Mosaic Mayhem Knitalong, Paulie Cardigan, Knitting Fun and Prizes

Hello everyone, and welcome to the cozy corner of the internet that is Young Folk Knits! I’m Kaci, your resident fiber enthusiast, here to share my passion for all things knitting and a bit of life in the wilds of Arkansas. Today, I’m especially excited to dive into one of my favorite knitting techniques: Mosaic Knitting. This post will take you through the highly anticipated (by me haha) start of our YFK Mosaic Mayhem Knitalong, some current projects on my needles, and a peek into some delightful distractions keeping me company.

Kicking Off the YFK Mosaic Mayhem Knitalong

The YFK Mosaic Mayhem Knitalong has officially begun, and let me tell you, the enthusiasm in the knitting community is palpable! For those of you unfamiliar with Mosaic Knitting, it’s a fantastic colorwork technique that uses slip stitches to create intricate patterns without the hassle of managing multiple yarns at once. It’s both beginner-friendly and a great challenge for seasoned knitters looking for something new.

I initially planned to start with a fresh project but found myself drawn to an old work-in-progress (WIP) that has been languishing in my stash for far too long. This lingering WIP is the “Pressed Flower Shawl,” a beautiful pattern by Amy Christoffers. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pressed-flowers-3

The shawl features a striking mosaic motif that has captured my heart. I’m using yarn from a kit by Birch Grove, and the colors are just breathtaking—a deep, mossy green as the main color and a variegated, autumnal mix that perfectly captures the essence of fall. I’m halfway through the border, and while the rows are getting longer, I’m enjoying every stitch!

A New Challenge: The Paulie Cardigan

While working on my shawl, I couldn’t resist starting a new project. My plan is to cast on the “Paulie Cardigan,” another stunning pattern by Amy Christoffers. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/paulie-cardigan This cardigan is inspired by quilt star patterns and features charming one-by-one mosaic stitches throughout. The cardigan is knit from the bottom up, with the sleeves being knit first—a method that’s new to me but one I’m excited to try.

I wanted to start with a tubular cast-on, which I find quicker and gives a beautiful, stretchy edge—perfect for the cuffs of a cardigan. I chose yarn from North Bay Fiber Co. in their Heritage DK base, which was kindly gifted to me, in the colors Sandpoint and Chestnut. These colors give a Scandinavian farmhouse vibe that I think will be both neutral and stylish. I can’t wait to see how it turns out!

However, I ran into a bit of a snag. I couldn’t find my size US 4 circular needles! After searching high and low, I decided to treat myself to a new pair of Addi FlexiFlips. If you haven’t tried FlexiFlips yet, they offer a unique blend of the flexibility of circular needles with the control of double-pointed needles (DPNs).

They’re perfect for small circumference knitting like sleeves or socks, and I find them easier to use than traditional DPNs. I’m not a fan of the magic loop method or DPNs, so FlexiFlips are a great alternative!

Knitalong Fun and Prizes

If you’re interested in joining the YFK Mosaic Mayhem Knitalong, it’s not too late! The knitalong is very laid-back; you can choose any mosaic or slip-stitch pattern to knit. Share your progress on Instagram with the hashtag #YFKMosaicMayhemKAL or join the thread on Ravelry.

We’ll be running until the end of the year, December 31, 2024, so there’s plenty of time to get involved. Plus, there are some fantastic prizes up for grabs, including skeins of luxurious yarn, pattern giveaways, and some adorable enamel pins from Leg Garoms. So, make sure to post your progress for a chance to win! https://www.ravelry.com/discuss/youngfolk-knits-podcast/4324074/101-125#106

My Current Inspirations: TV Shows, Audiobooks, and Spinning

While I knit away on my projects, I’ve been indulging in some delightful distractions. I’ve recently been hooked on “The Mallorca Files,” a charming and campy British detective series set in the beautiful Balearic Islands. It’s light-hearted, filled with fun mysteries, and the perfect companion for a cozy knitting session.

I’ve also been listening to a lot of audiobooks, particularly in the mystery and thriller genres. They keep me on the edge of my seat while spinning or knitting, though I sometimes find myself so engrossed in the story that my spinning gets a bit intense!

Speaking of spinning, I’ve been working on a fun project using yarn from Yarn Jam’s Podcaster Collection. Trisha from Yarn Jam created colorways inspired by her favorite fiber content creators, and I’m thrilled to be one of them! My colorway is a lovely blend of greens and purples, and I’m spinning it up on a Sahniko Tweed base.

I can’t wait to see how it all comes together when plied! The collection is releasing September 6, 2024 and if you would to like to purchase any color (not just the YFK color) you can use code YOUNGFOLKKNITS for 15% off. https://yarnjam.com.

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Final Thoughts and Looking Ahead

As the humidity in Arkansas starts to drop and fall slowly creeps in, I find myself even more excited to work on cozy projects like my Paulie Cardigan. Knitting not only brings me comfort but also a sense of accomplishment as I watch these projects come to life stitch by stitch.

Today I loved wearing my iza cardigan by Vert and Rose and pairing it with some linen Bob pants and a matching linen Georgia tee.

Thank you so much for spending a little time with me here on Young Folk Knits. I hope you’re inspired to pick up your needles, join our knitalong, or try out a new technique. If you enjoyed this post, make sure to subscribe to stay updated with all my latest knitting adventures. Until next time, happy knitting, y’all!

Knitting Projects