DRK Everyday Cardigan, New Yarns in 2025, Books and More!

Hello friends! Today, I’m excited to share my recently finished projects, what’s currently on my needles, and what I plan to start soon. So grab a cozy seat and let’s dive in!

Surviving Tornado Season

First, I want to start with a huge thank you to everyone who checked in on me and my family after the recent tornadoes. We were incredibly fortunate—our property was untouched. However, just a few miles away, entire communities were devastated. My parents experienced one of the worst storms, an EF4 tornado, but thankfully, they still have their home. Their power was out for days, but all their animals, including their horses, are safe and sound.

Tornado season started with a bang this year, and I hope it settles down soon. But through it all, I’m feeling so grateful for our safety and sending love to those affected.

My Latest Finished Object: The DRK Everyday Cardigan

Now onto something a little happier—I finally have a finished object to share! It’s been a while since I had one, so I’m extra excited about this one: the DRK Everyday Cardi. https://www.ravelry.com/projects/YoungFolkKnits/drk-everyday-cardi

I knew I wanted to make this cardigan the second I saw the pattern. It’s the perfect versatile piece—something I can dress up or wear casually on the farm. It even has that timeless, cozy look, like something Helen from All Creatures Great and Small would wear.

For yarn, I used Mountain Meadow Wool 2 ply Sport Weight in the color Flint. It’s a naturally colored, plied yarn with a mix of brown-gray tones, giving it a gorgeous rustic feel. It’s soft, but still has that woolly, cozy texture that makes it a dream to wear.

The pattern itself is a raglan-style cardigan with a high folded collar. One of the cool things about it is that you can choose to wear it with either the purl side or the stockinette side facing out. I went with the purl side out because I love the texture—it really makes the details pop.

The sleeves were a breeze to knit because you can knit them inside out, meaning no endless purling. I used 12-inch circulars (later switching to 9-inch) to make them fly off the needles. But the real challenge? The button band.

I accidentally knit the entire button band in twisted rib through the back loop instead of just regular double knitting. Let me tell you, that was a journey. My hands were not happy with me. I even messaged the tech editor thinking there was an error in the pattern—only to realize it was my mistake! But in the end, the twisted rib turned out beautiful, even if it nearly broke me.

For buttons, I used Haulin’ Hoof wooden buttons, which I adore. If you haven’t checked out their shop, you definitely should. They have the cutest handmade buttons, including some in clay that I now have a small collection of! https://haulinhooffarm.com

Would I make this pattern again? Absolutely! In fact, I’d love to knit one in handspun. If you’re looking for yarn alternatives, I’d recommend:

• Farmers Daughter Fibers Recollect or Reminisce (similar wooly feel)
• Purl Soho Good Wool
• North Bay Fiber Elemental Sport
• Sonder Yarn Co Lux Sport for something extra luxurious
• Cascade 220 Sport for a more budget-friendly option

For fit, I think this cardigan looks best with zero positive ease or even slightly negative ease. I was careful when blocking mine to avoid stretching it out too much, and I love how it turned out.

Works in Progress

Secret Test Knit

I’m still working away on my secret test knit using North Bay Fiber Heritage Sport in the color Holly. This yarn is a dream—it’s Targhee wool, woolen spun, light, airy, and so soft. And the red color? Absolutely perfect. https://www.northbayfiber.com

The Nadine Skirt

I also recently test-sewed the Nadine Skirt for The Maker House. It’s a two-tiered, full-length button-front skirt, and I used Matchy Matchy Sewing Club fabric in a black and oat-colored stripe. It’s a snug-fitting waistband with no elastic, but I might tweak that for my next version by adding elastic in the back for comfort. https://www.etsy.com/listing/1879235097/?ref=share_ios_native_control

The best part? I planned this skirt to pair with my test-knit sweater, and I think they’re going to look so good together!

A New Sock Design!

I’ve been working on a new sock pattern that I’m about to send out for test knitting! It features a ruffle detail but with a slight adjustment to improve the fit—I wanted to make sure the ruffle doesn’t make the sock too loose around the leg. I also included a hidden rib under the ruffle for stability.

For yarn, I’m using WoollenTwine Ovis Sock, which is my current favorite sock yarn. If you’re interested in test knitting, be sure to sign up for my newsletter because I’ll be calling for testers soon!

Stornoway Sweater Knit-Along Wrap-Up

Our Stornoway Sweater Knit-Along has officially ended! I, of course, didn’t finish mine in time (no one is surprised), but I love how it’s coming along. I used Sewrella Worsted for this project, and I think it’s going to be the perfect spring sweater once I actually finish it.

Jessica and Rachel finished theirs, and they turned out stunning. It was such a fun knit-along, and I can’t wait to do another one in the future!

Yarn Acquisitions

I recently picked up a few new skeins for my stash:

• Explorer Knits and Fibers Rocky DK from an Instagram destash—perfect for a cozy ribbed hat.
• Farmers Daughter Fibers Recollect in Sapphire Empress—a gorgeous sea-green Targhee yarn that I’m using for an upcoming test knit.
• Jill Draper Kingston DK Tweed—a Tweedy dream that I’ve been eyeing forever and finally snagged!

What I’m Reading

I finally got my hands on From Here to the Great Unknown, the autobiography of Lisa Marie Presley. It’s been a tough read—her life was deeply sad, and it’s heartbreaking to hear about her struggles. (linked to Amazon affiliate link which I earn a small commission on)

I also started Elvis and Me by Priscilla Presley, which gave me some unexpected insights into their relationship. Let’s just say… there was a lot of weirdness there. (linked to Amazon affiliate link which I earn a small commission on)

I’m impatiently waiting for Cher’s autobiography to become available on Libby because I know that one will be a blast!

Giveaway Winners & A New Giveaway!

In my last video, I did a giveaway for Lindsay Fowler’s new book Trails and Valleys— check out this weeks video to see if you won and congrats to the winner! If you won, please email me so I can send your prize.

And now, a new giveaway! I’d love to gift one of you a copy of the DRK Everyday Cardi pattern. To enter, just leave a comment on this video. If you’ve already purchased the pattern and win, I’ll let you choose a different pattern instead.

Video

Wrapping Up

Thank you all for hanging out with me today! I hope your knitting projects are bringing you as much joy as mine are. Until next time, happy knitting!