As the situation around us continues to evolve, many of us will be staying home for the next forseeable weeks.  Faced with many hours at home, I will certainly be doing a lot of knitting (even more than I already do!) and perhaps you will too? It's a nice, productive activity that helps keep my mind occupied and calm - something that we could probably all benefit from ;-)

I'd also like to do my part to support my favorite knitting shops, as they have had to make the hard choice to temporarily close their physical stores, but are continuing their online shop operations where possible. To that end, please consider ordering your yarn online from these shops (yarn links for the suggested projects are listed below) or your local yarn shop (many have online stores or are offering driveby pickup options).

And through the end of the month, these suggested patterns are 30% off with coupon code SUPPORTLYS entered at checkout. These patterns feature the gorgeous yarns from PurlSoho.com (my local store, which has temporarily closed their warehouse shop nearby and is offering FREE U.S. domestic shipping through 3/31/20) and yarns that are easily available at other online yarn shops that have had to close their physical shops (some links provided below). Let's help each other through this and stay safe.

[clockwise, starting with photo at left:]

1. #273 Laguna Ribbed Scarf. [shown above: left] Three hanks of Purl Soho's Flax Down knit up beautifully with this eye-catching ribbed design. The color choices for this yarn are stunning! Also on Ravelry.
2. #268 Karrisa Shawl. [top right] A simple diagonal rib is worked for rows and rows in this angled shawl. The stitch pattern is charted and written and is easily memorized for the first few segments of the shawl (the final lace section requires a little more attention). Also calls for three hanks of Purl Soho's Flax Down. Choose the muted color combo shown here, or your favorite color combo. Also on Ravelry.
3. #293 Morgan One-Skein Hat. [middle right] This coy and warm hat knits up quickly and very satisfyingly in super bulky yarn and size 11 needles. Each hat uses just one skein of the very popular Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Bulky yarn, which comes in many fun colors. Also on Ravelry. 
4. #272 Linen and Lace Shawl. [bottom right] A lovely linen blend yarn, Purl Soho's Linen Quill, begs to be knit up in multiple complimentary textures. And with a design that allows you to blend three colors together, this shawl becomes a very versatile pattern. Choose understated, neutral colors, as shown, with a pretty pop of lilac OR go bold with your color choices. Also on Ravelry. 

Other patterns to consider:
In Purl Soho yarns: #281 Santorini Shawl (in Linen Quill), #289 Mini Scarf (in Linen Quill or Madelinetosh Tosh Light), #285 Luna One-Ball Cowl (in Flax Down), #278 Monterey Brioche Scarf (in Flax Down), 
In madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light, available at PurlSoho.com and JimmyBeansWool.com: #290 Hibiscus Coasters, #253 Mirabella Sweater, #256 Adaline Shawl, #230 Marine Layers, #192 Abbot Kinney Shawl/Scarf. (JimmyBeansWool.com is offering FREE flat rate shipping through 3/31/20)

Please let these LYS know that SweaterBabe sent you!

Shop ALL SweaterBabe patterns for more ideas.

* Coupon code must be entered during checkout for the 30% off of the above patterns. On SweaterBabe's Ravelry Shop, click on "use coupon code" at checkout. On SweaterBabe.com, enter coupon code at checkout and hit "apply." Cannot be combined with other coupon codes and cannot be applied once checkout is completed. Only valid on the 13 specific patterns listed in this blog post. Coupon code expires midnight PST on 3/31/20.

All classes are postponed until further notice (hopefully rescheduling sometime in April or May). Please join the class email list for updates!

Come take my NEW Learn to Knit class here in Orange County!

A lovely friend of mine is launching a new Studio/Workshop space, called Wonderfully Made, which will host lots of fun classes, including knitting classes by me!

In March, I'll be teaching my NEW Learn to Knit Class where you'll be learning to knit while making this chunky pompom hat!

I'll be teaching this 2 1/2 hour group class at the new workshop space, Wonderfully Made, in Santa Ana. And as part of launching this new workshop space, this Learn to Knit class is on sale for $60 per person!

We'll cover all the basics of knitting (casting on, knitting, maintaing your knitting tension, binding off, seaming, and more!) and you'll be knitting yourself a cute, chunky hat with a pompom.

Class fee includes all the yarn and supplies you'll need for learning and for your hat.

To claim your spot in the class, please sign up here: https://www.wonderfullymade.com/workshops/learn-to-knit

Class size is limited to 12 students, so please be sure to secure your spot soon.

No prior knitting experience needed. Ideal for beginners that have never knit or only know a little. No need to bring anything to the class.

Wonderfully Made is located at 1509 E. McFadden Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92705.

Class Date: Friday, March 27, 2020

Time: 10:00 am to 12:30 pm.

To claim your spot in my class, sign up here. Limited to 12 students.

I'm also teaching a Table Knit Chunky Blanket Class! See all the details here.

Can't make it to this class or interested in a different kind of class from SweaterBabe? Be sure to sign up for my class email list to be notified as additional classes are scheduled.

All classes are postponed until further notice (hopefully rescheduling sometime in April or May). Please join the class email list for updates!

Come take my NEW Table Knit Blanket class here in Orange County!

A lovely friend of mine is launching a new Studio/Workshop space, called Wonderfully Made, which will host lots of fun classes, including knitting classes by me!

In March, I'll be teaching a super fun class where you will table knit an ultra cozy blanket in just a few hours! You'll learn all the techniques needed to make a super squishy lap blanket.

No knitting experience or special tools needed. Open to all levels of knitters (including absolute beginners). I'll teach you how to start the blanket, table knit and purl, change colors, and finish off the blanket.

The finished two-color blanket is approximately 41" x 50". All the yarn that you'll need is included in the $75 class fee (sale price!). Shown here in Aqua and Dark Grey. Other color options will be available, including cream, light grey. pink, and teal combos.

Wonderfully Made is located at 1509 E. McFadden Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92705.

Class Date: Saturday, March 28, 2020

Time: 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

And as part of launching this new space, ALL classes are on sale! 

To claim your spot in my class, sign up here. Limited to 12 students.

Can't make it to this class or interested in a different kind of class from SweaterBabe? Be sure to sign up for my class email list to be notified as additional classes are scheduled.

Want to learn how to knit with needles? I'll also be teaching a Learn to Knit class where you'll learn all the basics of knitting while making a cute, bulky knit hat with pompom! More details here.

Off-Kilter Lace Poncho
by SweaterBabe

Being off-kilter can make for a stunning visual – like this poncho, which can be worn asymmetrically for more drama, or symmetrically if your prefer.

Either way showcases your knitting expertise and modern fashion sense with the gorgeous combination of three textured stitch patterns and the added flair of fringe.

A wide candlelight lace panel is bordered by beautiful leaf borders and Moss stitch edges all around.

Poncho is cleverly constructed by sewing partial edges of two rectangular knit pieces. Knitting rectangular shapes allows you to focus on the stitch patterns and not worry about shaping along the way.

This piece looks fabulous over skinny jeans and boots (or heels)! . . . >

Available on Ravelry too.

This is an advertisement. For pattern or purchase support, please contact the advertiser directly.

Click here for information on advertising with SweaterBabe.com.

Elena Shawl
by SweaterBabe

This shawl is supremely soft and airy, with a very pretty all over lace.

The triangular shape is knit from the top down, beginning with a simple Garter tab. It then transitions into the elegant open lace with increases along the center line and at each edge to form the triangular shape.

The lace is only an 8-row repeat, so it can be easily knit for more or less repeats if you wish for a smaller or bigger size shawl (and/or you prefer to have a different balance of lace versus the solid Garter stitch border).

As shown, a few inches of Garter stitch, a loose bind off, and an aggressive blocking finishes off the shawl and brings out the beauty of the lace. The shawl pattern is versatile enough that it can be knit up in many types of smooth yarn or in a heavier-weight yarn (dk or worsted-weight) for a chunkier shawl.

Lace is fully charted and written out. . . . >

Available on Ravelry too.

This is an advertisement. For pattern or purchase support, please contact the advertiser directly.

Click here for information on advertising with SweaterBabe.com.

Mini Scarf
by SweaterBabe

Accent scarves are perfect little accessories to add a bit of color and soft texture to your everyday outfit. So why not knit some pretty little lace ones that are just as versatile as your silk ones AND allow you to use up those gorgeous leftover bits from your yarn stash?!

Well, here you have just the design that will let you do that! This mini scarf pattern features a very pretty, all-over leaf lace stitch. The ends are elegantly tapered and the middle section is thinner to eliminate any bulkiness when worn around the neck or tied around your head or purse strap.

Each mini scarf works up beautifully using small amounts of fingering-weight yarn. By changing the lace repeats worked in the middle section, you can adjust the length based on the intended use and how much yardage you have on hand. . . . >

Available on Ravelry too.

This is an advertisement. For pattern or purchase support, please contact the advertiser directly.

Click here for information on advertising with SweaterBabe.com.

This is an advertisement. For pattern or purchase support, please contact the advertiser directly.

Click here for information on advertising with SweaterBabe.com.

It's Super Bowl weekend tomorrow! So here's some ideas on what to knit when you're watching TV for hours, whether you're binge watching your fave Netflix or Amazon Prime series, or enjoying a big game.  And through the weekend, enjoy 15% off any purchase of $8 or more with BIGGAME entered at checkout.

1. Luna One-Ball Cowl. [shown above: left] Here's a simple cowl that is worked in the round in Garter stitch from the bottom up. A few decrease rounds taper the cowl just slightly for a lovely fit. A great beginner-level project. Also on Ravelry.
2. Karrisa Shawl. [top right] A simple diagonal rib is worked for rows and rows in this angled shawl. The stitch pattern is charted and written and is easily memorized for the first few segments of the shawl (the final lace section requires a little more attention). Also on Ravelry.
3. Twisted Lattice Shawl. [middle right] While the twisted lattice border is a little more involved, this shawl starts with a big section of Stockinette stitch with increases to create the triangular shape - a great, repetitive section to knit in front of a TV. Also on Ravelry. 
4. Worsted-Weight Striped Scarf. [bottom right] This beginner scarf is all Garter stitch, i.e. knitting every row, but with some easy striping for visual interest. Part of a 3-pattern eBook of beginner-level projects. Also on Ravelry. 

These 2 shawls that start out with big stretches of Garter stitch (before lace or other stitch patterns kick in): Linen and Lace Shawl, Adaline Shawl 

Shop ALL Beginner-Level Knitting Projects for more ideas!

* Coupon code must be entered during checkout for the 15% off. On SweaterBabe's Ravelry Shop, click on "use coupon code" at checkout. On SweaterBabe.com, enter coupon code at checkout and hit "apply." Cannot be combined with other coupon codes and cannot be applied once checkout is completed. Only valid on orders totaling $8 or more. Code expires midnight PST on 2/2/20.

It's almost always cowl season! Especially when there are so many different cowl knitting patterns to choose from! Whether you need a quick knit chunky one for the colder temps or as a gift, a delicate lace number as a pretty accessory that's easy to carry with you, or anything in between - SweaterBabe has lots of great options!

Checkout the ones featured above or view all SweaterBabe Cowl, Scarf, & Shawl Knitting Patterns.
[from top, left; then, clockwise]

1. NEW! The Analia Cowl. Delicate lace and intertwining cable panels combine to make this super soft and lightweight cowl. So great as a travel accessory! Also on Ravelry.
2. Luxe Infinity Scarf. This infinity scarf is a simple big loop, knit in the round on long circular needles. The stitch pattern is fabulous, so be sure to choose a yarn with great stitch definitions. Also on Ravelry.
3. Tiered Eternity Scarf. This eternity scarf is a lovely mix of two gorgeous textures, a leaf lace and a simple textured stitch, that combine effortlessly into an easy-to-wear accessory. Also on Ravelry.
4. Double Cabled Cowl. This cowl features a wonderfully easy double cable pattern to add lots of textural interest. It knits up quickly in the round (no seams!) and can be worn like a folded-over turtleneck or scrunched down for a cool, slouchy look. Maybe it's time to try out cables? Also on Ravelry. 
5. Lyra Cowl. A chunky cowl ideal for quick knitting on size 13 needles and bold texture! This one starts with a simple, seed stitch border, then transitions into the main lace pattern. Also on Ravelry.
6. Luna One-Ball Cowl. New to knitting or just want to knit up a simple project? This beginner-level cowl may be just the ticket! It's knit in the round with just a little bit of simple shaping for a great fit. Also on Ravelry.

Which cowl will you knit next?

View ALL SweaterBabe.com Cowl, Scarf, and Shawl Knitting Patterns.

View ALL SweaterBabe.com Cowl and Scarf patterns on Ravelry.

Happy New Year! To help you kick off 2020 and a whole new year of great knitting, here are the Top 10 SweaterBabe patterns from 2019! 

1. Maelynn Cardigan. [shown above: top, left] Knit this update to your everday cardigan! Fun, all-over cables for the front and back with ribbed detailing and pockets. Also on Ravelry.
2. Noe Valley. This sweater features lots of delicious cable work to keep the knitting interesting and to add tons of textural interest. Also on Ravelry.
3. Mini Scarf. [shown above: bottom, left] A cute leaf lace mini scarf for tying around your neck, as a hair ribbon, or as an accent scarf for your purse! Great way to use up those leftover fingering -weight yarns for gifts! Also on Ravelry.
4. Hadley Cabled Sweater. [shown above: bottom, right] A modern and feminine take on the cabled sweater! Top-down, with a wide, lovely cable panel running down the front and back. Slightly belled sleeves (but you can also work straight, if you prefer). Also on Ravelry. 
5. Sanotorini. [shown above: top, right] A striking mix of textures and colors to wear as a draped scarf or shawl. Also on Ravelry.
6. Hibiscus Coasters. Pretty, leaf-shaped coasters to adorn your coffee table. Also, a perfect project for those leftover fingering-weight yarns. Also on Ravelry.
7. Chalice One-Ball Scarf. A perennial favorite! Just one ball of a supremely soft mohair and silk lace-weight yarn knits up beuatifully into this gorgeous and gossamer scarf. Also on Ravelry.
8. Laguna Ribbed Scarf. A striking, ribbed scarf that combines three colors with a uniquely pleasing ribbed pattern. Also on Ravelry.
9. Knitting is Beleafing Hat. Knit from the bottom up with a textured leaf design. Also on Ravelry.
10. Twisted Lattice Shawl. A generously-sized triangular shawl that is like the ultimate portable blanket. Gorgeous twisted lattice border. Also on Ravelry.

Here's to a wonderful year full of knitting, good health, and happiness!