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I just added 3 new pdf patterns to my Ravelry store. If you enter the code NEW at checkout, you can take 35% any pattern here.

Sprig, in gorgeous Spincycle Yarns Dyed in the Wool. View on Ravelry.

Scoop Brimmed Cap, previously only available in the Knitted Hat Book. View or purchase on Ravelry.

The Autumn Evening Shrug originally appeared in the book Garter Stitch Revival. View or purchase the individual pattern here. Don't forget to use the code NEW when checking out! Happy knitting!

My newest pattern, the Greenway Hat, is a great use of the pretty sock yarn you've been hoarding (shown in Dragonfly Fibers Pixie). You can use the code NEW at checkout to save 35% off of all the patterns listed here, in my Ravelry store.

I have a new pattern out! I knit my husband a new hat that's just right for covering a hairless head. Full of texture with an enjoyable and easy to memorize pattern, The Winter Wanderer was fun for me to knit and even more fun to watch him wear. He wore it so much right away that I knit up a second one for him in another neutral. There are notes on adjusting the size or length in the pattern, and it's 50% off when you use the code NEW at checkout on Ravelry. Not your cup of tea? Use the code NEW on other patterns in my shop too!

My youngest daughter recently discovered this poncho in a drawer of old handknits. She immediately wanted to wear it and out of curiosity, I looked back in Ravelry to see when I had knit it. It was 4 years ago, and my post noted that the pattern would be available in January 2015. My older daughter never wanted to wear it, so I guess my lack of photos kept me from releasing it. Better late than never, I guess! This is a super fast knit, with super bulky Spud and Chloe Outer, knit at 2.5 sts/inch! This yarn is a super cozy blend of cotton and wool. It does fuzz up a little, but it's machine washable, so kid-friendly, for sure! This pattern is sized for kids sizes 2-14. It up on Ravelry now, and you can use the code NEW for 50% off until Christmas. See Happy Trails Here. Happy knitting!

My family is doing a handmade gift swap this year, and while you'd assume I'd be knitting something, the lure of trying a new thing was too strong (I may throw in a handknit hat, if I have time). This summer I tried out cold-process soapmaking, which I now love, and I quickly stockpiled a year's worth of soap in a few weeks. I was left with lots of partial bottles of essential oils, which made jumping into candle making much cheaper than it normally would be. Also, because I didn't do as much canning this year, I had a lot of empty jam jars that I could use as candle containers.

I used instructions found online and I had $35 in credit from a Amazon return, so I tried to stay within that amount when ordering these supplies. Remember, you'll also need essential oils if you don't have them. I have tons of wax and wicks leftover for several rounds of candle-making in the future.

(full disclosure: I use affiliate links to try to help pay for hosting this blog. I made around $1 this year).

-5 lb bag of soy wax

-wicks, with centering device and adhesive dots

-melting/pouring pot (I placed it in a pan with boiling water, used as a double boiler)

After I made my first set of candles, I realized that these wick centering tools made things much easier, and I regretted buying only one, so I ordered more since I'll usually be making several candles at a time.

-set of centering devices

I didn't love cleaning up wax or smelling like patchouli all day, but the process was easy. The wicks can be a little tricky; those adhesive dots do not keep them in place, so I may try a dot of super glue next, but the centering devices really helped make it easier.

In the end, I have these, and I'm pretty happy!

A while back, I accidentally felted my 4-year-old daughter's favorite sweater, her Little Hiker's Cardigan. I know, I know, I should definitely know better. It had gotten balled up in a pile of muddy clothes, and being a distracted mom, I tossed them all in the washing machine without sorting through them. At the time V was wearing that cardi at least 3-4 times a week, so I felt terrible about it, and went on about it for a bit on instagram.

The very sweet Karin from The Periwinkle Sheep offered to send me some yarn to knit miss V a replacement, and after it arrived, V proclaimed that she wanted the same sweater, but the kind you pullover your head, and she didn't want any pockets. So, here it is, a pattern for V's new sweater, the Little Hiker's Pullover.

YOU CAN USE THE CODE NEW AT CHECKOUT FOR 50% OFF UNTIL CHRISTMAS, AND YOU CAN USE THAT CODE ON THESE PATTERNS TOO.

This sweater is knit from the top down with round yoke and raglan shaping. The yarn is discontinued, but any bulky/chunky yarn with a recommended gauge of 3 sts an inch will do. There are yardage estimates for all of the sizes (Children's 2-12). I recommend using Malabrigo Chunky for a hand-dyed look, or Quince and Co Puffin, for a beautiful solid. Either way, this will fly off the needles.

I have a new pattern out this week! Good Cheer is an adult-sized hat, knit in Madelinetosh Farm Twist in "Hydroponic" and "Candlewick". The pattern is 50% OFF FOR THE FIRST 3 DAYS, no code needed. See it here.

I used a simple tool to make a perfect giant pom pom on top. Scroll past the photos if you'd like details.

I have no natural talent for pom pom making, so I use these Clover tools to make mine.

(I use amazon affiliate links to support the cost of hosting this site.)

clover pom pom maker (affiliate link)

My new Bonnet pattern is now available on Ravelry. Stacia Bonnet uses less than 1/2 skein of Yarn Collective Pembroke Worsted in Bumblebee Jasper. You can take 50% off this or other patterns in my Ravelry store with the code SALE at checkout. All eligible patterns are listed HERE.

Sized from newborn - 4 years!

Skills needed: 3 needle bind off, knit, purl, centered double decrease (s2kp), yo, m1R, m1L, i-cord.

In 2011, I knit what would become a favorite sweater of mine. Agnes, in cozy Quince and Co Puffin is a classic top-down raglan pullover with a little something extra…contrast-lined pockets! At 3 sts an inch, it flies off the needles. The original Agnes pattern is available here: Agnes

So, I finally knit what I had considered for years, a cardigan version. It features the similar construction, still has those pockets, with just a bit more length in the body. This yarn is so warm that this piece makes a great outerwear layer on a chilly fall day. The Agnes Cardigan is now on Ravelry and is $2 off (no code needed) until 9/15: Agnes Cardigan

My new pattern in the Miss Babs fall collection is here and my Elm Blanket is in it! It uses one massive skein each of 2 colors of Killington for baby or lap blanket sizes. The pattern is $2 off until August 27th with the code ELM at checkout. There's a link to apply the code in the pattern notes on Ravelry.