needed a companion to keep my neck and face warm in the cold Colorado winters, then came the Kimberly Cowl. Made as a set or on it’s own this is perfect for market prep and everyday wear!

This pattern will make the perfect addition to your market line up and it’s the perfect last minute gift knit. It comes in child and adult sizes so no one is left out!

SIZES

Make this cowl in both adult and child sizes
Adult: 12″ wide and 10.5″ tall
Child: 10″ wide and 8″ tall

DIFFICULTY

Beginner: You will need to know how to cast on, knit, purl, work in the round, bind off, and add colors. It works up in a few hours and once you knit a few rounds of the body it’s pretty mindless!

YARN

Size 6 super bulky yarn approximately 100 yds of your main color, and 20 yards of the fair isle color, and 45 yards of the ribbing color. My go to is Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick and Quick.

Testers used Peruano and Knit Picks Wool of the Andes worsted (held doubly)

OTHER MATERIALS NEEDED:

US 13 (9.00 mm) 24″ circular needles (you can have longer ones if you want to do magic loop)

Stitch Marker

Tapestry Needle

Scissors

GET A DISCOUNT!

Use the coupon code below to get 20% off on Etsy and Ravelry.

BLOG10OFFKIMBERLY

POLICIES

This pattern is copyright of Samantha Martin of Called by Name.

Feel free to sell any items made from this pattern while giving credit to Called by Name and linking to it: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/the-kimberly-cowl

You may not share, sell or distribute the pattern itself

You may not use pattern and photos to resell

Be sure to tag me in your progress or finished photos.

@calledbyname.co on Instagram

#KimberlyCowl

Pepin Cowl Test Knit for Alythreads

I have only knit one cowl before but I when I saw Alyssa post a tester call for the Pepin Cowl, I knew I had to at least try. It had beautiful texture and was the perfect size and shape on her — which were honestly two warning signs for me. I have a love/hate relationship with texture because usually, texture=purling. And don’t get me wrong, I’ll purl a 1×1 rib for seven rows on a hat if I need to and not complain. But seed stitch? NO THANKS, I’M GOOD.

I also want to like cowls usually but I don’t love how they always seem to be either too tight to pull over your face, or so big that they just flop open all day. So when I see knitters post their cowls that fit perfectly, I become a little skeptical and wonder what they did in the photographing process to make it look that way. Did they cinch it up in the back or hold it just right? WELL let me tell you: the Pepin Cowl did not disappoint.

Not only is it the PERFECT size and shape to fit over my nose when it’s frigid outside, without being way oversized — but there is also NO PURLING other than the ribbing. I know, WHAAAAT?!

Okay I’m sure you’re wondering what kind of magic this is to have the dreamy texture you see in this cowl without having so. much. purling. If she would have said off the bat that there is no purling, I would not have believed it for even a second. But I’m here to tell you… IT’S TRUE. I won’t tell you how you get this texture because.. well, it’s worth getting the pattern to find out.

Let’s talk about the logistics.

You can make this yarn using almost exactly one skein of Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick and Quick – which is not only budget friendly and so easy to find, but it also comes in the best range of colors. I made mine in a tweed gray color. Other testers made theirs in solid or variegated colors. With the texture, a solid color might be ideal. But with the classic shape, a variegated yarn also looks great!

Did you wait to get your gift knitting done? NO WORRIES because this baby works up in no time. Seriously, under two hours. I was shocked to see that some other testers finished their cowls within hours of getting the pattern.

I would say this pattern is for an adventurous beginner. It probably shouldn’t be your first project but if you know the basics and want to learn a bit more, this is a great choice.

The only thing I would change about this pattern is to have a child’s size as well. I don’t have kids, so I don’t need it. But it would be helpful as I prepare for markets!

The pattern goes live on October 15th, so make sure you keep your eyes out, follow Alyssa on Instagram (@alythreads), and snag this pattern ASAP. You won’t regret it!

Happy Knitting!

Samantha

The Kimberly Hat

Pin for later

Buy pattern on Etsy

Buy pattern on Ravelry

Buy finished pieces on Etsy

DETAILS

I’ve always loved fair isle hats and the way the stitches look like little hearts. But I wanted a hat that I could make with scraps from my other hats. So I experimented with different colored brims and the Kimberly Hat was born! It uses the perfect amount of yarn and the color work is easy enough to be mindless but also exciting enough to make you want to keep knitting it.

I originally just made this hat for my markets and Etsy shop but it quickly became one of my top sellers- for both kids and adults! This pattern will make the perfect addition to your market line up and it’s the perfect last minute gift knit.

SIZES

Make this hat in both adult and child sizes
Adult: 20-22″ head
Child: 16-18″ head

DIFFICULTY

Beginner: You will need to know how to cast on, knit, purl, make one, work in the round, decrease, and add colors. It works up in a few hours and once you knit a few rounds of the body it’s pretty mindless!

YARN

Size 6 super bulky yarn approximately 80 yds of your main color, and 20 yards of the fair isle color, and 60 yards of the brim color. My go to is Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick and Quick.

Testers used Mariner’s Super Chunky, Loops and Threads Cozy Wool, Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick and Quick, Himalaya Everyday New Tweed held triple, Lion Brand Hometown

Testers in order of pictures: Jenna of @woolly_bee_yarn_craft (child’s size)

Jesie of @_jrcreations (adult size)

Maureen of @snapafew (adult size)

Sandi of @sandio004 (child’s size)

OTHER MATERIALS NEEDED:

US 13 (9.00 mm) 16″ circular needles (you can have longer ones if you want to do magic loop)

Stitch Marker

Tapestry Needle

Scissors

Faux Fur Pom (optional)

GET A DISCOUNT!

Use the coupon code below to get 20% off on Etsy and Ravelry.

BLOG10OFFKIMBERLY

POLICIES

This pattern is copyright of Samantha Martin of Called by Name.

Feel free to sell any items made from this pattern while giving credit to Called by Name and linking to it:

You may not share, sell or distribute the pattern itself

You may not use pattern and photos to resell

Be sure to tag me in your progress or finished photos.

@calledbyname.co on Instagram

#KimberlyHat

Happy knitting!

Samantha