Red & White Houndstooth Beanie

This little red‑and‑white houndstooth beanie was such a fun project, and the free pattern from Yarnspirations made it even better. The two‑color repeat settles in quickly, and before long, the fabric turns into that sharp, classic houndstooth look that always feels stylish. The red gives it a bright, cheerful punch, while the white keeps everything crisp. It’s a simple knit with a lot of personality, and a great pick if you want something quick that still looks impressive.

Seed & Reverse Stockinette Cable Hat

I saw a hat on Facebook the other day and really liked its look, so, of course, I had to play around with the idea myself. I studied the pattern. The mix of seed stitch, soft reverse‑stockinette sections, and a simple left‑leaning cable worked together really nicely. It’s an easy knit once you get going, and the texture is great. I’m calling it the Seed & Reverse Stockinette Cable Hat, because that pretty much sums it up. I added gloves and a scarf to complete the set. 

Baby Sweater made of Arvil Raw Silk

I’ve been working on a toddler sweater in size T2, using a reddish mix of Avril Raw Silk Multi-color yarn, and have just finished it. A dear knitting friend gifted me the skeins, and it’s been "parked" in my yarn bag waiting for the right project. The colors are a mix of green, red, yellow, and a touch of blue. They shift as you knit, so every row feels a bit different. It gives the sweater a fun, playful look that feels totally unique.

It took me a couple of weeks to finish. Some parts were smooth, others a bit fiddly, but I’m happy with how it turned out. Raw silk is lovely in its own way, but it has a mind of its own. The strands like to split if you’re not careful, so I had to slow down, keep my tension steady, and sometimes loosen up the stitch just a bit to let the yarn do its thing.

The sweater itself is simply shaped, just right for a toddler. No extra frills, which lets the yarn’s natural drape stand out. I don’t think I’ll be rushing back to use this exact yarn again; it’s a bit finicky, but I’m glad I gave it a go. The texture is special, and it taught me a few things along the way.

I’ve got enough yarn left for a beanie, maybe with a pompom. I’m thinking about making a little set. If I do, I’ll try to echo the sweater’s clean lines, perhaps a ribbed edge or some color blocks to tie it all together, and maybe add a pompom.

Alpaca Merino Winter Set

A matching scarf and beanie worked in a soft, warm blend of 70% alpaca and 30% merino. The alpaca adds drape and luxurious warmth, while the merino gives structure and elasticity. 

This set is ideal for beginners building confidence or experienced knitters looking for a relaxing project. 

Scarf Stitch pattern: Garter stitch throughout

Texture: Squishy, reversible, and beginner‑friendly
Look: Soft ridges that show off the natural halo of the yarn

Beanie Construction: Worked in the round
Stitch pattern: Stockinette stitch
Look: Smooth, classic fabric with gentle stretch. 

Introducing the Knitting and Crochet Companion APP

Click on the picture below to open the app. Type any knitting or crochet question you have, then read the step‑by‑step instructions. 

Over the past few days, I’ve been building an APP, I’m calling it the Knitting and Crochet Companion. It grew from watching both new and returning knitters and crocheters hesitate, second‑guess themselves, or get lost in explanations that make things far more complicated than they need to be.
This little tool offers the kind of guidance I give in person: simple steps, plain language, and reassurance when things don’t look quite right. It answers the basic questions, explains the “why” behind techniques, and helps knitters and crocheters fix small mistakes without feeling discouraged. My hope is that it gives beginners a sense of calm and confidence as they learn, one stitch at a time.

Happy New Year to all my readers.

In addition to finishing the Pure Silk scarf yesterday, I also completed another project that had been waiting around for quite some time. This second scarf is made of 100% Merino wool and worked throughout in a cable pattern. The “key‑hole” section is knitted in a seed stitch pattern, which gives it a nice structure and contrast. The yarn I purchased at Temu. 

I finished the year by knitting this little “KeyHole” scarf, wrapping up 2025 with a project that always makes me smile. I first discovered it years ago when it appeared in Knit Simple Magazine, in Fall 2009. It’s one of those wonderfully simple patterns you can work on while watching TV without worrying about losing stitches or keeping track of counts. I again saw the design shared by a Ravelry knitter, and deceited to knit it once more.
The yarn I used, "Pure Silk" was a gift from a dear friend many years ago, and I’m glad I saved it this pattern suits it perfectly. And for a change, this little scarf will be mine to wear. 

Ella's Girlie Jacket

In 2014, I made a little jacket for Ella, a friend's daughter. The shell of the jacket is made of yarn that consists of 70% merino wool and 30% silk sourced from Ella Rae. 

Although the fiber is a bit slippery, it knits up nicely. I used six 50-gram hanks to complete the jacket, each measuring 90 meters, using size 6 needles with a tension gauge of 20 stitches and 24 rows per 10 cm (4 inches). The pattern turned out lovely, but I sometimes had to knit backward to rectify issues. After I finished the jacket, I left it on the sofa. Unfortunately, my cat took the yarn ball and played with it all night. In the process, she created a hole in the center of the shell. This was the first time I found myself in such a predicament, but I was able to resolve the problem and add some detail. The jacket looks even better than the original featured in the magazine. The daisy buttons give the jacket a unique look.

My Dream...

 

Bow -Tie Keyhole Scarf

The bow-tie keyhole scarf is one of those clever little knits that looks neat, stays put, and doesn’t add bulk under a coat. Worked mostly in garter stitch with a simple opening halfway along, it lets one end slip through the other so the scarf sits snug without tying. A single skein of worsted yarn is enough, it knits up quickly, and the pattern is free on Ravelry on Ravelry, and The Make Your Own Zone. The perfect for gift and a practical piece for everyday wear.