Marly Bird, Author at Marly Bird

Marly Bird 3-in-1 Knit and Crochet Handwarmers

January 14, 2022 By Marly Bird 3 Comments

Everybody loves a good mitten, but what about a mitten that has a removable top or a pair of fingerless mitts? YESSSS! I hear you; those are equally loved. Trust me, I know and because of that, I want to make sure that you know about my 3-in-1 knit and crochet handwarmers patterns. Originally this was a Yarnspirations CAL/KAL but now the free patterns are available for you on their website. Moreover, you have video support for each step of the way, making it easy to make these handwarmers that you can craft in three different styles each.

*THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS. BY CLICKING ONE OF THESE LINKS AND MAKING A PURCHASE A SMALL PORTION COMES BACK TO THE BLOG. THE PRICE YOU PAY WILL NOT CHANGE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF THE BLOG.

3 in 1 handwarmers crochet and knit patterns

Mittens, Fingerless Mitts, and Convertible Mittens

Learn three ways to make a pair of hand warmers – six ways if you are bicrafty and can both knit and crochet! I’ve designed a basic pattern that can be turned into a pair of mittens, fingerless mittens, or convertible mittens depending on the finishing techniques that you select. Choose to knit or crochet or follow use both patterns; end up with 1 pair or 3 pairs or 6 pairs of hand warmers you will love.

Customizable Designs For Everyone!

Make a pair for anyone that you want to give a gift to. Make several pairs for yourself. Change up the colors to fit your style and enjoy the fun of making along with others.

CLICK THE PICTURES BELOW TO GET THE PATTERNS ????

Skill Level Required for 3-in-1 Knit and Crochet Handwarmers Patterns

This project was originally a Yarnspirations CAL/KAL. Before those begin, many people ask me, “how good do I need to be at the craft to join in?” I understand that. You want to make sure you can actually make the project before you start. However, oftentimes these patterns have more to do with your drive than your current skill level. The pattern and video support make it so that you can finish these patterns.

Here is my best skill level advice as to what is needed for these knit and crochet handwarmer patterns. If you’re a confident beginner crocheter who is comfortable with making chains and single crochets, then I think you can absolutely do this. If you are an advanced beginner knitter who is comfortable with knits and purls and is ready to try something a little more challenging, then you can do this. The biggest challenge for you will be using the double pointed needles and working the stranded knitting but I go over that in the videos.

You might also want to check out BiCrafty Bootcamp: To Learn Knitting or To Learn Crochet … the tips in these posts and videos are invaluable for helping you when you get stuck.

Notes For The Knit and Crochet Handwarmer Patterns

SPOILER ALERT: In the videos, I’ve offered some alternative patterns for the body of the hand warmers on my website that might be a little easier for those who struggle with the colorwork on this pattern.

Because I know there are going to be knitters who ask, yes, you can make these fingerless mittens, mittens or convertible mittens with the magic loop technique or two circulars or even 9″ circular needles. I discuss how to do this in the videos but the pattern is written for double pointed needles.

3 in 1 Hand Warmer Video Tutorials

You’ll find 3 knit videos and 3 crochet videos that go with these patterns. These videos are progressive, meaning each video will build upon the previous video as I teach you how to make these fun mittens, fingerless mittens or convertible mittens. Therefore, you want to start with the first video for either craft and move through them accordingly.

Here are those video links:

Click HERE for Knitting Pattern	Click HERE for Crochet Pattern
Video 1: Nov. 16, 2020 <click here>	Video 1: Nov. 16, 2020 <click here>
Video 2: Nov. 19, 2020 <click here>	Video 2: Nov. 19, 2020 <click here>
Video 3: Nov. 23, 2020 <click here>	Video 3: Nov. 23, 2020 <click here>

Join me for one pair of hand warmers or all six! The pattern was designed by me and I must say, I am in love!

3 in 1 Hand Warmer Materials

Crochet

SIZE

One size to fit average adult. Size 8” hand circumference

GAUGE

16 sc and 16 rows = 4″ [10 cm] with smaller hook.

14 splsc and 14 rounds = 4″ [10 cm] with larger hook.

YARN

Red Heart® With Love™

1 ball each color

Color A: Oxford

Color B: Rainforest Stripe

HOOK

US 7/G

US 8/H

NOTIONS

Stitch markers, tapestry needle

Knitting

SIZE

One size to fit average adult. Size 8″ hand circumference

GAUGE

16 sts 20 rows = 4” [10 cm] with U.S. 8 (5 mm) in pat.

YARN

Red Heart® With Love™

1 ball each color

Color A: Sweet Pink

Color B: Passion Stripe

NEEDLES

Sizes U.S. 7 (4.5 mm) and U.S. 8 (5 mm) Double Pointed Needles or size needed to obtain gauge.

NOTIONS

Stitch markers, tapestry needle

If you like crocheting and knitting hand accessories then you might also like these posts:

Everyone likes different knit and crochet hand warmer patterns, which these 3-in-1 designs accommodate. We’re curious: what kind do you like best? Fingerless? Fingerless with thumb hole? Convertible? Mittens? Gloves? Share your thoughts.

7 Crafty Ways to Kick The New Year Off Right

December 31, 2021 By Marly Bird Leave a Comment

Happy Crafty New Year! Do you have big plans and goals and resolutions for 2021? Or are you taking it more mellow and easing into the year instead, just happy to have survived 2020 mostly intact? Whether you want to start off big or small, indulging in your love for craft can be a great way to start the new year. Here are 7 crafty ways to kick the new year off right:

https://marlybird.com/7-crafty-ways-to-kick-the-new-year-off-right/

1. Pick a Word of the Year

One way to approach a new year is to choose a “word of the year.” It’s a word that you can use a touchstone throughout the months to come. It can help guide you, center you, and remind you of what your priorities are. How do you apply that to crafting? Check out our full post on Choosing and Using a Crafty Word of the Year.

2. Start a Year-Long (or Big) Project

Get yourself on the right foot with the crafty new year by starting a huge project today. It might be a year-long project. Examples include:

Crocheting one motif every day to be put together into a blanket at the end of the year.
Taking a photo every day for Instagram related to yarn, knitting, or crochet.
Joining a 365 project on social media.
Starting a knitting or crochet blog.
Choosing a “one every month” project (making one scarf per month for example) and starting the first one today.

One really wonderful type of project that people often begin at New Year’s is the temperature blanket. Learn more:

We also suggest doing a variation on the temperature blanket this year by tying it to another goal you care about. It’s called a Habit Tracker Blanket.

2a. Join Marly Bird’s Daily Prompts

Each day, we’ll give you a daily prompt for your knitting / crochet. Prompts include project ideas, book recommendations, articles to read, days to buy yarn, etc. More details coming on the blog on 1/1/22.

3. Take Five Minutes to Knit or Crochet

Kicking off the new year doesn’t have to mean doing something big. You can take just five minutes today to knit or crochet. This is a way of honoring the craft and the value that it has in your life. It’s a way of reminding yourself that it’s important to you, important enough to make room for it at the beginning of a new year. And it’s a good time to stop and think about what you want in crafting in 2021.

4. Reflect Upon Your Last Year in Craft

Take some time to reflect upon your last year in craft. This can be a big thing or a small thing. For example:

Many people use the Top 9 tool to collect their most popular nine Instagram photos of the year – are any of yours craft related?
You might also do a short social media story or slide show highlighting your favorite makes of the year.
Did you accomplish something you’re really proud of? Print out a blank certificate of accomplishment for it and give yourself an award.
Or go back through all of your WIP and FO images of the past year and catalog them in a scrapbook or journal.

5. Learn a New Craft or Technique

Challenge yourself to learn something new this year. If you knit, learn to crochet (or weave or embroider or whatever). Or choose a new technique to learn within your craft. If you crochet, try broomstick lace or tapestry crochet. You might not actually start learning the craft today (although you could!) But you can take initial steps including:

Choosing the craft or technique that you’ll learn.
Committing to a plan publicly through social media. (Hashtag #marlymademedoit if you want me to see it!)
Ordering (or taking out of storage) the supplies that you’ll need to get started.
Finding a class and signing up for it.
Locating a blog, online tutorials, or other resources that can help you learn.
Reaching out to friends to see if anyone else wants to learn with you.

6. Make Something For Yourself

Take some time today to knit or crochet something just for yourself. It might be something small. Or it might be a small start on a bigger gift to yourself. So often we craft for others (especially throughout the holiday season.) Turn your attention to yourself. It’s a great way to start a crafty new year.

7. Give Gratitude to Your Craft

Craft gives you so much. It may provide comfort, healing, excitement, inspiration, focus, distraction, community … and so much more. Take the time today, through prayer or making a list or whatever works for you, to just give a little gratitude for the craft. If you want to go further, consider how you learned the craft, who has influenced you, and how you get your craft supplies as areas for additional gratitude.

Turkey Trot Mystery Make Along || 2021

November 8, 2021 By Marly Bird 4 Comments

Join the Turkey Trot Mystery Make Along with Marly Bird during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend + some! This is the 3rd annual event and we are thrilled to bring knitters and crocheters together to this big fiber loving family event.

With the success of the previous events including Turkey Trot 2020, Turkey Trot 2019, Tournament of Stitches and the Game Day events, and knowing that 2021 hasn’t really turned out much better than 2020, I wanted to add little fun to our Thanksgiving weekend.

Learn more about the event, grab your supplies and get ready to trot along with me in this mystery knit along and crochet along. #MarlyBirdTurkeyTrot2021

[Read more…]

Knitter Gifts: The Best New Knit Books of 2021

November 4, 2021 By Marly Bird Leave a Comment

We are so lucky that many terrific new knit books come out every year. There are a plethora of great craft publishers who put out creative, original, educational new knitting books. Combined together, they provide a wealth of information, stitch techniques, patterns, and inspiration. If you’re looking for knitter gifts, then adding these knitting pattern books and stitch dictionaries under their tree is a great way to go.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. That means I get a percentage of the sale when you click over and make a purchase. Your price doesn’t change. Thank you for your support.

New Knitting Books - Great for Knitter Gifts

New How To Knit Books Including Specific Knitting Skills

If you’re a beginner how is just learning how to knit, then you’re going to want to make sure that you have the books that are geared just towards you. Of course, the knitting stitch dictionaries above will also be a great resource. But there are also some great new knitting books for people who are just learning the craft. Moreover, there are books for people who want to learn a specific niche of the craft in depth.

How to Knit: The only technique book you will ever need

If you are a brand new beginner to the craft then start here.

Guys Knit: The Instruction Manual: Techniques, Patterns, Video Links

Anyone can use this knitting book to learn how to knit. However, it’s specifically designed to attract male knitters and to break down some of the stereotypes people have about the fiber arts.

Adventure Cables: Brave New Stitch Crossings and 19 Patterns

This book specifically teaches you everything that you need to know about how to knit cables. Once you learn the instructions, you’ll be able to work with the 19 knit cable patterns included in the collection.

Brioche Knitting for Beginners and Beyond: Your Definitive Guide to Creating Colorful, Lusciously Textured Knitwear

Brioche knitting allows you to create terrific texture and graphic design with vertical striping. This is a book for brioche beginners who want to learn all that they can about this knitting niche.

French Knitting: 40 fast and fun i-cord creations with a mini knitting mill

Learn how to use a mini knitting mill to make iCord knits. But guess what? Even if you don’t have one of these fun little machines, you can still use all of the patterns in this book worked with traditional knitting methods. Have fun trying new things.

280 Japanese Lace Stitches: A Dictionary of Beautiful Openwork Patterns

There are several great ways to use stitch dictionaries. If you’re stuck on a pattern and need help figuring out how a stitch works, then you can turn to a stitch dictionary. If you’re looking for a stitch that you can repeat to create your own scarf or blanket, then you can find one in a stitch dictionary. And, of course, if you want to build new skills then stitch dictionaries can help you figure out what you might want to learn next. Moreover, if you want to design your own knitting patterns, then these books can be a terrific resource. Advanced knitters will find a lot of interesting new lace stitch patterns in this collection.

Knitter’s Stitch Collection

Here’s another one of the great new knitting books that provides you with knit stitches. It’s subtitled, “A creative guide to the 300 knitting stitches you really need to know.”

Nordic, Norwegian, Scandinavian, and Fair Isle Knit Books

It’s easy to get confused about the similarities and differences between these types of knitting. Generally speaking, Scandinavia refers to Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Nordic is a broader term that includes these places as well as Finland, Iceland, and associated territories such as Greenland and the Faroe Islands.

When it comes to knitting, there’s actually a specific knitting technique called Norwegian knitting. But sometimes people simply refer to the pattern style as Norwegian (or Nordic, or Scandinavian). Fair Isle is also related to this knitting pattern style. IT comes from the Shetland Islands, which isn’t technically a Nordic country, but does have Nordic roots.

So, here are the new knitting books that embrace the color work and pattern style typically associated with Nordic, Norwegian, Scandinavian, and Fair Isle knitting.

The Nordic Knitting Primer: A Step-by-Step Guide to Scandinavian Colorwork

Start here if you want to get to know about this region’s knit colorwork. There are patterns for beginners and advanced knitters. Likewise, you’ll find designs for children as well as adults.

Knit Like A Norwegian: 30 Stunning Patterns from Scandinavia’s Top Designers

One of the best ways to learn a knitting style is to get inspiration from a range of different designers’ interpretations of that style. This is one of the new knitting books that will allow you to do that.

Knits from Northern Lands: 20 projects inspired by traditional knitting techniques from the Scottish Isles to Scandinavia

There are so many new knitting books inspired by this part of the world right now!

Knits from Around Norway: Over 40 Traditional Knitting Patterns Inspired by Norwegian Folk-Art Collections

The Amazon description includes: “With her trademark attention to detail and patience for painstaking reproduction of knitted patterns, based on archival photographs and examples preserved in museum collections, Nina guides readers through the history and origins of each design, in a fascinating step-by-step tour of Norwegian knitting tradition no knitter should be without.”

Handknits from Rauma, Norway: 30 New Takes on Traditional Norwegian Designs

Rauma Garn is a Norwegian Yarn Company founded in the 1920’s. Author Bente Presterud went through their archive of patterns to come up with the designs for this book. Lots of unique colorwork patterns.

Norwegian Mittens and Gloves: Over 25 Classic Designs for Warm Fingers and Stylish Hands

The title pretty much says it all. If you like to knit mittens then this collection will inspire you.

Knitting from Fair Isle: 15 contemporary designs inspired by tradition

Per the description on Amazon: “The book includes fisherman jumpers with high, crew and slash necks, a poncho, neck warmer, cowl and long scarf, fingerless gloves and hand and wrist warmers, as well as the traditional fisherman’s hats known as keps.”

Maja’s Swedish Socks: Over 35 Imaginative Patterns to Knit

If you love Swedish prints and knitting socks then this is one of the best new knitting books for you.

Jorid Linvik’s Big Book of Knitted Mittens: 45 Distinctive Scandinavian Patterns

If mittens are more your thing then this is the Scandinavian knit pattern book for you.

Icelandic Mittens: 25 Traditional Patterns Reimagined

Here’s another one of the new knitting books all about mittens. It’s always interesting to see traditional, classic designs updated with new yarns and color choices.

Selbu Patterns

The subtitle on this one says it all: “Discover the Rich History of a Norwegian Knitting Tradition with Over 400 Charts and Classic Designs for Socks, Hats, and Sweaters.” So if you’re looking for unique sweater design books, this might be on your radar.

Nordic Knits for Children

Some of the designs in this book are for little kids – ages 3-6. Others are for ages 7-9. And some of them are designed for all of those ages. You’ll find hats and scarves, dresses and sweaters in these pages.

Sweater Design Books and Other Garment / Accessories Knitting Pattern Books

Do you enjoy knitting things to wear? Some people love sweater design books. Others are looking for knitting pattern books filled with different accessories. Whether it’s hats and mittens or sweaters and socks, these are the new knitting books to add to your shelves:

Texture: 20 Timeless Garments Exploring Knit, Yarn and Stitch

What’s more fun than exploring how yarn and stitches can come together to create different textures. This book explores that while giving you patterns to make scarves, vests, gloves, and sweaters. The designs and their texture were inspired by the city, country, and coastal landscapes, all of which is reflected in the beautiful photography that makes this not only a great knitting book but a good coffee table book as well.

Vogue® Knitting Lace: 40 Bold & Delicate Knits

Here are more than three dozen designs curated from the pages of Vogue Knitting magazine. If you love lace knitting than this is one of the new knitting books you’ll want to get your hands on.

Top-Down Colorwork Knit Sweaters and Accessories: 27 Patterns for Women and Men

Fourteen of this book’s patterns are top-down, seamless, yoke pullover sweaters. Therefore, if you’re seeking sweater design books for knitter gifts this year, then head to this one. These designs will keep you cozy and stylish. The rest of the book’s patterns apply the same basic knitting techniques to accessories that you can wear with the sweaters or on their own.

Summer Knitting: 26 Projects for Warm Weather Crafting

Knitting, of course, isn’t just about sweaters. You can make beautiful, lightweight summer garments as well. This collection has shirts (including a Hawaiian shirt) as well as accessories for home and body.

Easy Knits for Beautiful Yarns: 21 Shawls, Hats, Sweaters & More Designed to Showcase Special Yarns

If you have been looking for an excuse to use your luxury yarns, then this is one of the best new knitting books for you. The simple knit patterns are designed specifically to showcase beautiful, special yarns.

Knit Happy with Self-Striping Yarn: Bright, Fun and Colorful Sweaters and Accessories Made Easy

Knit colorful sweaters, mittens and more with the self-striping yarn patterns in this collection.

Small Knits: Casual & Chic Japanese-Style Accessories (19 Projects + variations)

Knit a variety of different accessories with the patterns in this book. Instructions include Japanese symbol charts as well as diagrams.

Knitted Shawls

This looks like it’s going to be one of the most interesting new knitting books of 2021. On the one hand, it’s a collection of more than two dozen knit shawl patterns. However, it’s also a guide to learning how to knit, with shawls as your projects because gauge is less important than with other wearables. And it also includes information about the health benefits of knitting.

Knitter’s Guide to Shawl Design

In this Kindle book, author Emma Vining uses the shawl to teach you about how to design your own knits. The book covers shawl shapes and knitting techniques. More importantly, it discusses how to adapt and customize designs as you learn to create your own original knits.

Knitted Animal Hats: 35 designs from the animal kingdom for babies, kids, and teens

How cute are these animal hats? You can knit one for everyone you know, for holidays and special occasions or just for fun.

Knit Hats with Woolly Wormhead: Styles for the Whole Family

If you’re looking for more classic knit hat patterns for the whole family then this might be the book for you.

10 Quick Knit Beanies & Slouchy Hats

There are always great new knit hat patterns to choose from. Therefore, here’s another of the new knitting books in that vein.

Big Book of Baby Knits: 50+ Garment and Accessory Patterns

Do you enjoy knitting for babies. If so, then this is one of the new knitting books you’ll want to get your hands on.

52 Weeks of Socks: Beautiful patterns for year-round knitting

Challenge yourself to knit a new pair of socks every week for one year. Or just turn to this book whenever you get the urge to knit socks and need a new pattern at your fingertips.

Knit Soxx for Everyone: 25 Colorful Sock Patterns for the Whole Family

If you love to knit socks then you’ll be pleased to know there are several new knitting books dedicated to patterns for you. This one has patterns in all sizes.

The Sock Knitting Bible

If you’re new to knitting socks, then you might want to check out Lynne Rowe’s book. This is a comprehensive step-by-step guide to knitting socks.

Knit 2 Socks in 1: The Easiest Method Ever for Knitting Two Socks at Once

This is a unique approach to sock knitting. You essentially make one long knit sock then split it into a pair. Learn how from the book which has 20+ knit sock designs in addition to the instructions.

Knitted Gifts for All Seasons: Easy Projects to Make and Share

This book has a combination of wearables and home decor items. What ties the projects together is that they are quick and easy knits that make good gifts for a variety of different people in your life.

Knitter Gift Ideas: Blanket Knitting Books

Many knitters love crafting blankets. You can use these new knit books to make blankets of all sizes. Therefore, they’re among the top knitter gift ideas for 2021.

Geometric Knit Blankets: 30 Innovative and Fun-to-Knit Designs

The designs in this book are inspired by tiles, quilt patterns, and other graphic geometric prints.

Knitted Baby Blankets & Cuddle Bags: Over 50 Designs to Make and Share

Baby blankets are always cute gifts for little ones. Moreover, they’re great to donate to charities. That’s why this is one of the best knitter gifts as far as books go.

Knitting Books for Making Toys

So often we see books for amigurumi crochet toys. However, knitters can make toys, too! If that sounds like fun to you then check out these new knitting books. As far as knitter gifts go, in can be fun to make toys for knitters who themselves usually make blankets or wearables. Gift them something different.

Adorable Knitted Animals: Cute Stuffed Toys to Knit the Japanese Way

There are more than two dozen different knit animal pattern in this book. They are designed as cuddly stuffies.

20 to Knit: Dressed Up Bears

Make a group of cuddly stuffed bears. They are dressed for various professions and hobbies including a firefighter, an astronaut, and a judo bear. Therefore, these are great for kids who are learning and dreaming about what they might want to be when they grow up.

Knitted Space

Create a collection of space-inspired toys for kids to play with using your knitting skills and these patterns.

Arne & Carlos’ Field Guide to Knitted Birds: Over 40 Handmade Projects to Liven Up Your Roost

These knitted birds are humorous toys. However, they’re also perfect for bird lovers. Have fun crafting them and delight in gifting them. If you’ve been looking for knitter gift ideas, both the book and the things you yourself make using it are great options.

New Novels, Memoirs and Knitting History Books

Knitting is such a popular pastime that it shows up in a variety of different types of books. Novels, particularly mysteries, often have knitting in the plot. Moreover, there are some really interesting new knitting books that explore the history of the craft. These are really special knitter gifts because they honor what the knitter loves.

This Golden Fleece: A Journey Through Britain’s Knitted History

This is a non-fiction book that combines memoir with history through the exploration of a year of knitting while traveling the British Isles. The author explores the history of wool in this area. According to the Amazon description:

“This Golden Fleece is at once a meditation on the craft and history of knitting, and a fascinating exploration of wool’s influence on our landscape, history and culture.“

Unravelling Canada: A Knitting Odyssey

This is a similar type of book as the one featured above except that it’s about Canada instead of the British Isles. Author “Sylvia Olsen married into the Tsartlip First Nation near Victoria, BC, and developed relationships with Coast Salish knitters through her family’s sweater shop.” She did a cross-country trip exploring different cultures and their experiences with knitting, writing about the similarities and differences.

Vanishing Fleece: Adventures in American Wool

This is the new book from Clara Parkes, author of Knitlandia. It is a memoir of the process of turning fleece into yarn.

Unraveled

This children’s book looks adorable. It’s about a knit blanket that a child loves. When it becomes unraveled, he’s upset. But then his mother knits him something new out of the yarn. Want to instill a love of knitting in children from a young age? This book seems like a good way to start.

If You Want to Knit Some Mittens

Here’s another cute kids knit book, described in part on Amazon: “In this playful story, a girl follows 18 steps to knit mittens–from bringing home a sheep to carding, spinning, and dyeing the wool to knitting the mittens.”

Knit, Purl, a Baby and a Girl

Carina Adores is an LGBTQ+ friendly set of love stories. In this one, a pregnant woman finds love and support in a knitting group.

On Skein of Death (A Riverbank Knitting Mystery)

In this novel, a yarn shop owner works to solve a mystery when someone is murdered with one of her yarn skeins.

Purled and Poisoned: (A Humorous & Heart-warming Cozy Mystery)

The plot according to Amazon includes: “The Serial Knitters and Happy Hookers in the store’s Craft for Calmness group have been busy creating booties and baby blankets for a christening fit for a prince. But when I stumble onto the little prince’s fatally poisoned mother, a right royal mess ensues.” This book is part of the Knitty Kitties Mystery series, which also includes Knitted and Knifed: A Humorous & Heart-warming Cozy Mystery.

And Other New 2021 Knitting Books

Here are a few unique knitting books that don’t quite fall into any simple category. That’s what makes them special.

Contemplative Knitting

This book is all about knitting as a spiritual practice. It explores daily knitting as a form of prayer. Moreover, it looks at how knitting connects communities.

Sustainable Knitting for Beginners and Beyond: 20 Patterns for Environmentally Friendly Knits

Knitting is a slow fashion antidote to fast fashion, making it a sustainable craft. However, there are many things you can do to make your knitting even more eco-friendly. This book provides information about sourcing eco-friendly yarns, keeping your yarn footprint low, and knitting with sustainability in mind.

Viking Knits and Ancient Ornaments: Interlace Patterns from Around the World in Modern Knitwear

This is a really unique book specifically about interlace motifs in knitting. According to Amazon, this book has “Dozens of different sources of inspiration, catalogued and placed within their cultural and historical context, from all around the world.” The book came out as a hardcover in 2014 and then a paperback a couple of years ago. However, new in 2021, it’s available on Kindle.

Wardrobe Embroidery: Knit & Embroidery Projects for Upcycling Clothes

This is an intriguing book. On the one hand, it’s a guide to upcycling your clothing using embroidery. However, it also contains nine knitting patterns, all of which also make great base projects for embroidering on. Therefore, if you love both embroidery and knitting then this is one of 2021’s new knitting books to order today.

Star Wars Knitting the Galaxy

This book has Star Wars inspired patterns for toys, costumes, garments and more. See our full book review here. Tanis Gray also has a new book out this year called Knitting with Disney: 28 Official Patterns Inspired by Mickey Mouse, The Little Mermaid, and More!

Chic & Simple Chunky Knits: For Arm Knitting, Needles & Crochet

This book is unique in that it has patterns for both knitting and crochet. Moreover, the knitting patterns include patterns for needle knitting as well as arm knitting. What ties it all together is that you get the chance to use beautiful bulky yarn to create cozy accessories and blankets using these 23 patterns.

EZ Knitting: Knitting Without Needles-Easy to Learn, Fast and Fun, No Tools Needed!

This book is specifically about how to use one unique yarn: Bernat Alize Blanket-EZ. This is a bulky yarn that requires no knitting needles to pull loop through loop and craft a variety of items.

17+ One Ball Projects For Quick Knit and Crochet

June 22, 2021 By Marly Bird Leave a Comment

There are so many reasons you might have a single skein of yarn. You might have bought one hank because it was special, been gifted one from someone who knows you love yarn, or had just one leftover from a bigger project. But what should you do with those single balls of yarn? Well, you crochet or knit one ball projects, right? Check out this blog post for some ideas for your solo skein.

What Can You Make With One Ball Of Yarn?

There are more one ball project choices than you might think, especially when it comes to finer yarn, such as fingering, sock yarn, or lace. Though you may not squeeze a sweater, blanket, or large item of clothing out of one yarn hank (unless it’s for a baby or a doll), each finer ball has so much yardage it goes a long way whether you knit or crochet.

A shawl is always a favorite project for lace, as are wraps, scarves, mitts, and socks, or even a lightweight shrug. With a bit of creativity, you can create a cowl, hat, mittens, amigurumi toy, more than one headband, baby mittens, or booties from thicker single skeins, maybe even worsted weight, depending on the yardage.

Whatever the yarn weight, you definitely can make something out of one hank.

Here’s our roundup of one-ball projects for quick knit and crochet.

one ball projects - crochet and knitting patterns using one skein of yarn - Marly Bird

One Ball Projects for Knitters

Here are some of the best one ball/one skein knitting projects, including several knitting patterns I’ve designed over the years:

Super Simple Knit Scarf/Cowl

This great one-skein knit project combines lace and ribbing in one piece. You can make it a scarf, but thanks to the buttons, you can also make it a cowl. It’s one of the most versatile one-ball projects I’ve designed.

Chevron Knit Hat for Beginners

It's so Suite chevron knit hat free pattern

This is an easy free beginner knit hat pattern. You’ll use simple knitting stitches to create a single-color chevron pattern. It’s subtle but effective. With no shaping, you don’t need advanced skills to complete this one ball knit hat.

Seed Stitch Knit Hat Pattern

The knit seed stitch is an easy, beautiful beginner stitch pattern. Use it to create this terrific instant gratification one ball knit hat.

Many knit hats are one ball projects. Some of my other favorite knit hat patterns that only use one ball include the Double Dip Knit Ribbed Hat and my Ebb and Flow Chunky Knit Hat.

Topping Scarf Knit Pattern

This is one of my early one ball projects. It’s a terrific knit scarf, made using a single skein of luxury yarn. The beautiful lace design showcases the yarn perfectly.

Loop It Cowl

Loop It is a really unique yarn used for finger knitting. My Loop It Cowl design uses only a single ball of this fun yarn.

One Ball Projects for Crocheters

The crocheters aren’t left out of this roundup at all. Here are some of my favorite one ball/one skein crochet patterns:

Super Simple Crochet Shawl

Super Simple Shawl easy free crochet shawl pattern

Use very basic crochet stitches to create this openwork filet mesh shawl. Use one hank of colorful or long color-changing yarn to create the magic of this design.

Roll With It Crochet Shawl

Roll With It Shawl - One Ball Crochet Shawl Free Pattern

This free crochet shawl pattern is very similar to my Super Simple Shawl. However, I tweaked it a little bit. First, I used different yarn. Second, I chose a different border. Finally, the seaming is different. Both the Super Simple Shawl and the Roll With It Shawl are fantastic one ball projects.

Caron Go-To One Skein Crochet Shawl

Work this crochet shawl from the center out for a fun one-ball project. It has a beautiful openwork design with stitches that are really fun to work on. That terrific scalloped border makes a big statement.

Crochet One Skein Soft Essentials Cowl

Crochet One Skein Soft Essentials - one ball crochet cowl pattern

This is one of my favorite one ball projects. It uses a delicate lace crochet stitch pattern. However, I’ve also incorporated post stitches, which add texture to contrast with the lace. I love the effect. It’s a simple crochet cowl pattern.

Many crochet cowl patterns are great one ball projects. For another good one, check out my Jilly Bean Cowl.

Skinny Broomstick Scarf Pattern

Have you ever crocheted broomstick lace? It’s a great technique. And in this pattern you’ll use it to make a single one-ball skinny scarf in the gorgeous open, lacy pattern broomstick lace creates.

Trinity Stitch One Ball Crochet Hat Pattern

The trinity stitch is an easy stitch pattern that creates a beautiful texture. Use one ball of yarn to turn this stitch into an easy new crochet hat.

Blossom Crochet Hat Pattern

Blossom Crochet Hat - one ball crochet hat pattern with brim

This is an advanced crochet pattern. It takes the idea of a messy bun hat but adds a brim to make it more sophisticated. Not all hats are one ball projects but many of them, like this one, are.

The When We Were Young crochet hat pattern is another example of a great one ball hat design.

Bumpy Road Headband Crochet Pattern

You don’t need anywhere near a full ball of yarn to complete this quick but adorable crochet pattern. Make a set so all the gals in the family can wear one too!

More One Skein Crochet Patterns

one skein crochet projects book by Marly Bird

Are you looking for even more one ball or hank projects? Then check out my Leisure Arts book of one skein crochet patterns! All designs are quick and easy crochet projects for great instant gratification crafting.

Treat Yourself with This Sophisticated, Chic Knit Lace Hat Free Pattern

February 18, 2021 By Marly Bird Leave a Comment

Chic Lace Knit Hat Free Pattern For Advanced Beginners

Are you looking for a chic and sophisticated knit hat pattern? Look no further – you’ve found the one. It has delicate baby knit cables that are soft and sweet. The knit lace work is exquisite, if I do say so myself. And if you find the right yarn to work with, this can be a truly stylish slouchy hat. Learn more about this chic knit lace hat free pattern now.

Let’s Talk About The Yarn

When I originally designed this knit lace hat free pattern, I used Universal Yarns “Eden Silk” which has unfortunately been discontinued. It was a blend of merino wool and silk that had the perfect sheen and shine for a sophisticated hat. Moreover, it came in a pink blush color that had a soft romance to it.

That said, there are so many different yarn options out there. This is hardly the only one that will work. So, take a look through your yarn stash and see if you have something comparable. You want a DK weight or light worsted. So, for example, you might want to try Patons Silk Bamboo Yarn This is 70% bamboo and 30% silk, giving it excellent sheen and drape. Sugar Bush Bliss might be a little bit too lightweight but the blend of 70% extra fine superwash merino, 20% mulberry silk, 10% cashmere does make it a choice worth trying,

Take the time to find the right yarn for this project. Treat yourself. You’ll be glad that you did.

knit lace hat free pattern by Marly Bird

The Big Impact of Baby Cables

Baby cables make this knit lace hat free pattern really special. You get that cabling effect but in a soft and subtle way. The baby cables are a special stitch.

You’ll do the following: Knit 2 sts together, leaving sts on lhn, then knit into the first st again, slip both sts off lhn.

The result is lovely knit cables that are different from what you normally see. It’s special, and it allows you to practice something new which is always fun, too. Other knitters will notice and ask you about the stitch,

A Knit Lace Hat Can Be Slouchy

When you think about a knit lace hat free pattern that is chic and soft and sophisticated, you probably think of a beanie. In other words, you likely think of something that clings close to the head. However, a slouch hat can be sophisticated, and this pattern shows you how. Made with instructions for three different sizes, you can make it slightly slouchy or super slouchy. Paired with curly hair, it’s especially romantic, but it works for almost anyone.

Take The Time To Finish It Right

This is one of those knit hat patterns that you definitely want to block before you wear it. After all, you’ve gone to the effort to make those pretty lace stitches. Blocking the work will open them up and really showcase them. The baby cables look great set against that open lace.

Get The Knit Lace Hat Free Pattern

This knit lace hat free pattern is available right here on the site. Click here or on the image below. When you go to that link, you’ll also see that you can purchase an ad-free version of the pattern on Ravelry if you prefer that option.

Mittens, Fingerless Mitts, and Convertible Mittens

Customizable Designs For Everyone!

CLICK THE PICTURES BELOW TO GET THE PATTERNS ????

Skill Level Required for 3-in-1 Knit and Crochet Handwarmers Patterns

Notes For The Knit and Crochet Handwarmer Patterns

3 in 1 Hand Warmer Video Tutorials

3 in 1 Hand Warmer Materials

Crochet

SIZE

GAUGE

YARN

HOOK

NOTIONS

Knitting

SIZE

GAUGE

YARN

NEEDLES

NOTIONS

If you like crocheting and knitting hand accessories then you might also like these posts:

1. Pick a Word of the Year

2. Start a Year-Long (or Big) Project

2a. Join Marly Bird’s Daily Prompts

3. Take Five Minutes to Knit or Crochet

4. Reflect Upon Your Last Year in Craft

5. Learn a New Craft or Technique

6. Make Something For Yourself

7. Give Gratitude to Your Craft

You Might Also Like:

New How To Knit Books Including Specific Knitting Skills

How to Knit: The only technique book you will ever need

Brioche Knitting for Beginners and Beyond: Your Definitive Guide to Creating Colorful, Lusciously Textured Knitwear

French Knitting: 40 fast and fun i-cord creations with a mini knitting mill

280 Japanese Lace Stitches: A Dictionary of Beautiful Openwork Patterns

Nordic, Norwegian, Scandinavian, and Fair Isle Knit Books

The Nordic Knitting Primer: A Step-by-Step Guide to Scandinavian Colorwork

Knit Like A Norwegian: 30 Stunning Patterns from Scandinavia’s Top Designers

Knits from Northern Lands: 20 projects inspired by traditional knitting techniques from the Scottish Isles to Scandinavia

Knits from Around Norway: Over 40 Traditional Knitting Patterns Inspired by Norwegian Folk-Art Collections

Handknits from Rauma, Norway: 30 New Takes on Traditional Norwegian Designs

Knitting from Fair Isle: 15 contemporary designs inspired by tradition

Maja’s Swedish Socks: Over 35 Imaginative Patterns to Knit

Jorid Linvik’s Big Book of Knitted Mittens: 45 Distinctive Scandinavian Patterns

Sweater Design Books and Other Garment / Accessories Knitting Pattern Books

Top-Down Colorwork Knit Sweaters and Accessories: 27 Patterns for Women and Men

Summer Knitting: 26 Projects for Warm Weather Crafting

Easy Knits for Beautiful Yarns: 21 Shawls, Hats, Sweaters & More Designed to Showcase Special Yarns

Knit Happy with Self-Striping Yarn: Bright, Fun and Colorful Sweaters and Accessories Made Easy

Small Knits: Casual & Chic Japanese-Style Accessories (19 Projects + variations)

Knitted Animal Hats: 35 designs from the animal kingdom for babies, kids, and teens

Big Book of Baby Knits: 50+ Garment and Accessory Patterns

52 Weeks of Socks: Beautiful patterns for year-round knitting

Knit Soxx for Everyone: 25 Colorful Sock Patterns for the Whole Family

Knitted Gifts for All Seasons: Easy Projects to Make and Share

Knitter Gift Ideas: Blanket Knitting Books

Geometric Knit Blankets: 30 Innovative and Fun-to-Knit Designs

Knitted Baby Blankets & Cuddle Bags: Over 50 Designs to Make and Share

Knitting Books for Making Toys

Adorable Knitted Animals: Cute Stuffed Toys to Knit the Japanese Way

Arne & Carlos’ Field Guide to Knitted Birds: Over 40 Handmade Projects to Liven Up Your Roost

New Novels, Memoirs and Knitting History Books

On Skein of Death (A Riverbank Knitting Mystery)

Purled and Poisoned: (A Humorous & Heart-warming Cozy Mystery)

And Other New 2021 Knitting Books

Viking Knits and Ancient Ornaments: Interlace Patterns from Around the World in Modern Knitwear

EZ Knitting: Knitting Without Needles-Easy to Learn, Fast and Fun, No Tools Needed!

You Might Also Like:

What Can You Make With One Ball Of Yarn?

One Ball Projects for Knitters

Super Simple Knit Scarf/Cowl

Chevron Knit Hat for Beginners

Seed Stitch Knit Hat Pattern

Topping Scarf Knit Pattern

Loop It Cowl

One Ball Projects for Crocheters

Super Simple Crochet Shawl

Roll With It Crochet Shawl

Caron Go-To One Skein Crochet Shawl

Crochet One Skein Soft Essentials Cowl

Skinny Broomstick Scarf Pattern