Fun Projects to Knit for Fall

October 30, 2015 by Sarah White Leave a Comment

I already have a list of too many things I want to knit before it gets much colder (not to mention some knit toys for my daughter for Christmas; I’ll share the inspiration behind that on Monday), but there are at least a couple of things on this list of fall knits that have crossed my email recently that I really want to knit. Like, right now.

This Transitions Sweater from Wisdom Yarns is one. I love the look of it, and the fact that it’s made with super bulky yarn — held double, and size 35 US needles — in a really simple pattern means this really might be a sweater you could knit in a weekend or so.

I also really want one of theses Kauni Cascade Vests (pattern at Noble Knits). The combination of a solid yarn and a striping yarn makes this project look a lot more complex than it is, but it’s just simple stripes. There’s not any shaping at all, just bind offs for the armholes, so it’s really a pretty basic pattern that will go pretty quickly.

The Soft Linen Vest by Tonia Barry for Classic Elite Yarns is one of those great transition pieces you can wear over long sleeves now and a sundress later. It’s a linen/wool/alpaca blend yarn, so there’s still some warmth in it even in a project without sleeves.

Speaking of Wisdom Yarns, by the way, I also love their one-skein Sweetie Cowl, which proves that lace can be effective even on a really big scale. The Tilted Scarf pattern is another great one for quick warmth and an easy gift idea.

Boot toppers are another great gift idea. They bring a little warmth to the leg when wearing boots that maybe don’t hug the leg perfectly, and they give you another chance to wear something knit without breaking out your legwarmers (not that there’s anything wrong with that). The Frosting Boot Toppers from Knit Picks are super cute. Another bulky project, they’re worked mostly in a fun herringbone pattern with ribbing to help hug the leg.

Knit the trends with this great Plaid Hat from Vickie Howell, inspired by the Adam Lippes collection now available at Target (which I love and have been trying hard to resist). This one is worked in a roving yarn in two colors, with a sweet pom-pom topper. It’s available in three sizes and in snug and slouchy versions, so it’s perfect for everyone on your list.

Are you knitting like crazy now that the weather’s starting to cool? I’d love to know what you’re working on!

Specific to knitters, you can join our Knitting Patterns Only group to get, well, knitting patterns, ask questions and gain inspiration for what to knit next.

Looking for Yarn online? Check out Lionbrand our preferred source for purchasing yarn online.

Looking for Fall patterns to Knit? Check out these Fall knitting patterns we found on Etsy.

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Book Review: Brooklyn Tweed’s Knit & Crochet Blankets

Blankets are a great blank slate project that you can change up in a million different ways. From color to stitch pattern to size, the possibilities are almost endless.

Jared Flood, the designer behind Brooklyn Tweed, was inspired by a log cabin quilt his mother made in 1995 to re-create that design in knitting, which led to more blankets and ultimate Brooklyn Tweed’s Knit and Crochet Blankets, which includes 25 patterns from an array of designers using different skills and techniques to make cozy, pretty blankets.

The patterns are divided into three aesthetic themes: traditions, minimalism and colorplay. The patterns are rated on a scale of one to five, with one being the easiest, and there aren’t any pieces rated five. Two blankets are rated one, 14 are two, eight are three and one is four.

In addition, three of the 25 patterns are crocheted, but they either use single crochet or granny stitch, so they are pretty easy even if you don’t do a lot of crochet. You can see all the patterns on Ravelry.

Some of my favorites include Rattan by Rastus Hsu, a chunky blanket worked in knits and purls with simple crossing stitches to make a raised woven look; Homewood by Seth Richardson, covers in dramatic, loopy cables; Ainur Berkimbayeva’s Tessellate, one of the beginner projects that doesn’t really look beginner but is totally worked in knit and purl stitches; Warp + Weft by Aist? Butkevi?ien?, which is mostly knits and purls but makes a fun woven look fabric that blew my mind a little bit; and the same designer’s Canyonland, a multicolored blanket with wavy stripes.

The patterns tell you how to resize them for different dimensions and include information on pattern repeats where it is possible to make a totally custom size.

Many different techniques are included here such as cables, lace, shadow knitting, intarsia and other colorwork techniques, as well as modular knitting and lots of sewing pieces together. The patterns are all presented with charts, but there are line by line written instructions available on the Brooklyn Tweed website if you need them.

The book ends with a deep dive into log cabin knitting, telling the story of the quilt Jared’s mom made and how he made it in knitting, as well as the multitude of variations you can make if you want your own log cabin style design.

The back of the book includes a little written information about some of the special techniques needed, but there are no photos.

This is a lovely book full of inspiration for knitting and crochet blankets for any skill level. If you like to make blankets as gifts or aspire to have a handmade blanket in every room of the house, these designs would be a great place to start.

About the book: 192 pages, paperback, 25 patterns. Published 2024 by Abrams Books, suggested retail price $24.99.

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