Snowy Days, Cozy Knits, and Creative Adventures at Young Folk Knits

Welcome back to Young Folk Knits, where we celebrate everything fiber arts and life on a small farm in Arkansas. If you’re new here, I’m Kaci, and I love sharing my passion for knitting, spinning, sewing, and all the creative projects that make life richer. Today’s post is all about the cozy, creative moments we’ve been enjoying—despite some frosty weather—and a look at what’s fresh off the needles, what’s still in progress, and even a few recommendations for books and shows that pair perfectly with your latest project.

Snow, Mud, and the Rhythm of Winter

Winter brought an unexpected blanket of snow to Arkansas recently, with a whopping 8-9 inches turning the landscape into a sparkling wonderland. It didn’t last long—typical for Arkansas weather—and melted the next day, leaving behind a muddy mess for farm life. Managing animals, kids, and muddy dogs was a challenge, but the brief snowfall offered a little magic before the chaos set in.
The frigid temperatures, dipping into the single digits, mean it’s officially woolly weather. I’ve been making the most of it by bundling up in handknits I rarely get to wear. While the cold is tough on my joints, it’s the perfect excuse to slow down and focus on fiber projects.

Finished Knits: Wrapping Up the Year

I ended 2024 with three sweaters that I’m so proud of. Each one was a labor of love and brought its own challenges and joys.

Paulie Cardigan

The Paulie Cardigan, by Amy Christophers, was part of the Mosaic Mayhem Knitalong and knit with North Bay Fiber’s Heritage DK yarn in the shades Sandpoint and Chestnut. https://www.ravelry.com/projects/YoungFolkKnits/paulie-cardigan This targhee wool yarn was a dream to work with—light, warm, and beautifully spun. While I’m not usually a fan of bottom-up knitting (especially attaching sleeves with all those stitches pulling awkwardly), the results made it worth the effort. I added a double-knit button band and plan to finish it off with magnetic gold snaps for a clean, polished look.

Lumme Pullover

Next, I completed the Lumme Pullover by Sari Nordlund, using Isager Alpaca 3. https://www.ravelry.com/projects/YoungFolkKnits/lumme-pullover This circular yoke design came with some fit challenges, but modifying the pattern to suit my measurements worked beautifully. By choosing a smaller size for the shoulders and adding extra stitches under the arms, I avoided excess fabric where I didn’t need it. The soft alpaca yarn adds a lovely halo, and while it’s warm, I always layer it over a lightweight tee to extend the time between washes.

Moon Mint Pullover

The third finish was Andrea Mowry’s Moon Mint Pullover, a bottom-up, drop-shoulder sweater with stunning all-over mosaic texture. https://www.ravelry.com/projects/YoungFolkKnits/moon-mint I used Sond Yarn Co.’s Lux Sport yarn, which blends BFL, Masham, and cashmere. The yarn’s softness and luster made it a joy to work with, and I loved the fitted, bracelet-length sleeves. Andrea’s patterns are always clear and easy to follow, making this an enjoyable knit from start to finish.

Works in Progress: Projects Keeping Me Busy

There’s always something on my needles, and this week, a few standouts have kept my attention.

Ingrid Baby Sweater

First up is the Ingrid Baby Sweater by PetiteKnit. https://www.ravelry.com/projects/YoungFolkKnits/ingrid-sweater-baby This textured, top-down sweater is supposed to fit a 0-3 month baby, but in my opinion, it’s more like a 6-12 month size. I’m using Sandnes Garn Double Sunday, which is soft and lovely to knit with, even though it’s not a superwash yarn. This one is a gift for a dear friend who recently moved away, and I’m determined to knit her baby an entire wardrobe.

Dagmar Jacket

I’ve also been working on the Dagmar Jacket, a mini knitalong project with Megha from Skiens of Dreams. https://www.ravelry.com/projects/YoungFolkKnits/dagmar-jacket We’re using De Rerum Natura Gilliatt, a worsted-weight yarn that offers incredible stitch definition and a lightweight, fluffy feel. The semi-worsted spun texture makes it a delight to knit, and I’m making steady progress through the increases.

Weekend Hat

Another current favorite is the Weekend Hat by Hiromi Nagasawa. https://www.ravelry.com/projects/YoungFolkKnits/weekend-hat This cabled hat is flying off the needles thanks to its juicy cables and fun texture. I’m knitting mine with Sandnes Garn Double Sunday and plan to finish it soon—just a couple more rows to go!

The Mockingbird Shawl

One project that’s so close to being finished is the Mockingbird Shawl. This design was made to pair with handspun yarn, and I’ve been using a braid in the colorway Ozark Dreaming. The colors are perfect for late winter and early spring, and I can’t wait to bind off and block it so I can start wearing it.

Books, TV, and Marine Life Fascination

When I’m not knitting, I’ve been diving into some great reads and shows. I recently started Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt, a novel that’s partially told from the perspective of an octopus. The book’s warmth and humor have made it a joy to listen to on the Libby app, and it reminded me of the documentary My Octopus Teacher on Netflix, which I rewatched with my family.

For TV, the latest season of All Creatures Great and Small has been a cozy delight—possibly one of the best shows ever. Its heartwarming storytelling is the perfect companion for winter knitting.

Join the Fun: Stornoway Sweater Knitalong

Before wrapping up, I want to share an exciting knitalong for the Stornoway Sweater by Cheryl from Coco Amour Knits. This drop-shoulder, textured sweater is a collaborative project with Rachel and Jessica from the Those Twins Who Knit YouTube channel. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/stornoway-sweater The knitalong runs until March 15, 2025, and there are prizes, including a $50 gift card from Sewrella Yarn. If you’re interested, join us on Instagram with the hashtag #StornowaySweaterSquad or in the Ravelry thread.

Video

Take a look at this week’s video:

Let’s Chat

That’s all for this week! Whether you’re knitting, reading, or watching something inspiring, let me know in the comments. This community is such a wonderful source of ideas and encouragement, and I love hearing what everyone is working on. Until next time, happy knitting, y’all!