We asked our creative customers to color a page featuring a ball of yarn, crochet hook, and knitting needles to be incorporated into a fabric for this inspiring project bag. Every envelope that you sent in was a little gift - each one including a unique work of art.
To create the fabric, we carefully scanned and adjusted each image to be the same size, then rotated and assembled them into a repeating pattern. The fabric was printed, cut, and sewn in our print & sew lab, and we couldn't be more delighted with the result. Isn't it amazing what we can do together?
Five of the entries below were randomly selected as our prize winners to receive their own Stitched Together bag as a thank you. Want a bag of your very own? Click the image below.
The possibilities are endless with this cowl by Kacey Herlihy. Mix it up with bold solids, softer tonals, funky tweeds, or even a hand-dyed with our Sueño Minis by HiKoo®. This is a great colorwork cowl for every level of knitter.
If you have never done colorwork this project is an easy one to learn. The Leftover City Cowlby Kacey Herlihy has simple colorwork stripes that allow you to get the feel for holding multiple strands but will also give you a break on the solid Stockinette Stitch sections. Other techniques that are suggested in the pattern are the German Twisted Cast on (this one is like magic once you figure it out) and a stretchy bind off which works really well for those who knit tightly.
We used the following DK weight minis (in this order, beginning at the bottom of the cowl):
1447 Reflecting Pool Tonal
1100 Natural
1602 Flying Fuchsia (the tweed!)
1199 Lemon
1150 Plum
Want to make a Leftover City cowl of your very own? Purchase 5 or more mini hanks now through May 1, 2022, and we will include the Leftover City Cowl pattern as a gift!
Our sample was knitted up in a DK weight using Sueño Minis by HiKoo® on size 6 and 7 needles. We only used 5 colors (but you can do more!) and made the cowl a bit shorter than the suggested 13". However, there was no alteration to the number of cast on stitches.
The possibilities are endless with this cowl. Mix it up with bold solids, softer tonals, funky tweeds, or even a hand-dyed with our Sueño Minis by HiKoo®. This is a great colorwork cowl for every level of knitter and can be worked up in a weekend!
While choosing your colors for this cowl, take a look at some of these other color combinations:
1136 - Corny
1603 - Peaceful Purple
1100 - Natural
1608 - Fabulous Flamingo
1143 - Shamrock
1147 - Turks
1190 - CHARTREUSE
1135 - Indigo
1115 - Cantaloupe
1139 - Mulberry
1141 - Ice Ice Baby
1182 - Lilac
1135 - Indigo
1100 - Natural
1196 - Silver Sage
1147 - Turks
1605 - Comforting Cream
1190 - Chartreuse
1602 - Flying Fuchsia
1135 - Indigo
1405 - Tree Bark Tonal
1120 - Rust
1108 - Shifting Sands
1140 - Grasshopper
1401 - Seattle Beach Tonal
1182 - Lilac
1606 - Soothing Silver
1140 - Ice Ice Baby
1605 - Comforting Cream
1100 - Natural
We hope you have fun making your very own Leftover City cowl! Remember to share photos of what you make - we love seeing your color combinations!
Knitters! Crocheters! Crafters of all types who love yarn!
If you haven’t heard about the addiExpress Kingsize yet, meet the knitting machine that will keep you busy in quarantine. This machine just got a brand-new pattern book released digitally as a complete companion guide; with 30 patterns, extensive instructions on how to get started, special techniques, and even troubleshooting!
In this book you’ll learn about the machine, addi® (the manufacturer), details on fabric characteristics, how to set up your machine, and detailed photo step-by-step instructions for all included techniques, and of course 30 unique patterns. Some examples include finishing options, embellishments, on and off machine techniques, detailed yarn information, and even how to block your finished creations! It truly is an all-in-one guidebook, suitable for any skill level or ability!
We especially love the variety of patterns, which are arranged by level of difficulty and range from hats, to sweaters, and even home décor! Each pattern lists what types of skills are needed, materials, helpful hints, and a time estimate for how long each project may take to complete. Designed to lead you from zero experience, to knitting machine professional.
Ready to make the most of machine knitting this holiday season?
Wondering why they call it the “Express?” Because it’s capable of knitting hats, scarves, and more in under an hour! Able to make tubes, flat panels, increase, and decrease, the type of projects possible are only limited by your imagination.
We can’t say enough good things about this new book, we’re sure it will become an essential tool for beginners and experts, alike!
Treat yourself or pick up a copy for a crafty friend or loved one!
The holidays are just around the corner, and we feel time ticking by as we inch towards the moment handmade gifts need to be sent on the journey to the lucky recipient.
Need some ideas about what to make or buy for your deserving friends and family? The Makers' team has compiled some ideas here of gifts to make and give.
Monthly Subscriptions
Give the gift of creativity all year long! Choose from our three subscription box offerings: Sock of the Month, Hat of the Month, or our kids box, the Craft Corner. Each priced at just $27 a month, all boxes come with instructions, materials, and gifts to keep the crafter creating.
Our subscription programs run monthly, and you can cancel any time.
Big stitches and big yarn means a quick knit. As an added value, we are including an addi US 10.75 fixed circular 47" long needle, and a printed copy of the pattern to make this wonderfully huge big lace shawl. Running out of time? You can simply gift this HUGE cake of Donegal tweed, the pattern, and needle to the knitter in your life.
Twined knitting is a technique that involves the wrapping of yarns around each other after every stitch. It requires yarns that are twisted opposite each other. In this kit, you'll find "S" twist and "Z" twist yarns specifically created for this purpose. Make these fun mittens as a special gift and learn a new technique at the same time!
(or, give the kit as a gift and let that special person in your life get to experience the magic of twined knitting!)
Also in the kit, you'll receive a download code for the Kerstin mitten pattern (a $ 7 value!) Check out the project page on Ravelry HERE.
From the mind of Franklin Habit comes this beautiful lace scarf. Using just one hank of Infinito, a bevy of lace stitches harmonize as the yarn color shifts slowly from light to dark.
Purchase one hank of Infinito now through 12/1, and we will include a copy of the pattern as our gift to you (a $5.00 value).
In addition, you can review the tutorial videos from our KAL HERE.
Fun as a gift to make and then give (or a great all-inclusive kit to give to a lucky recipient) the Woolbuddy kits offer a collection of adorable animals that are just waiting to be crafted. Click the button below to see the options.
Join your fellow Makers' for our September Instagram Challenge! Use the daily prompts as inspiration to post submissions on your Instagram account. Each day brings provides a prompt.
Have fun with your submissions, and let us celebrate the creative process together. Simply remember to tag @makersmercantile and use the hashtag #MonthforMakers on each of your challenge posts. Remember to follow us as well for more fun adventures.
Oh! Did we mention? There are 3 chances to win amazing prizes! Winners will be announced via Direct Message in Instagram.
If you haven’t already heard, there’s a new app for iOS that generates sweater patterns for free called Bellish!
This revolutionary app allows the user to feel like a designer by offering multiple points for customization! Choose from different necklines, sleeve lengths, body lengths, and textures – all available in a variety of gauges with new options added regularly!
Ready to learn more? Check out our Q&A with Bellish Knitting below!
A)Bellish began with the idea of creating digital tools for knitters. These days we use our smartphones and tablets for so many of our daily tasks, and it was a natural next step for us to ask if there might be a way to make those devices more useful for knitting. As knitters, ourselves, we wanted to create a dynamic, personalized knitting experience that went beyond what was possible with a PDF.
Q) We love knitting sweaters, which is why Bellish is so appealing! Are there plans to eventually expand the offerings beyond the realm of sweaters?
A) For the time being, the focus is on enhancing the sweater knitting experience to the fullest. We’re building a robust library of options, with new sweater styles, yarn weights and embellishments underway (we add new features almost every week). It’s certainly a possibility that we’ll add other kinds of knitting projects down the road as Bellish grows and evolves with the feedback of our users.
Q) What is your favorite feature that’s included with the Bellish app?
A) There’s a real sense of immediate gratification when you’re able to customize your design in real time and see the textures and colors transform right before your eyes. Of course, we love the digital tools in the app: the row highlighter, stitch/row counters and clickable stitch checkpoints, but we think the absolute best thing about Bellish is that it makes it easy for any knitter to bring their sweater ideas to life. We’ve loved watching knitters use Bellish as a starting point and then add their own creativity to the mix.
Q) We love how the Bellish app can allow knitters to fall in love with a yarn, then make a pattern around it. Based on your testers, what’s been the most exciting pairing of yarn and pattern you’ve seen so far?
A) Knitters loved having the ability to create their sweaters based on the yarn they already wanted to use (rather than trying to find the perfect pattern, and then looking for the right yarn to go with it). One of our testers said that she had yarn in her stash from a friend of a friend’s mom, and it had been sitting dormant since the 1980s. The Bellish app made it possible to finally turn that yarn into the exact sweater she wanted it to be – she said that her friends were very impressed that she finally found a use for it.
One of the other things our testers have really liked about Bellish is being able to open the app while they’re at the yarn shop. They can stand right there in front of the yarn they fell in love with, and – with a few clicks – design a sweater to go with it, and know exactly how much they’re going to need.
Q) With any idea that blooms into reality, there’s always something to discover along the way. What’s been the most surprising feedback you’ve received from the beta testers and users so far?
A) Two things really stood out for us. First, we wondered how knitters would feel about seeing an illustration of their pattern rather than a finished photo. But when you think of each knitter as an individual designer of their own project, it makes sense that they would start with an illustration and then bring the sweater to life on their needles – our beta testers loved that process. Second, we were very curious about the skill level of the knitters who would find Bellish most useful. Would it resonate more with beginners? Experienced knitters? We had thousands of beta testers and the feedback was so interesting: it was almost exactly a 50/50 split between those who felt Bellish was perfect for beginners, and those who felt it was designed especially for experienced knitters. We were thrilled to see that Bellish is providing an inspiring and worthwhile experience for knitters, regardless of their skill level. It’s a fun, creative resource for any knitter!
When John Crane announced his retirement from academic librarian of Dartmouth College, co-workers started taking him out for celebratory lunches. When one such colleague arrived at his office for their scheduled lunch, she told John they weren’t actually going to lunch, but instead, she intended to teach him how to knit. Little did John know, that “lunch” would forever change his retirement years.
John quickly became obsessed with knitting and started creating patterns for items he knit for himself and his friends. John’s attention to detail and classic designs have since made him a favorite knitwear of many people, and those who are lucky enough to know him profess that he is one of the best hug-givers in the universe.
John’s public knitting frequently leads to his meeting new people and making new fiber friends. Many of the guys pictured here with John in Provincetown, Massachusetts noticed him knitting and started joining him daily at 3PM at the “knitting table” in front of Joe Coffee when he is staying at his Provincetown home.
More than just a retired knitter, John continues to impress. He developed an Sheep Breeds: A World of Difference as an exhibit to celebrate the differences (and similarities!) of over 71 breeds divided into 5 categories. The hands-on exhibit allows the viewer to touch and feel fiber and yarn samples from each species. Yup. John doesn't "retire" like other people.
Still one of our favorites, his Johanna Vest is the epitome of classic simplicity. Worked in HiKoo® Sueno, it is a knee length vest (pictured), and is also available as a shorter version.
Hi everyone and Happy Holidays! Of course, every day is a holiday for me because I get to spend it with my family, but this time of year seems to have extra toys and treats. And lights. And happy people. And stress. Well, fear not. Helpful Hank is here with answers to some more of your questions. Read on, wonderful humans:
Q: I’ve had several requests this year for hand knit socks, but not everyone is local to me. Do you have any tricks on how to size a sock for someone who isn’t around to try them on as you go? – Sock it to Me in Seattle
A: Isn't it getting close to the big day where you open presents? If you can't finish them in time for gift giving, you could send a card with a photo of the yarn and instructions for a tracing of their foot. Have them stand on a piece of paper, trace around the foot, cut it out, and send it to you. From there you can transfer the drawing to a piece of cardboard. Then you’ll be able to measure the entire length of the foot, note specifics like the person’s name and shoe size, and even mark certain areas where you know you like to begin your heel, toe, etc. That way, you can try the sock right on the cardboard template as you knit to see how you’re progressing! When you're done with the gift, you can keep the template for next year's socks (if you want to make it a tradition).
Q: I love giving gift cards but would like to include something small and handmade. Any suggestions? - Gift Guesser in Georgia
A: How about making a gift card holder? This could be knit, crocheted, or sewn! Or, include something complimentary to accompany it, like a knitted coffee cozy to go with a coffeehouse gift card! Just be sure it’s made from an easily washable yarn! When wrapping gift cards, try putting them in larger boxes to confuse the recipient. A gift card in a shoebox with some marbles to rattle around makes for great and confusing fun until the wrapping is gone and the gift is revealed.
Q: This is the last year I’m making gifts for everyone in the family. It’s too overwhelming! What can I do to avoid this in the future without having to start crafting in January? - Fed Up in Florida
A: If you love making gifts, but hate the huge workload, consider holding a yearly drawing with slips of paper for everyone who wants a handmade gift. Each year pull out the number of slips you’re willing to make gifts for. Keep drawing each year until you’ve gone through the names! Once you’re through them entirely, enter everyone back in again.
Another idea is to purchase handmade items from other artists. Collect items through the year and as the holidays approach you'll have a gathering of goodies to share with those most important to you.
Q: I want to knit my cat a sweater for Christmas, but every time I try to put clothes on her she freaks out. Should I go for it anyway? She's so adorable in her little sweater... -Purrfectly Happy in Samamish
A: If your cat doesn't like wearing sweaters, why force her? She might be too warm, or perhaps she has a style that's totally different from whatever you've provided her. Since she doesn't seem to love clothes, how about making her a little blanket for her bed? That way you get to give a hand made item, and your cat isn't traumatized.
Also, since you mentioned your kitty, remember some plants are dangerous to pets. Pointsettia and pine are both health risks, so if kitty likes to chew on greenery, this thoughtful pup suggests avoiding live plants to keep them safe.
Q: I can’t stop snacking on all the holiday cookies I made for other people! HELP! - Cookie Monster in Michigan
A: Every cookie should be taste tested to ensure it would pass Quality Control. I see this as an excellent service you’re offering your friends and family! If you want me to help, I love eating cookies and treats. Keep me healthy though, and remember no chocolate. I'm told it's bad for me. Peanut butter can be a delicious goodie though. OH! and while pets might keep asking for more, more, more, help me stay healthy by limiting treats during the holidays.
And while the contents of a nicely wrapped present are a mystery to you, I have a keen sense of smell and might be tempted to tear into presents to find edible goodies. Keep edible gifts out of my reach until it's time to open them.
---------
Our friendly mascot, Hank, loves to fetch answers to all kinds of crafting related questions. He's awesome at digging up facts and helps us help our customers. Have a question for Hank? Click the button below!
Color 1874, 2 balls Color 1965, 1 ball Color 1963, 1 ball
addi® Turbo Needles Size US 10 (12 mm) needle
Notions 6 stitch markers, one to mark beginning of round Tapestry needle 5 standard pillows or poly-fill for stuffing
Instructions Make 12 hexagons in color #1874 and one in #1965 as follows:
Cast on 13 stitches.
Row 1: Knit across row to last stitch, slip last stitch,holding yarn to front. Row 2: Knit 1, *knit into front and back of the next stitch*, knit to last stitch and slip, holding yarn to front. Row 3: Repeat row 2. Repeat Rows 1-3 until you have 25 stitches.
Continue with the following decrease rows:
Row 1: Knit across row to last stitch, slip last stitch,holding yarn to front. Row 2: knit 1, knit 2 together, knit to last stitch, slip last stitch, holding yarn to front. Row 3: Repeat row 2. Repeat Rows 1-3 until 13 stitches remain.
Bind off all sts. Sew the 13 hexagons together in different directions to create a random pattern as shown in photo, remembering to put the unique hexagon in color 1965 in the center.
To remove the stepped edge and create a complete round, you will need to knit 6 oversized half hexagons in color #1963 as follows:
Cast on 13 stitches (or pick up 13 stitches in the voids between the outer hexagons). Row 1: Knit across row to last stitch, slip last stitch,holding yarn to front. Row 2: knit 1, *knit into front and back of the next stitch*, knit to last stitch and slip, holding yarn to front. Row 3: Repeat row 2. Repeat Rows 1-3 until you have 25 stitches.
Next Row: Knit 1, knit into front and back of next stitch, knit across row until 2 stitches remain, knit into front and back of next stitch, slip last stitch,holding yarn in the front.Repeat this row until you have 59 stitches. Bind off all sts. Sew the edges of the oversized half hexagons into place – creating a complete circle. If you’d prefer not to seam anything, you can work the hexagons modularly, picking up stitches from a just-worked hexagon. Wash to felt. Stuff and back as desired. Enjoy!
Upcycled Pillow Backs
Karin recommends seeking out large, colorful shirts without pockets. Look for fun buttons, or snaps. Most of these are found in the women’s department, in the extra large sizes. “Men’s shirts are excellent as well, but they frequently have pockets – which I generally avoid. However, pockets can be worked into a pillow back if you are making a gift, simply put a little message in the pocket for the recipient, and it will look like you did it on purpose!”
Avoid shirts with darts; you’re looking for square or rectangular pieces.In general, the width of the shirt, from seam to seam should be no smaller than the width of the pillow, and the length from the armpit to the hem should be no shorter than the length of the pillow. The larger the shirt, the larger your pillow can be. Cut the front body of your shirt away from the sleeves and the back. Lay it flat on a table, with the buttons closed and facing up. Lay your felted panel flat on the front of the shirt, right side facing down, touching the buttons. If there is room, align the shirt buttons so that they are centered on the panel.
Pin the panel to the shirt front, then use the panel as if it were a pattern piece and cut the shirt even to the panel. Keeping the panel and the shirt pinned together, use a sewing machine to stitch around the entire panel. Use a basic stitch,and keep the felt on the bottom while stitching. After you’ve stitched around the piece, open the button panel (it’s a little tricky, as the buttons are now on the inside) and turn inside out. Stuff it with a pre-made pillow form or poly-fill. You can easily create a custom-sized pillow form if you find an almost perfect zippered form: unzip it,remove some stuffing, sew a seam to make the case smaller,and you have a custom sized insert without a lot of work!
Kick your feet up on this comfy, squishy ottoman! Worked in 100% Merino with large needles it's a faster-than-you-imagine project and adds additional seating in your home that celebrates your knitterly talents.
Finished Size 22” diameter and stands 16” tall.
Gauge 10 stitches and 24 rounds = 4 inches in Linen Stitch.
addi® Needles Size US 17 (12 mm) 40” circular needle Size US 17 (12 mm) double pointed needles
Notions 6 stitch markers, one to mark beginning of round Tapestry needle 5 standard pillows or poly-fill for stuffing
Instructions Using size 17 (12 mm) 40” circular needle and MC, cast on 169 stitches. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Place marker to mark beginning of round and knit two rounds. Work in Linen Stitch pattern as follows:
Linen Stitch Round 1: with CC1, *knit 1, slip 1 with yarn in front, repeat from * to end of round, end knit 1. Round 2: with CC1, *slip 1 with yarn in front, knit 1, repeat from * to end of round, end slip 1 with yarn in front. Round 3: with MC, repeat round 1. Round 4: with MC, repeat round 2.
Repeat these 4 rounds until stripe measures 3”, ending with round 4. Work 3” as established with CC2, then CC3. Work 5” in CC4, then 2” in CC3. Knit 2 rows with MC, decreasing 1 stitch in last round. Bind off all stitches. With MC and circular needle, pick up and knit 168 stitches. *Knit 28, place marker, repeat from * 5 times. You will have 6 sections.
On following round, decrease as follows: *knit 2 together, knit to 2 stitches before marker, slip, slip, knit these two slipped stitches together through the back loop, repeat from * to end of round. 156 stitches. Knit one round. Repeat these two rounds until 12 stitches remain, switching to double pointed needles when there are too few stitches to fit around circular needle.If desired, use remaining contrast shades to create a bull’s-eye pattern, knitting with CC on plain knit rounds and working decrease rounds in MC.
Cut yarn leaving an 18” tail and draw through remaining stitches several times, drawing the piece closed in the process. Weave in ends. Repeat on cast-on edge with MC only, stuffing the ottoman as you work. Weave in all ends and steam gently if desired.
