August 31, 2025: Dear Amazebling U.S. Customers,

With deep sadness, I’ve had to suspend all shipping to the U.S.  The recent tariff changes, combined with broken  and confusing systems from mail carriers,  have made it nearly impossible to ship reliably  or transparently. I can’t guarantee your package will arrive without delays and unexpected fees or delays—and that’s not okay. As soon as clear systems are in place, I’ll reopen.  Your support, messages, and shared love of sparkle mean everything.

Thread and Maple added a poignant and informative blog post.  I couldn't have written it better myself.  Please follow the link below to read.

LINK TO THREAD AND MAPLE BLOG POST

If you have any questions, please reach out to me anytime.  

With gratitude, Amanda xo

I am so excited to announce TCJ MERCHANDISE is coming to the shop in 2024, big time!  But to kick off this new collection, I am introducing TCJ Glitter Stickers from Sticker Mule!  I have thought a long time about getting branded merchandise for the shop, and when Sticker Mule sent me a promo to try out their products, I thought, now is the time.  These Glitter Stickers are high quality sparkly stickers with the whimsical TCJ logo on them turned out better than I ever expected; they're thick, super sparkly with a strong stick. If you are a sticker collector, like me, you are going to want to add this one to your collection!

This is just the start, Sticker Mule has lots of Merch products that I can brand and bring to you! In the meantime, these fun stickers are available now in the shop:

SHOP MERCH

Tell me what type of Merchandise you want to collect!

You can order these kits on www.yarnboler.com
These kits are a collaboration between Yarnboler & I. They come as singles, sets of three, five, and twelve days of Christmas.  This year we have a NEW limited colorway that's amazebling 🔮

SHOP this colorway in sets of THREE and FIVE

These cuties are perfect as tree ornaments, garlands, gift tags toppers, wine bottle toppers, hostess gifts, egg hats, and dolly toques!  Fun and fast adding a special touch to whatever you put them on or however you use them.

This spring I started carrying Katia Insta Granny yarn.  This yarn is super cool and specifically makes 5-round Granny Squares with automatic color shifts. 

1 ball makes 3 Granny Squares. 
You can purchase the yarn HERE.

At first it might take a few goes to get the color shifts to match up perfectly, or almost perfectly, but once you get it, I promise, you'll be addicted to making these fun squares...I certainly was.....  I made a Deb Cardi - CROCHET using 9 balls (27 Granny Squares) + MEGA Bling.

I put together the basics in a kit to make the Deb Cardi - CROCHET.  This kit comes with 9 balls of Katia Insta Granny + 2 balls of Katia Concept Sky for the final seaming round.  The kit doesn't really come with a pattern, perse, rather modifications, tips and tricks, schematics and photos of what I did to create this masterpiece that hopefully will make it easy for you to replicate.  If you want to add EXTRA Bling, you need to add some to your cart, HERE.

For more info, check out the RAVELRY Project page, HERE.

The last two blog posts I went over the basic differences between the sequin yarns and some tips and tricks on how to use the yarns and some finishing techniques.  Today I want to show you a visual breakdown of the differences, comparing each option at a glance:

SHOPBLING AT THE BLING BAR

Download your FREE copy of the Comparison Chart HERE.

Last week, I talked about the basic differences between the sequin options.  Today, I am going to talk about working with the sequins.  I use this fabulous sparkly yarn as a carry-along yarn; meaning, I always hold it with another main yarn.  You can really hold it with absolutely any yarn and all yarns.  It is important to do a gauge swatch as the sparkles can change the colour of your project and some of the sparkle yarns like Mega Bling, Sequinicity, and Lana Gatto Paillettes can effect the gauge.

SHOPBLING AT THE BLING BAR

Above is a photo of a sweater project I am working on holding Frankie Grey Fibres Suri double in a natural colour + Ella Rae Sequinicity.  Because my yarn color is natural and the Sequinicity are solid colors, it's really picking up the colour of the sparkles; it feels like I am painting with the sparkles.

For this project, you can see I have a lot of colours going on; but, I specifically designed this so I would only have the Suri (held double) and one sequinicity color going at a time. Too many sparkle balls going on at one time can be a bit of a mess.  

TIPS WHILE WORKING

• For beginners, especially, I would always recommend placing the sequin yarn in a separate little baggy, just big enough for the ball to rotate in the bag.  This will keep it from tangling with the other yarns. And because the yarn can be slinky, it can fall off the ball easily; keeping it contained makes this less of an issue.
• When you are not using the balls, I would store them with an elastic around them.
• If your ball of sequins gets tangled, don't fret.  Unless it is the Mega Bling which is typically the easiest to untangle, I would just break the sparkles at the knot, and re start the strand. It's not worth the painstaking of untangling. 
• If you're doing any colorwork projects where you have one color with sequins, alternating with yarn that has no sequins, it is helpful to keep the yarn that has sequins together in one bag and the yarn with no sequins separated.
• If you have to frog or tink, take your time and simply keep the sequin yarn together with the main yarn as one.  If you have to further separate the yarns, I would not take the time to save the sparkles, unless it is Mega Bling.  Just rip it from the main yarn and trash it.

TIPS FOR FINISHING

• Weaving in ends: For the King Cole Cosmos and Sequinicity (any sequins over 4mm diameter), I always carefully snip the sequins off the thread they are on before weaving in my ends.  The sequins are just too big and spaced out to weave in successfully. 

• For the Mega Bling and the Lana Gatto Paillettes, I do not snip the sequins.  I keep the sequin yarns attached to the yarn they're on and weave in together with the main yarn.  It is easiest if you do not split the yarn/stitches as you weave in.  If it's giving you a headache, weave in the main colour separate and just bring the sequin yarn to the back of the work, maybe do one weave in motion then clip it.  Don't worry, because you are leaving the sequins on the thread, it wont unravel. 

My final tip, don't be intimidated by the bling! It is such a joyful experience to make somebling that sparkles from start to finish.  You can hold the sparkles while knitting, crochet, weaving, or for most crafty projects! The sequins are not scratchy and do not snag.  Currently, my favorite sparkly yarn is the most special MEGA BLING!  I am obsessed with this ultra sparkly yarn and I want to add it to E.V.E.R.Y.B.L.I.N.G!  That being said, the King Cols Cosmos is probably the most used sequin yarn out there; for price, sparkle factor, and yardage, you really can't beat it!

SHOPBLING AT THE BLING BAR

It's always a thrill when I see makers add sparkle projects!  Carry-along yarns are MAJOR this season, along with sparkles, neon, and tweed!  I have a couple sparkle options, it can be confusing which one is right for your project, so here is a bit of info.  Remember, always make a swatch to see how your bling will work with your main yarn; some of the options will change your gauge slightly.  Check individual listings for yardage.

Visit the BLING BAR for all the sparkle

 SEQUINICITY & LANA GATTO PAILLETTES are very similar.  Sequinicity is a tad heavier.  Both are about a lace-weight and they do change the gauge of your finished garment.  The sequins also match the soft polyester thread they are on so they are great for matching colours to main yarns or holding with a mohair or suri. 

I actually made three Sparkly Love Notes...one for myself, one for my favorite four-year old, and one for Meow Meow!  Actually, Wyn was three (photo below) when I knit the sweater for her, but she still fits into it at four (photo above)!

For mine, I used two skeins/balls each of: Madelinetosh Merino Light + Mohair + gold/gold sequins.  Because of the mohair and the color of the yarns (like a pale peachy-pink), the gold sequins tuck into the fibers and match the tone of the sweater;  they're not glamorously obvious; they are subtle and sparkly!  I love this piece, and the added sequins really gives it life!  You can read my notes & mods on my Ravelry project page, HERE.

For Wyn's and Meow Meow's sweater, I used a chunky blown alpaca single stranded + a silver/rainbow sequin.  The biggest modification I made on Wyn's sweater was the back split neckline with button closure.  I worked a few rows of rib and body before joining in the round.  I did this to avoid any struggle of pulling it over her head.  (I think Meow Meows is a mock button... hahaha).  You can see my Ravelry project page, HERE.

All in all, I loved making these three Love Notes, and I am sure I will make more, especially with sequins!

Giveaways from:

Yarnboler

Joji & Co.

Gingersnap

Katia

SweetGeorgia

TCJ

For the line up, and to check out past shows, click here.

Hop[e to see you tomorrow! xo

The first being, Vogue Knitting Live.  This is a paid event.  You need to register, here.  It costs $3.99US for the entire weekend which gives you access to ALL the amazing vendors!  

Join Carmen and I for an up-beat hour of fun!  We have new and exciting things to show you and we hope to inspire you and make you smile!  And, we have a ton of amazing giveaways!! This show is NOT to be missed!

WHEN: Saturday March 20th & Sunday March 21st.

TIME: Noon - 1 (PST) or 3 - 4pm (PDT).

COST: $3.99US for all vendors: YOU MUST REGISTER 

GIVEAWAYS FROM:

• yarnboler
• Mrs. Browns Bags
• Katia
• TCJ

For the full list of all the vendors and times, click here.  Please keep in mind the time zone and make sure you either choose your time zone or convert the EDT standard time zone listed.

-------------------

The second show we will be vending at is KNIT CITY VIRTUAL

WHEN: April 09 - 11 (specific vendor date TBA)

TIME: TBA

COST: Free!

GIVEAWAYS FROM: TBA

More info about this show will be announced over the next few weeks.  To keep up with announcements, sign up for the Knit Social newsletter and visit their website, here.

-----------------------------

The third show I am scheduled to vend is FIBRE LOVE AFFAIR

WHEN: April 24 - 25 & May 01 - 02 (specific vendor date TBA)

TIME: TBA

COST: Free!

GIVEAWAYS FROM: TBA

More info about this show will be announced over the next few weeks.  To keep up with announcements, sign up for the Fibre Love Affair newsletter and visit their website, here.

---------

To see our past shows, quick links to what I showed + the giveaways, please check it out here! 

Happy knitting everyone, I hope to see you on ZOOM SOON!

Join me tomorrow, Sunday February 07 from 3 - 4pm PST for my online ZOOM presentation!  It will be a super fun hour full of new designs & knit kits to show and tons of giveaways!!  This is a FREE event! 

WHEN: Sunday, February 07 from 3 - 4pm PST
WHERE (zoom link):https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88160686744?pwd=WnA2UUduaG43ZUtSdzBPZzJIdW5SQT09
PASSWORD (case sensitive): sparkle

GIVEAWAYS FROM

• Grocery Girls
• Mrs. Browns Bags
• GG Made It
• Yarnboler
• Katia Yarns 
• Knox Mountain Knits
• Fire Fly Notes
• Suburban Stitcher
• Talking Clay

For more information and a line up to all the amazing vendors this weekend, go to knitsocial.ca 

For the the full schedule, click HERE.

Time Zone Converter

For previous shows, check out the Fibre Love Affair YouTube Channel. 

For more info check out the Fibre Love Affair website.  There are so many great vendors!

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85658611206?pwd=Q0JZM05ud0xNOE1vSkpJaGNvTVdpdz09

Meeting ID: 856 5861 1206
Passcode: hope

It's been awhile since my last post.  If you already follow me on IG or FB you know it's been a crazy couple of week, a lot is going on: new kits, new designs and new events!  Before I dive into all the new designs and kits recently out (more blog posts to come), I want to let you know about an exciting virtual marketplace happening the first week in October!  

Yoriko from Fibre Art Studio, a dear friend of mine, has taken on this amazing project, bringing the community together and creating Fibre Love Affair.  It's an online marketplace with 23 vendors over two days. Check out the FB page for more info and follow on IG for up-to-date info.  

The first pre-orders for the Baby Gradient Blanket knit kits came in this week and they are adorable!  They come with 4 pre-wound skeins of DK weight 50% Cotton/50% Viscose yarn in a little package with the pattern.  It's a great project for a newborn baby, and the perfect kit to have in your stash when you need a baby shower gift.  The original pattern is super cute, fine knit on a 3 mm (US 3) creating a really special blanket; but, I wanted to design a Hack that followed the same look as the original but a faster knit.  Currently I am just over 1/2 way my Hack, and I wanted to start sharing this pattern with you, even though it's not quite done.

These knit kits are pre-orders. Order before August 09th, 2020 and kits will be shipped by August 18th, 2020 SHOP

BABY GRADIENT BLANKET HACK
By Amanda Kaffka

DESCRIPTION
Each Urth Baby Gradient Blanket kit comes with a beautifully designed blanket.  This is a free hack to the pattern, if you’re looing for a quicker knit and something less fine.  Both patterns will turnout about the same size; the only difference is, this hack is worked on bigger needles with the yarn held double and knit with less stitches than the original pattern.

Also, did you know, for every Urth Baby Gradient Blanket kit, a tree is planted!?

YARN
Urth Baby Gradient Blanket Kit (4 pre-wound skeins of DK weight yarn in a gradient) x 1 set.

• Color A: White.
• Color B: Light Marled.
• Color C: Medium Marled.
• Color D: Solid Color.

NEEDLES
5.5 mm (US 9) 24”/60cm Circular Needles.

NOTIONS
Tapestry Needle to weave in ends.
Mini scale for weighing yarn as you go for Color Blend instructions.

NOTES

• Sample shown in color #513 Mulberry.
• Blanket is worked flat, back-and-forth.
• Yarn is held double throughout.
• Follow instructions for Color Blend or Color Block.
• Blanket has a Garter St border with Stockinette St in the middle.

ABBREVIATIONS
BO: bind off.
CO: cast on.
Garter St: knit on RS & WS.
K: knit.
P: purl.
RS: right side.
St(s): stitch(es).
St-st (Stockinette St): Knit on RS, Purl on WS.
WS: wrong side.

GAUGE
St-st – unblocked
15.5 sts x 22 rows = 4”/10 cm.

St-st – blocked
TBA

BLOCKED MEASUREMENTS
24”/61 cm x 31”/78.75 cm.

INSTRUCTIONS
Using Color A with yarn held double, 5.5 mm (US 9) 24”/60 cm Circular Needles, and using Long Tail Cast On, CO 108 sts.

GARTER BORDER
Knit 5 rows, ending on a WS complete.
Now, follow Color Block or Color Blend instructions.

COLOR BLOCK
Continuing with Color A held double:

Row 1 (RS): K to end.
Row 2 (WS): K5, p to last 5 sts, k5.
Repeat rows 1 & 2 until Color A runs out ending on a WS complete.
Break color A and join Color B.

Repeat rows 1 & 2 until Color B runs out ending on a WS complete.
Break color B and join Color C.

Repeat rows 1 & 2 until Color C runs out ending on a WS complete.
Break color C and join Color D.

Repeat rows 1 & 2 until Color D is about 6”/15.25 cm from end of Color C ending on a RS complete.

GARTER BORDER
Continue with color D.
Knit 5 rows.
BO k-wise.

COLOR BLEND
Continuing with Color A held double:

Row 1 (RS): K to end.
Row 2 (WS): K5, p to last 5 sts, k5.
Repeat rows 1 & 2 until Color A has 25g left on the ball, ending on a WS complete.
Break 1 strand of Color A and join 1 strand of Color B.
You are now working with 2 strands, 1 of Color A & 1 of Color B.

Continue repeating rows 1 & 2, until Color A runs out, ending on a WS complete.

Join the other strand of Color B.
You are now working with 2 strands of Color B.
Repeat rows 1 & 2 until 25g of B is left on the ball, ending with a WS complete.
Break 1 strand of Color B and join 1 strand of Color C.
You are now working with 2 strands, 1 of Color B & 1 of Color C.
Continue repeating rows 1 & 2, until Color B runs out, ending on a WS complete.

Join the other strand of Color C.
You are now working with 2 strands of Color C.
Repeat rows 1 & 2 until 25g of C is left on the ball, ending with a WS complete.
Break 1 strand of Color C and join 1 strand of Color D.
You are now working with 2 strands, 1 of Color C & 1 of Color D.
Continue repeating rows 1 & 2, until Color C runs out, ending on a WS complete.

Join the other strand of Color D.
You are now working with 2 strands of Color D.
Repeat rows 1 & 2, until Color D is about 4”/10 cm from end of Color D/C ending on a RS complete.

GARTER BORDER
Continue with color D.
Knit 5 rows.
BO k-wise.

FINISHING
Weave in all ends.
Block to measurements.

Wrap a little baby in your blanket & enjoy!

This week I released a new FOREVER FREE pattern that is very close to my heart. The Stand in the Gap Hat.  In response to Gaye Glassipe's poignant speech about Standing in the Gap inspired me to examine my own behaviors and to make the conscientious decision to Stand in the Gap, always.  It is something that might put me in uncomfortable positions, but to me, it is worth it.  Last blog I wrote about my promise to always Stand in the Gap and what it means.  Naturally, when I believe in something that needs to be elevated and heard, I design something that represents the movement; and like Enough Hat & Climate Strike Hat I designed the Stand in the Gap Hat.  This hat represents action, not intension.

I know, for some, knitting right now is a challenge.  I also know that maybe you want to make something that holds meaning, show solidarity and maybe there is someone in your life that needs this message as a reminder.  I hope you are inspired to make one or a few of these hats for yourself, friends, or family members.  You can download Stand in the Gap on Ravelry, here.

The pattern calls for Worsted weight, but I just knit a version in DK (shown above) and it worked out great.  I did go up a size (L, for my head size), and it fits like a dream. Please tag me on IG or FB @amandakaffka or @craftyjackalope #ShareYourTCJ or #StandintheGapHat and I will share your progress and/or FO's

STAND IN THE GAP, ALWAYS.

ChiaoGoo knitting needles, have you heard about them?  Have you tried them? Yes and yes! A year or two ago I heard about ChiaoGoo's as the go-to needles for sock knitting, known for their super flexible cable and wicked point.  Not being a sock knitter and being a dedicated LYKKE user, it took me some time to actually try out these new needles everyone seemed to be talking about.  And, let me say, when I tried them, I loved them!

I am a huge fan of Interchangeable knitting needle sets.  To have my needles all compact in one kit is everything; I know where they are, they have a place and because I take my knitting everywhere, having my needles organized, tidy and all in one place is a no brainer. Although I love the look of the LYKKE case, ChiaGoo's case is a bit smaller and I like the soft exterior.  But case aside, I love these needles!!!  The needle points are spectacular, the nylon cables are fabulous and flexible, and my favorite go-set right now is the Complete Bamboo 4" set. Unlike the short LYKKE tips, I feel like the ChiaoGoo 4" are long enough to use for all projects, not just for hats or cowls.  I use them for literally, everything: top-down sweaters, flat projects, sleeves, and hats. etc...

OK, let me step back a bit, as a consumer, it might be frustrating to get on board with a new interchangeable set; you just fell in love with LYKKE, Knit Picks, Dreamz or Addi and not only did you invest in one of those, now you have another choice?  I get it.  Please know, I would never make false claims about a product and I would never sell a product that I have not tired, let alone not like.  Over the last year, I have used both the ChiaoGoo metal AND bamboo 4" AND 5" sets. I am confident to say, I recommend all of them.  If you always knit with metal, you will love the Twist Red Lace set; if you typically work on wood, you will love the Bamboo set.  Also, it is interesting to note, in general, I do not love bamboo needles.  I typically find them almost hollow-feeling and they make this weird crunchy noise with each stitch;  the ChiaoGoo Bamboo's don't do any of those weird bamboo-things!

The sets I have not tried are the Mini & Small Shorties.  These come with 2" & 3" tips either ranging from 2 - 3.25mm (Mini) or 3.5 - 5mm (Small).  Depending on the cable size you can make 9" - 12" lengths which are fabulous for sleeves, socks and small hats.  Also, if you get the 2" cables, you can make your tips into flexible DPNs, which I am super intrigued about.  This is on my list to try!

In conclusion, I highly recommend the ChiaoGoo needle sets.  They are a bit more expensive than the LYKKE, but the quality is there.  I know it is not always feasible to have multiple sets but if you're like me, with a ton of projects on the go, having multiple interchangeable sets is a must; trust me, I use all my sets.  And something I didn't talk about, the feel of the sets.  I love the warmth and sturdiness of my LYKKE needles and the point is great for yarns that split easily or big sweater projects.  The ChiaoGoo's point is fabulous for lace or making bobbles or when I want to be precise. So, keep that in mind, different needles are good for different projects and it's nice to have a variety to match your mood.

I am now taking ChiaoGoo PRE-ORDERS which will go out on February 25th, 2020.  If you want to get your paws on a set or two, order now!

If you order extra cables, please take extra care and note the size of your needles and the cables that work with those needles.  There are three cable sizes, MINI, SMALL and LARGE which fit either size up to 5mm (SMALL) or 5.5mm and up (LARGE).

And, of course, contact me anytime if you have questions. xo

I can't help myself, modifying knitting patterns seems to be something I do all the time whether I am knitting my own pattern or someone else's.  It's something I like to do to give the project a signature, to make it my own. There's a wide range of what a modification is, it can be simply substituting the yarn or changing a stitch or ribbing, modifying the increases/decreases/BOs/COs, changing fit or adding stripes, to name a few. Here are two recent modifications I did: the first, substituting yarn and striping the Magpie Darling Hat; and the second, adding bling to the Canadian Slouchy.  

This is the new Magpie Darling Hat that I recently modified to accommodate WoolAddicts LOVE yarn for a client; it turned out so lovely I decided to offer as knit kits.  This light-weight version was inspired by a new customer who called me up excited about ordering some MDHs but the original cashmere versions were not in their price range.  They asked me if I had any other yarn choices I could kit up (they wanted to make a lot for gifts).  I knew I had some WoolAddicts yarn and the LOVE came to mind. Because the WoolAddics LOVE yarn was a different weight (fingering) than the original Bergere Cachmire yarn (sport), I knew I had to re-write the pattern to accommodate this modification; although the needle size didn't change, my gauge and sizing and overall feel of the hat were not the same. I quickly knit up a sample, revamped the pattern and got the new kits up in the shop!  Needless to say, they have been a hit.  I just love how the sparkle pops on the merino blend yarn and the light-weight of the fingering yarn makes this hat a year-around accessory.

SHOP THE NEW MDH

A few weeks later, I decided to make another light-weight MDH sample.  Some people always have socks on the go, I always have MDH on the go!  This time, I wanted to change things up, so I decided to stripe this version, and I love how it turned out.

Striping is a simple way to make something different and unique. Because the stripes are formed by the sequins, it's dainty, subtle and still keeps the integrity of the sparkle.  I hope this inspires you to stripe your MDH too, here are the instructions:

• Hold yarns A & B together for the CO and the broken rib brim.  
• After the brim is complete, alternate holding yarn A single and yarns A & B together, switch every 2 rounds.
• Repeat these 4 rounds until the hat is complete, and voila!

The second modification I recently did was add a little bling to a classic, the Canadian Slouchy.  When I originally cast on this blinged-out version I held the MC & Sequins together, but after knitting the sparkly brim I decided I wanted just maples leaves to shine; so, I ripped it back and started over, following the instructions as they are.  When I got to the maple leaf motifs, I added my bling!  In retrospect, I think sequins in all the red would have been pretty fabulous too. 

SHOP THE CANADIAN SLOUCHY KNIT KIT

Here are the instructions for the modifications:

•  Hold one strand each of MC & sequins when you follow the maple leaf motifs (or for all the MC parts).
• For this sample, for the maple leaves, I used mainly the intarsia colorwork technique.  I regret this, by the end of my final 2 maple leaves I had so many small balls of yarn going it was a crazy tangled mess, and then add sequins to the mix...I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy.
• My advice: use stranded colorwork for all the CC (white), meaning, you will use one ball of CC throughout that runs through the red.  Use the intarsia method for the MC (red) only, meaning you will have multiple balls of MC going at once and it will not run through the CC.
• When you are ready to add another ball of yarn, midway through a motif,  break the MC & Sequin yar combo about 150"/381 cm - 200"/508 cm in length,  this will be enough to finish the motif.

Let me know if you like to modify patterns and how you like to do it.  And, I love seeing your TCJ modifications, be sure to tag me on FB or IG: @amandakaffka @craftyjackalope #ShareyourTCJ 

It is so snowy here in Vancouver, we woke up to a blanket of white and freezing weather; perfect timing for the release of Chaser Pullover!  This is a new pattern I designed at the end of last year and it just was released through BluPrint featuring their Cloudborn Sprightly yarn. 

GET THE BLUPRINT KNIT KIT HERE

Chaser Pullover is an oversized cozy sweater with some fun details, such as a seed stitch yoke, mock neck and elbow patches.  There are a few short rows, some three-needle bind-offs and basically, it's a seamless construction; knit in the round and flat.  It's a fun chunky knit with quick results.

The PDF pattern is also available in the shop, here.

And, on Ravelry, here.