Knitting the Norma Sweater by My Favorite Things Knitwear | Cozy Progress Chat and Peaceful Knit With Me
It’s a crisp October morning here in Arkansas, and I can’t think of a better way to spend it than with some peaceful knitting time. The leaves are starting to turn, the air has that cozy chill, and I’ve been enjoying working on my Norma Sweater. This is a simple, beautiful raglan design that’s perfect for this season. Today’s video and this post are a little slower paced, a little quieter, and all about savoring the moment with our knitting.
What I’m Wearing: The Alpenglow Sweater
Before settling in with my project, I slipped on one of my favorite handknits, the Alpenglow Sweater by Andrea Mowry.
This pattern came out a few years ago and was actually Andrea’s Rhinebeck sweater for that year. Mine is knit in a mix of yarns that were easily available to me at the time. I used Quince & Co. Chickadee, a lovely sport weight, for both the ribbing and my main pinkish shade.
For the contrast color, I brought in a suri alpaca from The Farmer’s Daughter Fibers called Oh dang in the colorway Flower Point.
The other pop of color you see is Spin Cycle Dyed in the Wool in the shade Mississippi Marsala.
It’s one of those sweaters that just makes you happy to wear. It is cozy, colorful, and with that slightly rustic charm that makes it feel handmade in the best possible way. You can find all the project details on my Ravelry page if you want to check out the full yarn combinations and notes.
Focusing on One Project at a Time
After chatting with many of you in last week’s video, I took your advice to heart. I am determined to focus on just one project and see it through. I can be a bit of a multitasker when it comes to knitting, bouncing between projects depending on my mood. But this week, I wanted to give one project my full attention. That project is my Norma Sweater by My Favorite Things Knitwear.
The Norma Sweater is a top-down raglan knit in worsted weight yarn, with subtle yet fun colorwork details that make it engaging without being complicated.
The stripes alternate between simple one-by-one colorwork and plain striping, broken up by solid stockinette sections. It’s the kind of project that feels like comfort knitting, which is easy enough to do while chatting or watching something, but still interesting enough to hold your attention.
Yarn Choices and Gauge Adjustments
For my Norma, I’m using Sonder Yarn Co. Sunday Morning DK, which is a blend of BFL and Masham wool.
It’s a gorgeous yarn that feels both soft and sturdy, and while it’s labeled DK, it plumps up beautifully. I’m a loose knitter, so for me it works up closer to a light worsted weight. I’m knitting mine on a US 7 needle, even though the pattern calls for a US 8, and I’m getting the perfect gauge that way.
If you’re a tighter knitter, you might find that it behaves more like a true DK weight, but the fabric I’m getting is exactly what I wanted. It is just dense enough to hold structure but still drapey. My colors are Hot Cocoa, Personal Space, and Offline, which is the soft gray shade. I love how the warm brown of Hot Cocoa contrasts with the muted tones of the other two colors.
Progress and Modifications
At this point, I’ve finished the body of the sweater. I measured it and came out at about 10 inches, which is slightly longer than I planned, but I’m not too worried about it. According to the pattern, you’re supposed to start the ribbing after finishing 11 rows of stockinette in your main color. I’m right there now, so it’s time to swap to my ribbing needles.
I decided to use a US 6 for the ribbing, which is just one size down from the body. This is because I want the ribbing to block out nicely and not cinch in too much. I prefer a more relaxed, boxy fit rather than a fitted hem.
The pattern calls for 2.75 inches of ribbing, which should give me a total of around 13 inches in the body. That’s a bit longer than I originally envisioned, but I think it will give the sweater a nice cozy length, perfect for layering with jeans or leggings.
Finding Focus and Joy in Simple Knitting
Lately, I’ve been a little scattered with my knitting, starting new projects before finishing others. So it feels really good to just focus on this one sweater. There’s something about finishing a piece that’s so satisfying. It’s like a little confidence boost that reminds you how much progress you can make when you slow down and give one thing your attention.
That’s the energy I wanted for this morning. Just a quiet, cozy knit-along moment. If you’d like to join me, grab your project, pour yourself a cup of tea or coffee, and let’s enjoy a bit of knitting time together.
Peaceful Knitting Time
As I worked on my ribbing, soft music played in the background. It is so relaxing with those gentle, peaceful tunes that make the knitting rhythm feel meditative. You can just enjoy the sounds of the needles, the yarn sliding through your fingers, and the cozy calm that comes with it.
It’s easy to underestimate how therapeutic these quiet moments can be. Sometimes we need a break from all the busy chatter and just let ourselves enjoy the process of making something. Watching the rows of stitches grow beneath your hands, hearing that light clicking sound. It’s like a deep breath for your creative soul.
Video
Wrapping Up and Checking In
Thank you for spending some time knitting with me. Even though this was a simpler, slower-paced episode, I wanted it to feel like sitting down with a friend. Both of us working on our projects, chatting, and sharing that peaceful creative space.
I always love hearing from you about what you’re working on while you watch. Whether you’re knitting, crocheting, sewing, or spinning, it’s so fun to imagine all of us scattered around the world, creating together in spirit. If you’re reading this, I’d love to know what’s currently on your needles or what project has been bringing you joy lately.
This week’s slower pace reminded me that it’s okay to have quieter creative moments. Not every project needs to be about productivity or progress. Sometimes it’s just about being present and enjoying the feel of the yarn and the rhythm of your stitches.
Looking Ahead
Next time, I’ll share a bit more about how the finished Norma Sweater turns out once I complete the ribbing and block it. I’m really excited to see how the colors come together and how it fits once it’s all finished.
If you enjoyed this cozy knitting session, make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel YoungFolk Knits so you don’t miss future videos. You can also find me on Instagram @youngfolk.knits and on Ravelry as YoungFolkKnits, where all my project notes are listed.
I hope you find a little moment this week to sit down with your needles, breathe deep, and enjoy the peace that comes with making something by hand. Until next time, happy knitting, y’all!
I love your artistry! So beautiful!
Deb
Sometimes a little quiet focused knitting on one special project is all you need. I love your knitting bag. I can read Rose on the tag but not the rest of the maker’s name. Please share.
Sunny,
Absolutely! The bag is “Rose and Wren”.
Kaci
I absolutely love your YouTube channel. It’s helpful for me as I live in a similar climate in Tennessee. I’m curious if you do much in the way of knitting for your kids and where you would find those patterns. That is one thing I have really struggled to find – wonderful patterns for kids. Again, l look forward to your videos and thank you for all the knitting wisdom!
Megan,
Thank you so much for your kind words! Tennessee is beautiful and I love the Smokey Mountains. On the subject of knitting for kids, I did a lot of knitting for them when they were smaller if you peek at my ravelry projects you can see some patterns I have made and loved.
Kaci