Game of Wool Renewed for Second Series

Game of Wool, the controversial (among knitters, anyway) knitting competition series set in Scotland and hosted by Olympic knitter Tom Daley, has been renewed for a second series, according to Channel 4.

The Great British Bake Off style knitting competition challenged eight knitters with team and individual challenges in knitting and crochet, ranging from a super bulky sleeveless pullover to amigurumi food, knit jewelry to children’s play clothes.

Knitters had a lot to say about the show, finding the challenges silly (who really knits an entire couch cover or a deck chair, least of all over the course of 12 hours?), too short and not really indicative of the knitters’ skills. Only one challenge, to knit a lace panel for a lamp, actually showed the all important knitting skills of being able to read and follow a pattern, and it’s the only time the knitters all made the same thing so they could accurately be judged against each other.

All the same, viewers in general seemed to like it, with Channel 4 reporting it was among the top 8pm shows among 16-34 year olds last year.

Daley will return as host of the show, and Di Gilpin and Sheila Greenwell will be back as judges.

“I was blown away by the response to the first series of Game of Wool,” Daley said in a news release. “Knitting is such a creative and joyful craft and it’s been amazing to see so many people inspired to pick up their needles. I can’t wait for the show to return and to meet a whole new group of brilliant knitters ready to take on the challenge.”

Clemency Green, commissioning editor at Channel 4, said the next series will have “an even stronger focus on knitting” as well as some “exciting new elements in the competition.” Here’s hoping that means fewer crochet challenges and more technical tests.

Game of Wool will be back in the fall, and if you’re in the UK and want to subject yourself to the rigors of the Yarn Barn, you can apply to be on the show now. Participants must be at least 18 years old, residents of the UK and their “primary income” shouldn’t come from “commercial knitting activities.”

[Photo via Channel 4]

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There is something very sweet about vintage baby knitting patterns, especially the ones that still feel wearable today. This Vintage Baby Sweater Knitting Pattern PDF from the CraftGossipStore has that lovely old-fashioned charm without looking fussy or too dated, which is exactly what makes it a nice find for knitters who enjoy making baby gifts with a bit of heirloom feeling.

The pattern includes two classic baby sweater styles: a textured crew neck jumper and cardigan options with raglan sleeves. The stitch pattern gives the finished pieces that beautiful handmade texture we all love, but it still feels practical enough for real babies — not just the kind of outfit that gets worn for one photo and then carefully folded away forever.

You can find the pattern here: Vintage Baby Sweater Knitting Pattern PDF from CraftGossipStore.

This is a restored vintage knitting pattern delivered as a printable PDF, so there is no physical pattern posted out. After purchase, the file is available through Etsy as an instant digital download, which is handy if you’re the sort of knitter who gets an idea at 9 pm and wants to cast on before common sense has a chance to intervene.

The pattern is designed for 8 ply / DK weight yarn, which makes it a practical choice because DK baby yarn is easy to find in soft modern colours. It uses 3.25 mm and 4 mm knitting needles, along with stitch holders, buttons for the cardigan versions, a yarn needle, scissors, and measuring tape.

What I like about this pattern is the flexibility. Worked in cream, lemon, powder blue, sage green, oatmeal, dusty pink, or warm beige, it would suit either a traditional baby wardrobe or a more modern neutral nursery style. The cardigan version is especially practical because cardigans are always easier when dressing little ones. Anyone who has ever tried to wriggle a jumper over a sleepy baby’s head will understand that immediately.

Because this is a vintage pattern, it is worth remembering that older knitting patterns are often written more briefly than modern ones. They tend to assume the knitter already knows a few things, so I’d recommend this for confident beginners through to intermediate knitters rather than someone picking up needles for the very first time. If you’re comfortable reading shaping instructions, checking gauge, working textured stitches, and sewing seams neatly, this should be a very satisfying little project.

Before starting, make a tension square. I know, I know — no one wants to hear it, but baby garments are small enough that gauge really does matter. A tiny difference in tension can quickly change the finished size, and nobody wants to finish a beautiful baby cardigan only to discover it fits a doll or a toddler with very optimistic shoulders.

This pattern would make a lovely baby shower gift, newborn photo outfit, heirloom baby knit, or handmade market sample. It is also a nice choice for knitters who enjoy vintage patterns but prefer having them cleaned up into a more usable digital format.

If you need supplies, look for a soft DK baby yarn, smooth knitting needles, small cardigan buttons, stitch holders, and a blunt yarn needle for finishing. Mary Maxim is always worth checking for baby yarns and classic knitting supplies, while Amazon can be handy for basics like stitch holders, measuring tapes, button packs, and printed pattern binders if you like keeping your PDF patterns organised.

For anyone who enjoys traditional baby knitting, this is a sweet little pattern with plenty of charm. It has that “made by Grandma, kept forever” feeling, but with enough simplicity to make it useful for everyday babywear too.

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