Knitting Fall Sweaters and Colorwork Adventures!

Hello, fellow fiber enthusiasts! Welcome to YoungFolk Knits, where we dive into the world of knitting, sewing, spinning, and all things fiber arts. My name is Kaci, and if you’re new here, I’m thrilled to have you join our cozy corner of the internet. Not only do I share my love for crafting, but I also offer a peek into life on a small farm nestled in the Ozark foothills of Arkansas. If this sounds like your cup of tea, be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on future posts!

What I’m Wearing: The Hope Dress

Let’s start with what I’m wearing today: the recently completed Hope Dress. https://www.stylearc.com/shop/sewing-patterns/hope-woven-dress/?srsltid=AfmBOorsS5k8fVNjd8gEUkKbfRdkj2OBPHs-EC2-xqI_VxlEbYLt1e8r This raglan-style dress is based on a pattern from Style Arc and is perfect for woven fabrics. I opted for a stretch linen in a timeless black-and-white gingham, sourced from Linen Lab. https://linenlab.co.kr/YOUNGFOLKKNITS I adore the raglan shaping, flowy skirt with pockets, and big sleeves cinched at the wrist with elastic. Dresses like this are my go-to for their comfort and year-round wearability. This piece is sure to become a staple in my wardrobe.

A Flare-Up and a Sewing Break

Lately, my crafting has been a bit varied due to a flare-up in my carpal tunnel and tennis elbow. The repetitive strain from recent knitting projects—especially those involving colorwork—took a toll. I’ve been wearing wrist splints at night, using compression gloves, and giving my hands a much-needed break with some sewing projects. Thankfully, I’m easing back into knitting, and it’s going well so far.

The Lumme Pullover: A Love Story

Now, onto the project that contributed most to my current wrist troubles: the Lumme Pullover by Sari Nordlund. https://www.ravelry.com/projects/YoungFolkKnits/lumme# This colorwork yoke sweater caught my attention over time. At first, I wasn’t sold on the bold motifs, but after seeing it knit up in various colors, I fell in love. I chose an alpaca-blend yarn called Alpaca 3 from Wool and Company, a shop I love for their excellent yarn selection and online service. Although this yarn was labeled as DK weight, it seemed much bulkier—perfect for the pullover’s suggested gauge.

This yarn has a unique construction: an i-cord-like strand that’s stretchy, fluffy, and full of halo. The finished knit is incredibly warm, making it a bit hot for Arkansas’ less colder winter months. I managed to complete the entire yoke over a weekend during Rhinebeck weekend—a marathon that certainly contributed to my wrist pain.

Nearly Finished: The Grid Gambit Cowl

I’m so excited to share that I’ve nearly completed the Grid Gambit Cowl, a pattern by Samantha Guerin. https://www.ravelry.com/projects/YoungFolkKnits/grid-gambit-test-knit I even had the fun opportunity to help name this pattern! The cowl features mosaic slip stitches that mimic a checkerboard pattern, knit with my handspun yarn and Hudson DK in Adirondack Haze from Newburgh Yarn Co. It’s a soft, grungy rainbow that’s perfect for fall.

I plan to follow a tip I learned from Leanne at The Knitty Stew: seam the cowl only halfway to create a more flattering drape at the bottom. This method has worked well for similar projects, so I’m excited to try it here. This cowl will also be my latest entry for the #YFKMosaicMayhemKAL, which runs until the end of the year.

The Alma Mittens: Cozy Colorwork

Another recent project is the Alma Mittens, made in a fun project with Ahna from BrookWillow as part of our mini knit-along. https://www.ravelry.com/projects/YoungFolkKnits/alma I’m using the new Daily Wool from Purl Soho, a worsted weight yarn that’s as soft as can be. The mittens feature corrugated ribbing and a beautiful flower motif. Although I completed one mitten in a day, my hand pain forced me to pause on the second.

Tips for Magic Loop Knitting

For those who, like me, prefer magic loop knitting for mittens, here’s a tip: use a 40-inch cable. It helps maintain tension and prevents ladders, making the process much smoother. Shorter cables can work, but a longer one ensures an easier and more enjoyable experience.

Progress on the Ginny Cardigan

My Ginny Cardigan by Andrea Mowry is slowly but surely coming together. I finished one sleeve and decided to work on the second to gauge how much yarn I have left before tackling the body and shawl collar. I’m using Metamorphic yarn from Spincycle, and while I’m a bit nervous about yardage, I’m hopeful I’ll have enough. I may even reserve a skein for the shawl collar and use a similar color for the belt if needed.

Secret Test Knit and Luxurious Yarn

Although I can’t share too many details yet, I’m working on a test knit using Lux Sport from Sonder Yarns. This blend of BFL, Masham, and cashmere is just as luxurious as it sounds. The colors I chose, Into the Woods and Take a Hike, complement each other beautifully, creating a subtle but striking look.

Joining the Softly Knit-Along

Lastly, I’m co-hosting the Softly Knit-Along with Sari Nordlund to celebrate her book, “Softly: Timeless Knits.” The knit-along kicks off on November 1st, and wips are welcome! To participate, post your progress on Instagram or Ravelry with the hashtag #SoftlyKAL and tag us to make sure we see it. Excitingly, Sari has sent me two copies of her book to give away—one to a YouTube commenter and one to an Instagram follower. Be sure to enter for your chance to win!

A New Sweater Cast-On

My latest cast-on is the Apollonis Sweater, a circular yoke pattern perfect for bulky weight yarns. I’m repurposing some reclaimed Quince & Co. Osprey yarn in a warm, oatmeal color.

I cast on during a visit to the local symphony orchestra where they played pieces from “Star Wars” and Holst’s “The Planets”—an inspiring setting for starting a new project!

Video

Check out the conversation in video form!

Final Thoughts and Sewing Projects

Thank you so much for stopping by and catching up with my latest projects! Don’t forget to comment and enter the giveaways, and until next time, happy knitting and crafting!