Knitting, Test Knit Projects, and DIY Friendship Bracelet Style!

Hello, fellow knitters! Welcome back to Young Folk Knits! If you’re new here, I’m Kaci, and I love sharing my adventures in fiber arts, from knitting and spinning to sewing, crochet, and even a little peek into life on our small farm in Arkansas. If that sounds like your kind of thing, don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an update!

February is here, and somehow, it’s already feeling like spring! The daffodils are blooming, and the weather is unseasonably warm, but knowing Arkansas, we’ll probably get another cold snap soon. In the meantime, I’m enjoying short sleeves and a bit of porch knitting.

This week, I’m working on a few different projects—including some test knits, stitch marker DIYs, and my knitalong sweater—so grab a cup of tea and let’s chat!

Knitalong Update: The Stornoway Sweater

One of my main projects right now is the Stornoway Sweater, which I’m co-hosting as a knitalong with Rachel and Jessica from Those Twins Who Knit on YouTube. https://www.ravelry.com/projects/YoungFolkKnits/stornoway-sweater# The pattern is designed by Cheryl from Cocoamour Knits, and it’s been such a fun knit so far.

This sweater features textured stitches and a drop-shoulder construction, making it super engaging without being overly complex. Each row changes things up—knitting, purling, a bit of colorwork—but nothing is too difficult. It’s the kind of project where you just keep wanting to do “one more row.”

I’m using worsted-weight yarn from Sewrella in the colors BreckenRidge (a soft oatmeal) and Apres Ski (a rich blue). The combination feels classic, and I can already tell it’s going to be a wardrobe staple. https://sewrellayarn.com?sca_ref=5939400.EyQFq7OpTn

If you want to join us in the knitalong, we’re knitting through March 15th! Just post a photo of your progress on Instagram using #StornowaySweaterSquad, or share in our Ravelry thread (linked below). Plus, Sewrella has generously donated a $50 gift card as a prize!

A Finished Project: The Weekend Beanie

I actually finished something recently—the Weekend Beanie by Hiromi Nagasawa! It’s a beautiful cabled hat that I made for my daughter, and she’s been wearing it nonstop. https://www.ravelry.com/projects/YoungFolkKnits/weekend-hat

I used Sandnes Garn Double Sunday, which worked beautifully for the texture. However, I somehow misread the pattern and completely improvised the cables (oops!). The final result still looks great, just… different.

One issue I had was the fit—it turned out a little tight, so for my next one, I’m going up a needle size to get a looser, cozier feel. If you like cabled hats, I highly recommend this pattern!

DIY Stitch Markers & Friendship Bracelets

With the kids feeling a bit restless indoors, we decided to have a craft day making friendship bracelets and stitch markers! They wanted to make Taylor Swift-inspired bracelets, and I joined in, making some fun stitch markers for myself and my knitting friends.

I used alphabet beads to make markers with words like “Woolly,” “Lavender Haze,” and “YoungFolk Knits”—and if anyone’s interested, I might even do a tutorial on how to make your own. Let me know in the comments!

Current Knitting Projects

Norma Sweater by My Favorite Things Knitwear

I’m also working on the Norma Sweater, a Raglan colorwork design from My Favorite Things Knitwear. https://www.ravelry.com/projects/YoungFolkKnits/norma-sweater I cast this one on before they released the drop-shoulder version, so I’m sticking with the original.

For yarn, I’m using Sonder’s Sunday Morning DK in:

• Hot Cocoa or Espresso (main color)
• Personal Space (blue contrast color)
• Offline (natural gray contrast)

This yarn is a BFL and Masham blend, which gives it that perfectly woolly feel. The fabric is coming out light but warm, making it perfect for our Arkansas climate!

A Secret Test Knit & a Matching Outfit Idea

I can’t share too many details yet, but I’m working on a secret test knit in North Bay Fiber Heritage Sport, a woolen-spun yarn that is so lightweight and airy. The color I chose is Holly, a gorgeous tomato red, and I think it’s going to make the perfect red cardigan.

I’m also test sewing a skirt pattern at the same time! It’s called the Nadine Skirt by The Maker House, and I picked a railroad stripe linen fabric for it. I think the red cardigan + linen skirt combo is going to be perfect for spring and summer.

Sock Club & Accessories

I joined a monthly sock club from Little Fox Yarn Co., and each month’s colorway is inspired by Wes Anderson films. My knitting group chose The Daily Socks by Summer Lee for our pattern, and I’m loving the simple textured stitch. https://www.ravelry.com/projects/YoungFolkKnits/the-daily-socks

A Commitment to Finishing the Aelia Pullover

Helle from Danish Musings and I both have a lingering WIP—the Aurelia Pullover by Sari Nordlund. It’s a stunning cabled sweater, but it’s been on pause for ages. Since we both want to finish it, we’ve decided to work on it for 40 minutes every Tuesday to make some steady progress. https://www.ravelry.com/projects/YoungFolkKnits/aurelia-pullover

I’m using The Fibre Company’s Lore DK, a rustic woolly base that’s perfect for cables. Hopefully, with this new plan, I’ll finally get it finished!

Exciting Yarn Mail: Ruby & Roses Downton Abbey Collection

I also got some amazing yarn mail from Ruby & Roses Yarn Co.! Addie has created a Downton Abbey-inspired collection, and I got to pick out a few skeins to try.

Some standouts:

• Brave New World (BFL Lace Weight, 875 yards!)
• Commitment Moment (BFL Lace Weight, gorgeous golden speckles)
• Chauffeur (Superwash Merino/Nylon Sock, deep green )
• Glow Up (DK & Suri versions, rich blue green)

I’m planning to hold the lace-weight BFL double for socks, and I might use the DK weight for a hat or mittens. These colors are just stunning.
These are releasing February 15 at 6pm est and you can use my link for $5 off your first order! Downton Abbey collection https://rubyandrosesyarn.com/YOUNGFOLK

Video

My knit kits

Check out my knitting needle kits and needles used on this project:

Wrapping Up

That’s a wrap on my current projects! I’d love to hear what you’re working on—what’s bringing you joy this week? Let’s all share our little moments of happiness in the comments.

Thanks for hanging out with me, and happy knitting, y’all! 🧶