Spring 2025 Knitting and Sewing with Comebackigan Cardigan!

Hey there, friends! Welcome back to Young Folk Knits—I’m so glad you’re here. If you’re new, I’m Kaci, and around these parts we talk about all things fiber arts—knitting, sewing, spinning, and a touch of farm life from my little corner of Arkansas

This week, I’ve got a cozy little roundup for you: a new cardigan project fresh off the needles, a summer-ready sewing make, some spinning news that I cannot wait to share, and a little peek into what’s happening behind the scenes here at YFK HQ. So grab a cup of tea or coffee (or an iced one, depending on the weather where you are), and let’s chat!

A Red-Hot New Knit: The “Comebackigan” Cardigan

Let’s start with the knitting!

Andrea Mowry’s latest design—the ComeBackigan Cardigan—has officially been released, and I had the chance to test knit it. https://www.ravelry.com/projects/YoungFolkKnits/comebackigan

Y’all, this was such a satisfying project. I used North Bay Fiber’s Heritage Sport yarn in the color Holly (gifted so generously by Jill from North Bay Fiber), and it is a stunner. https://www.northbayfiber.com

It’s a vibrant tomato-red shade with warm undertones, perfect if you gravitate toward earthier reds instead of blue-toned ones. Honestly, it fills a big gap in my wardrobe—I didn’t have any red sweaters until now!

This cardigan is knit bottom-up with raglan shaping, and it features a super easy four-row texture repeat—easy enough to memorize, but still interesting to keep your brain engaged. I even used the pocket panels as my gauge swatch, which was a fun way to get started. Initially, I wasn’t sure if I’d actually sew them on, but I’ve come around—they add a nice touch!

Sleeves in Tandem? Yes, Please

Instead of magic looping two sleeves at once, I opted for two 12” circulars and worked them in tandem. Knit to the first increase on one, then switch to the other. It helped me keep the measurements consistent—especially handy when increases are based on inches, not row count. The method worked like a charm!

And yes, this is an oversized cardigan. I knit size 5, and it definitely has that relaxed, cozy vibe. If you want something a little more fitted, make sure to check your gauge and finished bust measurements carefully.

One of my favorite details is the five-stitch rib between the raglan decreases, which makes joining the sleeves and body so much easier. No need to fuss about lining up the pattern—it’s just clean and simple.

Now, about that double-knit button band… not my favorite technique to complete, I’ll admit. But it does give the finished piece a polished edge. And the buttons? Oh, they’re the stars! I used Quilt Star ceramic buttons from Haulin’ Hoof Farm Store, handmade and hand-painted in Ohio. The red ones matched perfectly, but they have tons of other colors too if you’re eyeing a different shade for your version. https://haulinhooffarm.com

Next on the Needles: The Lacey Loop Tee

With my cardigan off the needles, I’m ready to jump into something lighter: the Lacy Loop Tee. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/lacey-loop-tee

For this summery project, I’ll be using Yarn Jam’s silk linen fingering, which is a dreamy 65% silk and 35% linen blend in the color Terracotta. Each skein is a generous 115 grams (hello, 496 yards!). It’s drapey, breathable, and the rustic linen gives it the perfect balance of shine and texture. https://yarnjam.com/collections/silk-linen

This pattern is a top-down, short-sleeve tee with loads of lacy eyelets—perfect for warm weather knitting. I can already tell it’s going to become a staple in my summer wardrobe.

Summer Sewing: The Elsa Dress and Pinyon Jeans

Next up, let’s talk sewing. I recently finished two projects that I’m really excited about!

The Elsa Dress from Silver Saga Designs

I made the Elsa Dress using a gingham linen from Blackbird Fabrics. When Silver Saga updated the pattern to feature a more fitted bodice, I knew it was time. https://silversagapatterns.com The flowy sleeves and breezy silhouette gave it that perfect picnic-ready, cottagecore vibe.

I sewed it in one afternoon and love the way it turned out. It even pairs adorably with my new red cardigan—hello, cozy + whimsical combo! For fit advice: if you have a significant difference between your bust and waist, definitely pay attention to the finished bust measurement to avoid a boxy shape.

Sew Liberated Pinyon Jeans

Let’s talk pants—Pinyon Jeans from Sew Liberated. https://sewliberated.com/products/pinyon-pants-pattern I used denim from ewe Fibers, who offer a full kit that includes the zipper, button, and even thread. Game-changer.

The fit? Perfection. I didn’t make a single alteration! I chose a size with zero ease at the hips and just a touch of negative ease at the waist to make sure they stayed put—since there’s no elastic, they need to fit just right.

The flowered pocket lining adds such a sweet surprise, and they even came with tags. I love them so much, I’ve already ordered more denim to make another pair in a different color!

And a big shoutout to my honorary Aunt Alison—she’s my go-to sewing sage and always there when I need help troubleshooting a pattern or fit issue.

Spinning News: Tour de Fleece & Custom Colorways!

If you’re into spinning, you’ve probably heard of Tour de Fleece—it’s a fun fiber challenge that runs alongside the Tour de France every summer. While cyclists race across Europe, we race through our spinning stashes!

This year, I’m teaming up with Ahna from BrookWillow to host a more official version of our usual team. We’ll have a forum for sharing photos, chatting, and encouraging one another. Everyone’s welcome to join!

Custom Colorway Alert

Here’s the really exciting part: we have a custom colorway created by Yarn Jam just for the team. It’s available on:

• Shaniko (a Merino and Rambouillet blend)
• Shaniko Silk (with 20% mulberry silk)
• Shaniko Confetti Tweed

And even custom batts perfect for woolen spinning!

Everything launches at Maryland Sheep and Wool event- Yarncentrick (May 2) https://yarncentrick.com and will be available for pre-order online too May 3rd. https://yarnjam.com I’m spinning up a two-ply sport weight yarn with mine and planning a mosaic cowl—can’t wait to see how it turns out.

We’ll also have merch coming soon with a special design by Sarah from Denim and Rain, so keep your eyes peeled!

Books, Birds, and a New Studio

On the reading front, I just finished The Backyard Bird Chronicles, and whether you’re a bird watcher or not, it’s a lovely listen. I got both the hardback and the audiobook, which is narrated by the author. It’s filled with gentle reflections and sweet stories about birds and life—perfect to listen to while knitting or spinning. https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/194803881-the-backyard-bird-chronicles

Also, a quick plug: I snagged Cher’s biography on Audible during a one-day sale and cannot wait to dive in. It’s been on my Libby holds list for ages!

YFK Studio Update

Okay, y’all… this is BIG!!!

Young Folk Knits HQ is getting a dedicated studio space! My husband (a.k.a. Mr. YFK) and our contractor friend are building a full studio for me, and it’s coming along beautifully.

The space will include:

• A sewing corner with my machines and cutting table
• A wall of cubbies for yarn, fiber, and fabric
• A recording area at the back for filming videos and tutorials
• Space for freelance photography and flatlays
• Let’s just say my husband is very ready to reclaim the dining room table and every other surface my fiber stash has taken over!

Video

Wrapping up

Thanks so much for hanging out with me today. Whether you’re knitting, sewing, spinning, or bird-watching, I hope you find some peaceful moments this week. And I’d love to know—what are you working on? Got a book rec for me? Drop it in the comments!

Until next time, happy crafting y’all!

— Kaci 💛