KNITOVATION IS HERE!

It’s here! I’m so very excited for the brand new release of my talented friend Andrea Rangel’s newest book - Knitovation Stitch Dictionary!!!! The Knitovation Stitch Dictionary ”includes more than 150 brand new colorwork motifs to expand knitters' creative possibilities and draw them further into the world of stranded knitting with clever, quirky, and beautiful motifs including botanicals, animals, and geometric patterns.” But that’s not all it is. Andrea includes that and so much more!

Andrea has written an invaluable and trustworthy resource that both sparks a knitters imagination and demystifies knitting modern colorwork motifs. Knitovation guides you through choosing the right yarn for colorwork as well as how to incorporate the motifs into patterns “you” create. It brings a fresh joy to any knitters library and really - who can say no to feeling inspired by such a wonderful book filled with motifs to satisfy any whim!

Knitovation also includes three projects in the book that “provide lessons in combing and shaping colorwork motifs to create finished projects with dimension”. You’ll find patterns for a garment, fingerless mitts and a hat. Andrea has provided these patterns to knit as is or you can use your imagination and modify her ideas to use different motifs and more!

My favourite section of the book is Chapter 1 - Knitting in Color. In this chapter you’ll find tons of information all about choosing yarn for colorwork. The yarn gallery is a wonderful resource and so very helpful for those of us who love visuals to show a motif worked on many different types of fibres and how it changes. Brilliant!

In the “extras” section of the book you’ll find abbreviations, and a very helpful techniques glossary with written and visual illustrations for topics such as color dominance, catching floats, short rows and more!

I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK FOR:

Knitters who love colorwork or who are interested in learning a new technique/skill and having fun while doing it.

YOU'LL LOVE THIS BOOK IF:

You knit....lol. It's that good.

MY FAVOURITE THINGS ABOUT THE BOOK ARE: 

Andrea provides a fabulous section in Knitovation called “yarn yallery”. She shows a plethora of fibres all with the same motif. It’s a great learning resource for colorwork and how to choose which fibres for which types of colorwork projects. Andrea has a knack at making what can be an intimidating skill to knitters seem approachable and doable. As with Alterknit, I adore the motif selection provided!

WOULD YOU LIKE TO WIN A COPY OF KNITOVATION?

Visit our Instagram page here at @soveryshannon to enter to win a copy! Giveaway is open to Canadian and US residents only. Giveaway closes October 25th, 2023, midnight PST.

Looking for more of Andrea’s work?

You can find more patterns and books by Andrea Rangel on her website here - www.andrearangel.com and on Instagram @AndreaRangelKnits.

Knitovation is available now at your local LYS & bookstores as well as online retailers.

Two images shown above are © Andrea Rangel. Rest of images in post © Shannon Cook.

TESTING CALL - DRIFTLINES

The testing call is now posted for my newest upcoming pattern - Driftlines. It’s a hybrid accessory that’s a relaxing - but definitely not boring knit, that features a fun construction! I’m a Gemini and this pattern just makes me so happy as it’s the best of both worlds in my opinion :) It’s two types of accessories put together and it’s both soothing and yet interesting to knit. I hope you’ll enjoy it.

Thank you in advance for the kind offer of your valuable time and support for my patterns.

TESTING CALL INFORMATION

• You can read the Testing Call - HERE.

• You can apply to test after reading the Testing Call - HERE.

• You will find all pattern/wool info as well as the deadline and more listed in the testing call.

• Deadline is July 17th, 2021.

My annual Birthday Sale is still on! You have until June 27th, midnight, PST to save 44% OFF all knitting & sewing patterns with code "BDAY44". Code is valid at our Online Shop, Etsy Shop and Ravelry.

Thank you so much for your support! xoxo

It was my birthday yesterday so that means it’s time for my annual Birthday Sale! Use code "BDAY44” to save 44% OFF my entire *pattern library (sewing and knitting)! Thank YOU so much for your continued support. I hope my patterns bring a bit of joy and relaxation to your life :)

BIRTHDAY SALE INFO

Code to save: BDAY44
Valid at: Our Online Shop, Etsy Shop and Ravelry
Expires: June 27th, 2021, Midnight, PST

*Sale not valid on e-books (except Valley of the Moon) and patterns I currently don't have rights to.

Coming Soon - Watch for a testing call this week for an upcoming accessory pattern! You can find a sneak peek and some advance yarn info on Instagram HERE.

I hope this post finds you well. What have you been making lately that's brought you a bit of calm? Take care of yourselves my friends.. xoxox

Happy making from my home to yours.

I’m hoping to have a testing call up later this month. In case you’re interested the pattern uses 2 skeins (or 466yds/426m of worsted weight) of the lovely De Rerum Nature Gilliat. The testing call will be posted in my newsletter, on Instagram, and in our Ravelry Group (if it’s safe for you to use).

🪴Friends, what have you all been making lately that’s brought you a bit of calm?

C O U R A G E

This shawl is meant to soothe your soul. Designed during a time in my life that I needed to have courage, it’s a project that you can get lost in, but also express your emotions and personality through. The mosaic knitting technique creates a gorgeous pattern while still letting your mind relax, so whether it’s knit during your happiest or most challenging time, Courage will bring you solace and joy. Choose colors that inspire you, and wear this shawl bravely as a symbol of your own personal journey.

COURAGE is knit using two solids and one multi-color worsted yarn, this triangular shawl is worked top down using mosaic knitting. Courage is comprised of all knit and purl stitches and uses only one color per row, creating a stunning colorwork effect that’s much easier than it looks. Play with your palette! Whether you go bold or use neutrals, be you. 

To celebrate the release of COURAGE use code “courage15” to save 15% OFF your purchase on Ravelry (only). Coupon valid until 06/14/2019, midnight, PST.

“Inhale COURAGE

Exhale FEAR”

I’ve thought a lot the last few weeks about what I wanted to write to explain how therapeutic designing and knitting this shawl has been for me but the right words have continued to elude me. I’ve now started to think that maybe that’s ok and that maybe not all things need to be fully explained. Maybe it’s ok to just keep those emotions and feelings what they are - private. But as a person who loves to write and also to share the meaning behind my creative design process I found this hard so I’ve tried to share a bit - instead of all - about the process and meaning behind the Courage shawl. A happy medium so to speak. A balance.

I designed Courage over the end of December and early January and honestly, this shawl is one of my most favourite designs I’ve ever worked on. I thoroughly enjoyed every single minute and stitch. I bared my soul to the stitches in this one. Whispered to it my secrets, knit away some of my anxiety and fears, told it stories of both my hurt & loneliness, and also my joy & happiness. I didn’t plan this one - I just let it become what the yarn/stitches and my heart wanted it to. It was creative therapy & so freeing to me and I love this shawl more than I can type. It truly helped me to put myself out there and mend some issues that I’ve been struggling with in my life privately. I will always hold it near to my heart and see both my bravery and my vulnerability in it. It was the most fun I’ve had designing in years and I truly hope you’ll all love this one as much as I do. 

“Be you, Bravely.”

2019 has not been what I thought it would be but that’s also not necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes things happen to force you to make a change, swerve in another direction, grow and keep on learning. Doing these things can be damn frightening, hard and exhausting. I’ve been working on a lot of things behind the scenes that I’ve been putting off for years. Taking care of myself being one of them. Both mentally and physically. I had already started the physical part years ago - prioritizing exercise and healthy eating etc. but the mental health - not so much. It’s scary and anxiety inducing when you realize enough is enough and you need to find the courage to ask for help. Things finally caught up to me. This shawl though….it helped sparked a bravery within me. It lit up the drive to finally start on the journey to find my way back to myself again.

“Real courage is being afraid but doing it anyway.” Oprah Winfrey

My hope is that no matter what is going on in your life that you find this shawl a way to both rest and stimulate your mind. A conundrum that I find weirdly helpful and a way to escape and heal within. Know that you are never alone and let the stitches comfort your soul. I cannot wait to see your Courage colour palettes and hear your stories if Courage resonates with you as well. Feel free to share on social media with #courageshawl or to send me an email anytime at askveryshannon@gmail.com.

Thank you so much for your support and I hope this shawl brings you solace and joy to your life.

© Koyahni Photography.

K A P S E L

With an all-over textured pattern and modern silhouette, Kapsel is a versatile cardigan that is perfect for the office, outings with friends, or cozy nights in. It features a flattering modified drop shoulder, big front pockets, and a comfortable fit that’s as stylish as it is snuggly. Whether paired with favourite jeans or pj’s, you’ll find yourself reaching for Kapsel over and over again.

KAPSEL is a cardigan that has been a true testament of my love of modern, yet comfortable silhouettes. I set out over a year ago to design an everyday essential cardigan with a textured, clean aesthetic and a flattering fit that works on a variety of figures and with a wide range of silhouettes. I wanted it to be worn to work, at home - heck even to bed. Dressed up or down, paired with ready to wear & your fave handmades - I hope it works with your capsule wardrobe. I truly want you to enjoy your best life in it.

To celebrate the release of KAPSEL use code “kapsel15” to save 15% OFF your purchase on Ravelry (only). Coupon valid until 02/18/2019, midnight, PST.

BONUS Your purchase of KAPSEL also includes a link to our Kapsel Help Webpage filled with helpful important information in regards to gauge, pattern stitches and more! You’ll find tips for choosing your size, modifying Kapsel, and technical videos showing you how to work the main pattern stitch as well as the German Short Rows used in this sweater. We hope this ensures you enjoy knitting KAPSEL as much as we do!

SIZING

Sized from 30”-58” with 9-10” of positive ease and knit with worsted weight yarn I hope you feel good about being “you” when wearing this cardigan. It skims the body, conceals common problem areas and removes the excess fabric in the underarm commonly found in store bought drop shoulder cardigans. Plus - huge pockets my friends!!! I sized them to fit the largest of cell phones and yarn skeins….lol…cause pockets! I gotta have them!

WOOL

When knitting up the KAPSEL samples we used both YOTH Yarns Father and Quince & Co. Lark (& Lark Heathers). This cardigan works great with a variety of yarns ranging from workhorse to luxury! It’s knit up on a 4mm needle and you want to look for a fibre that will hold it’s shape, and not grow in too much length with wear (watch for too high an alpaca or cotton content for example). Choose something you love and a color that you feel good in.

CONSTRUCTION

This cardigan is knit bottom up, then front and back are separated at underarm before working neck and shoulder shaping. Shoulders and neck are finished with Three-Needle Bind- Off. Stitches are picked up at the armhole and the sleeves are worked flat. (The main pattern stitch is unable to be worked in the round.) After blocking, the sleeves, back of neck, and pockets are seamed. Our Kapsel Help Webpage (link included in pattern purchase) will walk you through all these techniques with tips and helpful videos!

THANK YOU’S

Getting this pattern just right involved a lot of hours from both myself, my tech editor (so many late nights…lol), sample knitters, and testers. They are all invaluable and I want to say a giant thank you to them all. Getting those German Short Rows right in this textured stitch was no easy feat my friends! I’ve got a head of grey hairs (and tears) to prove it…lol. A special thank you to my dear & lovely friend Betsy Farmer, who is now knitting her 4th Kapsel…lol, and who literally talked to me about this project almost every day for the last 4-5 months. Her patience in ripping back (& endless swatching), her perfectionism in her gorgeous knitting, and her endless support throughout this whole pattern process has literally been keeping me sane…lol. Thank you so much hun, from the bottom of my heart. A thank you as well to Veronika from YOTH Yarns for her generous yarn support.

THE PHOTOSHOOT

I decided in the early fall of last year that for Kapsel’s photoshoot I wanted to show this cardigan on a minimum of two body sizes to allow for a more diverse body range shown in my pattern photoshoots. After being unable to find a curvier professional model I did some deep soul searching and decided to jump in front of the camera myself. This was a scary yet exciting process for me and one that I’m proud of. You can read all about my thoughts on this topic as well as the experience on my Instagram post HERE and also more on why I decided to show more sizes HERE. I hope you’ll read them :)

I couldn’t have done this shoot without the help of my fabulous photographer Koyahni and the model at the shoot - Aisling Goodman (Coultish Models). Both of theses women created a comfortable, fun, and friendly/warm environment and honestly - for the first time I didn’t even feel uneasy in front of the camera. I just let go and had fun with it. It was going to be what it was regardless so I thought just own it Shannon. I’m so happy with how the shots turned out and I now have pics of myself with a Vogue model….lmao! That’s one for the memory books my friends….lol!

WHERE TO BUY

You can read more about the technical details about Kapsel, see more photos, our lovely testers version, and purchase your copy over on Ravelry today!

The pattern will also be up on Etsy, in my online shop, Love Knitting and Kollabora later today.

Wholesale? Shops looking for gorgeous printed booklets Deep South Fibers will also hopefully have the pattern up today/tomorrow for ordering. Questions? Please email askveryshannon@gmail.com

Thank you all so much for your continued support. I truly appreciate every single purchase and it means the world to myself and my family.

I hope you enjoy knitting and wearing Kapsel as much as I do. Happy knitting my friends!

All images © Koyahni Photography. Model Aisling Goodman (and Shannon Cook).

Today is the start of the annual Indie Design Gift-A-Long!!! Yay!!!!! This fabulous knit along is filled with a fun group of knitters all gift making for the holidays! Join in the games, KAL/CALs, chat and more! You'll also find a HUGE list of talented indie designers all offering special GAL Bundles on sale for 25% OFF until 11/29, midnight, EST with code "giftalong2018"!!! Wahoo! Take a look through, and add some new designers/patterns to your queue.

You can find my bundle that features 20 best-selling - and even brand new patterns - on sale on my Ravelry Designer Page HERE in the Indie Design Gift-A-Long Bundle!

You can find the Indie Design Gift-A-Long Group HERE to join in the fun! The actual KAL/CALs run through until 12/31/18!

Thank you in advance for all your love and support! I hope the gifts you choose to make from my patterns are both enjoyed by you while making and by those who will wear them. I'll be sharing more soon and highlighting some of the gifts I'll be making this year along with featuring some other talented designers to check out in the GAL!  

T A M I T I K

Tamitik is toasty warm and eye-catching all at once! The easy-to-memorize slipped stitch pattern creates a cozy texture, and can be knit with a contrast color for even more flair. Instruction are included to knit Tamitik in one or multiple colors, as well as in three sizes. Stylishly unisex, Tamitik is a super quick knit in bulky weight yarn, which makes it perfect for stash busting and gift giving.

Tamitik truly is a hat that reminds me of home and one that I will wear and knit often. It brought me so much joy to bring this wee hat pattern to life and I cannot wait to see what versions you’ll knit up! Starting from a sketch, wool & a daydream to the gorgeous photoshoot below - it’s hard to put into words how fulfilling it is to see a design come to life. It was such a joy to work with local photography Koyahni Photography and model Kendra Armstrong who cheerfully stuck it out with me in true west coast weather complete with rain and mist. I think it captured the mood of Tamitik perfectly and I hope you all enjoy them as much as I do.

T A M I T I K - P A T T E R N D E T A I L S

YARN

Hinterland Watershed (50% Canadian Rambouillet & 50% alpaca, 150 yds / 137 m per 112 g skein), bulky

Note: If you would like to keep your swatch and/or make a pom-pom you may require additional yarn.

One Color Version

1 (1, 1) skein OR approx 110 (116, 122) yds / 101 (106, 112) m of bulky weight yarn, shown in colorway Meadow

Two Color Version

1 (1, 1) skein of MC and 1 (1, 1) skein of CC OR approx 77 (81, 85) yds / 71 (74, 78) m for MC and approx 33 (35, 37) yds / 30 (32, 34) m for CC of bulky weight yarn, shown in colorways Snow and Meadow.

GAUGE

14 sts and 20 rnds = 4 in / 10 cm in Twisted Rib with smaller needles, unblocked and in the round

13 sts and 24 rnds = 4 in / 10 cm in St st with larger needles, unblocked and in the round

Note: Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the proper gauge.

NEEDLES

• US 8 / 5.00 mm, 16 in / 40 cm circular needle

• US 10 / 6.00 mm, 16 in / 40 cm circular needle

• US 10 / 6.00 mm, set double pointed needles, 32 in / 80 circular needle for magic loop method, OR 2 circular needles; use preferred small-circumference method

NOTIONS

Stitch Marker, yarn needle

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

• Brim Circumference: 15 (16, 17) in / 38 (41, 43) cm (unstretched)

• Height: 9.75 (10, 10.5) in / 25 (26, 27) cm

Tamitk is such a fast knit and one of my favourite things about this hat is that it only takes one skein of yarn! Plus if you knit up the two color version you can stash bust or add multiple colors to what I call “the fun rounds”…lol. This is an easy way to start playing around with colors in your knitting without having to do traditional colorwork or stripes. Depending on what color combos you use (light vs dark or vice versa) the texture looks different. Plus it’s unisex so feel free to knit one up for that special guy in your life too!

Hinterland Yarns Watershed is such a cozy and warm yarn and the blend of 50% Canadian Rambouillet and 50% Alpaca is amazing to knit with and so soft on the skin. It creates a lovely halo of warmth and is a pleasure to knit with. You can find Watershed available online at Hinterland HERE and also at Knit City this weekend in Vancouver, BC.

Tamitik comes in three sizes and the pattern also includes the instructions for both the one color and two color versions. Testers found other bulky weight woolen spun singly ply yarns a great substitute if you want to dig into your stash and start knitting today! I really hope you enjoy making Tamitik and that you find yourself making more than just one :)

And because a few of you were already asking on Instagram yesterday the scarf (aka wearable blanket) is mine and it’s from Aritzia - I loooove it! It’s so cozy and made from 100% Australian Wool. You can find it here.

SPECIAL RELEASE SALE - USE CODE “TAMITIK15” TO SAVE 15% OFF

All photos © Koyahni Photography. Modeling Kendra Armstrong (Coultish Management).

I was so happy to recently hear that my talented and inspiring friend Anne Weil (of Flax & Twine) released her second book “Weaving Within Reach: Beautiful Woven Projects by Hand or by Loom”. This truly is a weaving book for anyone and everyone! Anne says “it includes a simple and textural approach to weaving, exploring projects that folks can actually use” and that’s so true! Anne has put together the book in a way that allows a reader to be able take on the projects in the book without getting overwhelmed by looms and tools. Two-thirds of the books projects are done by free-hand or with made looms. Projects range from bags/totes, jewelry, home decor projects and more! There’s truly a project for everyone - from advanced weavers to beginners!

The book is gorgeously styled and photographed in an aesthetic that stays true to Anne’s signature style. I love that just seeing the cover I know it’s Anne’s book. Just like her previous book “Knitting Without Needles” Anne has hit it out of the park and provided makers with a wonderful collection of projects that allow you to jump in and get creating! Each piece is a lovely treasure in it’s own right!

The book is broken down into Non-Loom Projects, Made-Loom Projects, Frame-Loom Projects and All About Weaving. There is also sections with your weaving charts and resources. The photographs show clear step-by-step instructions and the projects are laid out clearly and are easy to follow. It’s a beautiful and cohesive collection that truly shows the passion that Anne has for making. I literally cannot choose the project I want to make first…lol.

“Modern weaving projects like you've never seen—within easy reach of anyone. Weaving is a satisfying hobby for making home or clothing accessories that look plucked from your favorite stores. Here are Pinterest-worthy projects for creating earrings, clutches, pillows, wall hangings, and more, all organized by skill level. From complete beginner to intermediate, Weaving Within Reach allows you to craft at your comfort level, even if you don’t yet know the difference between the warp and the weft.”

I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK FOR:

Any maker looking to give weaving a try! It’s a great resource filled with projects that are actually achievable and yield a gorgeous finished project.

YOU’LL LOVE THIS BOOK IF:

You are a fan of Anne’s aesthetic, gorgeous handmade projects and beautifully photographed craft books.

MY FAVOURITE THINGS ABOUT THE BOOK ARE:

How cohesive the collection is and that each project is fun and lovely in it’s own right. The photography and styling allow the reader to “feel” the mood of each project and want to jump right in to making their own. In short - I love it.

Congrats on another amazing book Anne! So proud of you and I cannot wait to see what you do next!

ANNE WEIL is the creator of the blog Flax & Twine and a designer of patterns that have been published by Martha Stewart, Design*Sponge, Sweet Paul, Mollie Makes, Apartment Therapy, and the Huffington Post. The author of Knitting Without Needles, Anne teaches knitting classes nationwide at art retreats and local yarn stores and online at Creativebug.com and Craftsy.com. She lives in Denver, Colorado, with her family.