A Little Knitty

Merry Christmas!! I hope no matter what you celebrate this Holiday Season, it's filled with yarn and knitting needles! *grins* Even though it's a holiday...Free Knitting Pattern Friday has become a thing for me...so here we go! I love designing hats, but I have to say that I fall back on making most of my hats for the females. It might be because I am one, it might be because they are just so darn cute...who knows...but I do! I came across this FREE knitting pattern and I think it would be a great knit for any man in your life! The pattern suggests you use Cascade 220...which is probably my favorite all purpose yarn ever! Happy Knitting!! Jen

It's Christmas time in our house...and I know this because every few minutes my children proclaim yet another thing they would like to add to their Christmas List. I do a lot to make great Christmas memories for my kids, and of course I want to make their dreams come true...but I'm drawing a line this year! I remember the Christmas that I demanded a phone from my parents. I was RELENTLESS in my crying, whining, stomping, saying "you don't love me unless I get it"...I was SPOILED!!!! And if I remember correctly, I was 12 ('nuff said). That Christmas, I got my phone and I was over the moon happy and excited and gave a billion hugs and thank yous. This particular Christmas has come up in conversation with my mom a time or two, and she admitted she wanted to return the gift because I was being such a brat...and I honestly wish she had! Yes, the 12 year old me would have been SOOOOOOO mad, but now that I look back, there is no way my behavior should have been r...

I have been receiving more and more requests for these socks. They are great for Yoga, Pilates or any time you want warm cozy socks with some traction. Plus, they remove the parts of socks that people struggle with the most (the toe and the heel). So, if you haven't knit socks before, tackle these first! They knit up fast and make a great gift for the yogi in your life! Find the FREE Knitting Pattern Here: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/yoga-socks-153 Jen

Your piece is finished...now how do you get the needles out? You will need to learn to bind off so that you can remove your work and enjoy it! Hope you are finding these Thursday Tips helpful!! Jen

Recently I attempted to become a seller on Amazon (I soon learned there are MANY ways you can become a seller on Amazon, and actually accomplished it here ). Anyway...along the road I encountered one way of selling that would require a legit email address (i.e. not gmail.com in other words). So, today I took the leap to be all sorts of legit!! info@alittleknitty.com Hope you all are knitting away this winter...I know I am!! TONS of cool new things will be coming in the New Year....stay tuned! Jen

Great job on mastering the knit stitch! Now it's time to get that purl stitch under your belt! Hope you are finding these videos helpful! Happy Knitting! Jen

You've cast your stitches on...now what? If you are learning to knit, get this stitch mastered then go on to the purling video next! As always, if you have any questions or want any other videos released...please let me know! Jen

As you all know, I love me some Craftsy. Not just for knitting, but classes of all sorts to help me get better at sewing (crossing my fingers it actually happens some day!!!) I have teamed up as an affiliate with Craftsy...so some links will be affiliate links (if you were to purchase, I would receive a small amount in exchange for my referral) and I will tag them as such. I can also share cool things like discount codes, crazy good deals on yarn and  Free Craftsy Classes I hope you enjoy the deals!! Jen

I have been drooling over this shawl kit from Craftsy FOREVER...and with this killer deal, it shall be mine!! $18 for the pattern AND the yarn. Click the photo below to be transferred to one of my favorite places on the internet!!       Want to learn to knit or give the gift of knitting this year??? Grab a 'Learn to Knit' Kit, and maybe another for a friend! Get 50% off when you buy two (yes, that is buy one, get one FREE!!!) Use Code: Happyknitting50 at checkout       I recently discovered Annie's and I'm COMPLETELY in love with this pattern. You can buy the pattern by clicking on the photo and you can even purchase the yarn needed to make this gorgeous sweater! Use the code: Extra20 at checkout for an extra 20% off!!       Last, but certainly not least, Knitpicks!!! One of my favorite gifts to give is an oversized knit cowl. They knit up fast and this yarn is my favorite heavy weight yarn! Check out the B...

I am so very thankful that I get to write and publish knitting patterns and that people actually purchase them and create their own items! It still blows my mind that I am getting to do what I love. I wanted to release a few patterns to you for FREE (for a short period of time) so head on over to Craftsy and download the Newborn Wilson Football Hat and make one for the newborn in your life!! Click on the photo to access your FREE knitting pattern! Jen

Each Thursday I will release another free instructional knitting video!   Whether you are teaching yourself how to knit, you are a beginner or just need a little refresher...I hope you enjoy the videos! Please let me know if you have any questions or if you would like any particular video in the future.   Happy Knitting!   Casting On - Long Tail Method Video - Knitting Tips Thursday   Jen

I just discovered this pattern (the mittens are cute but I'm completely in love with the hat!!! Right now you can download the knitting pattern for FREE (sometimes patterns are only free for a short period so click on the photo below RIGHT NOW) http://www.knitpicks.com/cfPatterns/Pattern_Display.cfm?ID=55780220&media=BE151125&elink=1--LampworkHatAndMittens&utm_source=media&utm_medium=bem&utm_campaign=BE151125&utm_content=1--LampworkHatAndMittens  

I have a huge obsession with Knit Picks' interchangeable knitting needles....like HUGE obsession. So I stumbled upon this little starter kit and just had to share it! If you have been contemplating these needles give this starter pack a look...but I'll warn you...you'll probably fall in love :) Try It Needle Set - Caspian and Nickel Jen

Raise your hand if you started knitting because you have an adorable little girl in your life who needs insanely cute knitwear like this dress!!! http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/knitting/clothing/leaf-love-dress/164619 Seriously, could that be any cuter? And just when you think your cute meter can't take it any more...go check out all the other amazing FREE PATTERNS this designer has! Her work is stunning! Now, you might need to go order more yarn and needles! Jen

Initially I planned on using these videos exclusively in my 'Learn To Knit Kits'...but I've decided to release them on my blog for all to enjoy...adding a new video each Thursday.   There will still be special videos for the kit (plus with the kit you get the patterns and the first stitches cast on for you) but I hope these videos help anyone who wants to learn how to knit!!!   Thank you for visiting my blog and please let me know if there are any future videos you would like to see!!   If you are interested in learning to knit, grab some yarn, some size 7 needles and watch this video to learn how to cast on your stitches!    

So...sometimes you make a plan...then life happens! The book isn't canceled (in fact a 2nd book is in the works) it's just being delayed until after Christmas! Hopefully before the 1st of the year the ebook will be available!! Stay tuned!!

Every knitter worth their weight in yarn has a stash of bits of yarn. It's not enough to make a hat, but more than you want to toss in the garbage. So, with each new knitting project...the stash grows! I stumbled upon this Ball Garland pattern and I thought it would be perfect for putting that yarn stash to good work. Plus, I think it would be adorable hanging on a mantle or from the boughs of a Christmas Tree! Start now...then it can be ready by the time you trim the tree! Happy Knitting! http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/knitting/home-decor/ball-garland/168008?rceId=1446618379831~3qrni4kx Jen

FREE PATTERN FRIDAY Everyone loves a free pattern! It's a great way to try something new and challenge yourself a little bit. It's also a great way for beginning knitters to check out a designer's work. If you enjoy the way the pattern is written, you might check out their other patterns.  If you haven't tried knitting in the round yet...you might want to consider knitting these up! The designer suggests you have basic knowledge of knitting, purling, knitting in the round, knitting two stitches together and of course casting on and binding off (without those two things, your project won't have a fighting chance!) Happy Free Pattern Friday! http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/knitting/accessory/leaves-fingerless-gloves/37665?rceId=1446618775400~9jpyemqp Jen

Knitting has its own language, and for many it might as well be Greek! I'm hoping to help decode some of the terms for the beginning knitter out there, and maybe a refresher/reference for the more seasoned knitter. I will do another blog in the future with some more advanced terms...or if you have any suggestions, please comment below! Quick Reference Knitting Terminology & Abbreviations K - Knit Stitch. In patterns you will see K6, this means Knit 6 stitches P -  Purl Stitch. In patterns you will see P3, this means Purl 3 stitches CO - Cast On. At the beginning of the pattern, it will say CO30, this means cast on 30 stitches. Sometimes it might indicate method of cast on, if it doesn't indicate, use your favorite cast on method. K2tog - Knit two together. Knit two stitches from the left hand needle at the same time. This decreases your stitches from two stitches to one. P2tog - Purl two together. Purl two stitches from the left hand needle a...

LEARN TO KNIT KIT I would like to take a moment to introduce you to our newest product...the Learn to Knit Kit.  I enjoy teaching knitting locally (in Auburn, Washington) but I wanted a way to help out others who want to learn. I'm using the same approach I do for my in person classes and I'm happy to answer any questions you may have! Who? Who is this kit created for? It's for the beginning knitter, crafty person or anyone who learned a long time ago and needs a little refresher. With the stitches cast on for you already and the close up videos...anyone can enjoy this kit! What? Kit Includes: Three Dishcloth Patterns (Garter, Stockinette with Border and Diagonal Knit) in protective sleeve One ball cotton yarn. Sugar & Cream Stripes in White/Green 120 Yards Size 7 - 16” Circular Bamboo Knitting Needles from Stitch Berry 30 stitches already cast on, so you can start knitting right away when you receive your kit Video Tut...

I was recently challenged to take my blogging up a notch...and start vlogging. CHALLENGE. ACCEPTED. I'm so excited to bring you knitting content that isn't just written word patterns, but demonstrations of the stitches, video assistance for difficult to write terms and tips and tricks I have found helpful over the years.

Over the years I have steered away from novelty knit hats (characters, fruit, sports, etc.). Mostly because of copyright laws, but also because I was so passionate about what I was doing. I had a classic, clean style and I was happy with it. The pumpkin hat was my first step into the novelty knit hat arena. I love the design and this time of year it's really popular...which has been fun. I think I've knit a field full of pumpkin hats, and now by publishing the pattern hopefully others all over the world are knitting their own pumpkin patch! :) Over the last year I have been dipping my toe into more novelty hats...adding these three this week. Newborn 'Apple' Knit Hat Pattern Find it on Ravelry , Craftsy & Etsy Newborn 'Daisy' Knit Hat Pattern Find it on Ravelry , Craftsy & Etsy Newborn 'Wilson' Knit Hat Pattern Find it on Ravelry , Craftsy & Etsy I hope you enjoy knitting these hats as much as I love cr...

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Before I started this knitting blog, I had a blog that had all sorts of ramblings, randomness and crockpot recipes. I really wanted to bring a bit more of my life to this knitting blog...so I decided to merge the two. Now, you can find all my randomness AND knitting related stuff all in one spot! I hope you enjoy and look forward to sharing what goes on inside my mind (warning: it's a scary place to visit!) Jen

I love when inspiration strikes...I love even more when an idea works on the first try. I love to introduce new designs to my collection...but it frequently looks somewhat like this... Step #1 dream up something Step #2 sketch Step #3 start knitting Step #4 not thrilled with what it going on, go back to step 2 Step #5 remember to write down all my pattern notes Step #6 finish Step #7 pick the item apart and make it again :) Step #8 take photos and introduce to the world This hat went straight from step #1 to #8...which is pretty awesome

I love fall!!!  I love wearing layers, sweaters, scarves, cowls, mittens...anything soft and cozy! I also love that its also hat season and I find inspiration for so many new patterns.   The pumpkin is an older pattern...but the football & santa cap are new.     I have a few more fall/winter inspired hats up my sleeve...then I think it might be time to think about releasing a book of these treasures! :)    

What is Antsquare you ask?                 Antsquare is a new platform for Seattle area merchants, artists, designers, makers and all those crafty folk to list their wares for sale....and super smart shoppers can find them! Just find what you want, check out, select the time and location of pick up and...   BOOM   ...awesomeness will ensue shortly!       I think it's a genius idea and I'm very excited to list my products with them! So what are you waiting for? Download the app and get shopping! Support small handmade shops...it's good for the soul! ;)     P.s. if you aren't local to the seattle area...I believe they will be adding shipping options shortly and who knows, maybe if you contact them they will branch out to your city!!   

I feel like the Pumpkin Hat deserves a little love right now. It has been my number one seller for a couple weeks now...not only selling the finished hats, but the patterns too. 'Tis the Season! :) You can pick up the pattern on Etsy , Ravelry & Craftsy ! Edited 10/10/2015: AND because of the popularity of this hat, it is now available in 5 sizes on this one pattern! So now when you purchase the pattern from the links above, you will receive newborn, 3-6 months, 12-18 months, 2-3 years and youth sizes!! Hope you enjoy! Jen

This year seems to be the year of the cowl, for me at least. I love dreaming them up, I love knitting them, I love that they are so easy to wear and universal...basically I just love them! I decided to compile my 4 newest cowl patterns into one mini book.   The mini book is available on Etsy , and Craftsy .   Happy Knitting!!! Jen

Cowls add a fun splash of color to any outfit AND they keep you nice and warm! Both of these new patterns knit up quickly and make great gifts this Christmas! Let's take a moment to meet the new additions to the 'A Little Knitty' Family... The 'Amanda' Cowl   The 'Jane' Cowl   What are you waiting for?? Get your patterns on Ravelry , Craftsy or Etsy and get knitting right now! Jen

A little while ago I wrote up a little something for the "About Me" section of my Etsy Shop  and I thought I would share it on my blog too.   How I became 'A Little Knitty' When I was a teen, my grandmother taught me how to knit. It was a fun hobby, especially for a kid that liked to keep busy. Through the years I plugged away and made some pretty awful creations, but luckily I had friends and family who only had kind words to say! :) Through college I sat knitting in coffee shops, well before it was cool to do so...but I had fallen in love with knitting. When my son was born in 2008, I began making fun hats for him. Friends began asking for hats too...and soon I was knitting my heart out to cover the adorable heads of babies all over the area. A few years later I made things Facebook Official by launching my business online...but it needed a name. While brainstorming with my husband, I was throwing out silly names...then said "I'm a little nutty...

Alright...I finally got my act together to post this free pattern! You can find it at my Craftsy shop & my Ravelry shop. Happy Knitting!!! Jen

You can always find my patterns for sale on Etsy ... but now you can find them on Ravelry too!! The great thing about Ravelry is that you can store your patterns in your Library and they are available any time you need them (believe me, I have hunted around for .pdf patterns on my computer more than once...Ravelry saves the day!!!) Another great plus for Ravelry...if I make a change or alteration to the pattern, you will be notified! Seriously, what are you waiting for (or maybe you already know the amazing-ness that is Ravelry). Currently there are 7 patterns available for sale...there should be more soon!! Enjoy! Jen

Over the last 7 years of knitting hats, my number one most requested pattern has been my bow hats. I adore these hats. I love making them. I'm so proud of writing this pattern and they turned into my babies...and it was hard for me to let them leave the nest! :) But demand for my hats has increased to a capacity that even my hands can't keep up with. So, with that said...I've decided to sell the pattern so that little Portia and Anabelle hats can be made all over the globe (or at least I hope!!!) You can find the pattern in my etsy shop www.alittleknitty.com I'm so thrilled for this next step in my business and hope you enjoy!! Jen

A lot of people mention that the custom hat option can be overwhelming...so I thought I would post some ideas :)

There is one hat that is requested at baby shows more than any other hat.... Boobie Hats! For the longest time I smiled and said no, not quite my style. But last week I decided to give it a shot...and guess what? It was SO fun and we shared so many giggles! Whether you breast feed or not...this hilarious hat is sure to make people smile (or maybe blush). I have learned to relax a bit more and not take life so seriously....sometimes it's super fun to be silly and laugh about how many times people pass your booth and say BOOBS!  Jen

Some people have girl crushes....some have man crushes...I have knitting crushes!!! I completely gush all over Alana since stumbling upon her book, Annie and the Swiss Cheese Scarf at my local knitting shop. I have every intention of teaching both of my children to knit (truth be told, I've tried a few times and they just aren't quite ready yet) but until then, this book has become a staple of our nightly reading sessions. Not only does it have the most adorable rhyme to teach children (and adults in my opinion) how to knit...but the story and illustrations are gorgeous and a great lesson in not giving up. Then...on another shopping expedition (an international one, at that) I found this beautiful book and instantly fell in love and when I noticed it was written by my knitting crush...it HAD TO BE MINE!!!! Check it out...the photography is stunning...even if you don't knit you will love curling up with this book!! Ah....it feels good to let my secret out...

I'm the winner!!!!! Ok...there isn't really a competition...but if there was, I would be the winner! I guess I really don't have much to blog about right now...just knitting up hats and refusing to weave in ends...ya know, the norm! I'm getting really excited about the baby bump expo....will you be there?

I'm beyond thrilled to announce this Spring I will be teaching knitting classes for Auburn (Washington) Parks & Rec!!!! It will be a 4 week course to teach the basics so you can feel comfortable with knitting!! More information will come later when the spring schedule is published!!!

Have you checked out craftsy.com ? It is currently my obsession. I'm taking a really wonderful knitting class and they have so many other cool classes, kits and supplies. What do you want to craft today?? Sewing & Quilting » Sewing Quilting Embroidery Cake & Cooking » Cake Decorating Food & Cooking Yarn & Fiber Arts » Knitting Crocheting Spinning Weaving Art & Photo » Drawing Painting Photography Home & Garden » Woodworking Gardening More » Jewelry Paper Crafts Jen

"I wanna learn to knit" This is the comment I get the most when people hear I am a knitter. And it is my passion and mission to turn anyone who wants to be a knitter, into one! To achieve this, I am hosting local knit nights, dream of opening my own shop and plan to list resources and videos here to help anyone who needs help! I know it is overwhelming....especially just going to the yarn shop to get your supplies ("why would I need 5 needles with no ends?????") So I'm more than happy to answer ANY question you may have!!! Very soon I will have videos hosted here....it is in the works! How can I help you find your passion for knitting?

I have been trying to think of ways I can use my little business to give back to my community, my country, my world. This evening I did some brainstorming and decided I will be donating infant hats throughout the year to the local children's hospital and 10% of all sales will be donated to disaster relief. So often I only think about giving back during the holidays or when disaster hits...but I want to make a conscious effort to do this year round and get my kids involved too! I know it won't be an earth shattering total...but this is so important to me! Thank you for supporting my little business over the last 6 years and here's to the year 2015...The year we give back!!

I'm so lucky to work with amazing photographers!!! I open my inbox and see gorgeousness like this.... Little Miss A is rocking the 'Charlie' which is available in newborn and 3-12 months!! It's not currently in the shop, but you can contact me for a custom order! :)

I love that there are more and more stories (and hopefully scientific studies) showing how good knitting is for your health! Of course I love knitting and love the products that come from my knitting...but thinking that maybe I'm helping my health too is pretty darn cool!  Check this out...   http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/25/health/brain-crafting-benefits/